| Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Matt. 11:28 |
The most well known of the Sennehunde, or Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Bernese is
distinguished by being the only one to have a fairly long, silky coat. The origin of the
breed is speculative at best. Some experts believe its history traces to the Roman
invasion of Switzerland, when the Roman mastiffs were crossed with native
flock-guarding dogs. The cross produced a strong dog that was able to withstand the
Alpine weather and that could serve as draft dog, flock guard, drover, herder, and
general farm dog. Despite their utility, little attempt was made to perpetuate them as a
breed purposefully. By the late 1800s, the breed was in danger of being lost. At that
time, Professor Albert Heim initiated a study of Swiss dogs that led to the identification
of the Bernese Mountain Dog as one of the existing types. The dogs were found only in
the valleys of the lower Alps. Through Dr. Heim's efforts, these dogs were promoted
throughout Switzerland and even Europe. The finest specimens came to be found in
the Durrbach area, at one time giving the breed the name Durrbachler. With the
breed's spread, the name was changed to Burnese Mountain Dog. The first Bernese
came to America in 1926; official AKC recognition was granted in 1937.
distinguished by being the only one to have a fairly long, silky coat. The origin of the
breed is speculative at best. Some experts believe its history traces to the Roman
invasion of Switzerland, when the Roman mastiffs were crossed with native
flock-guarding dogs. The cross produced a strong dog that was able to withstand the
Alpine weather and that could serve as draft dog, flock guard, drover, herder, and
general farm dog. Despite their utility, little attempt was made to perpetuate them as a
breed purposefully. By the late 1800s, the breed was in danger of being lost. At that
time, Professor Albert Heim initiated a study of Swiss dogs that led to the identification
of the Bernese Mountain Dog as one of the existing types. The dogs were found only in
the valleys of the lower Alps. Through Dr. Heim's efforts, these dogs were promoted
throughout Switzerland and even Europe. The finest specimens came to be found in
the Durrbach area, at one time giving the breed the name Durrbachler. With the
breed's spread, the name was changed to Burnese Mountain Dog. The first Bernese
came to America in 1926; official AKC recognition was granted in 1937.
| Phone: 330-763-4887 Email: Jerry@HoneyRunAcres.com |
ABOUT BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGS