All About Bernese Mountain Dogs

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.

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.

In-depth history of the Bernese Mountain Dog

The 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.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are not a long-lived breed. The average life span is 7 years. They have a number of issues that contribute to the shortness of the life span, including various forms of cancer. For this reason, we encourage anyone searching for a Bernese puppy to do their best to find a responsible breeder who has worked hard to produce puppies that have the best chance of living a long full life.

To learn more about health issues for Bernese Mountain Dogs:

http://www.bmdca.org/health/index.php
http://www.bmdinfo.org/bernerpedia/Bernese_Mountain_Dog_Health-Overview.php
http://www.berner-iwg.org/resources.htm
http://www.bestbeau.ca/BMD_Health_Info_Links.html