The Bernese Shepherd Dog Breed

The origins of the Bernese Shepherd dog breed are lost in the mists of time. In fact, they are said to originate from the Molossians brought by the Roman army, who used them as guard and transport dogs.

The latter hypothesis would seem to be supported by the discovery of ancient Roman vases in which a dog very similar to the Bernese mountain dog is depicted. Other sources, however, think that this breed is a distant ancestor of the Saint Bernard.

This breed is particularly linked to the small town of Dürrbach and its inn, a meeting point for inhabitants, travellers and merchants: it was here that these three-coloured dogs were kept. In fact, this breed was initially called ‘Dürrbächler’, and they were bred as farm dogs near Berne, taking care of guarding the flock, driving carts and moving herds.

Breeding for the purity of the breed began in 1907 by breeders from the Burgdorf region, and as early as 1910, farmers from the region were able to present 107 specimens at a dog show. From then on, the breed was called the ‘Bernese Mountain Dog’.

During the First World War breeding came to a standstill, but soon afterwards the export of the breed began. First to the Netherlands and later to America. In 1936, two British breeders began importing Bernese Shepherd dogs, resulting in the first Bernese Shepherd puppies in England.

Character of the Bernese Shepherd dog breed

One only has to look at the muzzle of this Bernese mountain dog to realise that it is a calm and affectionate dog, fond of cuddles, to receive and to do. Its affable and calm character, as well as the ease with which it can be trained, have also made it an excellent companion animal.

It can be called a breed with a triple attitude, as it has taken on the role of guard dog, defence dog and companion dog. It allows itself to be scrambled by children with whom it plays tirelessly, and is very protective of them, so much so that it is called a ‘babysitter dog’. Even with small children it is very sweet and is in no way dangerous.

The Bernese mountain dog is a dog that always needs human contact and a familiar environment. Otherwise, it can develop destructive and undesirable behaviour.

It is not a dog that is suitable for living in a flat, unless it is very spacious, but it needs activity every day for some time. A house in the country with a garden where you can spend a few hours is ideal, but he also loves being with his family and is affectionate with everyone. He has a deep bond with his ‘pack leader’ to whom he lavishes affection and attention.

With strangers he is a little wary, but when he has realised who he can trust, he lowers his defensive barriers. It never has aggressive attitudes towards people it does not know, but it will still be a good watchdog when its territory or family is endangered or presumed to be endangered.

Like all dogs, however, training and socialisation must begin already as a puppy. Both to avoid undesirable behaviour and to be in the family with other animals, both dogs and cats, to which it attaches itself as a member of its pack.

Appearance of the Bernese Shepherd dog breed

The Bernese Shepherd is a very large breed, the height at withers of a male ranging from 64 to 70 centimetres with a weight of up to 55 kilograms, while females are 60 to 63 centimetres tall with a weight of up to 50 kilograms.

Morphologically classified as wolf-molossus, it has a slightly longer than tall body. Very well-proportioned, harmonious. Its limbs are straight and vigorous. Its construction is solid and very robust. It has an elegant, non-clumsy gait and runs with great agility.

It has a medium, strong and muscular neck with which it is able to pull even heavy loads. The tail must be thick at least up to the hock, carried low at rest and at the height of the dorsal line in movement.

Its skull is broad, well proportioned to the body, the muzzle is strong and somewhat short, the truffle is black, the eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The ears are triangular in shape, rounded slightly towards the tip, set high and of medium size.

Its coat is long, thin, smooth and abundant. Its colours, like those of all bovines, are 3, black, brown and white. The brown is concentrated on the face, chest and limbs, the white on part of the muzzle, chest and feet.

Care and health of the Bernese Shepherd dog breed

It is a breed that has a rather low longevity and can grow and develop rather classic diseases in dogs, such as dysplasia, but also other problems such as forms of cancer and, above all, degenerative myelopathy and malignant histiocytosis. It has a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years, but some specimens can reach up to 12 years.

The best advice one can give to keep one's bovine in perfect health is to build up a solid relationship of trust with one's vet and to let him guide and advise one.

Your vet should establish a routine programme of annual check-ups, vaccinations and booster shots against the most common diseases, both infectious and seasonal.

As for the care of the coat, it must be brushed very often. It tends to lose a lot of hair and not only during the moulting period. The eyes, ears and oral cavity must also be checked, as well as the interdigital areas. Keep him clean with a brush and carder and limit bathing during the moulting period.

As far as nutrition is concerned, the Bernese does not tend to put on weight, but it must take daily exercise and its diet must be balanced and controlled.