meet the...Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed Summary
Breed Group Group 9: Large Guardian Pastoral/Mountain Dogs
Sub-group 9-B: Large Pastoral/Mountain Dogs and Related Breeds
Origin Country Switzerland
Weight Males: 85-110 pounds. Females: 80-105 pounds.
Height Males: 25-28 inches. Females: 23-26 inches.
Other Name(s) Berner Sennenhund
Breed Type Pure
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Origins
Originally called the Durbacher, named after a district in which their ancestors were most abundant and favored, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a rich history. Also known as the Berner Sennenhunde, which in German translates to “Mountain Pasture dog of Berne,” they eventually became known for the Canton of Berne, which is a district in Switzerland where the breed originated. The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four tri-colored Swiss mountain dog family members, including the Appenzeller Sennenhund, Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
The Swiss mountain dogs were historically used as all-purpose farm dogs, assisting their families by driving livestock, carting milk wagons, and guarding property and livestock. It is believed that the Bernese Mountain Dog was created when some of the native Swiss mountain farm dogs were crossed to large ancient Roman military dogs brought to the area during the Roman invasion of Helvetia (modern-day Switzerland) some 2000 years ago. The cross resulted in large dogs of great strength and endurance. They were best known for their carting abilities, being described by some as the Clydesdales of the dog world.
The Bernese Mountain Dog was once plentiful in their homeland, but due to a lack of formal breeding programs and changes in the technology of agriculture, the breed’s popularity began to wane until it nearly disappeared in the mid-nineteenth century. However, thanks to Swiss cynologist Herr Franz Schertenleib and Professor Albert Heim, the breed was brought back from the brink of extinction. The Bernese Mountain Dog’s popularity slowly began to increase, and by the early twentieth century, farmers from around the land were bringing their Dürrbächler dogs to be exhibited at dog shows and taking part in breeding efforts to further the breed. Eventually, the Schweizerischer Dürrbäch-Klub was formed, and a standard was produced for the breed. It was then decided that the breed's official name would be Berner Sennenhund, which it continues to be known as in its home country. Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog, as it is known in Western countries, has become one of the most recognizable breeds in the world.Breed Characteristics
Head: Mesaticephalic skull type, moderately large, yet never appearing massive in size, but always in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is broad, as wide (measured across the top in front of the ears) as long (measured from stop to occiput). It is slightly arched when viewed from the front or in profile. A median furrow running from the stop toward the occiput may be slightly marked. The head is overall clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles. The head of the male is more masculine and substantial, while the female’s head is more feminine and elegant. Neither should lack overall type.
Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium size, set high on the skull, triangular shape, with slightly rounded tips. The tips and edges hang close to the head and face. The ears are never long or overly large.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, never snipey or weak.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black.
Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage. It is strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers just slightly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is fairly clean-cut and without excessive skin or pendulous dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Body: Somewhat substantial and compact. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried according to the dog’s mood and energy level, in a neutral lowered position (never tucked) or slightly above the horizon level (never carried up over the back). The tail is of a moderate length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down.
Movement: Both powerful and agile, effortless, efficient, and with good energy. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is well-known for its good-natured demeanor. They are self-confident, watchful, and loyal. Good with children and other animals, they are renowned as family companions. Some claim that their playful puppy temperament is retained well into adulthood, making them slow to mature and always being a puppy at heart. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 9: Large Guardian Pastoral/Mountain Dogs
Proportions: Somewhat rectangular, with the length of the body measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump, being slightly greater than the height at the withers. The ideal length-to-height ratio is approximately 5:4, and the distance from the point of the shoulder to the point of the rump is approximately 10:9. The body is substantial, compact, and well-put-together, with sturdy substance and solid bone. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: Mesaticephalic skull type, moderately large, yet never appearing massive in size, but always in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is broad, as wide (measured across the top in front of the ears) as long (measured from stop to occiput). It is slightly arched when viewed from the front or in profile. A median furrow running from the stop toward the occiput may be slightly marked. The head is overall clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles. The head of the male is more masculine and substantial, while the female’s head is more feminine and elegant. Neither should lack overall type.
Expression: Alert, intelligent, attentive, gentle, and approachable for his size.
Stop: The stop is definite, but not overly pronounced.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between approximately 3:2 and 5:4, with the topskull being just longer than the muzzle.
The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is slightly convergent.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, never snipey or weak.
Lips or Flews: The lips are clean, well-pigmented, and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black.
Cheeks: The cheeks are well-developed and well-muscled, giving the face and head breadth but never appearing protrusive. They should never appear chiseled or coarse.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, or reverse-scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized.
Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium size, set high on the skull, triangular shape, with slightly rounded tips. The tips and edges hang close to the head and face. The ears are never long or overly large.
Body and Tail
General Description: Somewhat substantial and compact. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage. It is strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers just slightly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is fairly clean-cut and without excessive skin or pendulous dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Topline: Level and straight from slightly prominent withers to croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut and level. The back is never swayed or roached.
Croup: Broad and gently sloped.
Underline: A slight tuck-up is present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried according to the dog’s mood and energy level, in a neutral lowered position (never tucked) or slightly above the horizon level (never carried up over the back). The tail is of a moderate length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. The shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The distance from the withers to the brisket may be equal to, or just greater than, the distance from the elbows to the ground.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, sturdy bone, and parallel to one another.
Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, of sturdy bone, and well-muscled.
Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated, with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: This breed has a double coat. The outer coat is short on the face, forehead, and front of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The outer coat is straight or slightly wavy, discernibly longer on the neck, ears, rear of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, feet, and tail, forming fringe and furnishings. The undercoat is soft and dense. Coats should never be thick, long, curly, or silky.
Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes two color varieties of the Bernese Mountain Dog breed: the standard and nonstandard.
Standard coat color variety: Black or liver with well-defined, rich, tan points (markings restricted to cheeks, sides of the muzzle, neck, throat area, pips above the eyes, on all four lower legs and feet, two patches on the chest, and vent) all with clear white symmetrical markings restricted to a band on the muzzle (never beyond the corners of the mouth), as a blaze up the center of the forehead (never spreading to the pips above the eyes), in an unbroken streak down the chin, throat, and chest. Preferably with white feet and tail tip. Small patches of white are permitted on the nape and vent area.
Nonstandard coat color variety: Asymmetrical, minimal, or excessive white markings. Spotted, ticked, or broken white markings. Complete absence of white markings in some areas or altogether. Pied (mostly white with black and tan markings), red-tinted black coat, any coat color other than black and tan tricolor.
Movement
Both powerful and agile, effortless, efficient, and with good energy. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is well-known for its good-natured demeanor. They are self-confident, watchful, and loyal. Good with children and other animals, they are renowned as family companions. Some claim that their playful puppy temperament is retained well into adulthood, making them slow to mature and always being a puppy at heart. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
