Origin and history of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is the best known of the four breeds of Swiss Mountain dogs. Appreciated for centuries as a herds dog in the Helvetian high mountain pastures, he has become a docile and attractive pet. It has long been thought that the Bernese Mountain dog was a descendant of the Tibetan Mastiff, which may have been brought to Switzerland during the Roman Conquest. The evolution of this breed is closely linked to the Swiss history. The Bernese Mountain Dog has been used as a sheep dog and a watchdog. This three-coloured coated dog was more particular found in the Düwwbächler hamlet near Riggisberg in the Bern County.
Portrait of Bernese Mountain dog
| Group |
Second group. Section 3.
Swiss shepherds dog |
| Ground to withers height |
64 to 70 cm for males ;
58 to 66 cm for females |
| Coat |
Black, white or flame coloured. Three-coloured long hairs with a shiny, smooth or wavy fur. |
| Weight |
About 40 kilos |
| Nature |
Affectionate and faithful. A balanced temper.
He is dissuasive without being aggressive ; he’ll happily take part in the children’s games.
Attentive and observant, he shows cleverness.
|
| Qualities |
A useful dog : a watchdog, a defence dog, a pet dog, a herds dog |
| Living conditions |
A garden is compulsory |
| Food |
650g or more of dried complete feed a day |
USES
Formerly used in Swiss farms as a shepherds dog, he is now used as a mountain rescue dog but as a perfect pet dog too, as he particularly loves and enjoys family life.
