Berner
Breed Description

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known by several names that reflect its Swiss heritage and regional origins. In its homeland of Switzerland, the breed is called Berner Sennenhund, with "Berner" referring to the Canton of Bern and "Sennenhund" meaning "alpine herdsman's dog." This name captures the breed's traditional role accompanying farmers in the mountainous regions of Switzerland.

In English-speaking countries, the breed is most commonly called the Bernese Mountain Dog, though enthusiasts and owners affectionately refer to them as "Berners." Historical records also show the breed was once called the Dürrbächler or Dürrbachhund, named after the small town of Dürrbach where these large working dogs were particularly numerous and highly valued by local farmers.

The breed is also sometimes called the Bernese Cattle Dog, reflecting its heritage as a drover and guardian of livestock. In German-speaking regions, you may encounter the name Bouvier Bernois (French) or Boyero de Berna (Spanish), both translating to "Bernese herder" or "Bernese drover." These various names all honor the breed's working origins in the Swiss Alps.

Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four Sennenhund breeds from Switzerland, alongside the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhund, and Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Of these four tri-colored Swiss mountain dog breeds, the Bernese is distinguished by its longer coat and has become the most internationally recognized, earning admiration worldwide for its striking appearance and gentle temperament.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has achieved recognition from all major international kennel clubs, reflecting its status as a well-established and standardized breed. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog in 1937, classifying it within the Working Group. This recognition came after dedicated efforts by early enthusiasts who imported dogs from Switzerland to establish the breed in North America. The AKC breed standard emphasizes the Bernese's balanced structure, striking tri-color markings, and temperament suitable for both work and companionship.

The United Kennel Club recognized the breed slightly earlier, in 1948, also placing it in the Working Group (formerly called the Guardian Dog Group in UKC). The UKC standard similarly emphasizes the breed's historical purpose as a versatile farm dog and guardian. Both American registries work closely with the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA), which was established in 1968 to preserve and promote the breed while maintaining health and temperament standards.

Internationally, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the breed in 1954, designating Switzerland as the country of origin. The FCI classifies the Bernese Mountain Dog in Group 2, Section 3 (Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs), alongside its three Sennenhund cousins. The FCI breed standard, written by the Swiss Kennel Club, serves as the foundation for breed standards worldwide and emphasizes the dog's ancestral working abilities.

The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes the breed in its Working Group, maintaining standards consistent with international guidelines. The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom also recognizes the Bernese Mountain Dog in its Working Group. These various kennel club recognitions ensure consistent breed type and quality worldwide, with all standards emphasizing the Bernese Mountain Dog's distinctive appearance, sound temperament, and physical capabilities that made it invaluable to Swiss farmers for centuries. National breed clubs in many countries work to preserve these qualities while promoting responsible breeding practices and health testing.

• American Kennel Club (AKC): "Recognized 1937 - Working Group"
• United Kennel Club (UKC): "Recognized 1948 - Working Group"
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): "Recognized 1954 - Group 2, Section 3 (Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs)"
• The Kennel Club (UK): "Recognized - Working Group"
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): "Recognized - Working Group"

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed that immediately captures attention with its striking tri-colored coat and powerful yet balanced build. Males typically stand 25 to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder, while females measure 23 to 26 inches. Their weight ranges from 70 to 115 pounds, with males generally larger and more substantial than females. Despite their size, Berners should never appear clumsy or overly massive, instead presenting a picture of strength, agility, and grace.

The breed's most distinctive feature is its beautiful tri-color coat pattern of jet black, pure white, and rich rust or tan markings. The base color is always black, with symmetrical rust markings above the eyes (giving them the appearance of "four eyes"), on the cheeks, chest, legs, and under the tail. White markings form a distinctive pattern: a blaze up the center of the face, a white muzzle band, a white chest marking often forming a Swiss cross shape, white paws, and typically a white tail tip. This precise color pattern is a hallmark of the breed and contributes significantly to the Bernese's majestic appearance.

