Quick Facts:

Group classification: Mastiff, AKC Working

Country of origin: Switzerland

Date of origin: 18th century

Weight (M): 85-110 pounds Height (M): 24-28 inches

Weight (F): 80-105 pounds Height (F): 23-27 inches

Life expectancy: About 6-8 years.

History

Even though the precise origin of the Bernese mountain dog is uncertain, this breed almost certainly began in the Swiss mountains as a farm dog. Works of art from the late 18th century prove the Bernese type. As the 19th century came to an end, many foreign breeds of dogs were being traded in to Switzerland and this posed a danger in the form of a loss of all native breeds.   Professor Franz Schertenleib and Albert Heim among others led the attempt to conserve indigenous Swiss breeds by tracing and locating the residual specimens and maintaining the distinctiveness of the Bernese Alpine Herdsman's dog. Berne canton of Switzerland was the person that the breed was named after and the breed is extensively known there. The strong Bernese has been brought into play for herding livestock, as a farm guardian and for draft work. Because of its mild, pleased nature, the Bernese mountain dog makes an excellent family companion. Its talents are carting, trailing things, looking after livestock, safeguarding, exploration and rescue and spirited obedience.

Description

The Bernese mountain dog is a strong, weighty dog, with a gorgeous tri-colored weather-resistant double coat of black with even markings of white and rust. The dog has a white mark on the head, chest and toes and a rust blaze on the sides of the chest, over both eyes, under the tail, on the cheeks and on each leg. The fur is reasonably long and might be either slightly wavy or straight. The wide cranium has a small undulation down the center. They also have pendant medium-sized ears that are triangular in shape. The eyes are dark and with a gentle expression while the nose is black in color. The body is dense with a broad, profound chest. They have a long bushy tail that is mostly in a low position when the dog is relaxing. The tail may be lifted upwards slightly as the dog becomes alert.

Temperament

These mild, cheery dogs care for children. They are awfully clever, easily trainable and are normally watchdogs but not excessively dominant. The dogs are Self-assured, vigilant and pleasant and make good companions for a lifetime. They are quite sociable with strangers and are normally fine with non-canine pets and dogs. This breed of dogs may be sluggish to grow-up, lasting puppy-like for fairly long while.

The Bernese dogs require being amongst people and not consigned to the   kennel.  Most of this breed dogs are very sociable while they are puppies like most other dogs. They are sensitive and must be trained smoothly. The dogs will cause problems to owners who do not exhibit natural leadership skills;

Health and Care

Pets4You offers listings of Bernese Mountain Dog breeders with puppies for sale.