Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent, alert and generally gentle dogs. Although they are active, Bernese Mountain Dogs are not well known for their endurance. Dog sports such as carting or drafting, herding, tracking, agility, rally and standard obedience as sport can help to provide physical and mental stimulation while helping the dog bond well with the family. Bernese Mountain Dogs also bond with people and have been used as animal-assisted therapy dogs. Their reputation as a good family dog allows them to be around children; however, as with all dogs, close supervision is needed to prevent accidental injury to the child or dog and avoid the dog's subsequently developing fear-based defensive aggression.

Bernese Mountain Dog History:

The name “Bernese Mountain Dog” is a rough translation of the German “Berner Sennenhund,” which means “Bernese Alpine Herdsman’s Dog.” In the late 1800s the Bernese Mountain Dog was rescued from near extinction by Swiss cynologist Franz Schertenlieb. The modern breed was developed from the dogs found in the countryside near Bern in Switzerland and they are only one of several Swiss breeds. The first Berner Sennenhund was originally used to guard the farm, drive the cows to and from their mountain pastures and pull carts loaded with milk cans to the dairy. The Bernese Mountain Dog require lots of human companionship and must be allowed regular interaction with the family. The breed is gentle, calm and affectionate and makes a great watch dog. They are very good with children and other animals.