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THE BREED
A tri-colored dog of large size, the “Berner” (as they
are often called) stands 23 to 27.5 inches (58-70 cm) at the withers. Breed standards for this breed normally specify no weight,
but the usual range is 65 to 120 pounds. The breed is instantly recognized by its distinctive tri-color pattern: body, neck,
legs, head and ears are solid black; the cheeks, stockings and thumbprints (or ghost eyes) are tan; the toes, chest, muzzle,
tail tip and blaze between the eyes white. The pattern is rigid and varies only slightly in the amount of white. A perfectly-marked
individual gives the impression of a white “Swiss cross” on the chest, when viewed from the front in sitting position.
The eyes are an expressive dark brown and are almond shaped. Male Bernese mountain dogs are normally larger in size than females
but both genders are extremely strong.
Bernese are outdoor dogs at heart, though well-behaved in the house;
they need activity and exercise, but do not have a great deal of endurance. They can move with amazing bursts of speed for
their size when motivated. If they are sound (no problems with their hips, elbows, or other joints)
TEMPERAMENT
The Bernese temperament is a strong point of the breed. They are
affectionate, loyal, faithful, stable and intelligent. The majority of Bernese are very friendly to people, and other dogs.
They often get along well with other pets such as cats, horses, etc. They are very trainable provided the owner is patient
and consistent in training; Bernese need time to think things through. They do not respond well to harsh treatment, however
Berners are very willing and eager to please their master. Bernese love to be encouraged with praise and treats. The breed
is very sweet and good with children, despite their great size. Overall, they are very stable in temperament, patient, and
loving.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are quirky, loving dogs, craving love and affection.
They love to lean against people, sit on their feet, or lie down under their legs while people sit.
The Bernese calm temperament makes them a natural for pulling small
carts or wagons, a task they originally performed in Switzerland. With proper training they enjoy giving children rides in
a cart or participating in a parade. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America offers drafting trials open to all breeds; dogs
can earn an NDD (Novice Draft Dog) or a DD (Draft Dog) title. Regional Bernese clubs often offer carting workshops. Bernese
Mountain Dogs are slow to mature, and can display puppy-like tendencies up to 2 1/2yrs of age .
MORTALITY
Health surveys of Bernese Mountain Dogs in Denmark, the UK, and USA/Canada
all show that this breed is very short-lived compared to breeds of similar size and purebred dogs in general. Berners have
a median longevity of 7 years in USA/Canada and Denmark surveys and 8 years in UK surveys. By
comparison, most other breeds of similar size have median longevities of 10 to 11 years. The longest lived of 394 deceased
Berners in a 2004 UK survey died at 15.2 years.
Cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs in general, but Berners
have a much higher rate of fatal cancer than other breeds. In both USA/Canada and UK surveys, nearly half of Berners died
of cancer,compared to about 27% of all dogs. Berners are killed by a multitude of different
types of cancer, including malignant histiocytosis, mast cell tumor, lymphosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma.
Berners also have an unusually high mortality due to musculoskeletal
causes. Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cruciate ligament rupture were reported as the cause of death in 6% of Berners in the
UK study; for comparison, mortality due to musculoskeletal ailments was reported
to be less than 2% for purebred dogs in general.
MOBILITY
Owners of Berners are nearly three times as likely as owners of other
breeds to report musculoskeletal problems in their dogs. The most commonly reported musculoskeletal issues are cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis (especially in shoulders and elbows), hip dysplasia, and osteochondritis. The age at onset for musculoskeletal problems is also unusually low. For example,
in the USA/Canada study, 11% of living dogs had arthritis at an average age of 4.3 years. Most other common, non-musculoskeletal
morbidity issues strike Berners at rates similar to other breeds.
In short, prospective Berner owners should be prepared to cope with
a large dog that may have mobility problems at a young age. Options to help mobility-impaired dogs may include ramps for car
or house access. Comfortable bedding may help alleviate joint pain
CARE
The Bernese coat is slightly rough in outline, but not at all harsh
in texture. The undercoat is fairly dense; the coat is quite dirt and weather resistant. A good brushing every week or two
is sufficient to keep it in fine shape, except when the undercoat is being shed; then daily combing or brushing is in order
for the duration of the moult. Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round, and drifts of fur are to be expected, yet the Bernese
Mountain Dog tends to be one of the better hypo-allergenic dogs with a longer coat.
