The Bernese Illustrated Mountain Dog Breed Standard
The Illustrated Guide to the Bernese Mountain Dog
This publication was developed by experienced breeders, judges and mentors of the Bernese Mountain Dog. It was approved by the Officers and Board of Directors of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America on April 10, 2019. This guide is to be a resource for students of the breed whose experience may vary from a long-time specialist to the novice. It will prove useful to judges, potential judges, breeders, exhibitors, owners and others who have an interest in learning about the correct attributes of the Bernese Mountain Dog. The reader will find illustrations, pictures and discussions of the various aspects and sections of the Official Standard pertaining to both the virtues and faults found in the breed. This guide does not constitute any changes in the existing Official Standard approved by the BMDCA in 1990. The BMDCA extends thanks to the committee members who contributed many long hours, and the benefit of their knowledge in the preparation of this booklet. ILLUSTRATED GUIDE COMMITTEE OF THE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF AMERICA Frandel Brown, Chairman Gail Vogel Lori Jodar Nancy Stewart Jeanne Flora Williamson, Illustrator
A Special thanks to Ann Milligan for her contributions to the illustrations. COMMENTARY The AKC Official Standard of the Bernese Mountain Dog is written in blue. The disqualifications are in red. The commentary is written in this font. Following each section of the standard is a discussion of the written standard and provides additional information for the reader. Graphics placed in each section illustrate the element of the standard that is under discussion. Photos are used to convey the beauty of the breed in color and to show various characteristics. Thanks to the following for their photo contributions: Sandy Dunaway, Christine Mann, Bjรถrn Magnussen, Maddelena Mancini, Eve Menegoz, Lisa Kaufman, Larina Evgeniya, Chris Stefanac, Dalmi Sirabo, Gail Vogel, Diane Welch, Lucie Prudilova, Lisa Nilsson, Barbara Packard. Copyright 2019 by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America. BMDCA Standard revised and approved by the American Kennel Club, 1990. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in whole or in part, in any form without the written permission of the Corresponding Secretary of the BMDCA
1
The History of the Bernese Mountain Dog The Bernese is one of the four breeds of Sennenhunde working dogs, having their origins in farming areas of Switzerland. All of the Sennenhunde (the other three are Appenzeller, the Entlebucher, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog) are tricolored dogs sharing similar markings, but only the Bernese is characterized by a long coat. The Swiss name “Berner Sennenhunde” is what English speakers call Bernese Mountain Dog. The name has three distinct parts: “Berner” refers to the
2
Canton of Bern in west-central Switzerland, both alpine and farmlands, where most of this breed were concentrated during the last part of the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries. Swiss dog fanciers first became attracted to these native dogs. A “Senn” or “Senner” is the cowherd who accompanies the cattle herds to the alps in the summer, and “hund” is the dog
accompanying the master and herds. The old records show that Bernese were developed as general-purpose farm dogs. Their work involved driving cattle, for which a large, calmnatured dog was required. They pulled carts laden with dairy product and other items to market, the work requiring a sturdy constitution and the self-confidence to be independent. They were watchdogs around the farms and with the herds, alert and instinctively aware of the things happening around the farm.
They lived with their people, whether on the farm or in the alpine huts and were devoted to them. Bernese Mountain Dogs are hardy, not bothered by cold weather, rain or snow. On the other hand, their heavy coat means they do not do their best in hot weather. They are natural dogs, in the sense that they are not altered by docking, cropping or trimming. They are honest working dogs, not changed in ways more suitable to the show ring than to the farm. At the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries, when Swiss dog fanciers turned to the search for old native breeds, the great geologist and dog fancier Dr. Albert Heim was a leader in his admiration for the Berner. He was instrumental in preserving the Berner Sennenhund as a distinct breed. The Bernese Mountain Dog’s introduction to America began in 1936 with the import of two dogs from Switzerland, a male and female, brought here by Glen Shadow of Ruston, LA. On April 13, 1937, Mr. Shadow received a letter from the American Kennel Club declaring official recognition of the Bernese as a new breed to the Working Class. From just a few early dogs, the breed’s numbers have climbed steadily. Their population has spread from the dog’s original home in Switzerland to many nations - their capabilities and adaptation, a study in utility. Seeking a balance of beauty, function in form and solid character is a constant in breed management from early days to present. These dogs were and are now bred for purpose, to serve as companions and working dogs. We continue to cherish the breed’s distinctive qualities of utility and dependability. It is today’s breeder’s role to ensure the breed’s future place as solidly built, stable working companions – the beautiful and capable Bernese Mountain Dog.
