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The calm and affectionate Bernese Mountain Dog originated as a farm dog in Switzerland, mostly in midland areas around the city of Berne. The Bernese's main tasks included companionship and protection as a watchdog. The breed's large frame also suggests that these dogs may have also been used to pull carts for their masters. The Bernese was not a herding dog-most Swiss farmers kept only a small number of animals, and the Bernese was only meant to accompany them as protection. The Bernese was an alert, watchdog breed, and not used for herding cattle or hunting-rather, the dog was a constant companion for the family and a watchful eye over the other animals on the farm.

The first reported Burnese Mountain Dogs that came into America in 1926 were a pair belonging to a Kansas farmer, Mr. Isaac Scheiss, who was unable to register the dogs with the American Kennel Club. The next pair were imported ten years later and belonged to Mr. Glen Shadow of Louisiana. Mr. Shadow helped to convince the AKC to finally recognize the breed in the year 1937, and his two dogs became the first registered Burnese Mountain Dogs in the United States. The breed slowly gained popularity in America until World War II, when importation was cut off in 1941. Importation and registration of the Burnese continued in 1945, and a small group of breeders and owners banded together to create the Burnese Mountain Dog Club of America in 1968.

The Bernese are more likely than other breeds to develop malignant histiocytosis, a very aggressive and deadly form of cancer that often affects the spleen, lymph nodes, lungs and bone marrow of the dog. This cancer usually onsets at around seven years of age and is very hard to diagnose early as symptoms often do not appear until after the disease has spread throughout the body. Symptoms of malignant histiocytosis include anorexia, sudden weight loss, weakness, and lethargy, as well as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. If any of these symptoms are present in a Bernese, the dog should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also at risk for elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and other joint problems due to their genetic makeup and large bone size. Most joint problems in the Bernese are caused by bones growing at different rates and can become evident as early as five to nine months of age. These joint conditions can be corrected surgically, with best results if the issue is caught early on. Symptoms of bone joint issues can include

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