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The origins of this beautiful farming dog are ambiguous. It is believed the Bernese Mountain Dog descended from mastiff type dogs that Romans took with them to Switzerland, 2000 years ago, during their expansion period. These dogs were used by the Romans to guard and protect their camps. Throughout time, the Bernese Mountain Dog continued to be an all around farming dog. Unfortunately, the breed became mixed with other types of dogs, and towards the end of the 19th century, the Bernese Mountain Dog was in danger of disappearing.

BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard
Revised April 1, 1998

History

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four ancient Swiss Sennenhunds, developed when the invading Romans bred their mastiffs to local flock-guarding dogs, and is the only one with a full coat. Refined in the Berne region, dogs of this breed were routinely used for multiple jobs. These included: general farm worker; flock guardian; and draft dog. The breed is characterized by the classic, striking Sen-nenhund tri-coloring (black ground color, with rust and white markings).
The Bernese Mountain Dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948.

Canadian Kennel Club Breed Standard
~ Bernese Mountain Dog ~

General Appearance
Large, sturdy, well-balanced working dog of substantial bone. Square in appearance from withers to ground and withers to tail set. Heavy-coated with distinctive characteristic markings. In comparison with the opposite sex, dogs appear masculine, bitches feminine without loss of type.

Temperament
The Bernese temperament is one of the breed’s strongest assets. Consistent, dependable, with a strong desire to please. Self-confident, alert, good natured. Attached and loyal to human family; may be aloof or suspicious with strangers, but never sharp or shy. A dog must stand for examination when required to do so by its handler.

Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Standard
Working Group

General Appearance
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking. tri-colored, large dog. 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.