The Bernese Mountain Dog is native to the Berne region of Switzerland.
He is also known as the Berner Sennenhund. He is probably descended from
dogs introduced to Switzerland by the Roman legions to guard their supply
stations and then later crossed with native flock-guarding dogs which added
the ability to withstand the climate of the Alps. He has also been used
as a draft animal for pulling carts for farmers and weavers. He is a hardy
dog with great strength and endurance. The breed was introduced to the United
States in 1926 and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936.
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a sweet, happy temperament. He is a superb
family dog and requires human companionship. He will not do well in a kennel
situation. He can be trained to many tasks. He does require plenty of exercise.
The Bernese Mountain Dog's skull is broad and flat on top with a slight
furrow between the eyes. He has a well-defined drop off (stop) between the
skull and muzzle. The muzzle is strong and straight to a black nose. The
bite is scissors. The eyes are dark brown and slightly oval. The ears are
set high on the head, triangular shaped and hang close to the side of the
head. The top of the ear folds level to the top of the skull. The neck is
strong and muscular and the chest is deep. The legs are straight and strong.
The back is level and broad. The croup is slightly rounded at the tail set.
The tail is long and carried low. It is bushy, covered with long coat hair.
The coat is of medium length and may be either straight or slightly wavy
but never curly. Coat color is shiny black with tan markings on the cheeks,
chest, front part of the legs and a small spot above the inside point of
each eye. White hair is preferred on the chest, the feet below the pasterns
and the tail tip. There is also a white blaze on the forehead. Average height
is between 23 and 27 1/2 inches and weight between 85 and 90 pounds.
Name withheld by request of New York writes:
Selection and ownership of a Bernese requires careful research and education.
I agree that Bernese are wonderful dogs; they will steal your heart
as mine have done. They can also break your heart. As puppies they are
all cute, fuzzy, loving and cuddly but this is a breed that can be prone
to particular health problems such as hip dysplasia, cancer, bloat and autoimmune
problems, some of which may be genetic in origin. I'm sharing what I've
learned through the experience of buying my first Berner several years ago.
I own three Bernese now and although one can never predict the future, I
have followed my own advice and am far more confident in my second and third
choices.
When buying a Bernese Mountain Dog it is imperative that you buy a puppy
or adult dog from a responsible breeder who knows the health history of
your dog's parents and other relatives. Buying from a broker, pet shop,
dealer or auction only perpetuates health and behavioral problems that often
occur as the result of indiscriminate, poorly researched breeding. Expect
your breeder to have proof of various health-related tests on the parents
p; tests that, when applied to breeding decisions, will help ameliorate
potential problems in this breed: x-rays for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye
examinations by a certified veterinary opthamalogist for possible eye disorders,
thyroid testing, and genetic testing for vonWillebrand's, a blood clotting
disorder. Expect your breeder to also be able to provide as much of this
health information as possible on three to four generations in your dog's
pedigree. (Some tests currently performed by breeders have not always been
readily available or certifiable through independent certifying agencies.)
Expect that your breeder participates regularly in dog shows, specifically
conformation. If you intend to participate with your dog in obedience, agility,
tracking, herding or drafting, also look for a breeder who participates
in similar events. If you are new to Bernese Mountain Dogs, look for and
expect your breeder to serve as a mentor to you as you learn how to live
with your growing "bear." Many challenges will crop up that require
an experienced hand. Having the backing of years of breed knowledge of a
reputable breeder eases a lot of fears of the first time owner. Realize
however that mentoring is time-consuming and some breeders may not be able
to devote as much time as they would like to this service. In addition,
if this is your first Bernese, expect to wait sometimes more than a year
or two for your puppy! Responsible breeders have a commitment to improving
the breed, not to making a living off their dogs. They will not breed their
dogs every season, nor will they breed simply because they have people on
a waiting list. However, the wait is worth it in the satisfaction you will
derive, knowing that your breeder has made the best possible breeding choices
with regard to health, temperament, and conformation.
A responsible breeder will also ask for a commitment from you, often in
the form of a written contract which spells out your obligations (and of
course states what they will provide). Most will expect, if not require,
that you attend a puppy obedience class. It's vital with Bernese Mountain
Dogs, as with all large breeds in particular. Bernese are gentle, sensitive
dogs but need the structure and boundries, self-confidence and socialization
that a well run course can provide.
Buying a Bernese with an unknowable history or a dog of questionable parentage
leads, more often than not, to heartbreak in the form of acute and chronic
health problems as well as temperament issues. Those people who have gone
"shopping" for a Berner puppy before doing thorough research on
the breed often find it difficult to pry those rose-colored glasses off
and walk away from "that doggie in the window." Read and learn
all you can before going for "just a look." Attend dog shows and
talk to the Berner owners,but especially contact people committed to the
conscientious breeding of Berners such as members of the national breed
club, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America. Speaking as someone who
is head over heels about my breed, your time and efforts will be well-rewarded.