Where the Bernese Come From
The Bernese Mountain Dog originally came from the Dürrbach district, South of Bern, in Switzerland. Contrary to popular belief, the breed was in evidence long before the invading Roman armies, and the latest studies show things were no way altered by Roman influence.
What the Bernese Were Used For
They were used on farms for herding cattle, pulling milk wagons and for guard and protection duties for the Alpine herders. At Bernese Mountain Dog shows today, people still show dogs using the carts, although it is normally for fun.
What "gelbbackler" Means
Since the breed didn't have an official title, Swiss people came up with different names for these dogs. Older people from Switzerland called them "four eyes" as they believed that the markings above their eyes were actually an extra set of eyes, enabling them to see ghosts, and Gelbbackler or "yellow cheeks" which refers to the markings around the muzzle.
For Those Thinking of Buying a Bernese
Although they may look cute and cuddly, a Bernese takes a lot of looking after. They leave hair everywhere and like to cuddle you after walking around in the mud or digging up your garden. They should be groomed quite often and shouldn't be left on there own for long periods of time. If there is nobody in your house for most of the day, then forget it. A Bernese needs and loves a lot of company and somebody to play with. If you can provide the latter and put up with the former, then you will have a devoted and loving companion for many years.
At The Show
Experts will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about this fabulous breed of dog. Also enjoy an arena walk around as their handlers show you just what the Bernese Working Dog is about. |
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