Introduction
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large working breed originally from the Swiss Alps. They were used historically as farm dogs and draft animals, pulling carts and herding cattle. The first written records of the breed date back to the 17th century in the region around Bern, Switzerland, which gives the breed its name.1 Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a gentle temperament and were prized as loyal farm companions. Today they are popular family companions and show dogs known for their tricolor coat and calm disposition.
Origins of the Breed Name
The name “Bernese” refers to the breed’s origins in the Swiss canton of Bern. The Bernese Mountain Dog descends from the molosser-type farm dogs in the Bern region that accompanied dairymen and herders as they brought their cattle to high Alpine pastures every summer. These versatile working dogs became known as “Dürrbächler” dogs, named after a small town north of Bern called Dürrbach where they were especially common.
The full name “Bernese Mountain Dog” highlights the breed’s mountainous homeland and role as an all-around farm dog that could drive cattle, pull carts, stand guard, and be a friendly family companion. But the shorthand “Bernese” stuck as the most common way to refer to the breed. Occasionally some controversy emerges around promoting the full “Bernese Mountain Dog” name to emphasize the breed’s working heritage, but most breed enthusiasts are comfortable simply calling them Bernese.
As the American Kennel Club notes, “To their fanciers, ‘Bernese’ is all you need to say.” Regardless of whether the full name or shorthand name is used, it’s clear the rugged Swiss mountains are an integral part of this breed’s identity and history.
Breed Standards
Breed standards provide a detailed description of the ideal characteristics, appearance, temperament and abilities of a breed. They are created by kennel clubs and parent breed organizations to maintain consistency and guide breeding practices.
For the Bernese Mountain Dog, the most influential breed standards come from major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC), The Kennel Club in the UK, and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). While some details vary, they consistently describe the Bernese as a sturdy, balanced working dog with a friendly, placid temperament.
Key characteristics emphasized across standards include a balanced, muscular body; a broad, flat skull; dark brown eyes; triangular ears; a bushy tail; and a thick, silky tri-colored coat of black, white, and rust. Standards also call for confidence, good-naturedness, alertness, loyalty and intelligence.
Adherence to breed standards helps Bernese breeders achieve dogs with the iconic look, health, structure, and personality that defines the breed. However, humane practices and the dog’s well-being should be prioritized over cosmetic details.
Overall, breed standards provide valuable guidelines but the most important qualities of a good Bernese are its health, temperament and ability to be a loving family companion.
Common Nicknames
The Bernese Mountain Dog goes by several affectionate nicknames, the most popular being “Berner.” This shortened form of the breed name is commonly used by Bernese owners and enthusiasts. Other popular nicknames include:
- Berner Sennenhund
- Bernese Cattle Dog
- Berna
- Berner Chow-Chow
These nicknames reflect the breed’s Swiss heritage, history as a farm dog, and their sweet, teddy bear-like appearance. “Berner Sennenhund” combines the short form “Berner” with the German word for a herding dog, while “Berna” is simply a further shortening. “Berner Chow-Chow” references their resemblance to Chow Chows in their furry coat and broad head.
Whatever you call them, Bernese Mountain Dogs are loving gentle giants with charming nicknames to match their delightful nature.
Controversy Over the Breed Name
There is some debate among breed enthusiasts and experts over whether ‘Bernese Mountain Dog’ or simply ‘Bernese’ is more correct when referring to this breed. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the official name for the breed is Bernese Mountain Dog [1]. However, many owners and fans of the breed commonly refer to them as just ‘Berneses’.
Some argue that leaving out ‘Mountain Dog’ is inaccurate or improper, since it fails to fully convey that this breed was developed as a working dog for farms in the Swiss Alps [2]. The mountain dog background is an important part of their history and character. On the other hand, advocates of simply calling them ‘Bernese’ point out that the one-word name has become widely accepted and recognized. They consider it an affectionate shorthand nickname rather than improper.
Overall there are reasonable cases for both terms. But the controversy seems relatively minor, and using either name is unlikely to cause much confusion or misunderstanding in most contexts. Both ‘Bernese Mountain Dog’ and ‘Bernese’ are commonly used and well-established ways of referring to this popular breed.
Bernese in Popular Culture
Interestingly, while the official name for this dog breed is “Bernese Mountain Dog”, references in popular culture and media tend to use simply “Bernese” without the full breed name. This shortened version seems to have become the more common nickname for the dogs.
