Dog Breeds :: Bernese Mountain Dog

Owning
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large friendly dog originally developed in Switzerland, to pull cheese and milk carts and to drive cows. A Bernese Mountain Dog should be groomed at least every two weeks. They require moderate exercise, making them excellent house dogs. Eager to accompany master and family everywhere, the Bernese Mountain Dog makes a faithful and devoted friend.

Characteristics
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.

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.

Did you know?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known in its native Switzerland as the Berner Sennenhund, which literally translated means Bernese Alpine Herdsmen's Dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs have historically worked as drovers, draft dogs and watchdogs in the farmlands of the canton of Berne. Their ancestors are thought to have been first brought to Switzerland more than 2,000 years ago by invading Roman soldiers. Brought to the United States in 1926, the Bernese Mountain Dog joined the AKC ''Stud Book'' in 1937.

AKC Recommends
The American Kennel Club recommends that anyone interested in a breed should take the time to thoroughly learn about that breed, talk to responsible and knowledgeable breeders and seek out the resources of the AKC national club formed by individuals devoted to preserving and protecting their breed for future generations. The AKC offers links to the official national Club of this breed - the club's officers, breeder referral, and breed rescue contact persons.