3
THE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG BREED STANDARD General Appearance
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.
Size, Proportion, Substance
4
Measured at the withers, dogs are 25 to 27 1/2 inches, bitches are 23 to 26 inches. Though appearing square, Bernese Mountain Dogs are slightly longer in body than they are tall. Sturdy bone is of great importance. The body is full.
Head
Expression is intelligent, animated and gentle. The eyes are dark brown and slightly oval in shape with close-fitting eyelids. Inverted or everted eyelids are serious faults. Blue eye color is a disqualification. The ears are medium sized, set high, triangular in shape, gently rounded at the tip, and hang close to the head when in repose. When the Bernese Mountain Dog is alert, the ears are brought forward and raised at the base; the top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. The skull is flat on top and broad, with a slight furrow and a well-defined, but not exaggerated stop. The muzzle is strong and straight. The nose is always black. The lips are clean and, as the Bernese Mountain Dog is a dry-mouthed breed, the flews are only slightly developed. The teeth meet in
a scissors bite. An overshot or undershot bite is a serious fault. Dentition is complete.
Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is strong, muscular and of medium length. The topline is level from the withers to the croup. The chest is deep and capacious with well-sprung but not barrel shaped ribs and brisket reaching at least to the elbows. The back is broad and firm. The loin is strong. The croup is broad and smoothly rounded to the tail insertion. The tail is bushy. It should be carried low when in repose. An upward swirl is permissible when the dog is alert but the tail may never curl or be carried over the back. The bones in the tail should feel straight and should reach to the hock joint or below. A kink in the tail is a fault.
Forequarters
The shoulders are moderately laid back, flat-lying, well muscled and never loose. The legs are straight and strong and the elbows are well under the shoulder when the dog is standing. The pasterns slope very slightly but are never weak. Dewclaws may be removed. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes.
Hindquarters
The thighs are broad, strong and muscular. The stifles are moderately bent and taper smoothly into the hocks. The hocks are well let down and straight as viewed from the rear. Dewclaws should be removed. Feet are compact and turned neither in nor out.
Coat
The coat is thick, moderately long and slightly wavy or straight. It has a bright natural sheen. Extremely curly or extremely dulllooking coats are undesirable. The Bernese Mountain Dog is shown in natural coat and undue trimming is to be discouraged.
Color and Markings
The Bernese Mountain Dog is tri-colored. The ground color is jet black. The markings are rich rust and clear white. Symmetry of markings is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the comer of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white. White on the feet is desired but must not extend higher than the pasterns. Markings other than described are to be faulted in direct relationship to the extent of the deviation. White legs or a white collar are serious faults. Any ground color other than black is a disqualification.
Gait
The natural working gait of the Bernese Mountain Dog is a slow trot. However in keeping with his use in draft and droving work, he is capable of speed and agility. There is good reach in front. Powerful drive from the rear is transmitted through a level back. There is no wasted action. Front and rear legs on each side follow through in the same plane. At increased speed, legs tend to converge toward the center line.
Temperament
The temperament is self-confident, alert and good natured, never sharp or shy. The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand steady, though may remain aloof to the attentions of strangers.
Disqualifications
Blue eye color. Any ground color other than black.
5
GENERAL APPEARANCE 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. The first three sentences of the Standard describing overall appearance, applying to both males and females, must be kept in mind throughout. The striking appearance results from a combination of size and carriage, solid structure, self-confident nature, a healthy coat and distinctive markings. Dogs appear masculine, while bitches are distinctly feminine.
6
The first glance should tell if the dog is male or female. Gender differences include, in the male, a larger size, heavier made body in bone and mass, broader head and heavier coat on the chest, neck and legs. The differences are not in size alone. Each gender is distinctive and neither should be refined.
