The Bernese Mountain Dog descends from dogs in the Alps which accompanied Roman soldiers on their journeys through the mountains. Its ancestors were most likely large mastiff-type dogs, but dogs left as guardians at Roman outposts were also crossed with local herding dogs, resulting in the dog that we know today. The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four breeds known as the Swiss Sennenhunde (the other three are the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller, and the Entlebucher). The Bernese Mountain Dog was agile and strong which enabled it to navigate treacherous mountain passes and to cart the wares of merchants to the market.

Appearance
Above medium sized, strong, sturdy working dog, active, alert, well boned, of striking color.

Character
The Bernese Mountain Dog is affectionate, faithful, stable and intelligent but don't forget emotional, Bernese Mountain Dogs make wonderful family pets. The majority of Bernese Mountain Dogs are very friendly to people, and other dogs. They often get along well with other pets such as cats, horses, etc. The Bernese Mountain Dogs are very trainable provided the owner is patient and consistent in training. Bernese Mountain Dogs need time to think things through. They do not respond well to harsh treatment, but are very willing to please and work well for praise and treats.
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s life span is described by a Swiss expression: "Three years a young dog, three years a good dog and three years an old dog. All else is a gift from God."
 

Temperament
The Bernese Mountain Dog is very social and extremely loyal to its family. It usually attaches itself to one member in particular. The Bernese Mountain Dog is eager to please and easy to train. He is intelligent and loving and makes an excellent family dog. These dogs may be slow to mature and remain puppy like for a while. The Bernese Mountain Dog is stable in temperament, and is patient and loving.

Exercise/Training
The Bernese Mountain Dog enjoys the outdoors, especially in cold weather. It needs daily but moderate exercise, either a good hike or a walk on leash. It enjoys pulling. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Bernese Mountain Dog will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The Bernese Mountain Dog is instantly recognized by its distinctive tri-color pattern: body, neck, legs, head and ears are solid black; cheeks, stockings and thumbprints (or ghost eyes) are rust or tan; toes, chest, muzzle, tail tip and blaze between the eyes white. The pattern is rigid and varies only slightly in the amount of white. A perfectly-marked Bernese Mountain Dog gives the impression of a white “Swiss cross” on the chest, when viewed from the front in sitting position. The eyes of the Bernese Mountain Dog are an expressive dark brown and are almond shaped.

Grooming
The coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog needs brushing one or two times weekly, much more often when shedding. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Bernese Mountain Dog should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.