Berner Sennenhund: Ursprung, Merkmale & Zucht - Alles, Was Du Wissen Musst!
Is it possible for a dog breed to embody both robust strength and gentle companionship? The Berner Sennenhund, originating from the Swiss canton of Bern, perfectly encapsulates this duality, captivating hearts worldwide with its striking appearance and affable nature.
The story of the Berner Sennenhund, or Bernese Mountain Dog as it's also known, begins in the early 20th century. The breed's ancestors, believed to be Molossers and Mastiffs, were initially utilized as working dogs on Swiss farms. These dogs pulled carts, herded livestock, and served as watchdogs, proving their versatility and reliability. The very name of the breed hints at its roots, with "Berner" indicating its geographical origin around Bern, Switzerland, a region that provided the foundation for this beloved breed. The first recorded appearance of dogs that would become the Berner Sennenhund occurred in 1902, at a dog show in the Bernese countryside, where they were initially identified as "Drrbachler."
| Breed Name: | Berner Sennenhund (Bernese Mountain Dog) |
| Also Known As: | Berner, Swiss Mountain Dog, Drrbachler (early name) |
| Origin: | Switzerland (Canton of Bern) |
| Group: | Working Group (AKC) |
| Size: | Large |
| Height: | Males: 25-27.5 inches (64-70 cm), Females: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm) |
| Weight: | Males: 70-115 pounds (32-52 kg), Females: 70-95 pounds (32-43 kg) |
| Coat: | Long, thick, and slightly wavy |
| Color: | Tri-color (black, white, and rust) |
| Temperament: | Friendly, gentle, loyal, intelligent, and good-natured |
| Life Expectancy: | 7-10 years |
| Common Health Concerns: | Hip and elbow dysplasia, certain cancers (histiocytic sarcoma), bloat, and other genetic predispositions. |
| Reference: | American Kennel Club (AKC) - Bernese Mountain Dog |
Consider Bruno, a charming mix of Berner Sennenhund and Great Swiss Mountain Dog, who at 22 months old, embodies the breed's hallmark friendliness. Bruno's amiable nature extends to all, showcasing the breed's inherent sociability. Adding to Bruno's unique charm is his heterochromia, or two different colored eyes, a captivating feature that sets him apart. But the true essence of the Berner Sennenhund goes beyond aesthetics. The breed is celebrated for its role as a devoted family companion. Their history as working dogs has instilled a strong work ethic but also a deep-seated loyalty and a desire to please, making them excellent companions for families. However, potential owners should remember the breed's origins, as this is a robust breed that requires attention.
The importance of preserving the breed's integrity was recognized early on. The Schweizerischer Klub fr Berner Sennenhunde (KBS), founded in Burgdorf in 1907, played a pivotal role in defining, promoting, and safeguarding the breed's characteristics. The club's efforts have been crucial in shaping the Berner Sennenhund we know today. It is worth noting that not every dog resembling a Berner Sennenhund is officially recognized as such. The breed's distinctive long coat, unless purposefully trimmed, remains a defining feature. The breed standards set by organizations like the KBS and the FCI (Fdration Cynologique Internationale) ensure that only dogs meeting specific criteria are classified as purebred Berners.
It is vital to differentiate the Berner Sennenhund from closely related breeds. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller Sennenhund, and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog all share common ancestry, but each has distinct characteristics. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, for example, typically has a slightly longer lifespan than the Berner, with an average of over 10 years. Health considerations are a key focus within the breed. Careful breeding, prioritizing genetic predispositions, is paramount. The KBS actively works to promote the health and longevity of Berners. Through tools like breed value assessment, gentests, and a commitment to responsible breeding practices, efforts are constantly being made to minimize health issues, such as degenerative myelopathy and histiocytic sarcoma.
The evolution of the Berner Sennenhund is a testament to the breed's adaptability. Initially known as "Drrbachler," named after the local village, the name was later changed to "Berner Sennenhund," reflecting its regional heritage. "Bern," which is a canton in Switzerland, serves as the breed's historical breeding grounds, and the farms of the Canton of Bern provided an ideal environment for their development. These dogs thrived in the region, becoming an integral part of rural life. This tri-colored dog with a large heart is now embraced worldwide as a companion animal. The versatility of the Berner, its loyalty, and its gentle nature, combined with its history as a working dog, make it well-suited to a variety of roles, from family pet to therapy dog.
For those seeking a Berner Sennenhund, it is advisable to find reputable breeders. A map showing the locations of breeders can be a valuable resource. By clicking on the provided symbol, you can access additional information about each breeder. The positions generally represent the postal codes and do not pinpoint the exact location. Responsible breeders adhere to strict standards, ensuring the health and well-being of their dogs. For the purposes of pure breeding, organizations such as the IG Berner Sennenhunde support responsible breeding practices, emphasizing lineage, health, and ethical care. The Berner Sennenhund is the most recognized and popular of the Sennenhund breeds.
The breed is ideal for families. The Berner Sennenhund is known for its gentle and friendly temperament and its openness to strangers. Recognized by the FCI as a Swiss dog breed, it fits within the Sennenhund type. The primary breeding goal has always been behavior consistent with the breed's function. The "Schweizerische Drrbachklub" was founded in November 1907 by breeders dedicated to the breed, setting breed standards. At a Burgdorf show in 1910, 107 dogs were presented, and the dogs were designated the "Berner Sennenhund" in recognition of other Swiss Sennenhund breeds.
Like humans, Berner Sennenhunde can be vulnerable to illness. While every instance does not necessitate immediate concern, sometimes, rapid intervention is necessary. Some health concerns that can affect the breed are identified and often managed. The ancestors of the Berner Sennenhund, in the late 19th century, were the foundation for this breed. The IG Berner Sennenhunde promotes pure breeding with pedigrees, health, and humane breeding of Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Swissydogs are a mix of four Sennenhund breeds, created through pairings of the Berner and Greater Swiss, Entlebucher and Appenzeller. These careful pairings, coupled with the dedication of breeders and breed organizations, have played a key role in preserving and enhancing the breed's qualities.
