Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, powerful, agile, and intelligent. They appeared as working dogs in the mountainous region of the canton of Berne, Switzerland. The primary purposes of the breed were herding cattle, pulling carts, and protecting the property. Nowadays, a quiet temperament and intelligence of these dogs make them popular family companions. This breed is recognized by the AKC, FCI, ANKC, CKC, KC, NZKC, and UKC. In various registries, the breed is classified as a working, utility, or guardian dog.

According to the AKC breed standard, Bernese Mountain Dogs belong to the Working Group. Purebred Bernese Mountain dogs are sturdy, well-balanced, and muscular. The wither size of male dogs varies between 25 and 27½ inches; females should stand from 23 to 26 inches at the withers. The body length in these dogs should be slightly longer than the height at the withers. Bernese Mountain Dogs should have sturdy bone and full body.

The head of Bernese Mountain Dogs should be large and broad, with a straight muzzle and a well-defined stop. The eyes are oval in shape and dark brown in color. The triangular ears should be set high and hang freely. When the dog is alert, the ears should be raised at the base and brought forward. The nose should be black; the lips and close-fitting, with small flews. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite.

The topline of these dogs is level. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a deep and capacious chest with well-sprung ribs. Their back is broad and strong. The tail is bushy and carried low. The legs of these dogs are straight, with elbows under the shoulders. The feet are compact with arched toes. The coat in this breed is dense, moderately long, and straight or slightly wavy. Purebred dogs of this breed are usually tricolor, with bright rust and white markings against a black background. Symmetrical markings are desired. Rust markings should be around the eyes, on the cheeks, on the chest, on the legs, and under the tail. A muzzle band and blaze should be white. White markings on the chest and on the tip of the tail are desired. Other coat colors is a serious disqualification in purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs.