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The Bernese Mountain Dog
About | Breed Standard
 The
Bernese Mountain Dog has long been at home on the farms in the middle land of
Switzerland. One of the four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dogs, The Bernese-
known in its native land as the Berner Sennenhund- shares similar distinctive
coloring with the other varieties, but is the only one of the four to have a
long, silky coat. The other three are the Appenzeller Sennenhund, the
Etlebutcher Sennenhund, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. These dogs worked as
drovers and draft dogs as well as watch dogs in the farmyards mainly in the
Canton of Berne. The ancestors of thee dogs were brought to Switzerland over two
thousand years ago by the invading Roman soldiers. But until a few years before
World War I, they had been almost forgotten by all save the oldest inhabitants
of Berne. They were still found in the area of Duerrbach, but the breed had
degenerated to such an extent as to be practically unrecognizable. When in 1982
the Swiss fancier Franz Schertenleib attempted to find good specimens to be used
as breeding stock, his search was a long one. However, he was successful, and
several other fancier became interested as well. The rehabilitation was
started, and succeeded under the knowledgeable leadership of the great
geologist, canine researcher and judge, Professor Abert Heim. In 1907, a
specialty club was formed and the breed found favor with many Swiss, who
developed them as house pets and companions, although their old role on farms
continued. A handsome, long haired, sturdily built dog, the Bernese is jet
black in color, with rich russet markings on his legs, cheeks, spots over each
eye, and on either side of the snowy white chest markings. A white blaze adorns
its muzzle and forehead, and it is highly desirable that the dogs have white
feet, white tail tip, and that the white chest markings forms a Swiss cross. The
coat is thick and moderately long with a slight wave. his broad and firm back,
deep chest, well sprung ribs, and strong joints show that he is well suited for
hard work. The Bernese is an extremely hardy dog, thriving in cold weather. He
needs only a small amount of daily grooming to look well kept. For his emotional
development and well being he needs human companionship, and he is a willing and
quick learner. He is self-confident and exceptionally faithful.
Breed Standard
General Appearance - The Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking. tri-colored,
large dog. He is sturdy and balanced. He is intelligent, strong and agile enough
to do the draft and droving work for which he was used in the mountainous
regions of his origin. Dogs appear masculine, while bitches are distinctly
feminine.
Size, Proportion, Substance - Measured at the withers, dogs are 25 to 27½
inches; bitches are 23 to 26 inches. Though appearing square, Bernese Mountain
Dogs are slightly longer in body than they are tall. Sturdy bone is of great
importance. The body is full.
Head - Expression is intelligent, animated and gentle. The eyes are dark
brown and slightly oval in shape with close-fitting eyelids. Inverted or everted
eyelids are serious faults. Blue eye color is a disqualification. The ears are
medium sized, set high, triangular in shape. gently rounded at the tip, and hang
close to the head when in repose. When the Bernese Mountain Dog is alert, the
ears are brought forward and raised at the base; the top of the ear is level
with the top of the skull. The skull is flat on top and broad, with a slight
furrow and a well-defined, but not exaggerated stop. The muzzle is strong and
straight. The nose is always black. The lips are clean and, as the
Bernese Mountain Dog is a dry-mouthed breed, the flews are only slightly
developed. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. An overshot or undershot bite is a
serious fault. Dentition is complete.
Neck, Topline, Body - The neck is strong, muscular and of
medium length. The topline is level from the withers to the croup. The chest is
deep and capacious with well-sprung, but not barrel-shaped, ribs and brisket
reaching at least to the elbows. The back is broad and firm. The loin is strong.
The croup is broad and smoothly rounded to the tail insertion. The tail is
bushy. It should be carried low when in repose. An upward swirl is permissible
when the dog is alert, but the tail may never curl or be carried over the back.
The bones in the tail should feel straight and should reach to the hock joint or
below. A kink in the tail is a fault.
Forequarters - The shoulders are moderately laid back, flat-lying, well-muscled
and never loose. The legs are straight and strong and the elbows are well under
the shoulder when the dog is standing. The pasterns slope very slightly. but are
never weak. Dewclaws may be removed. The feet are round and compact with
well-arched toes.
Hindquarters - The thighs are broad, strong and muscular. The stifles are
moderately bent and taper smoothly into the hocks. The hocks are well let down
and straight as viewed from the rear. Dewclaws should be removed. Feet are
compact and turn neither in nor out.
Coat - The coat is thick, moderately long and slightly wavy or straight.
It has a bright natural sheen. Extremely curly or extremely dull-looking coats
are undesirable. The Bernese Mountain Dog is shown in natural coat and undue
trimming is to be discouraged.
Color and Markings - The Bernese Mountain Dog is tri-colored. The ground color
is jet black. The markings are rich rust and clear white. Symmetry of markings
is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the
corner of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the
tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking on the chest
typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white. White on the
feet is desired but must not extend higher than the pasterns. Markings other
than described are to be faulted in direct relationship to the extent of the
deviation. White legs or a white collar are serious faults. Any ground color
other than black is a disqualification.
Gait - The natural working gait of the Bernese Mountain Dog is a slow
trot. However, in keeping with his use in draft and droving work, he is capable
of speed and agility. There is good reach in front. Powerful drive from the rear
is transmitted through a level back. There is no wasted action. Front and rear
legs on each side follow through in the same plane. At increased speed, legs
tend to converge toward the center line.
Temperament - The temperament is self-confident, alert and good-natured,
never sharp or shy. The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand steady, though may
remain aloof to the attentions of strangers.
Disqualifications
Blue eye color.
Any ground color other than black.
White Buffalo Graphics
Photo
on top of this page taken from
http://drwelstead.com/general_information.htm with permission
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