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Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog made his first appearance in the UK in the mid 1930s but did not become established until the 1970s.  He made a terrific impact in the decades following his re-introduction with his glorious coal black, rich tan and white coat,  together with a relaxed and good-natured approach to life.Above is du Coeurs Millenia v J and Ns (Millenia), photo taken by and © Lynne Robinson.

The Bernese Mountain Dog developed in Switzerland as a draught dog, used by the weavers of the city of Berne to draw carts and a pet Bernese, properly introduced, will still enjoy pulling a light cart.  The Bernese Mountain Dog developed with the Roman invasion of Central Europe some 2,000 years ago when they brought with them mastiff-type breeds as guards.  These would have bred with the indigenous pastoral breeds and eventually the striking type that is the forerunner of the present Bernese Mountain Dog evolved and an agreed standard developed.  The Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog breed club was established in 1907 and the Bernese was given Championship status in the UK in 1977.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is of considerable substance, the dogs up to about 70cm in height, but broadly built with a lot of strength in the forequarters and weighing as much as 100lbs, with plenty of bone.  Because of their size and the considerable amount of growth they make in a fairly short period great care should be taken with their rearing.  A responsible breeder will give you clear guidelines and diet advice and these should be adhered to.  Be careful about stress being placed on growing joints; do not let them jump out of 4WD (SUV) - try and train them to a ramp from an early age as the concussion from jumping  puts a lot of strain on their fronts.  They are susceptible to Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia and this should be kept in mind during their growing period. Breeding animals should be screened under the KC Schemes and you should be offered evidence that they have good enough scores.  A distressingly high percentage develop cancerous tumours, and this is probably one breed where veterinary insurance is a good idea.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a single coat pattern, the refinements are the size and amount of white.  There should be slight to medium blaze on the head and a cross on the chest. White paws and a tip to the tail are preferred but not essential.

They are a wonderful family dog but do need a firm hand; during puberty bitches can become a little spooky, but this passes.  As a large dog it should be remembered that what is engaging behaviour in a puppy is totally unacceptable in an adult; lead training should begin early and good behaviour enforced and any mouthiness gently but firmly discouraged.  The Bernese Mountain Dog biddable and easily trained, so make clear what your expectations are, insist on his adhering to them and be consistent.

The coat is fairly easy except when they are moulting when a thorough daily groom is essential; boiled linseed oil in the feed will really bring out the shine in his dramatic coat.  A slicker brush or rake is useful during the moulting period, otherwise a pin brush will keep him smart.

Click here to read the Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Standard.

Bernese Mountain Dog Breeders

• Nellsbern
• Dreambern 

Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Clubs

• BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF GB 
• BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF SCOTLAND Mrs Wilson 01698 860298 
• NORTHERN BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB Mr Ratcliffe 01204 578775
• SOUTHERN BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB Mrs I Soper 01825 872251

Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue and Rehoming

Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Scotland Rescue
Mrs A Wilson    01698 860298

Bernese Welfare UK
Jude Simonds  01787 371940   Email

Northern Bernese Mountain Dog Club Rescue
Mrs L C Stephenson   01325 315882

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.