Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog has its roots in the Swiss Alps, where it was developed over 2,000 years ago by farmers and cattle breeders of the canton of Bern. It is believed to descend from Roman herding dogs brought to Helvetia during the conquests of the Roman Empire, which over time crossed with local breeds to give rise to the four Swiss mountain dog types: the Bernese, the Appenzell, the Entlebuch and the Great Swiss Mountain Dog.

For centuries, the Bernese Mountain Dog was an indispensable worker on Alpine farms, used to pull milk carts, drive cattle and guard properties. At the beginning of the 20th century, the breed's numbers had dropped dramatically due to the mechanisation of farming. Thanks to the work of enthusiastic breeders, especially Franz Schertenleib, the breed was recovered and officially recognised in 1907.

Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog has left its agricultural functions behind to become one of the most popular large companion dogs in the world. Its gentle temperament and striking beauty have earned it a very loyal fan base on all continents, although its short life expectancy remains one of the greatest challenges for its admirers.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, robust and well-proportioned dog, with a body slightly longer than tall. Its most striking feature is its brilliant tricolour coat: a dominant black ground with symmetrical rust markings on the legs, chest and muzzle, and white patches on the chest, head and tail tip. Its eyes are dark brown, with a sweet and intelligent expression.

In terms of temperament, the Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its gentleness, patience and deep loyalty to its family. It is a calm and balanced dog indoors, but with enough dynamism to enjoy outdoor activities. It gets along especially well with children, with whom it is tolerant and careful, and generally accepts other animals well if socialised from puppyhood.

The Bernese Mountain Dog enjoys being given a task or responsibility, whether pulling a cart, participating in obedience trials or simply accompanying its family on long mountain hikes. This predisposition to work, combined with its docility, makes it an ideal candidate for activities such as animal-assisted therapy.

Caring for the Bernese Mountain Dog's coat requires regular brushing two to three times per week, and daily during the intense shedding periods in spring and autumn. Its long and dense coat can tangle, especially behind the ears and on the hind legs. Bathing is recommended every four to six weeks.

Exercise is fundamental to keeping the Bernese Mountain Dog in shape. One to two hours of moderate daily exercise, distributed in walks and games, is sufficient for a healthy adult. It is important to avoid intense exercise on hot days, as its dense coat makes it sensitive to high temperatures.

Nutrition should be of high quality and adapted to the breed's large size and metabolism. It is advisable to divide the daily ration into two meals to reduce the risk of gastric torsion. Weight control is essential, as excess weight aggravates the joint problems to which this breed is prone.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a relatively short life expectancy for its size, of 7 to 10 years, partly due to its predisposition to certain types of cancer. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma and lymphoma are the most frequent forms, and represent one of the leading causes of death in the breed. Genetic research continues to search for markers that allow identifying specimens at highest risk.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are also common conditions in this breed, especially in large specimens. These conditions can cause chronic pain and difficulty moving, so maintaining a healthy weight and moderate exercise from puppyhood are essential preventive measures.

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