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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

    Jan
    1
    Sun
    all-day REGIONAL SPECIALTY TROPHY DONATIONS
    REGIONAL SPECIALTY TROPHY DONATIONS
    Jan 1 – Oct 14 all-day
    REGIONAL SPECIALTY TROPHY DONATIONS
    *** CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR A TROPHY FOR THE 2023 REGIONAL SPECIALTY *** CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND PRINT THE TROPHY DONATION FORM
    Apr
    2
    Sun
    all-day BMDCA National Specialty Dog Show
    BMDCA National Specialty Dog Show
    Apr 2 – Apr 9 all-day
    BMDCA National Specialty Dog Show @ Manhattan | Illinois | United States
    Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America National Specialty Dog Show HOST CLUBS Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northern California Sierra West Bernese Mountain Dog Club SHOW DATES April 2 –[...]
    Apr
    8
    Sat
    all-day Yorkville KC Supported Entry Dog... @ Northern Illinois University Convocation Center
    Yorkville KC Supported Entry Dog... @ Northern Illinois University Convocation Center
    Apr 8 – Apr 9 all-day
    The BMDCNI Supported Entry at the AKC All-Breed Dog Show held by the Yorkville Kennel Club *** PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR DETAILS*** Questions? Contact the Supported Entry Liaison, Dee McDuffee[...]
    Apr
    23
    Sun
    all-day Awards Luncheon & Meeting @ Kelsey Road House
    Awards Luncheon & Meeting @ Kelsey Road House
    Apr 23 all-day
    BMDCNI Awards and General Membership Meeting   Please join us in person to celebrate the success of our members and their dogs!   Sunday, April 23, 2023 11:00-1:00 PM Kelsey[...]
    May
    7
    Sun
    all-day Draft Dog Match @ Creekwood Meadows Farm
    Draft Dog Match @ Creekwood Meadows Farm
    May 7 all-day
    Click for the BMDCA Draft Match Flyer     
    May
    14
    Sun
    6:00 pm BMDCNI BOARD MEETING @ ZOOM CALL
    BMDCNI BOARD MEETING @ ZOOM CALL
    May 14 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
     
    May
    20
    Sat
    all-day BMDCA Draft Test hosted by the B... @ Creekwood Meadows Farm
    BMDCA Draft Test hosted by the B... @ Creekwood Meadows Farm
    May 20 – May 21 all-day
    *** CLICK HERE FOR THE PREMIUM LIST ***
    Jun
    25
    Sun
    all-day Summer Fun Day & Meeting
    Summer Fun Day & Meeting
    Jun 25 all-day
    Summer Fun Day & Meeting @ Burr Ridge | Illinois | United States
     
    Aug
    13
    Sun
    6:00 pm BMDCNI BOARD MEETING @ ZOOM CALL
    BMDCNI BOARD MEETING @ ZOOM CALL
    Aug 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
     
    Sep
    4
    Mon
    all-day BMDCNI Farm Dog Test @ Creekwood Meadows Farm
    BMDCNI Farm Dog Test @ Creekwood Meadows Farm
    Sep 4 all-day
    BMDCNI Farm Dog Test @ Creekwood Meadows Farm
    BMDCNI Farm Dog Test Two Tests One Day! September 4, 2023 Check back for more information!    
    Sep
    17
    Sun
    all-day Bernerfest & Meeting
    Bernerfest & Meeting
    Sep 17 all-day
    *** CHECK BACK FOR DETAILS ***
    Oct
    22
    Sun
    6:00 pm BMDCNI BOARD MEETING @ ZOOM CALL
    BMDCNI BOARD MEETING @ ZOOM CALL
    Oct 22 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
     
    Oct
    28
    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 28 – Oct 29 all-day
    Regional Specialty Dog Show @ Joliet Junior College, Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center
    PLEASE CONSIDER SPONSORING A TROPHY CLICK HERE! *** CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND PRINT A TROPHY FORM *** ***CLICK HERE FOR THE REGIONAL SPECIALTY PREMIUM LIST*** ***CLICK HERE FOR THE[...]
    Dec
    3
    Sun
    all-day Holiday Party & Meeting
    Holiday Party & Meeting
    Dec 3 all-day
    *** CHECK BACK FOR DETAILS! ***
    Dec
    17
    Sun
    6:00 pm BMDCNI BOARD MEETING @ ZOOM CALL
    BMDCNI BOARD MEETING @ ZOOM CALL
    Dec 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
     

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