"Performance is the ultimate test of structure"

Thank you for your visiting our website. We think the following may be of interest to you. Please remember this breed is not for everyone. If you are considering owning a Bernese, you should research the breed thoroughly and should look for a responsible breeder who has been involved with the breed for some time and who has built up a knowledge of Bernese though living with and owning them. The breed is not without it problems and a responsible breeder should offer support and advice to owners old and new at all times.

Please think long and hard before owning any breed of dog. Bernese

Mountain Dogs or Berner Sennenhund as they are known in Switzerland,

are a native breed of that country. During the latter part of the nineteenth

century the main centre for breeding was in the Bernese Oberland, a

mountainous area. ( Today due to the widespread nature of the breed it can be found in all areas of Switzerland and the European continent,

as well as Scandinavia, Great Britain, Canada, the USA, South America,

Australia and New Zealand.) In Switzerland the breed is still used as an all

purpose farm dog and occasionally as a draught dog to pull the small milk

carts and weavers carts. Carting as a hobby is undertaken in other countries

including Britain. In the middle of the nineteenth century, the breed was

quite scarce, Thanks largely to the efforts of Professor Heim (the father

of the breed), the breed as we know it has survived.

He came upon some fine specimens in the Durrbach area and started the breeding programme with them. He was an intelligent man who, in the early days of the breed, warned against any exaggeration. Every child’s idea of a perfect dog was what he set out to create. Some Bernese came into Britain in 1936. Some breeding did occur but the out- break of World War Two caused the breed to die out at that time and they were not re introduced to these shores until 1969 when two bitches and one male were imported from Switzerland. From those early beginnings the breed has grown in this country to the point where about 800+ Bernese are registered annually with the Kennel Club.

'Helen and Nellsbern Casablanca'

Bernese are now rapidly becoming very popular with the general public and are sought as companion animals. The very attractive tricolour markings of black, white and rich tan make the Bernese Mountain Dog one of the most strikingly handsome of dogs. Contrary to popular opinion, they are not a giant breed, although they are above average in size and weight. The standard calls for dogs of above middle size, so one must visualise a dog somewhat heavier and larger than a Golden Retriever.

 They can be very lively, energetic and full of fun but they can be inclined to be stubborn and wilful. They should be calm and steady in temperament and willing to please. At their very best they are relatively easy to train, have excellent memories and are very attached to their owners and families, making ideal family companions and excellent watchdogs without the guarding trait. They love being outdoors but do not make good kennel dogs since they are at their best when exposed to large amounts of human companionship. They need a moderate amount of exercise, but are also happy pottering in and out all day, provided there is plenty of contact with the owner. As a large dog, the appearance is quite breathtaking and they should be quiet and calm with no unnecessary hysterical barking and hyperactivity. They will always warn you of approaching strangers to your property, yet allow them in with a welcoming wag of the tail, once you have given your consent.

Bernese should not be naturally aggressive towards other dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and other livestock. However the character will depend

in part upon how the owner socialises his/her dog.Bernese are slow to mature and need limited exercise during the first twelve months. Some

are quite greedy with food and should never be allowed to become overweight and fat. In training they will respond well to rewards of an edible nature. They should be fed a high quality diet and during the growing stage they require plenty of rest. They are a complicated and specialist breed needing plenty of attention and companionship. They can have orthopaedic problems during their life, as well as problems with skin and ears. They are long coated and thus need regular grooming and this should be established early in life to prevent coat problems later. The breed is prone to cancer and although individuals can life to ripe old age the average length of life is around 7 years.

Here at Nellsbern we are always looking to the future with our thoughts never far away from the past. We have been involved with the breed since 1985 and we aim to breed Bernese that not only conform as closely as possible to the breed standard, but also possess the correct mental and physical attributes that enables them to mix well with humans and other animals. This involves them having the social nature which allows them to function well as ideal companions. It is also hoped that they are able not only to pull a cart if necessary, but to have the freedom of movement that allows them to perform well in the show ring as well as other disciplines. Truly a genuinely multi-purpose dog. We breed first and foremost for ourselves, so all our dogs are important and our litters are carefully thought out and planned. We occasionally have quality puppies available to sensible owners who can offer permanent, safe homes. We would be happy to discuss our breeding programme with those interested in obtaining a puppy. We are consistently trying to improve health, longevity and breed type whilst still maintaining correct temperament. Our dogs are shown occasionally but daily are our constant companions and friends and live with us in harmony with plenty of fresh air and free running. We are both experienced Championship judges and have judged both in this country and abroad many times. Dr Willis is the author of the Bernese Mountain Dog Today, published by Ringpress in l998.