Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog

Do you want to be owned by a Bernese?

The Bernese is one of four breeds of working dogs known as Sennenhund (Sennen meaning alpine herdsman). It is thought that their ancesters came over the Alps with the Romans and were used as cattle drovers. As they spread through Switerland each community developed the type of dog most suited to its particular needs and so 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 good kennel dogs, prefering instead to live indoors as part of the Family. They love to be with people and are extremely affectionate towards their owners. 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.