The site was last updated on

24 Aug 2000

Name of breed: Bernese Mountain Dog
Class: Working
Size: Height at withers: dogs 64-70 cm (25-27.5 in) bitches 58-66 cm (23-26 in)
Weight: about 39.6kg (88lb)
Coat: Thick, moderately long, and straight or slightly wavy, with a bright natural sheen.
Colors: Jet black, with rich, reddish brown markings on cheeks, over eyes, on legs and chest; some white markings on head, chest, tip of tail and feet are permissible.

The Bernese Mountain Dog or Bernese Sennenhund is named after the canton of Berne in Switzerland, where it arrived with Caesar's army and was subsequently bred. Like other Swiss mountain dogs, such as the Great Swiss, it has Mastiff characteristics. The breed is believed to descend from the Molossus dog of ancient Greece and Rome, with some Rottweiler, Saint Bernard and Newfoundland blood discernible in its ancestry.

The Bernese has worked as herder and flock guardian in its native land, and is still used to pull milk carts up Swiss mountainsides. In Britain it frequently puts an appearance, in harness, at fêtes and similar events in order to raise money for charity. This large, gentle dog has steady gained popularity in the USA and Britain over the past few years, both as a pet and as a show dog, and is popular throughout Europe.

Character and care

The Bernese Mountain Dog makes a good pet for those with sufficient space, being amiable towards children and other pets. It needs regular brushing and plenty of exercise.