The Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed Profile by Jude Simonds.

The Bernese temperament is usually very good.  They are friendly and tolerant of other dogs, livestock and children.  They are not given to hysterical behaviour or unnecessary barking.  They are intelligent and easy to train, and possess a most definite sense of humour.  Bernese need to be around people and thrive on human company, bonding very closely with members of `their` family.  It is ESSENTIAL that Bernese live inside the house with their human family – they are NOT suited to kennel life.

Bernese were, and still are, used as general purpose farm dogs.  They do not have one single instinct for a particular job, but were bred to be adaptable and biddable. The Bernese is an excellent   watchdog, a strong draught dog very willing to pull small carts and wagons, a capable livestock drover, an attentive and loyal companion for the farmer when going about his chores and of course a fun-loving and trustworthy children’s playmate and pet.

Although named` Mountain Dog`, the Bernese is not a giant breed like a St. Bernard or Pyrenean.   Bernese can be better described as a large breed with a similar outline to a Golden Retriever but bigger, much broader and heavier.   Bernese are quick to grow but slow to mature, reaching their eventual height by about 15 months old, but not reaching full maturity until about three years for a bitch and four years for a male.

An adult Bernese male will measure between 64 and 70 cms (25 – 27.5 inches) at the shoulder and weigh between 36 to 55 kilos (approx. 80 - 120 lbs).   An adult Bernese bitch will measure between 58 and 66 cms (23 – 26 inches) at the shoulder and weigh between  34 to 46 kilos (approx. 75 – 100 lbs). (For comparison, a German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian) male should be 64 cms (25 inches) at the shoulder, and bitches 58 cms (23 inches) at the shoulder with a weight range of 35 – 40 kilos or 77 – 85 lbs.) For their size, Bernese do not require a lot of exercise when compared with some working breeds, although adults should have the ability to work actively all day if required.   When adult, Bernese will certainly enjoy a daily walk and free run and will most certainly want to join in the family activities and excursions.  However, as a breed the Bernese does not have that `need`, an inbuilt `drive`, for marathon jaunts every day, and growing puppies need to be protected from the inevitable damage caused by over-exercise.  Young Bernese under one year old should not be allowed to become overtired, and care should be taken to prevent accidents or behaviour which will cause distress and damage to the delicate yet fast growing skeleton of puppies.

Bernese are a hardy breed and like to spend time out of doors, provided they can see and hear what is going on inside – definitely a breed who do NOT want to miss out on what is happening around them.  Bernese like to sit – just SIT – in the garden and look at the sky and watch the birds, but shut the door and they definitely want to be back on the INSIDE with you!   Bernese do not seem to worry about cold weather conditions, but they should be protected from weather extremes and should not be allowed to lie outside in wet or frosty weather.  Some young Bernese love play in mud and puddles, whilst some others are much more clean living! Even those who enjoy mud baths do not make good kennel dogs – far from it – a Bernese will be very miserable if left alone or away from the house and family.  It is essential that your Bernese should live as part of your family if you are to enjoy the full character, intelligence and devotion so natural to this breed.