The Berner's coat is moderately long, thick, and has a natural sheen. It is slightly wavy or straight, never curly, and forms a thick double coat that provides insulation against cold weather. The coat is longer on the chest, tail, and backs of the legs, creating an elegant silhouette. This luxurious coat requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and manage shedding.

Physically, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a broad head with a gentle expression created by dark brown, almond-shaped eyes and medium-sized, triangular ears that hang close to the head. The body is slightly longer than tall, strongly muscled, with a deep chest and level back. The legs are straight and well-boned, supporting the dog's substantial frame, while the bushy tail is carried low, often with an upward swirl at the tip.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's history stretches back approximately 2,000 years to the time when Roman legions crossed the Alps into what is now Switzerland. The Romans brought with them large mastiff-type dogs that served as guard dogs and helped move cattle to feed their troops. These Roman dogs interbred with native Swiss flock-guarding dogs, creating the foundation for what would eventually become the four Sennenhund breeds, including the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Over centuries, these dogs evolved in the mountainous regions surrounding Bern, Switzerland's capital city, particularly in the rural Dürrbäch region. Swiss farmers valued these versatile dogs for their ability to perform multiple tasks essential to alpine farm life. The dogs drove cattle to market, pulled carts laden with milk, cheese, and other farm products, guarded farms and livestock from predators, and served as loyal companions to farming families. Their strength and endurance were legendary, with some dogs capable of pulling loads up to ten times their own weight.

By the late 1800s, the breed faced near extinction as industrialization transformed Swiss agriculture. Mechanized transportation replaced the need for draft dogs, and the Saint Bernard's rising popularity overshadowed the working farm dogs of the Bern region. The Bernese Mountain Dog might have disappeared entirely if not for the dedication of Swiss dog fancier Franz Schertenleib, who in the early 1900s searched the valleys and alpine farms for surviving examples of the breed.

Schertenleib's efforts attracted the attention of other dog enthusiasts, including the influential Professor Albert Heim, a geologist and prominent figure in Swiss cynology. In 1907, a group of breeders founded the Schweizerischer Dürrbach-Klub (Swiss Dürrbach Club), the first breed club dedicated to preserving the Bernese Mountain Dog. They developed the first breed standard and began systematic breeding programs. By 1910, the club had registered 107 dogs, and the breed's official name was changed to Berner Sennenhund to reflect its association with the Canton of Bern rather than just the Dürrbach region.

The breed gained recognition from the Swiss Kennel Club and slowly rebuilt its population in Switzerland. The first Bernese Mountain Dogs arrived in North America in the 1920s when Kansas farmer Isaac Schliess imported several dogs, hoping to gain American Kennel Club recognition. Another significant importation occurred in 1936 when Glen Shadow of Louisiana brought a pair named Felix and Fridy to the United States. These dogs proved their worth dramatically in 1937 when they saved Shadow's life by driving off a 350-pound buck that attacked him.

The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog in 1937, classifying it in the Working Group. Recognition by other major kennel clubs followed: the United Kennel Club in 1948 and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1954. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America was established in 1968, promoting responsible breeding and establishing programs to maintain the breed's working abilities, including drafting and carting competitions that allow modern Berners to demonstrate their ancestral skills.

Throughout the latter 20th century and into the 21st century, the Bernese Mountain Dog has grown steadily in popularity, particularly in North America and Europe. The breed's gentle temperament, striking appearance, and versatility have made it a beloved family companion while some dogs still work as therapy animals, search and rescue dogs, and even farm dogs. Today's Bernese Mountain Dogs are living testaments to the successful preservation efforts that saved this magnificent breed from extinction, maintaining the strength, beauty, and gentle nature that made them invaluable to Swiss farmers for centuries.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is renowned for its exceptionally gentle and affectionate temperament, earning the breed a devoted following among families seeking a large but docile companion. These dogs form extraordinarily strong bonds with their families and are happiest when in close proximity to their loved ones. The breed is famous for being "velcro dogs" that follow their owners from room to room and lean against their legs, seeking physical contact that provides them comfort and reassurance. This devotion extends to all family members, though many Berners choose one person as their primary attachment figure.

