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Intelligent and alert, the Bernese Mountain Dog evolved from mastiff type dogs brought into the Swiss region by the Romans about two thousand years ago.

The Bernese Mountain Dog, while not a herding dog, is a farm dog, typically kept by Alpine farmers in Switzerland and it's neighbouring regions for the purpose of guarding their farms, and alerting to the presence of strangers. The dog is also used to pull small carts of produce to market, as well as about the farm.

Originating near the city of Berne, these animals were bred for protection and companionship, as farmers during this time had little livestock of any sort to herd. Only a minimum of goats and cows were kept, until 1840, when the area blossomed with cheeseries and farmers began to keep larger herds for the purpose of milk production. The Bermese Mountain Dog remained a protector and was involved in some herding, but smaller, quicker breeds like the Appenzeller were used more often to keep herds in line.

In the early 1900's the Berner was seen for the first time in dog shows, and records indicate that the first Berners were brought into the United States circa 1926 by a farmer from Kansas. The breed wasn't registered at that time, and another pair were imported in 1936, and recognized by the American Kennel Club a year later.

The second world war interrupted the importation of this breed and so the population remained small in North America. In 1968, fanciers of this breed joined together and formed the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.

This working class breed has a predominantly black long haired coat, that includes a white blaze that runs from the centre of the forehead through the muzzle, and down it's chest, which is accented by russet/gold along the legs, under it's mask' and penny sized dots above the eyes.

It is a large dog, with sturdy shoulders and muscles, developed for guardianship as well as multiple purposes that require great strength.

Measured at the withers, The Burnese Mountain Dog, is 25 to 27 1/2 inches tall, with females being slightly smaller at 23 to 26 inches tall. Weight usually falls between 65 and 120 lbs. They are sturdy, full bodied animals with strong bone structure. Both genders are very strong, and the male appears powerful and masculine, while the female, is finer in form, and markedly feminine in appearance. They have animated and intelligent expressions, with warm brown almond shaped eyes. Dogs with blue eyes, are considered a fault by the breed standard.

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