A Short Bernese Mountain Dog History

Bernese Mountain Dogs are extremely eye-catching with contrasting black and white coloring and the splashes of rust-colored markings.  So where do these large, beautiful pups come from?

Bernese Mountain Dogs originated in the Swiss Alps. It is said the Roman soldiers started the breed over 2000 years ago by introducing Mastiffs to the Switzerland area.  You will notice the similarities in the bone structure of the Mastiffs and today’s Berners.  There, they were bred to be a working dog. Their jobs were primarily driving livestock, pulling carts and protecting farms.  Mostly they made great companions for families, with their strong desire to please.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four breeds of dogs used as Sennenhunds – dogs that were originally bred for herding farm animals in Switzerland. The other three breeds are the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhund and Entlebucher Sennenhund. The Bernese Mountain Dog is the only one to have a long coat.  

While their exact history is unknown, a painting done by Paulus Potter in 1651 clearly shows a Bernese Mountain Dog.  The dog true to its current nature is sitting close to its family, keeping watch.  Unfortunately, these loyal pups almost became extinct until Franz Schertenlieb in 1892 made it his mission to preserve this breed.  Which he found in the Canton of Bern currently being called Durrbachler.  Finally in 1905 these dogs became registered by the Swiss Kennel Club and by the AKC in 1937.  Thou their name transitioned from Durrbachler to Bernese Mountain Dogs thru loyal enthusiasts, such as Professor Albert Heim and L. Egg-Leach.

The Bernese Mountain Dogs of today are a credit to all those that worked tirelessly to keep their breed recognized and protected.  While they are definitely beautiful, it is their patient, loyal and loving temperament that makes them stand out.

Until Next Time

B&B