The Bernese is the second largest in size and the only one with a long coat. Although called a mountain dog it should not be confused with the Pyrenean, being more like the Golden Retriever in outline but somewhat stockier and heavier. As they are working closely with their owners, whether driving cattle to and from the alpine pastures, guarding the farm, pulling small carts or as avalanche dogs, the Bernese makes an ideal family dog only wanting to be with its owners and to take part in every activity. For this reason they do not make particularly good kennel dogs, preferring to live and spend time with their owners living in a family environment.

They love to be with people and be given affection; hence nicknames like berner, bernie and bmd are given by those who love these dogs. The Bernese temperament is very stable being very affectionate, patient and especially good with children and, although they sometimes require firm handling whilst maturing, the mature BMD makes an excellent hospital visiting) PAT Dog. The Bernese is classified in the Working group by the Kennel Club and there are around 700 registrations per year.

Their appearance is as attractive as their personality, basically gleaming black with a white muzzle and blaze, white on the chest and white paws and tail tip. Between the black and white on the legs and chest is a rich chestnut or tan. The markings should be symmetrical as possible and not haphazard as in most tricolour breeds. The dogs should be between 25 to 27.5 inches and bitches between 23 to 26 inches. Weights are 80 to 120 lbs for dogs and 70 to 100 lbs for bitches.

The Bernese is quite late maturing, usually reaching their full adult height by about 15 months but can take a further 2 or 3 years to reach full maturity. The amount of exercise an adult Bernese requires varies between 1 and 5 miles daily, depending on his fitness and how he has been reared. They are very accommodating and if the owner is not feeling well, they will accept the fact that their exercise has to be temporarily restricted, they do not become neurotic about such things.

As in most breeds conditions such as Hip Dysplasia (I-ID), Osteochondrosis of shoulder or elbow (OCD or Osteo) and cancer do occur from time to time. Breed clubs publish information and hold educational seminars on such topics so that owners and breeders can be kept up to date on such conditions, and on how best to avoid and deal with them.

The Bernese is a versatile dog, being reasonably intelligent and eager to please. He can turn his hand to many activities and at club events you can find Bernese in obedience and agility competitions, but he is most at home in the fun and novelty classes, having a laugh with his family. However it is probably carting which has brought most attention to Bernese in recent years. Bernese can nowadays be found at all manner of events, country fairs, steam rallies, village fetes etc., pulling carts, each highly decorated with shining milk churns and brightly coloured flowers which, together with their handlers in Swiss costume make a colourful addition to any occasion. The dogs adore these events, relishing the attention they receive and the idea is to reflect the dogs heritage, taking milk from the small family farm to the village dairy. In Switzerland in 1991 I was lucky enough to track down Bernese still performing this task twice daily and absolutely loving it.

To quote Professor Helm, a Swiss dog fancier who, in the early years of this century, did much to establish the breed as we know it today:

"All the Swiss Mountain Dogs are without deceit excellent house and family dogs, by other breeds hardly to be surpassed for their attachment, loyalty, alertness and understanding. The Bernese is, for me, the loveliest dog to be found anywhere."

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