The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of a group of four Swiss working dogs known as Sennenhund, (sennen being an alpine herdsman). Their ancestors probably came over the Alps with the Roman army and were used in battle. As they spread through Switzerland each community took on and developed the type of dog most suited to its particular needs and the Canton of Bern produced the best, the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Although the Bernese is 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, 23 to 27+ inches high at the shoulders and weighing around 45 to 55kg.

The Bernese makes an ideal family dog only wanting to be with its owners and to take part in every activity. If you look through the Dolyhir Bernese Mountain Dog website you will pictures of the clan watching everything their owners are doing, from chopping logs to cleaning up after the horses. Berners are extraordinarily affectionate, patient and especially good with children. They are intelligent, can be active and take a lively interest in all that is going on.

Their appearance is as striking as their personality, basically gleaming black with a white muzzle and blaze, white cross 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. Unless it's a Berner called Woozah and then markings are usually hidden by a layer of pond life.

The Bernese is not considered a giant breed but is quite late maturing. They usually reach their full adult height by about 15 months but can take a further 2 or 3 years to reach full maturity.

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; however they are not constantly on the move in the house, demanding objects or retrieving objects to be thrown for them. When visitors arrive at the house they may bark and demand attention from them but after a little while they will settle down and rest - a valuable attribute in a house dog especially when you have seven of them!

The amount of exercise an adult Bernese requires varies between 100 yards and 5 miles daily, depending on his fitness and how they have been reared. Ours get on average ten miles a week when adults. They are very accommodating and really just want to do what their owner is doing, so sitting and watching TV can be a favourite pastime!

Common sense is needed when the dog is very young as a fast growing dog can quickly tire and needs plenty of rest periods. You will get plenty of attention when out with your Bernese and this can be as tiring for a puppy as it is initially flattering for you.

Feeding should be as natural as possible for a natural working breed, beware foods containing high protein levels while they are growing, best go for a reasonably priced working dog mix. Ours thrive on it, along with eggs stolen from the hens, corn taken from the sheep and horse pooh taken from the muck heap. Even Berners have some bad habits!

Bernese are generally very willing to please their owners and therefore fairly easy to train, especially when rewarded with treats. A Bernese quickly becomes a part of the family and most owners soon wonder how their lives were ever complete without one. Most owners find that one is never enough, mind you, now ours total seven we probably need our heads examined!

To quote Professor Heim who, in the early part of the 20th 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."