REFERENCES
http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/breeddata.htm
Longevity Web Site, Breed Data page. Compiled
by K. M. Cassidy.
http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/survey_comparisons.htm Longevity
Web Site, Survey Comparisons page. Compiled by K. M. Cassidy.
http://www.bmdca.org/health/Miscellaneous/Health_Report.php BMDCA Health Survey, Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America
THE BREED STANDARD
General Appearance
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking tri-colored large dog. He
is sturdy and balanced. He is intelligent, strong and agile enough to do the draft and droving work for which he was used
in the mountainous regions of his origin. Dogs appear masculine, while bitches are distinctly feminine.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Measured at the withers dogs are 25 to 27-1/2 inches, bitches are
23 to 26 inches. Though appearing square, Bernese Mountain Dogs are slightly longer in body than they are tall. Sturdy bone
is of great importance. The body is full.
Head
Expression is intelligent, animated, and gentle. The eyes are dark
brown and slightly oval in shape with close fitting eyelids. Inverted or everted eyelids are serious faults. Blue eye color
is a disqualification. The ears are medium sized, set high, triangular in shape, gently rounded at the tip, and hang close
to the head when in repose. When the Bernese Mountain Dog is alert, the ears are brought forward and raised at the base, the
top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. The skull is flat on top and broad, with a slight furrow and a well-defined
but not exaggerated stop. The muzzle is strong and straight. The nose is always black. The lips are clean and as the Bernese
Mountain Dog is a dry-mouthed breed the flews are only slightly developed. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. An overshot
or undershot bite is a serious fault. Dentition is complete.
Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is strong, muscular and of medium length. The topline is
level from the withers to the croup. The chest is deep and capacious with well-sprung but not barrel shaped ribs and brisket
reaching at least to the elbows. The back is broad and firm. The loin is strong. The croup is broad and smoothly rounded to
the tail insertion. The tail is bushy. It should be carried low when in repose. An upward swirl is permissible when the dog
is alert but the tail may never curl or be carried over the back. The bones in the tail should feel straight and should reach
to the hock joint or below. A kink in the tail is a fault.
Forequarters
The shoulders are moderately laid back, flat-lying, well muscled
and never loose. The legs are straight and strong and the elbows are well under the shoulder when the dog is standing. The
pasterns slope very slightly but are never weak. Dew claws may be removed. The feet are round and compact with well-arched
toes.
Hindquarters
The thighs are broad, strong and muscular. The stifles are moderately
bent and taper smoothly into the hocks. The hocks are well let down and straight as viewed from the rear. Dew claws should
be removed. feet are compact and turned neither in nor out.
Coat
The coat is thick, moderately long and slightly wavy or straight.
It has a bright natural sheen. Extremely curly or extremely dull-looking coats are undesirable. The Bernese Mountain Dog is
shown in natural coat and undue trimming is to be discouraged.
Color and Markings
The Bernese Mountain Dog is tri-colored. The ground color is jet
black. The markings are rich rust and clear white. Symmetry of markings is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks
reaching to at least the comer of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the tail. There is a white
blaze and muzzle band. A white marking on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white. White
on the feet is desired but must not extend higher than the pasterns. Markings other than described are to be faulted in direct
relationship to the extent of the deviation. White legs or a white color are serious faults. Any ground color other than black
is a disqualification.
Gait
The natural working gait of the Bernese Mountain Dog is a slow trot.
However in keeping with his use in draft and droving work, he is capable of speed and agility. There is good reach in front.
Powerful drive from the rear is transmitted through a level back. There is no wasted action. Front and rear legs on each side
follow through in the same plane. At increased speed, legs tend to converge toward the center line.
Temperament
The temperament is self-confident, alert and good natured, never
sharp or shy. The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand steady, though may remain aloof to the attentions of strangers.
Disqualifications blue eye color; any ground color other than black.
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