COUNTRY: Switzerland
WEIGHT: 88 pounds
HEIGHT: 23-271/2 inches
COAT: Moderate length hair, straight or wavy but never curly
COLOR: Classic Swiss coloring, black/tan with white markings
OTHER NAMES: Berner Sennenhund
GROUP: Mastiff
The Bernese Mountain Dogs trace back to the Roman invasion of Helvetia (Switzerland) 2,000 years ago. Caesar's legions spread throughout Europe and needed guard dogs for their supplies and stations. Their mastiffs supplied the strength. Probable crosses with native flock-guarding dogs provided the ability to withstand the severe weather of the Alps, as well as softening temperaments.
Later used by the weavers of the Berne canton (district) as a draft dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog was also a general farm worker and flock guardian, although its benign temperament did not make it a suitable property protector. On market day, these great, patient dogs would be seen pulling carts piled high with dairy products or woven baskets into the villages.
The Bernese Mountain dog breed had nearly disappeared in the mid-1800s, due to a lack of concerted breeding efforts. Swiss interests had turned to other breeds, particularly the acclaimed St. Bernard, as well as imports that seemed more intriguing than the common native farm dogs. Around the turn of the century, a Swiss cynologist, Herr Franz Schertenleib, combed the countryside to find the last of these dogs his father had told him about. He had some success around the Durr-bach district of Berne, which encouraged him to continue searching his country for good representatives of the breed. Zurich Professor Albert Heim joined his efforts. Thanks to the interest of these two men, the Bernese Mountain dog made a comeback.
At first these Bernese Mountain dogs carried a variety of local and descriptive names, such as Gelbbackler (yellow cheeks), Vierauger (four eyes), cheese factory dogs or, most often, Durrbachler. Because they were from the entire canton of Berne, not just Durrbach, the club formed at that time changed the breed's name to Berner Sennenhund in 1908. By a 1910 exhibition of Bernese, 107 dogs were shown to judge Albert Heim. While many were without pedigree, three-quarters of the dogs were given the stamp of approval for breeding based on type. The Bernese was on its way!
In the 1930s, one faction made a push to make them seem fiercer, like a guard dog, with some breeding for very light eyes and the split nose. That soon ran its course like other fads, and common sense reigned again.
The Bernese Mountain dog has a huge body of supporters in its homeland, with a strong following in Continental Europe, in Scandinavia and, recognized by AKC in 1936, is steadily gaining ground in the USA. Canada took the breed into its fold in the 1970s, but it remains rare in Great Britain.
The Bernese Mountain dogs are not giants, and increased size is frowned upon by serious breeders. While the Bernese Mountain Dog must be sturdy and strong, ability and soundness are equal prerequisites. Grooming is moderate, with a good brushing every couple weeks making the Bernese sleek and handsome. Their sweet, happy temperament has made them superb family dogs.