In praise of the Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the most beautiful animals and one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. Even in America it is mentioned in 30th place among the most popular dogs. It is extremely interesting to read up on the Bernese Mountain Dog and its history for once. And yet this original farm-dog breed was almost displaced by the far more popular St Bernard.

The history of the Bernese Mountain Dog

The original name of the Bernese Mountain Dog was actually Dürrbächler. It was named after this small place, which consisted of only two houses and comprised an inn as well as a farm. Located in a rugged landscape south of Bern, there were many scattered farms there, mostly with a few cows. It was customary to keep a robust farm dog as a guardian of livestock and home. It additionally served as a draught dog, and the dogs were splendidly marked with a black coat. The superstition of the time held, namely, that black dogs could drive out the devil.

A protector with a lion's heart

He was also written about in literature, for example by the Swiss writer Jeremias Gotthelf. In his work entitled „Michels Brautschau“, Bari is described. There you can read that he is a quite excellent dog with a lion's heart and human sense, in whose presence no one was well advised to lay a hand on Michel. When the farmer's daughter was harassed by a strange tinker, she untied Blass. He looked up at the girl as if he understood, and protected her caringly. Bari, Bassi and Ringgi – these were the names of the typical mountain dogs in that time.

• Origin as a robust farm and guard dog in Switzerland
• Use as a powerful draught dog for transporting milk and goods
• Gentle character combined with great watchfulness
• Deep bond and loyalty towards the whole family

How the Dürrbächler achieved great fame

Nothing has changed to this day about their original nature, even though they mostly no longer have to herd. They are large, well-defended and ready to protect, but also marked by a high sensitivity. At first these wonderful dogs were not very well known, as they lived in a lonely region. That changed when, in 1857, the railway line between Basel and Bern introduced regular stagecoach traffic. This also led through Dürrbach. There, travellers passing through saw similar tricoloured and shaggy dogs among the inhabitants.

Some years later a cynological association was founded in Switzerland, and in 1902 it held a dog show with 320 dogs. Through the stagecoach, the residents of Dürrbach learned of this and presented their dogs under the name Dürrbächler. They were proud and were also praised in the newspaper. Fritz Probst, who as a child had already had contact with the friendly and gentle giant dogs, now campaigned for pure breeding. In 1904 four dogs were awarded prizes, and that meant the breakthrough. Suddenly the dogs found attention beyond the region.

Consistent training for the gentle giant

In 1913 he was renamed the Bernese Mountain Dog and, through good breeding, could be developed into a uniform dog. He is beautiful, fluffy, brave and straightforward. Living together with him is very pleasant if you observe a few rules. The Bernese is by nature independent, needs close contact with his family and, from an early age, an upbringing so that he attaches himself to his person. He should live in the house and not, say, stay alone in the garden. There he could become uncontrollable, which with his strength is not without danger. He must be controlled with the voice, which is why practising commands is very important.

An extremely sensitive heart

However, the handsome fellow is sometimes a little sluggish. When he does not want to, there is often little to be done. As a puppy he is so cute that one tends to let him have his way. But a stubborn puppy later becomes a stubborn giant, which should be avoided. The caregiver then has to try to motivate him, for instance with reward treats, praise or with the beloved ball. Sternness alone is not appropriate, for the handsome giant has a sensitive heart. In the worst case you lose his trust. But once you have won it, you have in the Bernese a friend for a whole lifetime. He will start of his own accord to guard everything and to protect his family, since that has been in his blood from time immemorial. He has a lot of humour and a pronounced play instinct. He loves his family so much that he can even refuse food when his people are not present for once.