Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog, breed of Swiss working dog taken to Switzerland more than 2,000 years ago by invading Romans. The breed was widely used to pull carts and to drive cattle to and from their pastures and to protect farms from predators. Bernese Mountain Dogs, also called Berners, are noted for their hardiness. The breed is characterized by its broad chest, hanging V-shaped ears, and a long, silky, black coat with rust-coloured spots on the chest and forelegs and over the eyes and white on the chest, nose, tail tip, and, sometimes, feet. The Bernese Mountain Dog stands 23–27.5 inches (58–70 cm) tall at the withers and weighs, ideally, about 88 pounds (40 kg). The American Kennel Club first recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog in 1937.