7
Male
Female
SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE Measured at the withers, dogs are 25 to 27 ½ inches; bitches are 23 to 26 inches. A 25 inch dog is just as correct as a 27 1/2 inch dog, provided they embody the characteristics of the breed standard of balance, movement and appearance. The same holds true for a bitch whether she is 23 inches or 26 inches. Though appearing square, Bernese Mountain Dogs are slightly longer in body than they are tall.
8
The desirable proportions are measured from the point of chest to the back of buttocks. The height is measured from the withers to the ground. The measurements from the withers to the elbow, and the elbow to the ground are equal. Viewing the outline of the dog, he should appear square. Dogs too long in loin are not desirable. This weakens the back which in turn affects efficient movement for a draft/working dog. Dogs who appear too short in outline are most likely short in loin or straight in the front assembly, or both; this is also not desirable. Sturdy bone is of great importance. The body is full. Notice that this is the second mention in the Standard of the word “sturdy.” A Bernese Mountain Dog must be sturdy with a broad, strong frame. Depth of chest is important but the tuck up is not pronounced. Bone should be in balance with the dog. The sturdy animal is solid and muscular, not loose and fat. Always remember the purposes for which this working breed was developed, one of which is drafting. Draft dogs require substance in both body and bone.
9
HEAD Expression is intelligent, animated and gentle. While these features of expression mark a Bernese, differences in character affect their appearance. Some dogs are more outgoing than others, some are comics, others more serious, none should be shy. These attitudes show in their expression. The overall breed characteristics of self-confidence, intelligence, and even temperament will be noted in the expression. The eyes are dark brown and slightly oval in shape with close fitting eyelids. Inverted or everted eyelids are serious faults. Dark brown, slightly oval eyes augment the proper Berner expression. Light, yellow or round eyes detract from the expression and are undesirable. 10
The ears are medium sized, set high, triangular in shape, gently rounded at the tip, and hang close to the head when in repose. When the Bernese Mountain Dog is alert, the ears are brought forward and raised at the base; the top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. The ears are best evaluated when the dog is alert. The ears are raised and brought forward, and the top of the ear becomes level with the top of the skull. Long or low set ears result in an incorrect hound-like appearance of the head. The skull is flat on top and broad, with a slight furrow and a welldefined, but not exaggerated stop. The muzzle is strong and straight. The nose is always black. The skull is broad but not coarse. It is balanced with the top skull and is very slightly longer than the muzzle. The stop is clearly present but not pronounced. Viewed from above, the foreface (muzzle) tapers only slightly. The occiput is not defined and joins a developed back skull and merges smoothly into the top
of the neck. The true proportions of length and height must be sought with the hands, which will help to determine the parallel flat top of the skull and top of the foreface (muzzle). The skull should not be reminiscent of either Setter or Saint. The lips are clean and, as the Bernese Mountain Dog is a dry mouthed breed, the flews are only slightly developed. The flews should not have a droop at the side. Some dogs, who are inexperienced, may water at the mouth, but this should not be penalized. Black pigment is a desired breed detail. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. An overshot or undershot bite is a serious fault. Dentition is complete. The scissor bite is correct. An overshot or undershot bite is a serious fault. While not addressed in the standard, a level bite or wry mouth are deviations from the standard and should be judged accordingly to the extent of the deviation. Disqualification: Blue Eye Color.
Male
Female
Female
Male
11
NECK, TOPLINE, BODY The neck is strong, muscular and of medium length. The strong neck must be in balance with body size. Correct length of neck is closely related to correct, moderately angulated forequarters. Good length of neck contributes to the outline of the dog. Starting from the back skull, with a slight arch, the neck makes a smooth transition into the withers. The topline is level from the withers to the croup. The topline includes the withers, back, loin and croup. Efficiency in gait demands a strong back, well-muscled loin and a croup with a slight slope. There should be no roach, sag or a slope. A strong back transmits power from the hindquarters to the forequarters when a dog is pulling weight. 12
The chest is deep and capacious with well-sprung, but not barrelshaped ribs and brisket reaching at least to the elbows. The back is broad and firm. The loin is strong. The solid broad body and level back provide the muscle power to perform the work for which they were bred. Depth of brisket reaching at least to the elbows, combined with a well-developed fore-chest and adequate length of rib-cage produces a spacious thorax required for good lung capacity. The hands are essential to evaluate chest depth, leg length and the underline. There should not be an extreme tuck-up. The underline gradually rises to the loin. The croup is broad and smoothly rounded to the tail insertion. Neither flat nor sloping, the well-muscled croup matches the sturdy body. Tail insertion produces the proper set for a correctly carried tail. A flat croup may produce an incorrectly carried tail.
