Along with chocolate and cheese, the Swiss Canton of Bern is best known as the home of four breeds of mountain dogs, including the Bernese Mountain Dog. They鈥檙e striking, powerful, placid, and affectionate, so there鈥檚 a lot to love. Here are even more Bernese Mountain Dog facts that will teach you all about this breed.
The Breed Is Versatile
Bred in an agricultural region of Switzerland, Berners are all-around farm dogs, good at droving, drafting, herding, protecting the farmyard, and being wonderful family companions.
The Breed Hails From Bern
The Bernese Mountain Dog was developed in Bern, Switzerland, which is where the name came from. They were one of four mountain dogs that helped drive cattle. Milk was important to Switzerland鈥檚 biggest exports: chocolate, and cheese, and the Berners played a big role in that.
Bernese Mountains Dogs Are Majestic
This large, powerful dog has a beautiful, silky tri-color coat of black, white, and rust, with distinctive markings. Their dark eyes radiate intelligence.
This Is a Cold-Weather Dog
Of course, they need to live indoors with the family, but they thrive on cold-weather outdoor activities. Berners will happily join you for hikes, camping, backpacking, and a good romp in the snow.
They Will Be Your Kids鈥� Constant Companion
The breed is known for being particularly gentle and affectionate with children. They may even take it upon themselves to watch over the children, and they鈥檙e not rambunctious with them. However, given their size, they may be too big for very young kids.
They Come in Two Standard Colors
Berners鈥� coat colors are among the things that make them so iconic. You probably know them as Black Rust & White, but the also allows them to be Black Tan & White.
Bernese Mountain Dogs Do Well in Dog Sports
This breed from the Working Group competes in a variety of dog sports. Obviously, they excel at drafting and carting, but they also hold their own in agility, obedience, herding, and conformation.
They Tend to Be Hairy
The breed has a double coat and sheds a lot. They also cast off their coats seasonally or cyclically. If anyone in the family has allergies, this may not be the breed for you.
The AKC Recognized Them in 1937
The AKC recognized Bernese Mountain Dogs in 1937. That same year, the Komondor was also welcomed into the ranks of AKC-recognized breeds.
They鈥檙e a Popular Breed
The Bernese Mountain Dog is ranked in the top 20 of over 200 dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics. People love these gentle giants because they offer the best of both worlds. Plus, who could resist that face? It鈥檚 easy to see why Americans love this popular breed.
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