Originating from the large dogs in southern Germany and northern Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a result of breeding by the farmers of the region for a dog who could perform specific tasks. It is believed this selective breeding began around 1000 AD when the population in the area began to settle in one place and cultivate the land.
The Bernese was the "over-all female dog" of the midland farmer in the canton of Berne. Important requirements for the Bernese farmers were: dogs that would not stray, hunt or run away; dogs that were friendly towards the people and animals on the farm; able to pull small wagons or carts loaded with milk, meat, tools and baskets; able to drive cattle to and from the Alpine pastures; dogs that would identify strangers and announce their presence as well as defend the house, goods, cattle and people against an intruder.
A dog on a Bernese farm had to be impressive in appearance. The first testimonials to describe the dog attest it to be a "dog full of spirit, intelligent, lively, quick and alert, very affectionate to their master and ready to defend them against offenders." All these qualities are a considerable requirement, but the Bernese is big on intelligence as well as size and handles these tasks with ease.
The Bernese Mountain Dog does not look like the St Bernard or the Pyranean Mountain Dog, with whom he is often confused. The Bernese Mountain Dog outline is similar to the Golden Retriever, although slightly larger. This heavier, stockier appearance is complimented by its beautiful painted markings.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is designed as a companion working dog. Bernese are born to work closely with their owners being eager to participate in all activities, making them an ideal family dog. The Bernese temperament is very stable, being extremely affectionate, patient and especially good with children. For their size they are very active, agile and take a lively interest in all that is going on, whilst at the same time having enough understanding to know when to just lie down at your feet and rest.
The Bernese appearance is as beautiful as is their personality, with a gleaming black medium length body coat with a dazzling white muzzle, blaze, paws, tail tip and cross on the chest. Between the black and white on the legs and cheeks is a rich chestnut or tan. The markings should look painted and clear and be as symmetrical as possible, not haphazard as in some other tricolor breeds. The coat texture is such that if muddied, just allow it to dry and then brush it out. The Bernese is considered to have a low maintenance coat.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the smallest of the giant breeds. They usually reach their full adult height by about 15 months, but do not reach full maturity until 4 years of age. The dogs should be between 64 and 70cms and the bitches between 58 and 66cms tall. The ideal weight for dogs is approximately 40 to 55kg and 30 to 40kg for bitches.
They do not make particularly good kennel dogs, preferring to spend their time with their owners, living in a family environment. They are dogs who adore attention and loving affection; however, they are not constantly on the move in the house or always demanding exercise. The amount of exercise an adult Bernese requires varies between 1.5 and 8 kms a day, depending on what he/she is accustomed to. The Bernese is very patient and if it is not possible to go for a walk Bernese will accept this, happy to be with their owners.
When visitors arrive at the house, the Bernese will bark and assess whether the visitor is invited or not. Once deciding all is well, they will demand limited attention from the visitor, but after a little while they will settle down and rest, keeping a watchful eye on all. A valuable attribute in a house dog.
Hereditary defects such as hip dysplasia, osteo' of shoulder and elbow and entropy (an eye-lid disorder) do occur in the breed from time to time. Through proper management most breeders have been able to avoid and reduce such defects.
To quote Professor Heim, who did so much to establish the breed as we know it today: "All the Swiss Mountain Dogs are without deceit, excellent house and family dogs, by other breeds hardly to be surpassed for their attachment, loyalty, alertness and understanding. The Bernese is, for me, the loveliest dog to be found anywhere."
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