Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed History
It is been found that the Bernese linage goes back thousands of years, till the time of
roman empire, and these dogs were brought to Switzerland with the roman soldiers.
From there these dogs developed into farm animals, suited to the cool mountainous
terrain, and established themselves as a favorite for draught and droving work with farmers.
Over the centuries, the breed slowly saw a decline until 1892, when fanciers
of the breed, took it upon themselves to collect and selective breed the remaining
animals to regain its lost characteristics. Since then the Bernese has again saw a
sharp increase in it’s popularity, this time, more as a companion animal then a
working animal, but it still holds all the same characteristics that have always made
it so popular.
The Bernese mountain dog takes its name from the Canton of Bern in Switzerland, its
native land. It is one of the four Swiss tri-color breeds known by the collective name
Sennenhunde, the only one of the four with a long coat. The Bernese mountain dog and
his ancestors lived for many generations as farm dogs with occasional use as draft dogs.
From this background developed a hardy, natural, good-natured working breed that today
is known principally as a faithful family companion. The Bernese is an extremely hardy dog,
thriving in cold weather. He needs only a small amount of daily grooming to maintain his coat.
The breed desires human companionship, and is a willing and quick learner. The Bernese
temperament is one of the breed’s strongest assets. Consistent, dependable, and with a
strong desire to please, the Bernese should be self- confident, alert, good natured.
Attached and loyal to human family; may be aloof or suspicious with strangers, but never
sharp or shy. The Bernese mountain dog was first brought to the United States in 1926.
The breed acquired AKC recognition in 1937.
Bernese Mountain
Dog
Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Bernese mountain dog is a striking, tri-colored, large member of the working
group of dogs. He is sturdy and balanced. He is intelligent, strong and agile enough
to do the draft and droving work for which he was used in the mountainous regions
of his origin. Dogs appear masculine, while bitches are distinctly feminine.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Measured at the withers, dogs are 25 to 27½ inches; bitches are 23 to 26 inches.
Though appearing square, Bernese Mountain Dogs are slightly longer in body than
they are tall. Sturdy bone is of great importance. The body is full.
Head
Expression is intelligent, animated and gentle. The eyes are dark brown and slightly
oval in shape with close-fitting eyelids. Inverted or averted eyelids are serious faults.
Blue eye color is a disqualification. The ears are medium sized, set high, triangular
in shape. Ears are gently rounded at the tip, and hang close to the head when in repose.
When the Bernese mountain dog is alert, the ears are brought forward and raised at
the base; the top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. The skull is flat on top and
broad, with a slight furrow and a well-defined, but not exaggerated stop. The muzzle is
strong and straight. The nose is always black. The lips are clean and, as the Bernese
mountain dog is a dry-mouthed breed, the flews are only slightly developed. The teeth
meet in a scissors bite. An overshot or undershot bite is a serious fault.
Dentition is complete.
Neck, Top line, Body
The neck is strong, muscular and of medium length. The top line is level from the
withers to the croup. The chest is deep and capacious with well-sprung, but not barrel
-shaped, ribs and brisket reaching at least to the elbows. The back is broad and firm.
The loin is strong. The croup is broad and smoothly rounded to the tail insertion. The
tail is bushy. It should be carried low when in repose. An upward swirl is permissible
when the dog is alert, but the tail may never curl or be carried over the back. The bones
in the tail should feel straight and should reach to the hock joint or below. A kink in
the tail is a fault.
Forequarters
The shoulders are moderately laid back, flat-lying, well-muscled and never loose.
The legs are straight and strong and the elbows are well under the shoulder when
the dog is standing. The pasterns slope very slightly. but are never weak. Dewclaws
may be removed. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes.
Hindquarters
The thighs are broad, strong and muscular. The stifles are moderately bent and
taper smoothly into the hocks. The hocks are well let down and straight as viewed
from the rear. Dewclaws should be removed. Feet are compact and turn neither in nor out.
Coat
The coat is thick, moderately long and slightly wavy or straight. It has a bright natural
sheen. Extremely curly or extremely dull-looking coats are undesirable. The Bernese
mountain dog is shown in natural coat and undue trimming is to be discouraged.
Color and Markings
The Bernese mountain dog is tri-colored. The ground color is jet black. The markings are
rich rust and clear white. Symmetry of markings is desired. Rust appears over each eye,
on the cheeks reaching to at least the corner of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on
all four legs, and under the tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking
on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white. White on the
feet is desired but must not extend higher than the pasterns. Markings other than
described are to be faulted in direct relationship to the extent of the deviation. White legs
or a white collar are serious faults. Any ground color other than black is a disqualification.
Gait
The natural working gait of the Bernese mountain dog is a slow trot. However,
in keeping with his use in draft and droving work, he is capable of speed and
agility. There is good reach in front. Powerful drive from the rear is transmitted
through a level back. There is no wasted action. Front and rear legs on each side
follw through in the same plane. At increased speed, legs tend to converge
toward the center line.
Temperament
The temperament is self-confident, alert and good-natured, never sharp or shy.
The Bernese mountain dog should stand steady, though may remain aloof to
the attentions of strangers.
Disqualifications
Blue eye color. Any ground color other than black.
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