AKC Standard: Bernese Mountain Dog
One of four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dog, the
Bernese Mountain Dog is the only variety that
possesses a long, silky coat. A hardy dog that
thrives in cold weather, the "Berner’s"
intelligence, strength and agility helped him
perform the drafting and droving work in the
mountainous region where he originated. Today, this
versatile breed participates in conformation,
obedience, carting, agility, tracking, herding and
therapy work. Like the other Swiss breeds, they are
tri-colored, with patches of black, rust and white.
A Look Back
Bernese Mountain Dogs (Berner Sennenhund) originated
in Switzerland and are named for the Canton of Bern.
Historically, Berners were used as general purpose
farm dogs. Their large, sturdy frames and calm,
confident temperaments made them ideal for pulling
carts to market, driving dairy cattle, watching the
farm and acting as companions to farmers.
Right Breed for You?
Farm dogs by heritage, Berners need a moderate
amount of exercise as well as consistent obedience
training. As a double-coated breed, they also tend
to shed, and so require regular brushing. Their
gentle, easygoing manner and the need to be close to
their people makes them a good fit for families.
If you are considering purchasing a
Bernese Mountain Dog puppy,
learn more here.
- Working Group; AKC recognized in 1937.
- Ranging in size from 23 to 27½ inches tall
at the shoulder.
- Draft dog; drover; watch dog.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking. tri-colored,
large dog. He is sturdy and balanced. He is
intelligent, strong and agile enough to do the draft
and droving work for which he was used in the
mountainous regions of his origin. Dogs appear
masculine, while bitches are distinctly feminine.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Measured at the withers, dogs are 25 to 27½ inches;
bitches are 23 to 26 inches. Though appearing
square, Bernese Mountain Dogs are slightly longer in
body than they are tall. Sturdy bone is of great
importance. The body is full. Head
- Expression is
intelligent, animated and gentle. The
eyes are dark brown and slightly oval
in shape with close-fitting eyelids. Inverted or
everted eyelids are serious faults. Blue eye color
is a disqualification. The ears
are medium sized, set high, triangular in shape.
gently rounded at the tip, and hang close to the
head when in repose. When the Bernese Mountain Dog
is alert, the ears are brought forward and raised at
the base; the top of the ear is level with the top
of the skull. The skull is
flat on top and broad, with a slight furrow and a
well-defined, but not exaggerated stop. The
muzzle is strong and straight. The
nose is always black. The
lips are clean and, as the Bernese
Mountain Dog is a dry-mouthed breed, the flews are
only slightly developed. The teeth
meet in a scissors bite. An overshot or undershot
bite is a serious fault. Dentition is complete.
Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is strong,
muscular and of medium length. The
topline is level from the withers to
the croup. The chest is deep and
capacious with well-sprung, but not barrel-shaped,
ribs and brisket reaching at least to the elbows.
The back is broad and firm. The loin
is strong. The croup is
broad and smoothly rounded to the tail insertion.
The tail is bushy. It
should be carried low when in repose. An upward
swirl is permissible when the dog is alert, but the
tail may never curl or be carried over the back. The
bones in the tail should feel straight and should
reach to the hock joint or below. A kink in the tail
is a fault.
Forequarters
The shoulders are moderately laid back, flat-lying,
well-muscled and never loose. The legs
are straight and strong and the elbows
are well under the shoulder when the dog is
standing. The pasterns
slope very slightly. but are never weak.
Dewclaws may be removed. The
feet are round and compact
with well-arched toes.
Hindquarters
The thighs are broad,
strong and muscular. The stifles
are moderately bent and taper smoothly into the
hocks. The hocks are well
let down and straight as viewed from the rear.
Dewclaws should be
removed. Feet are compact
and turn neither in nor out.
Coat
The coat is thick,
moderately long and slightly wavy or straight. It
has a bright natural sheen. Extremely curly or
extremely dull-looking coats are undesirable. The
Bernese Mountain Dog is shown in natural coat and
undue trimming is to be discouraged.
Color and Markings
The Bernese Mountain Dog is tri-colored. The ground
color is jet black. The markings are rich rust and
clear white. Symmetry of markings is desired. Rust
appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at
least the corner of the mouth, on each side of the
chest, on all four legs, and under the tail. There
is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking on
the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The tip
of the tail is white. White on the feet is desired
but must not extend higher than the pasterns.
Markings other than described are to be faulted in
direct relationship to the extent of the deviation.
White legs or a white collar are serious faults. Any
ground color other than black is a disqualification.
Gait
The natural working gait of the Bernese Mountain Dog
is a slow trot. However, in keeping with his use in
draft and droving work, he is capable of speed and
agility. There is good reach in front. Powerful
drive from the rear is transmitted through a level
back. There is no wasted action. Front and rear legs
on each side follow through in the same plane. At
increased speed, legs tend to converge toward the
center line.
Temperament
The temperament is
self-confident, alert and good-natured, never sharp
or shy. The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand
steady, though may remain aloof to the attentions of
strangers.
Disqualifications
Blue eye color.
Any ground color other than black.
Approved February 10, 1990
Effective March 28, 1990
