Bernese Mountain Dog

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GROUP: Utility SIZE: Large ORIGIN: SwitzerLand

Often described as the most beautiful dog in the world, the pleasant and friendly Bernese Mountain Dog is highly intelligent — farmers claim their Bernese cattle dogs can recognise each animal in their herd.

ORIGIN
The Bernese is one of four Swiss mountain dogs descended from the Tibetan Mastiff which the Romans brought with them when they invaded Helvetia (Switzerland) 2000 years ago.

The Bernese was a general-use farm dog but in the 1800s the Swiss turned their attention to other breeds and it almost became extinct. Around the turn of the century Herr Franz Schertenleib combed the countryside to find the last of these dogs his father had told him about. Professor Albert Heim joined him and together they tracked down the few remaining Bernese. A club was formed and the dog renamed Berner Sennenhund in 1908 after the canton of Berne. Albert Heim judged 107 dogs entered in the breed’s first specialty show in 1910. Many of them were without pedigrees but three quarters were given breeding approval based on type.

GENERAL APPEARANCE
It is a strong, sturdy breed with a face that conveys its pleasant nature. Its long coat is soft and silky and tn-coloured —jet black, rich, reddish brown and white. The Bernese is strong-boned and must appear capable of active work.

SIZE
While they are large dogs, excessive size is discouraged. They are typically 60-70cm tall, weighing 40-45kg.

TEMPERAMENT
Bernese are self-confident, good natured and friendly. There is no aggression in the breed. It rarely wanders as it is a breed very devoted to and reliant upon its master. But it is not at all suited to a lonely backyard life. Bernese enjoy guarding their master’s possessions and can be quite vocal if threatened. They don’t react well to abuse from their masters, as it makes them confused and worried.

CARE AND GROOMING
Bernese must be kept active or will become destructive once bored. Their coats need vigorous brushing from time to time and dew claws should be removed at birth. They are a hardy breed but can suffer from genetic problems such as hip dysplasia, OCD, entropion or ectropion. Breeding stock should be checked for these conditions.