Bernese Mountain Dog: Facts and Tidbits of the Serene and Intelligent Bernese Mountain Dog (BMD)

Posted on April 3, 2009

Bernese Mountain Dog One of four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog is the only variety that possesses a long, silky coat. A hardy dog that thrives in cold weather, the “Berner’s” intelligence, strength and agility helped him perform the drafting and droving work in the mountainous region where he originated. Today, this versatile breed participates in conformation, obedience, carting, agility, tracking, herding and therapy work. Like the other Swiss breeds, they are tri-colored, with patches of black, rust and white.

A Look Back
Bernese Mountain Dogs (Berner Sennenhund) originated in Switzerland and are named for the Canton of Bern. Historically, Berners were used as general purpose farm dogs. Their large, sturdy frames and calm, confident temperaments made them ideal for pulling carts to market, driving dairy cattle, watching the farm and acting as companions to farmers.

Right Breed for You?
Farm dogs by heritage, Berners need a moderate amount of exercise as well as consistent obedience training. As a double-coated breed, they also tend to shed, and so require regular brushing. Their gentle, easygoing manner and the need to be close to their people makes them a good fit for families.

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What distinguishes Bernese Mountain dogs from other dogs is that not only do they serve as purely guards, playmates, or farm dogs alone, but they can be all of these– and more. This pet may look gentle and act innocently but don’t get misled. Even though they can captivate you with their gracefully long, soft black hair, they can also guard you, serve you, and cavort with you.

Bernese Mountain dogs do these things but did you know the breed nearly stopped existing during the early part of the 20th century? If rescue didn’t come, the breed would’ve been extinct. If that happened, we would never know a great mountain dog that helped in the farm, herded the cattle, and watched over the families of the Alpine villages.

If no rescue came for the breed, we never would’ve known BMD in North America and around the world. We would’ve never enjoyed a cute black-furred mountain dog, a gentle and fun playmate, and an intelligent and brave companion. There may be other great breeds of dog out there but the dog breeding world wouldn’t be complete without these gentle mountain creatures.

BMDs origin isn’t really clear but experts do believe they are a cross breed of some mountain dogs, presumably from Rome. The BMD came to Switzerland with the invading Romans and have lived there ever since. They did their jobs as mountain dogs very well until their near extinction in the 20th century.

Good thing is some breed enthusiasts discovered the good qualities of this breed and decided to save them. They brought the breed to Berne, Switzerland and it is there that this breed flourished and became known as the Bernese Mountain dog. In 1926, BMD or simply Berner arrived in the United States.

Today, there are still pure bred BMDs working in farms on the mountains of Switzerland. In the US, however, they are pampered pets. Kids and adult alike love this breed because they are naturally playful, gentle, and loving.

In the US, pure bred Berners are hard to find and they cost much. But if you do have time and money to spare, this dog is worth it. Why won’t it be when its physical features look elegant and serene and it has good abilities?

Not every breed of dog can be a safe playmate and intelligent companion as BMD and not all of them can look as serene, too. Even from afar, you can be mesmerized by this dog’s innate gentleness and radiant beauty. With all its qualities, we can never be thankful enough for the rescue of the once near extinct mountain dog.

About the Author:

Author Gabe Richardson is experienced in Bernese Mountain Dog raising. To get more information on this breed, check out his site on Bernese Mountain Dogs.