The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of a group of four Swiss working dogs known as Sennenhund, (sennen being an alpine herdsman). Their ancestors probably came over the Alps with the Romans and were used as cattle drovers. As they spread through Switzerland each community developed the type of dog most suited to its particular needs and thus the four different types of Sennenhund were established: Entlebucher, the smallest; the slightly larger Appenzeller the Bernese and the Great Swiss Mountain Dog.

The Bernese is the second largest in size being 23 to 27+ inches high at the withers and the only one with a long coat. Although the Bernese is called a mountain dog it should not be confused with the Pyrenean, being more like the Golden Retriever in outline but somewhat stockier and heavier.

As they are working closely with their owners, whether driving cattle to and from the alpine pastures, guarding the farm, pulling small wagons or carts or as avalanche dogs, the Bernese makes an ideal family dog only wanting to be with its owners and to take part in every activity. Their temperament is very stable being very affectionate, patient and especially good with children. For all their size they are very active and take a lively interest in all that is going on.

Their appearance is as attractive as their personality, basically gleaming black with a white muzzle and blaze, white cross on the chest and white paws and tail tip. Between the black and white on the legs and chest is a rich chestnut or tan. The markings should be symmetrical as possible and not haphazard as in some other tricolour breeds. The dogs should be between 64 and 70 cms (25.2 to 27.6 inches) and bitches between 58 and 66 cms (22.8 to 26 inches). Weights approximately 80 to 120 lbs for dogs and 70 to 100 lbs for bitches. The Bernese is not considered a giant breed but is quite late maturing. They usually reach their full adult height by about 15 months but can take a further 2 or 3 years to reach full maturity.

They do not make particularly good kennel dogs, preferring to live and spend time with their owners living in a family environment. They love to be with people and be given affection; however they are not constantly on the move in the house, demanding objects or retrieving objects to be thrown for them. When visitors arrive at the house they may bark and demand attention from them but after a little while they will settle down and rest - a valuable attribute in a house dog. The amount of exercise an adult Bernese requires varies between 1 and 5 miles daily, depending on his fitness and how he has been reared. They are very accommodating and if the owner is not feeling well, they will accept the fact that their exercise has to be temporarily restricted, they do not become neurotic about such things. Common sense is needed when the dog is very young as a fast growing dog can quickly tire and needs plenty of rest periods. You will get plenty of attention when out with your Bernese and this can be as tiring for a puppy as it is initially flattering for you.

Feeding should be as natural as possible for a natural working breed, although there are as many different ways to feed dogs as there are breeds. Supplements should only be given if a natural diet is fed as most manufactured complete foods contain additives and these should not be duplicated as this almost always does more harm than good.

Bernese are generally very willing to please their owners and therefore fairly easy to train, especially when rewarded with treats. A Bernese quickly becomes a part of the family and most owners soon wonder how their lives were ever complete without one.

To quote Professor Heim who, in the early part of the 20th century, did much to establish the breed as we know it today……..

"All the Swiss Mountain Dogs are without deceit, excellent house and family dogs, by other breeds hardly to be surpassed for their attachment, loyalty, alertness and understanding. The Bernese is, for me, the loveliest dog to be found anywhere"

Who can say more?