ADDITIONAL BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG PICTURES
Family: Mastiff
Breed Group: AKC Working
Origin: Switzerland
Date of Origin: 18th century
Originally used for: Farm dog
Used today: Companion, guard dog
Other Name(s): Bernese Cattle Dog
History of the Breed: The Bernese Mountain Dog served as a farm dog in the midland regions of Switzerland, mostly around the city of
Berne. The dog was a companion and watchdog to the farmer and his family and worked as a cowherder, a draught dog to haul carts containing milk
cans and farm goods, and a flock guardian.
General Appearance: A large attractive dog breed with a large head that is broad, and flat on top with a slight furrow and a well-defined stop.
The muzzle is strong and straight with a black nose. The eyes are dark brown and oval shaped. The ears are medium sized, set high and triangular in shape.
The chest is large and deep with well-sprung ribs with the brisket reaching at least to the elbows. The back is broad and firm. The loin is strong.
The tail is bushy and carried low when relaxed. The coat is thick and moderately long and has a distinctive tricolor pattern: body, neck, legs, cranium and ears black; cheeks,
stockings and eyespots rich tan, toes, chest, muzzle, tail tip and blaze between the eyes white.
Height & Weight:
Height 23-28 Inches
Weight 85-120 Pounds
Coat: Thick, moderately long, and straight or slightly wavy, with a bright, natural sheen.
Color: Jet black with reddish brown markings on cheeks, over eyes on legs and chest. White markings on the chest, between the eyes,
feet and tail.
Grooming needs: Medium, need to brush their long coats weekly and more frequently when shedding.
Temperament of Breed: Friendly and playful
Friendly with children: Yes, care should be taken around small children based on the dog's size
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, may require obedience training
Suitability as a watchdog: Yes
Exercise Level: Low
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, hereditary eye diseases
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 8-10 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 41
First Registered by the AKC: 1937
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, ANKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Ireland
The Bernese Breeders Association Of Great Britain (BBA)