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This striking dog originated around the city of Berne in the midland regions of Switzerland. The farm dwellings in this area were built in the middle of large parcels of land. The family raised crops, which were fenced for protection against animals, and allowed their cows, horses, swine and other livestock to roam freely on the surrounding land. The Bernese dog was its family alarm system. Their main duty was to alert the farmer of an approaching stranger be it man or beast.

A large number of cattle, or goats for the less fortunate farmer, were not kept as there was no need for their milk. The family's main income came from their grain crops. The cattle purchased for food and leather were herded to slaughter by the butchers' dogs.

Around 1840 cheeseries began being built in this area and provided the farmer a market place for his milk. This made it profitable for larger numbers of herd animals to be maintained but interestingly farmers of this time stabled their cattle year round. They were herded a short distance to meadows during the day with the Bernese dogs serving as both herdsman and guardian. The breed has been classified as a cattle dog.

The exact history of how this breed developed into a draft dog is unclear but at some point they were hitched to two wheeled carts and use to pull the heavy milk containers to and from market. There is also some evidence that they were known as "weaver dogs" as they also hauled the needed material for their weaver owners.

The background of this region explains the appearance of this large, heavy boned and well muscled dog as compared to its lighter, quicker counterpart breeds, such as the Appenzeller and Entlebucher, used for herding sheep and goats in the Alpine regions. The Bernese is a large dog, males stand at 25 to 27.5 inches at the withers while females stand at 23 to 26 inches. Sturdiness combined with beauty is the impression this animal gives one at first glance.

The coat is glossy, predominantly black with patches of rust over each eye, on the cheeks, sides of the chest, legs and under the tail. White on the chest forms an inverted cross and on the face a white muzzle band extends up the forehead between the eyes. White also covers the paws and the tip of the tail. The markings are symmetrical with the coat moderately long and which can be either straight or wavy.

The features of this animal appear animated, with expressive dark brown eyes. The ears are triangular and fall close to the body when the breed is relaxed

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