• HOME
  • About Us
  • Breed Info
  • Health
    • Health Conditions & Diseases Known to Affect Bernese Mountain Dogs
    • Health Tests & Screening Available
    • The Berner Garde Foundation
    • “JUST FREEZE IT” frozen tumor tissue KITS & Submission INSTRUCTIONS
  • Choosing a Breeder
    • Be an Informed Puppy Buyer
    • Types of Breeders
    • Reputable Breeder Checklist
    • BMDCNI Breeder Referral
    • Older Dog Placement
  • Rescue
  • Membership
  • Officers & Committees
  • Members Only
  • Show Results

BMDCNI

Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northeastern Illinois

Breed Info All About the Breed

Bernese Mountain Dogs are striking, tri-colored large dogs.  Everyone falls in love with their appearance, but this is not a breed for everyone.  Before you decide to buy a Berner, thoroughly research the breed, talk to reputable breeders and knowledgeable owners, and get to know some of the dogs themselves.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are working dogs having a long history in their Swiss homeland, where they are used as farm dogs, guarding and driving cattle and pulling milk carts.  Their Swiss name, Berner Sennenhund, refers to the canton of Bern, where they were developed, and to the primary purpose for which they were used.  A Senn or Senner is a man who takes the cattle to the Alps in the summer and stays with them, milking them, caring for them, and making cheese.  Thus, the Sennenhund is the dog taken along on the Alpine journeys.  Today, Bernese Mountain Dogs are valued also as loyal companions, guard or watch dogs on farms and in the city, and avalanche dogs.
MORE INFORMATION

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a striking appearance with a soft, long, shiny black coat and highly characteristic markings of white blaze, chest, feet and tail tip, and rich reddish-brown “Eyebrows”, cheeks, and between the white and black on the legs.  Heights ranges between 23 and 27.5 inches at the shoulder, and in weight these sturdily built dogs are usually between 70 and 115 pounds.  Their long history and purpose as farmers’ companions shows well in their good disposition, love of and devotion to their people, and ability to learn quickly.  They are not kennel or pack dogs, but rather prefer human companionship.  Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive when they spend most of their day with people.
AKC BREED STANDARD

Exercise:  Exercise requirements are somewhat variable, depending on the individual dog’s temperament and energy level.  Be sure to discuss with the breeder whether you prefer a “laid-back” puppy or an “active” puppy.  A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day and several trips outside will keep most Berners in reasonable shape.  Some Berners may require three times that amount of exercise to be satisfied.  Berners need exercise throughout their lifetime to be kept in shape.  Caution should be used when exercising puppies as “roughhousing” with older dogs can lead to permanent injuries to growing bones, joints and muscles.  Puppies need rest as they grow while they sleep.  Growing bones are soft and can be easily injured by jumping in and out of cars, etc.  Avoid jogging with, jumping, etc. until the growth plates are closed.

lynnes girl copyTraining:  A must for all Berners is socialization and training. Puppies can be destructive of both house and yard if left to their own devices. Puppies should not be left unattended for long hours.  Puppy socialization classes
and puppy kindergarten classes are highly recommended.  Local kennel clubs or private dog training facilities offer obedience classes which will maximize a Berner’s chances of becoming a well-mannered dog.  Plan to spend a lot of time training your puppy and you will benefit from it throughout your dog’s life.  The Berner does best when trained with a kind, consistent hand. Hard hands and harsh training methods can easily break the spirit of many Berners.  Positive reinforcement and consistency in what is required of the dog help to develop the Berner’s willingness to please.  Bernese Mountain Dogs are part of the working group and are happiest when doing a job so consider obedience, agility, rally, tracking, carting or therapy work with your Berner.

Grooming:  Berners benefit from a good brushing once or twice a week and combing behind their ears and feathering on their legs. They do shed a lot. They will shed or blow coat once or twice a year.  Bitches usually do so
after heat or litter and dogs less frequently.  A bath can be of value when the dog is shedding as nothing helps a coat blowing quite as quickly as a bath.  Then brush and comb out the dead coat so the new coat can come in. Nails should be clipped and feet trimmed frequently.  A canine blow dryer is a good investment.

FAQs ABOUT BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGS

  • Upcoming Events

    Apr
    18
    Sun
    all-day Awards Luncheon & Meeting
    Awards Luncheon & Meeting
    Apr 18 all-day
    BMDCNI Awards and General Membership Meeting Please join us on Zoom to celebrate the success of our members and their dogs! Sunday, April 18, 2021 Time and Zoom Link to[...]
    May
    9
    Sun
    all-day BMDCA National Specialty Dog Show @ Estes Park Events Center
    BMDCA National Specialty Dog Show @ Estes Park Events Center
    May 9 – May 15 all-day
    BMDCA National Specialty Dog Show @ Estes Park Events Center | Manhattan | Illinois | United States
    Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America National Specialty Dog Show MAY 9 – 15, 2021 Estes Park, CO HOSTED BY: Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Rockies Grand Canyon State[...]
    May
    22
    Sat
    all-day BMDCA Draft Test hosted by the B... @ Creekwood Meadows Farm
    BMDCA Draft Test hosted by the B... @ Creekwood Meadows Farm
    May 22 – May 23 all-day
    Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America Draft Test Hosted by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northeastern Illinois  May 22 & 23, 2021 Creekwood Meadows Farm 232 Creek Road Plano,[...]
    May
    23
    Sun
    all-day BMDCNI BOARD MEETING
    BMDCNI BOARD MEETING
    May 23 all-day
     
    Jun
    13
    Sun
    all-day Summer Fun Day & Meeting
    Summer Fun Day & Meeting
    Jun 13 all-day
    *** CHECK BACK FOR DETAILS! *** Questions? Contact Event Chair,
    Jul
    18
    Sun
    all-day BMDCNI BOARD MEETING
    BMDCNI BOARD MEETING
    Jul 18 all-day
     
    Sep
    19
    Sun
    all-day Bernerfest & Meeting
    Bernerfest & Meeting
    Sep 19 all-day
    *** CHECK BACK FOR DETAILS!*** Questions? Contact Event Chair, Lauren Pullano at 847-207-8883
    Oct
    17
    Sun
    all-day BMDCNI BOARD MEETING
    BMDCNI BOARD MEETING
    Oct 17 all-day
     
    Oct
    30
    Sat
    all-day Regional Specialty Dog Show @ Joliet Junior College, Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center
    Regional Specialty Dog Show @ Joliet Junior College, Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center
    Oct 30 – Oct 31 all-day
    Regional Specialty Dog Show @ Joliet Junior College, Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center
    *** CHECK THIS PAGE OFTEN AS COVID-19 STATE OF ILLINOIS RULES CHANGE WEEKLY*** PLEASE CONSIDER SPONSORING A TROPHY CLICK HERE! Questions?  Please contact Show Chair, Debbie Thornton at bernerz@aol.com or[...]
    Nov
    1
    Mon
    all-day BMDCNI BOARD MEETING
    BMDCNI BOARD MEETING
    Nov 1 all-day
     
    Nov
    28
    Sun
    all-day Holiday Party & Meeting
    Holiday Party & Meeting
    Nov 28 all-day
    *** CHECK BACK FOR DETAILS! *** 

© 2003-2021 BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.