The Bernese Mountain Dog is a working breed originally developed in the region of Bern, Switzerland. Berners (as they are commonly known) were originally used as farm dogs--guarding and driving cattle, and pulling milk carts. Though still valued workers today, Bernese Mountain Dogs are also prized as beautiful, loyal and loving companions. Their Swiss name, Berner Sennenhund, underscores the breed's working traditions. A "Senn" or "Senner" is the stockman who takes the cattle to the Alps in the summer and stays with them, milking them, caring for them, and making cheese. The Sennenhund is the dog accompanying the Senner on his Alpine journeys.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are striking in appearance, with a soft, long, shining black coat and highly characteristic markings of white blaze, chest, feet and tail tip, and rich reddish-brown eyebrows, cheeks, and between the white and black on the legs. Height ranges between 23 and 27.5 inches at the shoulder, and weight unsually ranges between 80 and 110 pounds. Though sharing many common features, Berners can vary widely in their size, shaping, body type and markings.

Bernese are long coated and shed a minimum of twice a year. More realistically, expect an almost constant level shedding unless you are extremely diligent in brushing your dog. Grooming every other day is almost the bare minimum. If you require a well kept house, don't get a Berner! You will always have some dog hair around, especially in rugs, on furniture, and, yes, occasionally in your food.

As with any large breed, hip and elbow dysplasia are concerns to all Berner owners. Cancer also is a significant problem in the breed. Bernese may also be more prone to some eye, skin, allegery and autoimmune conditions. Most breeds have some of these conditions, and some Berners will never have any of these problems, but you must educate yourself fully.

Temperament and personality can vary widely, but Bernese are generally gentle dogs as adults. Puppies and young dogs can be quite boisterous. Many Bernese are reserved and do not seek the attention of strangers, while some will climb into anyone's lap. Most Bernese are instinctively gentle with children and other animals; others are not. They are not kennel or pack dogs, but rather prefer human companionship.

Berners have an uncanny desire to communicate with their people on a high level. This intense desire, though found in other breeds, is present in nearly all Bernese and is one of the qualities owners refer to when they call the breed "special" or "unique." Bernese are not a breed suitable for solitary confinement in the back yard. With love and nurturing, a Bernese will enrich his owners' lives.