The tail is bushy. It should be carried low when in repose. An upward swirl is permissible when the dog is alert, but the tail may never curl or be carried over the back. The tail carriage contributes substantially to the total appearance. Though carried low in a relaxed dog, the tail may be carried high when the dog is moving, especially in males who are feeling excited. The tail must not be carried in the ring over the back. Correct tail carriage completes the balance of the dog. The bones of the tail should feel straight and should reach to the hock joint or below. A kink in the tail is a fault. These characteristics should be examined by running the hand down the entire tail. The tail vertebrae should smoothly decrease in size and be aligned. A kink can easily be felt, even at the tip of the tail.
Gay Tail
Correct Tail
13
Ideal/Correct
Short Body
Long Body
Roached Back
Sloping Topline
Soft Topline
FOREQUARTERS The shoulders are moderately laid back, flat-lying, well-muscled and never loose.
14
Correct forequarters is of vital importance as this determines the dog’s length of stride, general soundness in motion, ability to work and affects stamina. The correct moderate shoulder angulation can be detected with the hands as well as the eye when the dog is moving. An incorrect front that shows lack of reach may find its root in a steep shoulder and/or short upper arm. The shoulder and upper arm are to be of equal length, placed so that the elbow falls directly under the withers. This is difficult to achieve, however, it is the ideal. With this conformation the dog will show the correct amount of forechest in profile. A steep upper arm pushes the wither higher and therefore shortens the neck. When the front is set too far forward (shoulder blades too upright) or upper arm too short or straight, this will diminish the dog’s ability to move or work efficiently.
Short Upper Arm
Short Upper Arm
The legs are straight and strong and the elbows are well under the shoulder when the dog is standing. Straight, strong, well-boned legs provide an important part of the power for these draft dogs. Angulation, weight and correct development of forechest and sternum add together to produce a balanced front assembly. The length of leg is equal from elbow to ground to that of elbow to withers. Faults: Legs that are not straight, too short or too long. The pasterns slope very slightly, but are never weak. Dew claws may be removed. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes. The pasterns are strong but only slightly sloped providing flexibility to cushion impact when the foot hits the ground. The pasterns provide strength to the front legs, and should not turn in or out, never be vertical (seen with knuckling over) or too long (weak). Good feet are essential in a working dog. They should be thickly padded with strong nails.
Straight Shoulder
Straight Shoulder
Correct/ Ideal
Toeing In
Out at Elbows
Narrow Front
Toeing Out
Knuckled Over
Tied in at Elbows
Down In Pasterns
15
HINDQUARTERS The thighs are broad, strong and muscular . This statement speaks for itself in a fit draft/working dog. The upper thigh should be well-muscled if the dog is in good condition, the lower thigh (2nd thigh) well-developed on both the inner and outer thigh. The stifles are moderately bent and taper smoothly into the hocks.
