Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog, a native of Switzerland, was hardly known outside its homeland until quite recently. It bears an unmistakable resemblance to the St. Bernard but although they have a common origin, the Bernese mountain dog has existed as an independent breed for as long as its larger relative. One of the four varieties of the Swiss Mountain dogs, the Bernese shares similar distinctive colouring with the other varieties but it is the only one that possesses a long and silky coat.

History:

Legend says that the ancestors of these dogs were brought to Switzerland (then Helvetia) by invading Roman armies. With their armies marching towards north, they needed supply lines and depots. These supply lines needed guarding, but the depots in the higher Alps mountains created problems because of the harsh weather conditions. Only strong and sturdy dogs were bred and kept that provided the armies with the needed support. The descendants of those particular long haired Molosser alike dogs stayed in Helvetia. They became draught dogs, were used to pull carts, particularly for the weavers in the town of Berne.

Their decline arrived when the more eyes catching Swiss breed, St. Bernard with his glorious background and history began to push the Bernese mountain dog from favour. By the middle of 19th century they were extremely rare. In 1892, Franz Schertenleib searched for god specimen to be used as breeding stock. Together with Professor Albert Heim they were successful in bringing out the breed from the glimpse of obscurity. In 1907, the first breed club for the Bernese Mountain Dog was formed.

Essentials of the Breed:

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a definite stop, dark eyes, strong jaws and triangular ears lying close to the body. He owns the pattern of silky hairs with a strikingly black colour. He has deep tan markings on all four legs, spots above the forelegs, at chest and over each eye together with white feet. The tan colouration on each foreleg must always be between the black and white colour. A white blaze on the head is preferable but is never a desirable trait.The ideal height for dogs is 64-70 cm and for females it is 58-66 cm at the withers.

Tags: bernese mountain dog, dog breed, dog breeds, draught dogs, silky coat, st bernard, swiss mountain dogs