The Bernese Mountain Dog, also known in its homeland as the Berner Sennenhund, is one of several mountain dog breeds originating in Switzerland, although it is the only one with a long, silky coat. At times known as the Gelbbacker (“yellow cheeks”), the Vieraugen or Vieraugli (“four-eyes”) or the Durrbachler (a district in Berne), this is an ancient breed, accepted into the American Kennel Club’s Working Group in 1937. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sturdy, striking, symmetrically marked tri-colored breed that remains strong and agile enough to do the draft and droving work for which it originally was bred. These are watchful, confident, friendly, sensitive and companionable dogs that thrive in cold climates. They make excellent family dogs and form close bonds with their owners. They should be aloof to strangers but never shy and are especially gentle with children.
The male Bernese Mountain Dog should stand 25 to 27 ½ inches at the withers, with bitches being 23 to 26 inches in height. The average Bernie weighs between 80 and 110 pounds (the females are lighter and smaller than the males). These are jet-black, longhaired dogs with rich russet markings on the legs, cheeks, over each eye and on either side of a snowy white chest. White feet and a white tail tip are highly desired.
The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from Switzerland and is one of four tri-colored varieties of Swiss mountain dogs, which also include the Appenzeller Sennenhund, the Entlebucher Sennenhund and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The long coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog distinguishes it from its close relatives. It was bred to be a draft dog (also known as a cart dog), a watchdog and an all-around farm dog. It is thought to have descended centuries
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a true family companion. They are sweet, affectionate, easy-going, take well to children and are extremely patient with kids climbing all over them. They have the energy to play all day, and will happily flop down by the fireplace for a little rest and relaxation with the rest of the family. They do just fine with other pets, are polite to strangers and sometimes think they are lapdogs, despite their size.Bernese
Bernese Mountain Dogs are sturdy, strong dogs with compact bodies and deep, wide chests. Their broad heads have a furrow down the middle and their ears are triangular and pendant. Berners eyes are dark and expressive. They have long bushy tails which usually hang low, unless the dog is excited. They have distinctive coats are tricolored, thick and wavy. Females are slightly smaller than males, and you can often tell the sex of the dog
The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Check out the many different Bernese Mountain Dog Pictures and Bernese Mountain Dog images. Get an in depth look at the Bernese Mountain Dog and see the many things that this breed has to offer.