Breed Profile: Bernese Mountain Dog

As with many breeds, the Bernese mountain dog is of unclear origin. Some believe that the breed’s history can be traced back to the Roman invasion of Helvetia (present-day Switzerland) 2,000 years ago, when the Roman legions brought their large, fierce Molossian dogs to help them guard mountain passes in the Alps. These dogs, in turn, bred with native dogs, resulting in the ancestors of the Bernese mountain dog. Others reject the idea of Roman involvement and say that the Bernese mountain dog developed from Tibetan mastiffs in Switzerland’s mountainous terrain, isolated from outside influence. What is known is that the Bernese mountain dog served Swiss dairy farmers by herding, pulling carts, or guarding home and family, depending on the farmers’ needs. They also were used by weavers in the Berne district of Switzerland as a draft dog.

The Bernese mountain dog first arrived in America in 1926 but was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1937. The breed’s popularity in the US has steadily increased since then, and the Berner still is widely appreciated for his versatility—both as a hard worker and a loving companion.

The following description is of an “ideal” Bernese mountain dog. Not all Berners will fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.

The ideal Bernese mountain dog is self-confident, alert, and good-natured. The breed is protective of loved ones and may be reserved around strangers, but it is not normally aggressive. The Berner will thrive on attention from his owners and does not do well when left alone for long periods of time. Highly versatile, the Bernese mountain dog can excel as a working dog, participate in competitive events, or simply function as an easygoing and affectionate family pet.

Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a Bernese mountain dog is going to fit in with you and your family.

Bernese mountain dogs are companions first and foremost, capable of bonding with their owners like few other breeds. They do not like to lose physical contact with their loved ones and will be near them as often as they possibly can. They are self-confident and protective, and once they have decided to make a friend, they rarely forget that decision. Berners also get along very well with children, provided that the children are instructed on the proper way to interact with dogs.

The Bernese mountain dog is fairly adaptable and can be as happy in an apartment as he would be on a farm, provided that his other needs are met. A securely fenced yard or exercise pen is ideal for a Bernese mountain dog, but most importantly, he needs to be around his people. This is a dog who needs to feel included in family activities whenever possible.

A long history of usefulness and hard work demands that the Bernese mountain dog have something to do at all times. If your Berner isn’t a working dog, it will be up to you to put all his eagerness and ability to good use. According to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, a minimum of 30 minutes of moderately vigorous exercise and several walks outdoors on a daily basis may be sufficient for some Bernese mountain dogs, while others may require as much as three times that.

The Bernese mountain dog’s large size makes basic obedience training particularly important. Fortunately, the breed’s intelligence, strong desire to work, and willingness to please his owners make him relatively easy to train. Berners often take to obedience training particularly well but also can be trained in agility or even serve as therapy dogs.