With children, Berners demonstrate remarkable patience and gentleness that has made them legendary family dogs. They tolerate the noise, activity, and physical interactions that come with young children, often allowing toddlers to climb on them or use them as pillows. Their natural protective instincts combine with their calm demeanor to create excellent child guardians who remain watchful without being aggressive. Many families report that their Berners position themselves between children and perceived dangers, acting as gentle sentinels.

Despite their large size and protective heritage, Bernese Mountain Dogs are not guard dogs in the aggressive sense. They are naturally somewhat reserved with strangers, often observing newcomers with calm interest before warming up to them. Once they determine someone poses no threat, most Berners become friendly, though they rarely display the immediate enthusiasm with strangers that they reserve for family. Their deep, impressive bark serves as an effective deterrent and alert system, but the tail wagging that typically accompanies the barking reveals their true non-threatening nature.

The breed is highly sensitive emotionally, quickly perceiving and responding to their owner's moods and feelings. This sensitivity makes them excellent therapy and emotional support dogs, as they naturally comfort people who are upset or unwell. However, this same sensitivity means Berners do not respond well to harsh training methods or raised voices. They can become anxious or withdrawn if treated roughly, requiring patience, positive reinforcement, and gentle guidance to thrive.

Berners are intelligent dogs that enjoy learning and working with their people, though they mature slowly both physically and mentally. Puppies can be quite silly and goofy, retaining puppy-like behaviors well into their second year. This slow maturation means training should be started early but expectations should be reasonable for the dog's mental age. Their eagerness to please makes training generally straightforward when approached with patience and consistency, though their sensitive nature means they may shut down if corrections are too harsh.

Living with a Bernese Mountain Dog means welcoming a large, affectionate presence into every aspect of family life. These dogs thrive on companionship and do not do well when left alone for extended periods. Berners are indoor dogs that need to live with their families rather than being relegated to the backyard. While they enjoy outdoor activities and can tolerate cold weather better than most breeds thanks to their thick coats, their emotional needs require them to be integral family members with indoor access and regular interaction.

Space considerations are important with this breed due to their substantial size. While Berners can adapt to various living situations, they do best in homes with adequate space for a large dog to move comfortably. A house with a fenced yard provides ideal living conditions, giving them safe outdoor space for exercise and bathroom breaks. However, the yard should be seen as supplementary to family time rather than a substitute for interaction. Many Berners successfully live in smaller homes or even apartments if their exercise and companionship needs are met consistently.

Potential owners must prepare for the reality of living with a heavy shedder. Bernese Mountain Dogs shed constantly, with dramatic increases during their twice-yearly coat blows in spring and fall. Dog hair becomes a fact of life on furniture, clothing, and floors. Regular vacuuming and lint rollers become essential household items. Those who are fastidious about cleanliness or have allergies to dog dander should carefully consider whether they can accept this aspect of Berner ownership.

The breed generally integrates well into multi-pet households. They typically coexist peacefully with cats, other dogs, and various small animals when properly socialized. Their farm dog heritage means they're accustomed to living alongside different species. Many families find that Berners actually benefit from having another dog companion, particularly another large, gentle breed that can match their play style. However, their size means supervision is necessary during play to prevent accidental injuries to smaller pets.

Exercise needs are moderate and manageable for most families. A daily walk of 30-60 minutes combined with some playtime or mental stimulation typically suffices. Berners enjoy activities like hiking, carting, drafting, rally obedience, and simply accompanying their owners on errands. However, they are not marathon running partners and can overheat easily in warm weather due to their thick coats. Swimming provides excellent low-impact exercise that many Berners enjoy. Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and interactive games is equally important to prevent boredom.

