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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.

General Appearance

The Bernese Mountain Dog is large, yet sturdy, balanced and agile, reflecting its historical origin and uses. Dogs denote a masculine appearance and bitches are distinctly feminine.
Characteristics

They are slightly longer than tall, though sometimes appear-ing square. Their substantial and sturdy bone is characteristic of the breed. They have an intelligent, animated and gentle expression. A stocky, well-balanced appearance is characteristic of the breed.
They are self-confident, alert and good-natured. They are characteristically friendly but may remain aloof to strangers.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is shown in a natural appear-ance; unnecessary trimming is not desirable.

Head

SKULL — The skull is broad and the top is flat. It has a slight furrow leading to a well-defined, but not exaggerated, stop.
MUZZLE — The muzzle is straight and strong. The breed is dry-mouthed, having clean lips and only slightly- developed flews.

TEETH — A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite.

Faults: Level bite; incomplete dentition.

Severe faults: Undershot or overshot bites.

EYES — Eyes are dark brown in color, and slightly oval in shape. Eyelids are close-fitting.

Fault: Light or round eyes.

Severe faults: Entropian or ectropian eyelids.

NOSE — The nose is always black.

EARS — The ears are triangular in shape and of medium size, gently rounded at the tip. The top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. They are set high, and hang close to the head when at rest. When the dog is alert, the ears are raised at the base and brought forward.

Neck

The medium length neck is strong, muscular and well set on.
Forequarters

The flat-lying, well-muscled, tight shoulders are moderately laid back.
FORELEGS — The forelegs are straight and strong. When not in motion, the elbows are well under the shoulders. The pasterns slope very slightly. Dewclaws may be removed.

Severe fault: Weak pasterns.

Body

The topline is level from the withers to the croup. The chest is broad, with well-sprung, deep ribs which reach to the elbows. The back is broad and firm. The loin is strong. The croup is broad and well-muscled.
Faults: Overly long or thin body.

Hindquarters

The thighs are broad, strong and muscular. Stifles are moderately bent and follow a smooth taper to the hocks. The hocks are straight when viewed from the rear and are well let down. Rear dewclaws should be removed.
Feet

The feet are compact and round, with well-arched toes.
Fault: Feet which turn in or out.

Tail

The bushy tail is carried low when in repose; an upward swirl is allowed when the dog is alert. The tail bones are straight and reach to or below the hock joints.
Severe fault: Tail carried over the back.

Fault: Kink in the tail.

Coat

The thick coat has a bright, natural sheen. It may be slightly wavy or straight.
Severe faults: Extremely curly or extremely dull coats.

Color

The tri-colored coat is a breed characteristic. The ground color is always jet black. Markings are rich rust and clear white in color. Symmetry of markings is desirable. This includes: rust over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the corners of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs and under the tail. White markings include a blaze and muzzle band, as well as an inverted cross on the chest and a white tail tip. White on the feet is desirable, but does not extend higher past the pastern area.
Faults: Any deviation from the desired markings are faulted in relation to the extent of their deviation.

Disqualification: Albinism.

Size

Males — 25 to 27½ inches. Females — 23 to 26 inches.
Gait

The natural, normal gait is a slow trot, but the dogs are capable of speed and agility. The dogs exhibit good reach and powerful drive, without any wasted action. As speed increases, the dogs tend to single track.
Disqualifications

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Blue-colored eyes. Any ground color other than black. Albinism.