Bernese Mountain Dogs - Pictures

Bernese Mountain Dogs - History

Bernese Mountain dogs displayed all the qualities needed to perform these functions. They were strong and devoted, brave, yet non-aggressive. In their motherland, Switzerland, Bernese Mountain dogs were bred mostly for working qualities. The residents of alpine regions acknowledged the dog's herding qualities. It did well with other pets and never harmed cattle and other animals found on the farms in abundance. People who lived in non-alpine areas and were involved in trade valued the Bernese Mountain dog for its endurance and ability to pull milk cans and other items for long distances.

The turn of the 19th century saw a rapid growth of vehicle industry. Road development compensated for a lack of transportation peculiar to the 18 century. Comfortable vehicles replaced the Bernese Mountain dog. The breed's numbers diminished greatly. This was aggravated by an intensive import of non-native breeds to Switzerland. The Bernese Mountain dog had to face a severe competition with the then fashionable breeds.

It may be that the breed would not have survived single-handed. Luckily enough, breed fanciers, namely Professor Albert Heim, Franz Schertenleib, and others, helped to preserve the Bernese Mountain dog. They promoted the Bernese Mountain dog by the means of receiving the SKC (Swiss Kennel Club) recognition for the breed. Later, the breed was crossed with the Newfoundland to regain its size. The AKC recognized Bernese Mountain dogs in 1937.

Click thumbnail to see image. Pages: 1 2