These dogs originally came from the Swiss Mountains, and were named after the Canton of Bern. They are large dogs with many useful skills, and they enjoy being put to work. Their strength means they could pull carts, but they are also good watchdogs and herders. They have a waterproof coat which means they are happy in all weather conditions - in fact, the colder the better for these dogs as their thick coats can mean they overheat in hot sun. They are very friendly and excellent with children, but should only be considered by families if they have a large garden or yard and are prepared to go on long daily walks every day. Their coats need regular attention to stop them getting matted with regular grooming.  `

Appearance

This particular breed of dog is large and sturdy, and it is slightly longer than it is tall. It has a large broad head with a straight muzzle. It has relatively small ears that are triangular in shape and slightly rounded at the tip. They sit high on the head. It has long, straight and muscular legs with a bushy tail. Their coats are quite long and completely waterproof with a wavy feel to them. They are usually tri-colour with symmetrical markings, with the base of the dog usually being black. They have round feet with arched toes.

Temperament

These are very cheerful dogs with a love for everybody. They are extremely intelligent, picking up training quickly and easily. They welcome strangers and are good with other animals including dogs. They need structure and to understand who is boss, but once this is clear in their minds they are cheerful, obedient and very loving. They mature quite slowly and show elements of puppyhood much longer than other breeds of dog. They need daily walks, preferably in a pack to remain well adjusted and stable and ideally need a yard or garden to run around in. They don’t enjoy being cooped up, or left alone for long periods of time. They are very self-confident and make good watchdogs. They are not overly dominant.

Working and Tasks

The Bernese Mountain Dog was originally bred for draft work, and can be trained easily to pull a cart of a wagon. They are also good herders, and were once used to drive dairy cattle. As good watchdogs, they also can keep an eye on livestock at night. They enjoy work very much and relish being given the opportunity to carry some out. They are good at tracking, herding, watching, guarding and can even be excellent search and rescue dogs. They are good at competitive obedience too, being easy to train and highly intelligent.