Living With the Bernese Mountain Dog

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, August 2013 issue.

Living With the Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed in the Working Group which originated in the midlands of Switzerland. It has been known as the farmer’s companion in the Canton of Bern, working as a companion, watchdog, cart puller or draft dog, and has been known to herd small numbers of cows. These tasks have been the reason for the breed’s amiable temperament which has translated into a gently, large, loyal companion with relatively low energy levels.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is characterized by its large size, generally 23-26 inches, 80-100 lbs for females, and 25-27 ½ inches, or 90-120 lbs for males. The coat is shining black and long and easy to keep clean with weekly brushing. The black coat is accented with white and tan markings on the face, chest and legs. The attractive markings are what often intrigue those to the breed, but it’s the sweet nature and character of the dog that are far more important to those who have owned them.

Although known locally to the Bernese farmers, toward the end of the 19th century, the breed was nearly extinct. A group of Swiss farm dogs were sought out and exhibited in 1904. By 1908 the breed was recognized in Switzerland. Breeding for specific characteristics refined the breed. The breed was slow to get established in the United States, being first recognized by the American Kennel Club with a pair of dogs in 1937. There were only a few litters every year thereafter until American fanciers formed the Bernese Mtn. Dog Club of America (BMDCA) in 1968.

Because of its sensitive nature, the Bernese Mountain Dog makes the ideal family dog. Life is best for this dog when it is with its family. Although they adapt well to cold and rainy weather and absolutely love snow, they much prefer to be wherever their owner is, whether indoors or out. Caution must be taken in hot climates. Both because of the long coat and the black color which absorbs heat, the Bernese Mountain Dog is not suited for extreme heat. Moreover, they do not do well as kennel dogs. They get along well with other animals, but they are closely bonded to their human. They require regular exercise but are not high energy dogs. Many dogs have excelled in the obedience, agility and tracking venues being able to endure the rigor of those sports but they are not natural retrievers. What they do love to do is pull carts! The BMDCA has the largest draft tests program in the world with many enthusiasts earning their titles.

Puppies grow quickly into large dogs. Because of this, good socialization, manners and basic obedience skills should be taught from the beginning of the dog’s life. Most Bernese Mountain Dogs begin to settle into their mature low-key nature around the age of two years. Because this is a breed that likes to eat, they respond quickly to training methods which use food as a reward! They are truly wonderful tracking dogs and some have been used in search and rescue efforts. Their gentle nature also makes them great as therapy dogs. Some puppies tend to be sensitive and need to be exposed to different life circumstances. A good breeder will have done much of this prior to sending pups to their new homes. The best physical exercise for a pup is to let them exercise at their own pace. Care should be taken that puppies not be stressed in their exercise.

The coat is one that is easily kept. It must be said that they do shed copious amounts when they do shed. The female will shed in relationship to her cycle, or twice a year. A male will shed his coat normally about once a year. Daily brushing is necessary at these times. Matting may occur under the ears or on the belly if the dog is not brushed. People whose wardrobe or carpets are primarily white will want to consider changing their fashion.

Those interested in being owned by a Bernese Mountain Dog should carefully research the breeder. This is a breed which has come a long way in improving its orthopedics, specifically hip and elbow dysplasia, but certainly there are still cases. Other health issues include cancer and allergies. Good breeders test for eye disease, von Willdebrands, heart conditions, degenerative myelopathy as well as orthopedic issues. In buying a dog, do not consider that a less expensive dog is a good buy simply because it has good markings. Consider first the health of the dog, the health of the dogs in the pedigree, and the temperament of those dogs. The average age of a BMD is seven years. Some have lived well beyond ten. Sadly, as a breed highly susceptible to cancer, some dogs die at a much younger age. The BMDCA has developed a wonderful resource for puppy buyers with www.Bernergarde.org, a not-for-profit, volunteer database available to the public for researching pedigrees and breeders. There are thirty regional clubs throughout the US made up of dedicated Bernese Mtn. Dog owners, rich with knowledge about the breed.

The highlights of our Standard emphasize these points: large, sturdy, balanced, tri-colored and good tempered. All of these are inherent in the breed. New owners will quickly learn that the last characteristic is what steals their hearts. Did the message come across that this breed wants a strong relationship with its owner? The Bernese Mountain Dog lives to please.