Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a long history as a farm companion in Switzerland. Although called a “mountain dog”, the breed developed from the farm dogs in the pre-alpine area of the Canton Berne where farmers could afford to keep fairly large dogs. For over 2000 years, Berners worked alongside farmers, herding cattle, guarding property, and even pulling dairy carts, but principally for protection of the farm against all intruders, alerting the approach of strangers or other animals yet remaining friendly towards all people and animals on the farm.

The original name of the dog was Durrbachler after Durrbach-Gasthaus, the local inn of a small hamlet where this tricoloured farm dog was often sold. From 1910 the breed was renamed Berner Sennenhund. The direct translation of Sennenhund is “Alpine Herdsman’s-dogs”.

In the city of Berne local craftsmen used the Bernese and other big dogs as draught dogs. In the late 19th Century Bernese were still used by some farmers to pull carts loaded with milk and cream to the dairies twice a day and to take goods to market.

The breed’s popularity grew internationally after World War I, and Bernese Mountain Dogs are now valued in many countries as loyal companions, family pets, therapy dogs, watch dogs, and are starting to be seen more frequently in the show ring.

Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy regular, moderate exercise and thrive on outdoor activities like hiking and bush walking, making them ideal companions for families who love the outdoors. Their exercise needs are moderate, so daily walks and occasional outings are generally enough to keep them content and prevent restlessness. They also benefit from social walks with the family, as they love being close to their loved ones and involved in activities.

Intelligent and trainable, Berners respond well to gentle, consistent training due to their laid-back personality. They require moderate mental stimulation to stay engaged and happy, which can be provided through activities, training, or interactive play. Their gentle and calm nature not only makes them great family companions but also well-suited to therapy roles, where their patience and affectionate disposition can truly shine.

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a dense double coat that sheds continuously throughout the year, with shedding peaking in autumn and spring, making weekly grooming essential to manage their coat and keep it healthy. Their thick coat benefits from weekly brushing to remove loose fur, reduce shedding, and keep the coat healthy.

Bathing every two months is generally sufficient to maintain cleanliness, as over-bathing can strip their coat of natural oils. Their coat usually doesn’t require clipping, but routine maintenance helps manage shedding and promotes their overall health and comfort. In addition to coat care, regular grooming routines include nail trimming and dental care to keep them in top condition.