Dog Training

Facts and Tidbits of the Serene and Intelligent Bernese Mountain Dog (BMD)

What separates Bernese Mountain dogs from other animals is that not only do they function as purely guards, pals, or farm dogs alone, but they can be all of these– and more. This animal may look gentle and move sweetly but don’t get deceived. While they can captivate you with their elegantly long, soft midnight fur, they can also protect you, serve you, and gambol with you.

Bernese Mountain dogs do these things but did you know the breed nearly stopped existing during the early part of the 20th century? If rescue didn’t come, the breed would’ve been extinct. If that happened, we would never know a great mountain dog that helped in the farm, herded the cattle, and watched over the families of the Alpine villages.

Can you imagine the dog breeding world without these gentle mountain dogs? If this breed never got rescued we would’ve never known a cute black-furred mountain dog, a fun playmate, and a brave companion. There would’ve no BMD in North America today or in any place around the world.

BMDs origin isn’t really clear but experts do believe they are a cross breed of some mountain dogs, presumably from Rome. The BMD came to Switzerland with the invading Romans and have lived there ever since. They did their jobs as mountain dogs very well until their near extinction in the 20th century.

When some breed enthusiasts discovered the abilities of these dogs and realized the ignorance of their owners, they made an effort to rescue them and so they took them to Berne, a village in Switzerland. At that place and time, the breed flourished and was called the Bernese Mountain dog or simply, Berner. In 1926, Berner finally arrived in the United States.

Today, there are still pure bred BMDs working in farms on the mountains of Switzerland. In the US, however, they are pampered pets. Kids and adult alike love this breed because they are naturally playful, gentle, and loving.

Finding a pure breed BMD in the US, however, is difficult and expensive. But if you happen to find one, it will be worth it. Its elegant features and reliable and gentle abilities are worth the price.

I believe only BMD can be a safe playmate and intelligent companion while looking serene and beautiful. This dog is so lovely that even at a distance you can never fail to catch its beauty and gentleness. Knowing we have this breed to enjoy today, we can never be thankful enough for those enthusiasts who decided to rescue them from extinction.