16
The stifles are defined as moderate which means the stifles should not be over angulated or straight. An over angulated rear with a straight front is seen quite too often and is not correct for a working dog and especially a draft dog. In a correctly standing dog with moderate angulation, the back feet will be in line below the back of the pelvis. The hocks are well let down and straight as viewed from the rear. Strong hocks are an important part of a driving rear. There should be no sign of weakness, and the hocks should be inclined neither in (cow hocks) nor out (barrel hocked). Dew claws should be removed. Feet are compact and turn neither in nor out. Bernese Mountain Dogs have compact feet with arched toes and thick pads. Rear feet turn neither in nor out, but are straight to contribute to a powerful gait. Viewed from the rear, the rear legs
should appear strong, well-muscled, parallel to each other and wide enough to balance the width of the body. The hindquarters are in balance with the forequarters in that they should be correctly angulated. The upper thigh (1st thigh) and the lower thigh (2nd thigh) should be of equal length. The pelvis and upper thigh should be angulated the same as the forequarters. A slight slope of the croup is of importance as it influences the dog’s gait. A flat croup does not allow correct driving motion with feet close to the ground. A steep croup inhibits follow through when the dog is trotting. The tail comes off the horizontal (back) level or an upward carriage at about 2 o’clock when the dog is moving at a trot. A gay or curled tail is undesirable.
Correct Moderate Bend of Stifle
Over Angulated
Straight Stifle 17
Sickle Hocks
Rear Standing
Rear Standing
COAT
COLOR and MARKINGS
The coat is thick, moderately long and slightly wavy or straight. It has a bright natural sheen.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is tri-colored. The ground color is jet black. The markings are rich rust and clear white. Symmetry of markings is desired.
The thick double coat is weather resistant. It is long on the body, reaching its greatest length on the chest and tail. The hair is shorter on the face and muzzle, and front of the legs. The furnishings on the back of the legs are quite heavy on some dogs that tend to be heavy coated. There will be times of the year the Bernese Mountain Dog sheds the coat. The variety of coats seen might cause question. As long as the coat is as written in the standard, variations of length are common.
18
Extremely curly or extremely dull-looking coats are undesirable. Puppy coats sometimes curl but become wavy with maturity. The Bernese Mountain Dog is shown in a natural coat and undue trimming is to be discouraged. Do not be fooled by expert groomers who cover faults by grooming. The hands-on examination and watchful eye will determine over-grooming.
The black-white-rust colors should be clearly defined and distinctly separated. On the legs and cheeks there is always rust between white and black. A rich russet color is desirable rather than a pale tan. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the corner of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white. White on the feet is desired but must not extend higher than the pasterns. Markings other than described are to be faulted in direct relationship to the extent of the deviation. White legs or white collars are faults. Markings may provide some problems for those not accustomed to the detail described here, however, the entire dog is being evaluated and its role as a balanced working dog should be first in importance. Markings are a vital part of the “striking� appearance called for in this breed, but should not dominate the evaluation of the total dog. Disqualification: Any ground color other than black.
Same Head - Different Markings
19
Female
Male
Male
Female
Female
Male
GAIT The natural working gait of the Bernese Mountain Dog is a slow trot. However, in keeping with his use in draft and droving work, he is capable of speed and agility. There is good reach in front. Powerful drive from the rear is transmitted through a level back. There is no wasted action. Front and rear legs on each side follow through in the same plane. At increased speed, legs tend to converge toward the center line.
20
The most efficient gait is one in which there is good reach and drive. This is noted by the back foot landing where the front foot vacated on the same side. There should be no lift in front and the feet should move close to the ground. The trot should appear to be that of a dog with power yet agile enough to be a capable working dog. It is noted that with a wide, correctly made working draft dog, there is no roll. The gait is generated by the rear drive which is then transmitted through a firm back into the forequarters. There are key elements for the side gait to be correct: The head carriage is slightly forward, and the neck has a smooth transition into a level topline. There is a slight slope of the croup and the tail leaves level off the back. With these elements along with correct foot timing, the side gait should appear effortless. Balanced angulation front and rear is essential for correct and efficient movement. The stifles should not be over-angulated or straight.
The shoulder and upper arm should be equal to the upper thigh and second thigh. There are key elements for the down and back to be correct: The front legs absorb the impact of the land and should appear straight. The pasterns should not turn either in or out. Converging to the center line gives balance and saves energy; this will be seen at a faster trot. The slower the trot, the less convergence. The front legs should present a straight line (column of bones) from elbow to pad.
