The Bernese Mountain Dog is a majestic breed with a rich history that spans centuries. Originating in Switzerland, specifically in the canton of Bern, this breed was developed to be a versatile working dog.
Their ancestors were likely the ancient Roman mastiffs, which were brought to Switzerland by the Romans. The Bernese Mountain Dog's genetic makeup is a result of crossing these mastiffs with local dogs, such as the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Great Pyrenees.
The breed's name, Bernese, refers to the canton of Bern, where they were first bred. They were originally used as draft dogs, pulling carts and wagons, and were also employed as guard dogs and search and rescue dogs.
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The Origins of the Bernese
The Bernese Mountain Dog's origins date back two thousand years to when Roman soldiers brought dogs resembling Mastiffs and large black-and-tan dogs with white markings to Switzerland.
These dogs, with their enormous strength and intelligence, helped the Romans by pulling carts loaded with supplies, moving cattle, and acting as watchdogs. They were used to control the route from Italy to Spain.
The Romans' reliance on these dogs eventually led to the creation of the Bernese Mountain Dog breed through crosses between the Mastiff type and the black-and-tan dogs. The Bernese Mountain Dog is named after the midland region of Switzerland near Bern.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four Sennenhund breeds, which includes the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller Sennenhund, and the Entlebucher. These breeds have unique tricolor coats and are part of the AKC's Working Group.
The Bernese Mountain Dog's original purpose was to help farmers and dairy producers in Switzerland by pulling milk carts and wagons, and herding small groups of cattle.
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Breed Information
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a majestic breed with a rich history. They originated in Switzerland, specifically in the midland region near Bern, where they were bred to assist farmers and traders.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a member of the Sennenhund breeds, which includes the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller Sennenhund, and the Entlebucher. These breeds are known for their unique tricolor coats.
If this caught your attention, see: Red Appenzeller Sennenhund
Here's a quick rundown of the breed's vital statistics:
Despite their impressive size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle nature and love of laughter. They even have a unique sense of humor, often referred to as the "Berner chuckle", where they'll repeat acts over and over again to make people laugh.
Bernese Mountain Dogs in the U.S.
The Bernese Mountain Dog was first imported to the United States in 1926 by a Kansas farmer named Isaac Schliess.
These early imports were an attempt to gain recognition for the breed from the American Kennel Club (AKC).
In 1936, Glen Shadow of Ruston, Louisiana imported a pair of Bernese Mountain Dogs, Felix and Fridy, who would go on to prove themselves as valuable working dogs.
Felix and Fridy's impressive abilities were showcased when they saved their owner's life by chasing away a 350-pound buck that had attacked him.
The AKC recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog as an official breed in 1937, just a year after Shadow's dramatic rescue.
In 1968, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA) was formed to promote and preserve the breed's working abilities as a carting dog.
The BMDCA established a drafting and carting program to maintain and test the breed's historic working ability as a carting dog.
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Breed Data
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed that's not only stunning in appearance but also possesses a heart of gold. They're known for their impressive size, standing tall at 23–27.5 inches (58–70 cm) at the withers.
Their weight range is substantial, typically falling between 70–115 pounds (32–52 kg). This sturdy build is a testament to their origins as a working breed.
In the realm of lifespan, Bernese Mountain Dogs have an average life span of 7–10 years. This is a relatively short lifespan compared to some other breeds, but their loving nature makes every moment count.
Here's a quick rundown of some vital statistics for the Bernese Mountain Dog breed:
Frequently Asked Questions
What dog breeds make a Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a cross between Mastiff-type dogs and black-and-tan dogs. This ancient breed was developed through selective breeding of these two types of dogs.
Did Bernese mountain dogs almost go extinct?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs were at risk of extinction in the late 1800s, but thanks to conservation efforts, they made a remarkable comeback. Their breed was saved by Swiss dog fanciers in the early 20th century.
Why did Bernese mountain dogs almost go extinct?
Bernese Mountain Dogs were at risk of extinction due to the decline of working farm jobs during the Industrial Revolution. Their traditional roles as herders, guardians, and carting dogs became obsolete, threatening their very existence.
Sources
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/bernese-mountain-dog-history/
- https://www.gsmdca.org/breed-info/gsmd-history/
- http://www.bmdcnc.org/breed-information-2/the-history-and-standard-of.html
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bernese-mountain-dog/
- https://www.britannica.com/animal/Bernese-mountain-dog
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