A longhaired tricoloured dog; the Bernese is a farm dog of ancestral origin used as a guard and draught dog. His other uses were driving cattle in prealpine regions and in the outlying pastures of Berne. Originally he was named the “Durrbachler” after the hamlet of Durrbach where this breed was especially appreciated. In 1902,1904 and 1907 subjects of this breed were exhibited at Dog Shows in Switzerland. In 1907, a few breeders decided to promote the pure breeding of this native dog thereby fixing the characteristics of the first standard for the renamed Bernese Mountain Dog. Henceforth the breed became rapidly known all over Switzerland and southern Germany.

An established breed here in the UK, further information on the Bernese Mountain dog can be accessed through:

• The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain              www.bernese.co.uk

• The Northern Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain www.northernbernese.co.uk