Bernese Mountain Dog Breed History
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.
Albert Heim, Franz Schertenleib and other dog enthusiasts decided to save this great breed, with its many qualities, by locating dogs whose blood was still not mixed and by maintaining the breed standard. Initially, the breed was named Schweizerische Dürrbach-Klub, after the location where the breed was created, but eventually it was changed to Berner Sennenhund. (Berne is a place in Switzerland)
During the early 1900s the Bernese Mountain Dog was presented at several dog shows in Switzerland, and eventually, people from other countries began to appreciate this dog breed as well. The Bernese Mountain dog breed first touched American soil in 1927. The owner of the imported pair, a Kansas farmer, tried to register his dogs with the American Kennel Club but his attempt was unsuccessful. Ten years later, another Bernese Mountain Dog pair was imported to the US by Glen Shadow. His efforts combined with those of other breed enthusiasts finally convinced the AKC to recognize the Bernese Mountain Dog in 1937.
The numbers of Bernese Mountain Dogs did not increase much in the States before 1941, and World War II prevented importation during that period. The breed continued to thrive afterwards, and in 1968 the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America was founded by a number of breeders and other breed fanciers.
