Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs were first brought into Switzerland over 2,000 years ago by invading Roman soldiers and established in the area of Switzerland called Berne. There, his name is Berner Sennenhund.

Just like the Swiss flag, the Bernese Mountain Dog always has a white mark in the shape of a cross on his furry chest. This big sweet dog can sometimes be shy. He forms a strong bond of love with his family, but often he attaches himself to one person. He is eager to please and easy to train, and gets along well with other animals. He likes children, and especially enjoys pulling them in carts.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's coat is thick, long, and silky. It can be wavy or straight. He is a tricolored dog. His main color is a deep black. His markings are rich rust over his eyes, cheeks, sides of chest, on the legs, and under the tail. In summer his coat sheds, so he'll need more brushing then.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Intelligent, strong, good-natured, steady, and alert. A large, sturdy, tricolored mountain dog. Full-bodied and sturdy-boned.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--males, 25 to 271/2 inches at the withers; females, 23 to 26 inches.

Fun Facts

Pulling heavy loads was the original purpose of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Helping with sheep and cattle drives and guarding the barnyards were the other duties expected of this farm dog. There are three other kinds of Swiss mountain cattle dogs: Appenzel-ler Sennenhund, Entelbucher Sennen-hund, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Only the Bernese Mountain Dog has the long silky coat.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.