Bernese Mountain Dog

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The Bernese Mountain Dog has long been at home on the farms in the midland of Switzerland. One of the four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Bernese, is known in his native land as the Berner Sennenhound. The Bernese shares similar distinctive coloring with the other types of Swiss Mountain Dogs, but it is the only one to have the long silky coat. The other Swiss Mountain Dogs are: Appenzeller Sennenhound, Entlebucher Sennenhound, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

The ancestors of these dogs were brought into Switzerland over two thousand years ago by invading Romans. They had been almost forgotten until a few years before World War I.

Paintings from the end of the 18th century show the Bernese type. By the end of the 19th century, however, many foreign dogs were being imported to Switzerland and there was a danger that the native breeds would be lost. Professor Albert Heim, Franz Schertenleib and others led the effort to preserve native Swiss breeds by finding remaining specimens and stabilizing the Berner Sennenhund (Bernese Alpine Herdsman's dog) as a distinct breed. The Bernese Mountain Dog was named after the Berne canton of Switzerland where the breed is widely known. The sturdy Bernese has been used for driving livestock, for draft work and as a farm guardian. Because of his gentle, happy temperament, the Bernese Mountain Dog makes a fine family companion. Its talents are tracking, herding, watchdogging, guarding, search & rescue, carting, and competitive obedience.

These gentle, cheerful dogs love children. They are very intelligent, easy to train and are natural watchdogs, but not overly aggressive. A friend for life. They are very loyal and may have trouble adjusting to a new owner after they are 18 months old. Self-confident, alert and good-natured. They are fairly friendly with strangers, and are generally good with other pets and dogs. Never sharp or shy. These dogs may by slow to mature, remaining boisterous and puppy-like for quite awhile. The Bernese needs to be with people and not relegated to the backyard or kennel run. Like any dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog should be well socialized as a puppy. These dogs are sensitive and should be trained gently.

Sweet character in nature the Bernese Mountain Dog is an outgoing, affectionate canine who loves children and is very loyal to their family. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a one-owner dog and may find it difficult to adjust to a new owner if introduced after 18 months of age.

The coat of the Bernese is jet black with rich rust and white markings. They have a thick long coat that has a bright natural sheen to it. Daily to weekly brushing of the long thick coat is important, with extra care needed when the coat is shedding. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. This breed is a seasonal, heavy shedder.

Males should be 25-27 and a half inches, females 23-26 inches. They usually weigh 75-105 pounds. Females tend to weigh less than males. They are self-confident dogs, good natured, though they can be aloof with strangers.

Health concerns with the Bernese Mountain Dog include cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, panosteitic (growing pains), progressive retinal atrophy, von willebrand's disease and bloat.

Other names for the Bernese Mountain Dog include Berner Sennenhund, Bernese Cattle Dog, and Bouvier Bernois.