Bernese Mountain Dog
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 Description:
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a hardy breed likely
to have originated in the Swiss mountains. It
is one of four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dogs
- the Entlebucher, Sennenhund Appenzeller and
the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. All of these breeds
worked as drovers, draftdogs and watchdogs.
There was a time before WWI when the population
of Bernese Mountain Dogs dwindled. However, thanks
to Professor Albert Heim, Franz Schertenleib and
others who all worked together to revive and stabilize
this breed.
The Bernese Mountain Dog was named after the Berne
canton of Switzerland where these dogs are widely
known. The breed was first brought to the United
States in 1926 and it acquired AKC recognition
in 1937.
Height: The
height of a Bernese Mountain Dog is 24-28 inches
(61-71cm)
Weight: The
weight for a Bernese Mountain Dog is 85-120 pounds
(38-55kg)
Coat Type: The
Bernese Mountain Dog's coat is thick, moderately
long and can be straight or slightly wavy. The
coat has a bright, natural sheen and is soft and
silky. The Bernese Mountain Dog's undercoat is
fairly dense and is protective against weather
and dirt. Extremely curly or extremely dull coats
are severe faults. Daily brushing of the Bernese
Mountain Dog's coat during shedding is necessary
and weekly brushing otherwise to keep the coat
in good shape. Shedding occurs year round with
heavier seasonal shedding.
Color: The Bernese
Mountain Dog has three colors - a base color of
jet black with rich reddish brown and clear white
markings. White markings specifically on the head
are not desired.
Temperament:
The Bernese Mountain Dog is good-natured, friendly,
cheerful intelligent and good with children. The
Bernese Mountain Dog is alert and makes a good
natural watchdog. They do best with people as
opposed to being left in a backyard. Bernese Mountain
Dogs are sensitive which should be remembered
when training.
Health: The
average life span of a Bernese Mountain Dog is
between 7 and 8 years. This age has gone down
from a life span of 'up to 15 years' and research
is being conducted to find out why. Cancer is
the leading cause of death for this breed.
Special Interest:
• The Bernese Mountain Dog acquired AKC
recognition in 1937.
• The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the
four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dogs.
• The Bernese Mountain Dog is also recognized
as Berner Sennenhund or Bouvier Bernois.
• Bernese Mountain Dog's ancestors were
brought into Switzerland by invading Roman soldiers
over two thousand years ago
Classifications:
AKC: Group - Working
CKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
KC: Working
FCI: Group 2 Section 3 #45 and 46
ANKC: Group 6 - Utility
UKC: Guardian Dogs
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