For example, the Bernese is featured in several films and TV shows including Equilibrium, The Santa Suit, and Puppy Dog Pals. They often portray the loyal, friendly nature of the breed. In the movie Because of Winn-Dixie, the character Gloria has a Bernese named Winn-Dixie that she adopts. Books like Hotel For Dogs also include Bernese characters.
The breed has also made appearances in video games like Nintendogs, where it was featured with its nickname “Bernese”. Even advertisements and commercials tend to opt for “Bernese” in the branding when featuring the dogs, such as a Pedigree dog food commercial focused on a Bernese puppy.
So while “Bernese Mountain Dog” is the official full name, shortening it to just “Bernese” seems to have become commonplace when referencing the breed in pop culture and media over the years.
Registering a Bernese
To register a dog as a Bernese Mountain Dog with major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or The Kennel Club in the UK, there is a straightforward process to follow:
First, you must have a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog with a documented pedigree going back at least three generations. The AKC requires DNA testing to verify parentage as part of the registration process (AKC – Bernese Mountain Dog).
Next, you will complete a registration application with the kennel club and submit it along with the dog’s pedigree information and DNA test results. There is a fee to process the registration, around $35 for the AKC.
Once the application is approved, you will receive a registration certificate for the dog confirming it is officially registered as a Bernese Mountain Dog. This allows you to enter AKC dog shows and competitions reserved for purebreds.
Registration also allows you to get pedigree records through kennel club databases, which is important for breeding purposes to avoid inbreeding. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America maintains its own pedigree database as well (Berner-Garde Database Policies).
Common Health Issues
Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Some of the most common health issues seen in Bernese Mountain Dogs include:
Hip Dysplasia – This is an inherited condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly, leading to arthritis and lameness. According to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America’s health survey, 45% of Bernese had hip dysplasia.
Elbow Dysplasia – Similar to hip dysplasia, this is when the elbow joint doesn’t form correctly. It can lead to osteoarthritis. Around 25% of Bernese have elbow dysplasia based on the health survey.
Cancer – Bernese have a high incidence of cancer, especially histiocytic sarcoma. According to the health survey, 39% of Bernese die from cancer.
Bloat – Also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, this is when the stomach twists and fills with gas. It’s a life-threatening emergency. Around 16% of Bernese deaths are caused by bloat per the survey.
Other health issues like heart disease, eye problems, allergies, and hypothyroidism can also be seen in the breed. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for health issues to reduce their prevalence.
Grooming and Care
Grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog properly is important for maintaining their health and hygiene. Their thick, tri-colored coat needs regular brushing and bathing.
Experts recommend brushing a Bernese at least 2-3 times per week to prevent mats and tangles from forming in their fur. Using a slicker brush and undercoat rake can help remove loose hair and reach the undercoat. Be gentle around sensitive areas like the ears, legs, and belly.
Bathing a Bernese every 4-6 weeks is ideal, using a mild dog shampoo. Take care not to over-bathe, as this can dry out their skin and coat. Thoroughly rinse out all shampoo and gently towel dry their coat.
Regular nail trimming is advised, clipping just the tips of nails when they get too long to prevent cracking or discomfort. Ears should be checked and cleaned weekly with a vet-approved cleanser to avoid buildup and infection. Teeth brushing 2-3 times per week is also recommended.
In summer, a Bernese can get a puppy cut to prevent overheating. Never shave their coat down completely, as their double coat helps insulate them year-round. Provide ample shade and water in warm weather.
With proper weekly grooming and occasional baths, a Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat will remain healthy, clean, and shiny.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Bernese Mountain Dog breed goes by several common nicknames like “Berner” and “Berns”, officially the breed name remains the Bernese Mountain Dog. The rules of breed registries like the AKC clearly use Bernese Mountain Dog as the proper full name, even if many owners shorten it for convenience.
While some prefer the abbreviated “Bernese”, using the full Bernese Mountain Dog name helps distinguish the breed and avoid confusion with similar breeds. The name also honors the dog’s Swiss origins in the Bern region. With a full understanding of the breed’s background and rules around registration, owners can make an informed choice on what to call their dog.
At the end of the day, Bernese Mountain Dog owners love the breed for their calm, loyal temperament. The specifics of the breed name are secondary to appreciating these gentle giants for the wonderful companions they are.