THE BMD
According to the AKC, The Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking tri-colored large dog. He is sturdy and balanced. He is intelligent, strong and agile enough to do the draft and droving work for which he was used in the mountainous regions of his origin. Dogs appear masculine, while bitches are distinctly feminine
It is important to learn about the Bernese Mountain Dog from someone who lives with them and spends time continually learning about how to better them. I enjoy the privilege of having three Berners enrich my life. From the moment my first Berner, Jack came home I knew I would become devoted to doing my part to preserve and improve the breed. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a special breed. The devotion to and desire to be with ones people is heartwarming. They will let you know how much they need you with a gentle nose bump or a wagging tail with the power to clear a coffee table of all contents. Berners are gentle dogs that enjoy the companionship of other dogs, animals and children. They have animated goofy personalities and tend to make great therapy dogs. A Berners favorite place to be is at his owners side and while not a barker will guard his property and warn of an unwanted visitor.
While no breed is without its faults, I must cover what some may consider the undesirables. Berners shed large amounts of black fur and need regular brushing to keep their coats tidy. They are large dogs with powerful tails. They are not a breed for the meticulous home with costly collectibles decorating tables and ledges. The Berner also has a short lifespan, although great efforts by responsible breeders are causing many to live well outside of the average. On average the breed lives for 8 years. Cancer continues to be an issue plaguing these wonderful animals. Much research and fundraising is taking place to better the health of the Berner. We encourage you to take a look at Berner Garde and if you own a Berner make sure they are entered and regularly updated.
I am in full agreement with the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America on their position with Bernedoodles/Bernadoodles and any other mix of another breed with a Bernese Mountain Dog
The statement below was taken from www.bmdca.org
Cross Breeding of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America is dedicated to the health and welfare of the Bernese Mountain Dog breed while preserving our original breed’s function – that of a "working dog" and work to move our breed forward. A purebred Bernese offers to prospective owners the likelihood that he will be a specific size, shape, color and temperament. The predictability of our breed comes from the selection of traits that are desirable and away from traits that are undesirable. Reputable Bernese breeders work for the betterment and preservation of the breed. They know the history of many generations of the dogs that are part of their breeding program which is documented in Berner-Garde; an open database for prospective owners. They have spent years of research and thousands of dollars refining the lines of breeding stock to bring out the best qualities of the Bernese, and to improve the health of the Bernese, while minimizing the less desirable qualities.
The genetic makeup of a Bernese with a non-Bernese is a combination of genes from both parents. Crossbreeding does not guarantee the “best” of both breeds; genetics just don’t work that way. You cannot predict which traits, characteristics and health issues will be passed to the next generation due to undocumented history of the generations and little or no health testing. The dog that results from crossbreeding may be any size, color, coat texture and temperament. You may spend a lot of money for this dog and come away with a dog that has no predictability in health or temperament. The breeding could result in a combination of the worst of the two breeds.
Preservation Bernese Mountain Dog or Poodle breeders will not allow their dogs to be crossbred. Therefore, the dogs generally used to breed doodles are of unknown quality or heritage. A Bernese Mountain Dog should be sturdy and balanced. He should be strong, intelligent and agile. A Bernese Mountain Dog should be able to work all day, as per the breed standard. A reputable breeder will work to put titles on their breeding stock in conformation or working events. Those titles indicate that their dogs have met the breed standard and excelled in the conformation ring or at working events. Reputable breeders do BMDCA-recommended health and genetic testing prior to any breeding to make the optimal match and produce the best qualities of a Bernese Mountain Dog. The crossbred dogs can be prone to the genetic diseases of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog has to offer.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America is opposed to the deliberate crossing of Bernese Mountain Dogs with any other breed.
Approved:
BMDCA Board of Directors, April 2020