All About Berners
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a majestic, tri-colored large dog. They are intelligent, sturdy, agile, and good-natured. Coming from a working background, they enjoy the challenge of learning new things. Their natural instincts to guard and work on the farm still carry over in the breed today. The Bernese make a good watchdog, and are even better at herding and draft work. As a family pet, the Bernese will enjoy some physical work and a job to do. They are eager to please and love their family! Some common nicknames for the breed include Bernese, Berners, and BMD.
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History
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The original Bernese Mountain Dog is an extremely versatile working dog from the farmlands of Switzerland or the canton of Bern, hence their name. Bernese Mountain Dogs were brought to Switzerland by the Romans 2,000 years ago. They were an all-purpose farm dog used to herd cattle, protect the farm, pull milk carts to the local dairy, and be loyal companions. They were known by the locals as “Cheese Dogs,” The name Bernese Mountain Dog roughly translates from the German "berner sennenhund," which literally means Bernese Alpine herdsman's dog. The breed's original name was “durrbachler,” after an inn where these farm dogs were bought and sold. They are one of the four types of Swiss Mountain Dogs, and the only one with long hair.
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Professor Albert Heim preserved the breed from near extinction around the turn of the century. He continued to carefully develop the breed, and by crossing with a Newfoundland which improved the dog's temperament and size.
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In 1937, the American Kennel Club recognized the Bernese as a member of the Working Group. In the US the Bernese Mountain Dog is growing in popularity, ranking in 22nd place by the American Kennel Club in 2018. They are very popular as family dogs in German-speaking countries, where they are among the most popular dog breeds.
Grooming
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They shed year-round, and the heaviest shedding is during seasonal changes. Usually, the Bernese will only require a brushing once a week, with more in spring and fall, to keep its coat neat and reduce the amount of fur on the floor and furniture. The Bernese will only require a bath about once every couple of months or so, depending on how high its activity level is and how often it spends time in the dirt.
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Special attention should be paid to the ears of the Bernese Mountain Dog, as they can trap bacteria, dirt, and liquid. The risk of an ear infection drops with weekly ear cleanings using a veterinarian-recommended cleanser.
“Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like, never washed a dog”
Franklin P. Jones -
Size
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On average, males weigh 90-115 pounds and are 25-27-1/2 inches at the withers while females weigh 70-95 pounds and are 23-26 inches at the withers. However, some Berners might be smaller or bigger. One must be willing to accept whatever size your puppy may grow into.
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