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International and World
Champion
Alex V Angstorf
Progenitor of our modern
Bernese breed type |
Today, there are four (4) distinctive breeds of Swiss Mountain Dogs.
From smallest size to largest, these are:
Entlebucher (15.5 to 19.5 inches, appx
55 to 66 lbs)
Appenzeller (19 to 22.5 inches, appx 61
to 77 lbs)
Bernese Mountain Dog (23 to 27.5 inches, appx
80 to 120 lbs)
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs (23.5 to 28.5
inches, appx 80 to 130 lbs)
The Bernese Mountain Dog breed began as various tri-colored farm dogs
in the rural area of Berne, Switzerland. Through a colorful history full
of dedicated people/breeders, like Franz Schertenleib, Gottfried
Mumenthaler and Professor Albert Heim, these tri-colored farm dogs were
developed into a standard breed we know today as the Bernese Mountain
Dog.
Interestingly, in 1947, there were a great many discussions about
bringing in an outcross because of issues like temperament problems
(excessive shyness, etc.), a general lacking in bone and substance and
other maladies. In 1948, perhaps in response to these discussions, there
was a total outcross breeding with a Newfoundland Dog named Pluto v
Erlengut. Most believe this breeding to have brought solid temperament,
bone, substance and other good things to the Berner breed. Alex v
Angstorf, a direct descent of that Newfie, is considered to be the
progenitor of our current standard Bernese breed type.
In order to create this breed, great detail was given to creation of
and adherence to a standard breed type. Unworthy stock was stringently
not allowed to breed. The European Show Rings helped conscientious
breeders prove the best breeding stock. Considerations of the original
duties upheld by the tri-colored Swiss farm dogs were also a
foundational part of choosing breeding stock.
Go here to view Current Breed Standard:
http://www.bmdca.org/pages/BMD_Standard.htm
Originally, Berners were working dogs. They were cheaper to buy and
maintain than horses. So many Swiss frugal dairy farmers, weavers, butchers and
other craftsmen used these dogs as draught dogs. Although Swiss dairy
farmers used Berners as cattle-drovers, they were mostly used as draught dogs
and, as a side benefit, watch dogs. These tri-colored farm dogs demonstrated the
power, stability, endurance and temperament to pull heavy carts through
the Swiss Alps down into local villages and also be a dairy farmers
close working partner on the farm. During the World Wars in Europe, most
vehicles were commandeered for the war effort. So in many European
communities, the drafting ability
of Berners was used to replace vehicles, as well as horses, during that
time.
Today, the duty of the majority of Berners in the United States is to
be a family companion.
Many people in the Berner Fancy today continue the tradition of
Berners pulling carts, a performance event called 'Drafting'. Today's
Fanciers also work with their Berners in other performance events, like
Obedience and Agility.
Over the years, many devoted Berner lovers have spent great effort,
time, money and heartache developing the wonderful Bernese Mountain Dog
breed we enjoy today.
This labor of love has been passed on to our generation. Its our turn
to protect and nurture the Bernese Mountain Dog breed, carrying the
torch given us by
the dedicated people who forged this noble dog breed.
If you bring a Bernese Mountain Dog into your home, we hope you'll do
your part to help protect and nurture this wonderful breed.
To learn more about
http://www.bmdca.org
http://www.bmdcc.ca
http://www.berner.org
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