Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly versatile working dogs from the Swiss farmlands. The dogs were developed for herding cattle, pulling carts, and serving as watchdogs and loyal companions. One of four is the only type of Swiss Mountain Dog with long hair.
The Bernese Mountain Dog name comes from the county of Bern. They’re large, sturdy, and friendly dogs with calm dispositions, and they excel at conformation, obedience, herding, tracking, and carting competitions.
Those new to dog ownership might be attracted to this breed due to its friendly disposition, intelligence, and high level of trainability. First-timers, however, should be cautious. Due to their size and high energy, Bernese Mountain Dogs can be difficult to handle. Being cooped up in apartments all day doesn’t appeal to them. There is a lot of shedding, and they tend to drool.
They are excellent watchdogs, but they also bark a lot – loudly. Even when fully mature and adequately trained, they may want to chase smaller animals and play roughly.
This breed will show unconditional loyalty and love to experienced pet parents who can match the Bernese’s energy, provide open space, maintain grooming, and commit time and effort to training. A well-trained Bernese makes an excellent companion for the entire family. Providing they’ve been socialized properly, they will warmly greet newcomers to the home.
There aren’t many breeds that have a greater tendency toward friendliness. If you’re ready for the challenge, you’ll never regret owning a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Famous Owners
Hilary Duff, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mark Harmon, Courtney Cox and acting couple William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman
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History
In the first century B.C., the Romans brought Molosser or Mastiff-type dogs when they invaded the Alps, which are thought to have developed into the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds (Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhund, Entlebucher Sennenhund, and Berner Sennenhund).
Berner horses have been pulling carts, accompanying livestock, standing watch, and providing owners with loyal companionship for over 2,000 years, tucked away on small holdings in the Swiss Alps.
In 1888, only 36 percent of the Swiss population worked in agriculture, and the need for a strong dog who could pull carts and herd cattle dwindled. It wasn’t until 1899 that the Swiss became interested in preserving their native breeds, which led to the founding of a dog club called Berna. Breeders of purebred dogs were among the members.
The Swiss dog club funded a show at Ostermundigen in 1902 to promote Swiss mountain breeds. Two years later, the species made significant progress through several events: At an international dog show in Bern, the Swiss dog club promoted a class for Swiss “shepherd dogs,” including the Mountain dogs. During this time, the Bernese Mountain Dog was also recognized as a breed by the Swiss Kennel Club, when they were referred to as “Bernese” for the first time.
The war effort took precedence over dog shows and breeding during World War I. After the war, the initial Bernese Mountain Dogs were sent to Holland and then to the United States-although the AKC had not yet recognized the breed.
Berners were imported into England by two British breeders in 1936, and the first litter was born there. Glen Shadow kennel in Louisiana imported a female and a male Berner from Switzerland in 1936. The AKC informed Glen Shadow in early 1937 that the Bernese Mountain Dog was a new breed in the Working Class.
After 1945, importation and registration of the breed resumed in the United States following World War II.
In 1981, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America joined the AKC. The AKC adopted the Bernese Mountain Dog standards in 1990.
Traits
With its gorgeous tricolour coat and white “Swiss cross” on its chest, the Bernese Mountain Dog, affectionately called the Berner (and called the Berner Sennenhund in their Swiss homeland), is instantly recognizable. The Swiss Herder Dog is a beautiful, gentle dog with a sturdy coat well suited to heavy work: Herders and draft dogs have traditionally been used in Switzerland.
Besides being stunningly good-looking, the Berner has a beautiful temperament. The breed is known for its loyalty, affection, eagerness to please, and intelligence. If you give them time to analyze what you want, they are easy to train. Most importantly, they have a positive attitude towards life.
Berners are calm but gregarious, and they can even be goofy when playing with family members. While they do well with children and adults of all ages, they aren’t recommended for apartment dwellers or those who don’t have a large, fenced yard to play in. Berners should live with their families. They are happiest when they can be involved in all family activities.
Since the Berner was bred to be a working dog, it is easy to train and likes to learn. When they reach maturity, they are usually about 100 pounds, so early obedience training and socialization are recommended. Berners are slow to mature physically and mentally; they may remain puppyish for some time. They are also known for having a “soft” personality; they are easily hurt and don’t respond well to harsh corrections.
Although they are beautiful and well-tempered, Berners often have short lives. Several health problems have been associated with inbreeding due to the breed’s small gene pool. Due to the rising demand for the breed, more and more dogs with health problems are being bred. Due to the breed’s health problems, veterinary care can be expensive.
In the spring and fall, Berners shed a lot. This may not be a breed for you if you don’t like shedding.
Health
This breed is not as healthy as other breeds and may experience specific health conditions. Not every dog of this breed will get these diseases, but it’s essential to be aware of them. Some common health problems include:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Regardless of how healthy your dog is, a pet’s health insurance plan can
help you stay prepared for any of your dog’s medical needs.