How to Identify a Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four Swiss Shepherd breeds and the most easily identifiable thanks to its long coat. No one really knows this species’ origin but some speculate that local Swiss herding dogs were cross bred with Roman mastiffs long ago to produce a dog smaller in stature than the mastiffs, but much better suited to working alongside people in mountainous and cold Switzerland. Its main function at the time was to drive and herd livestock as well as pull carts to and from the market. The Bernese takes its name from Berne canton of Switzerland where the breed is widely known.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start by looking at the animal’s size and shape. It should be about 29 inches high at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere between 75 and 110 pounds. Its body should be shorter in length than average, while it’s very deep chest should make its long and thick legs seem shorter than they actually are. The dog should appear very heavyset, though not muscular. Its tail should be long and very bushy, either laying straight down in repose or raised upward when alert.

2. Look at the dog’s fur. Its coat should be thick and be made up of silky hairs up to four inches long. There is only one pattern of colors for the Bernese Mountain Dog and it should be adhered to strictly for it to be considered a purebred animal. The coat should be black with symmetrical markings of rust and white. The dog should have a white blaze on the chest, white on the head and toes, and rust markings over each eye, on the cheeks, sides of the chest, under the tail and on each leg.

3. Finish by examining the dog’s head. The head should be broad and the neck short and thick. The top of the skull should have a slight furrow or valley running down the middle. Its ears should be medium sized, triangular in shape, floppy, and backed with wavy long fur. It should have a thick muzzle and powerful jaw with wide lips tipped by a flat black nose. Its eyes should be dark and slightly recessed, glinting with a sense of mirth or happiness. If the dog matches this description then it’s a Bernese Mountain Dog.

Tips & Warnings

• The Bernese excels as a working dog, pulling cats, herding sheep, and guarding property. If a Bernese is to be kept as a pet it must have a large yard with plenty of room to run around in as well as be played with on a daily basis. This dog is very loyal and good natured, staying puppy like in demeanor and mood well into adulthood. They can have a little trouble adapting to having a new master if they are over 2 years old, though this is just about the only behavioral problem they will have. The Bernese is a very social animal and loves to be around and play with its owner and family. They get on well with strangers, children and other animals and can be trained easily.
• This breed needs weekly brushings and bi-weekly nail clippings if it is kept as a pet. Otherwise its fur will become overgrown and matted while its claws will grow sharp enough to damage surfaces it walks on. The Bernese thrives in cold weather and should not be kept in a warm climate as it does not deal with heat at all well.