There are four ancient Swiss Sennenhunds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of them. The three others are the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller, and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. They were bred by the Romans to excel in various jobs, including such roles as farm workers, draft dogs, and guardians. They originated in the Swiss Alps, more specifically, the Canton of Berne.
One of the most distinguishing characteristics of Bernese Mountain Dog breed is the tri-coloured coat. The colours are typically black, white, and a tan or rust colour. The patterns are distinct and are unique to the breed. The coat itself is a single layer. It is thick and has a high glossy sheen to it. The hair can either be straight and flat or have a little wave in it.
The body is very sturdy and heavy. It is large and has a commanding presence. Their heavy boned form is another characteristic of the breed. They require little to no grooming maintenance except for bathing and occasional brushing.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a faithful breed. They usually do not display extremes in attitude, such as being overly shy or aggressive. They are very calm, but they can be alert when needed. This breed tends to be friendly with people and other dogs.
Their endurance and agility are wonderful assets. They want to stay close to their owners when out in the wild without a leash. A lot of other breeds will run, but this dog typically does not.