Training a Bernese Mountain Dog is generally a rewarding experience due to the breed's intelligence, eagerness to please, and desire for human approval. However, successful training requires understanding the Berner's sensitive nature and adjusting methods accordingly. These dogs respond best to positive reinforcement techniques that use treats, praise, and play as rewards. Harsh corrections, raised voices, or physical punishment can cause a Berner to shut down or become anxious, damaging the trust essential to effective training and a healthy relationship.

Early socialization and training are crucial for this large breed. While Berners have generally gentle temperaments, proper socialization ensures they develop into confident, well-adjusted adults comfortable in various situations. Puppy kindergarten classes provide excellent opportunities for controlled socialization with other dogs and people while beginning basic obedience training. Exposing young Berners to different environments, sounds, surfaces, and experiences helps prevent shyness or anxiety in adulthood. The sensitive period for socialization occurs between 8-16 weeks, making early exposure particularly important.

Basic obedience training should begin as soon as a Berner puppy comes home, ideally around 8 weeks of age. Teaching fundamental commands like sit, down, stay, come, and loose-leash walking becomes increasingly important as the puppy grows into a 100-pound adult. A Berner that pulls on the leash or jumps on people poses management challenges due to their size and strength. Consistency from all family members helps the dog learn household rules and expectations. Training sessions should be kept short and fun, typically 10-15 minutes, to maintain the dog's interest and enthusiasm.

Many Berners excel in various dog sports and activities that channel their intelligence and working heritage. Drafting and carting, activities that allow dogs to pull weighted carts, particularly suit this breed and connect them to their historical purpose. Rally obedience, tracking, therapy dog work, and even agility can provide mental stimulation and physical exercise. These activities strengthen the bond between dog and handler while giving the Berner a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Exercise requirements for Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderate compared to many working breeds. They need daily physical activity but are not hyperactive or demanding of constant exercise. A typical adult Berner requires 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, which can be divided into multiple shorter sessions. Morning and evening walks, play sessions in the yard, and weekend hikes or outdoor adventures typically meet their needs. However, exercise must be carefully managed in hot weather as Berners are highly susceptible to heat exhaustion due to their dark coats and thick fur. Summer activities should be scheduled during cooler morning or evening hours, with plenty of water and shade available. Swimming provides excellent exercise that helps them stay cool while working their muscles and joints with minimal impact.

The Bernese Mountain Dog, despite its strength and robust appearance, faces significant health challenges that prospective owners must understand and accept before committing to the breed. The average lifespan ranges from 7 to 10 years, considerably shorter than most dogs and even shorter than many other large breeds. This abbreviated lifespan results from the breed's predisposition to several serious health conditions, particularly various forms of cancer, which represent the leading cause of death in Berners.

Cancer affects Bernese Mountain Dogs at alarming rates compared to other breeds. Histiocytic sarcoma, an aggressive and often fatal cancer, occurs with exceptional frequency in this breed, comprising approximately 25% of all cancer cases. This cancer can appear in localized or disseminated forms, with malignant histiocytosis being particularly aggressive and typically proving fatal within weeks of diagnosis. Other cancers commonly affecting Berners include lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and mast cell tumors. The high cancer incidence stems from genetic factors within the breed's limited gene pool, making cancer screening and awareness critical for Berner owners. Regular veterinary examinations can sometimes detect cancers early when treatment options exist, though many forms remain difficult to treat successfully.

Musculoskeletal problems present another major health concern for Bernese Mountain Dogs. Hip dysplasia, a hereditary condition where the hip joint develops abnormally, affects a significant portion of the breed. This malformation causes pain, lameness, and progressive arthritis that can severely impact quality of life. Elbow dysplasia similarly affects the elbow joints, leading to lameness and arthritis in the front limbs. Both conditions typically manifest in young to middle-aged dogs and may require surgical intervention in severe cases. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock through radiographic evaluation to reduce the incidence of these debilitating conditions. Maintaining appropriate body weight and providing joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin can help manage symptoms and slow progression.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly called bloat, represents a life-threatening emergency that disproportionately affects large, deep-chested breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog. In this condition, the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to the stomach and spleen. Without immediate surgical intervention, bloat rapidly proves fatal. Symptoms include restlessness, unproductive attempts to vomit, a distended abdomen, and rapid deterioration. Preventive measures include feeding smaller meals throughout the day rather than one large meal, avoiding vigorous exercise immediately before or after meals, and using elevated food bowls with caution as some studies suggest they may increase bloat risk. Some owners choose prophylactic gastropexy surgery, which tacks the stomach in place to prevent twisting.

Progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited eye disease, causes gradual degeneration of the retina leading to vision loss and eventual blindness. While painless, PRA significantly impacts affected dogs' quality of life. Genetic testing can identify carriers, allowing breeders to make informed breeding decisions. Other eye problems including cataracts, entropion, and ectropion also occur in the breed. Von Willebrand's disease, a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of a blood clotting protein, affects some Berners and requires awareness before any surgical procedures.

Preventive care and health screening form the foundation of responsible Berner ownership. Regular veterinary examinations at least annually, and preferably twice yearly for dogs over five years old, allow early detection of developing problems. Health screening should include hip and elbow radiographs, eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist, cardiac evaluations, and genetic testing for known hereditary conditions. Maintaining optimal body weight reduces stress on joints and decreases risks of various health problems. A high-quality diet appropriate for large breed dogs supports overall health and proper growth rates in puppies, as too-rapid growth can contribute to orthopedic problems. Dental care through regular teeth brushing and professional cleanings prevents periodontal disease. Despite conscientious care, owners must accept that Berners' relatively short lifespans and health vulnerabilities mean that veterinary expenses and emotional challenges are realities of loving this breed.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining your Berner's health and longevity.

Maintaining a Bernese Mountain Dog's beautiful coat requires significant time commitment and acceptance of constant shedding. The breed's thick double coat, while stunning and weather-resistant, sheds heavily year-round with particularly dramatic increases during spring and fall coat changes. Daily brushing is ideal for managing loose hair and preventing mats, though many owners find brushing 3-4 times weekly acceptable during normal shedding periods. During seasonal blows, daily brushing becomes necessary to remove the substantial amounts of dead undercoat being released.

Proper grooming tools make the job more manageable. A pin brush works well for the longer outer coat, while an undercoat rake or deshedding tool effectively removes loose undercoat. A metal comb helps work through any tangles or mats, particularly in areas prone to matting like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail. Many owners also use a high-velocity dryer after baths, which dramatically accelerates drying time and blows out loose undercoat. Regular brushing not only manages shedding but also distributes natural oils throughout the coat, maintaining its healthy sheen and helping repel dirt and moisture.

Bathing frequency depends on the individual dog's lifestyle and coat condition. Most Berners benefit from baths every 6-8 weeks, though dogs that spend significant time outdoors or enjoy rolling in unpleasant things may need more frequent bathing. Using a high-quality dog shampoo formulated for double coats helps maintain coat health without stripping essential oils. Thorough rinsing is crucial as any remaining shampoo residue can cause skin irritation. The thick coat takes considerable time to dry completely, and many owners invest in a high-velocity dryer to speed the process and prevent moisture from being trapped against the skin, which can lead to hot spots or skin infections.

Beyond coat care, routine grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care. Nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks to prevent overgrowth that can cause discomfort or gait problems. Many Berners tolerate nail trimming better when accustomed to paw handling from puppyhood. Regular nail grinding with a rotary tool offers an alternative that some dogs accept more readily than clippers. Ears should be checked weekly and cleaned as needed to prevent infections, particularly important in dogs with hanging ears that reduce air circulation. Dental care through daily brushing with dog-safe toothpaste helps prevent periodontal disease, which affects the majority of dogs by age three and can lead to serious health problems if neglected.

If you're looking to adopt a Berner, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Berners waiting for their forever homes.