The Bernese Mountain Dog - also referred to as the 'Berner’ and the ‘BMD’ - is an extremely versatile working dog, originating from the Alpine region of the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. Their versatility as farm dogs developed and expanded to driving livestock, pulling carts, protecting property and providing loyal companionship. Generations of such service and devotion have resulted in an outstanding working dog, with a passion to please and be accepted by their people as the family dog. The Berner is classed as a large breed, though thanks to it’s happy expression, wagging tail, and good nature their large breed size is not considered intimidating.

Completely striking in beauty with a fantastic temperament, the Berner is becoming a favourite choice by families - especially where children are to be considered. Their remarkable connection with children is seen in their natural ability to adjust their responses and actions with children of varying ages. They are playful but not exhausting, self-assured with no signs of aggression. Some aloofness with strangers may be noticed, though this is simply a response of indifference with no particular like or dislike of the strangers attention.

The Berner is indeed happiest among family and friends, with the added advantage of getting along great with other animals. Their keen desire to please and be included as part of the family home, means they will not do at all well separated to an outside kennel, pen or isolation.

The optimum result for raising a fulfilled and well socialized Berner, is to include optimum time outside of the home with a variety of experiences, along with puppy training classes during the first year of it’s life as a minimum.

One of four distinct breeds of Alpine working dogs, the Berner is the only one with a lustrous, long full coat, and is a huge part of their appeal. This remarkable coat has a weather resistance quality and is virtually self-cleaning, enabling easy maintenance. The undercoat of short dense hair supports the outercoat, and as Berners do shed their hair approximately twice a year, and are not classed as hypoallergenic, grooming sessions will become part of your Berners care routine.

Measured at the withers (the highest point of the shoulders,) fully grown male Berners stand between 25 to 27-1/2 inches, while fully grown females stand between 23-26 inches. Berners grow slightly longer in body than in height. Weight range for males will average between 80 to 120 pounds, and for females between 70-100 pounds.