Correct Front Movement
Close Front Movement
Toeing in Movement
Out at Elbows
Correct Rear Movement
Toeing Out Movement
Narrow Rear Movement
Wide Rear Movement
21
TEMPERAMENT
DISQUALIFICATIONS
The temperament is self-confident, alert and good-natured, never sharp or shy. The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand steady, though may remain aloof to the attentions of strangers.
Blue Eye Color. Any ground color other than black.
The character of the Bernese Mountain Dog is steadfast, on most accounts will greet you with a wagging tail, however, on occasion you might encounter one who will stand and allow you to approach and be examined but be aloof to immediate friendliness.
22
JUDGING THE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG First Impression – striking, large, tri-colored dog of strong character and beauty. Appearing square, but slightly longer than tall, sturdy (well) boned. Before taking the center of the ring, one must have the ideal Bernese Mountain Dog in mind. The essence of the breed is balance, outline, character, coat, head and correct carriage. Keep in mind any dog can gait soundly or correct, but if he lacks the essence of the breed, he is not an ideal Bernese Mountain Dog. No single feature should overpower the impression of the whole dog. Note – a dog measuring 25 inches compared to a dog measuring 27 ½ inches can be quite different in size, however, both can be correct as they are within the Standard. The quality of the dog takes precedence in your evaluation. The same with bitches.
Approaching the Bernese Mountain Dog for Examination When approaching the dog or bitch, you should feel a sense of strong character. Shy or aggressive behavior is not tolerated. Puppies will greet you with enthusiasm and some with a look of concern. Work with the handler to make it a good experience for the puppy even though it will interrupt a routine examination. Examining the head will reveal important breed details. Markings are sometimes deceiving. Darker faces, less white and more brown will imply a stern expression. Expression is influenced by markings, however, the stop, ear size and placement, eye shape and eye color contribute to expression. A profile will allow you to compare the length and depth of muzzle, the skull and back skull. Dark pigment (lips and mouth) are also considered good breed detail. Take note of bite and dentition.
Continuing the examination will require a judge to determine depth and breadth of chest and formation of shoulders, upper arm, elbow, length of neck and transition into the withers and back. Pasterns have a slight slope. Confirm the front legs are well under the body and well behind the post sternum, an important element of a correct outline. A hands-on evaluation of the topline, includes slope of croup to set on of tail then continuing down the tail checking for kinks and length. The tail bone must reach to the hocks. Check body for depth, rib cage and strong loin. Be aware of slab sides and too narrow between the front legs. The Bernese Mountain Dog is not a narrowmade dog nor does he have an extreme tuck-up as a hound or setter. Underline is important and should be felt with the hands. Hindquarter evaluation is accomplished by examination of the well-developed thigh and upper thigh, stifle and hock. Hindquarters are strong and powerful and your judgement should not be fooled by artistry of grooming in hocks or stifles. Conditioning is apparent in well-developed thighs. The hands-on evaluation includes the coat. The coat is thick and moderately long or slightly wavy. The Bernese Mountain Dog is to be shown in a natural coat. Excessive grooming should be discouraged. We put much emphasis on handling and condition in the show ring in America. Even though we like to see dogs presented well and in good condition, grooming and handling skills do not change a mediocre dog. It is your responsibility to observe the virtues of the dog. Absence of white on the feet or tail does not take away from the quality of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Do not place undue emphasis on markings other than what is mentioned in the standard as a fault.
23
JUDGING MOVEMENT In judging the gait, the structure of the dog is the primary influence of gait. Carriage is an element that draws the eye when viewing the side gait and thus relates to structure and balance. One element of good carriage is a firm topline and lack of roll. A slow trot is preferred in a draft dog, however, when viewing at a faster trot, the dog converges to a center line of gravity and one can better assess reach and drive. Absence of good reach and drive is non-conforming to the breed and its purpose of a good working dog. A dog that moves rapidly around the ring is not necessarily the correct Bernese Mountain Dog. Do not hesitate to ask a handler to slow down. Take note of the tail carriage. 24
In judging the Bernese Mountain Dog as any other breed, remember no dog is perfect. The proper balance and breed details are essential and the dog must be considered as a whole rather than separate parts in the final evaluation. Lastly, the temperament is self-confident, alert and good-natured, never sharp or shy. A tail flattened against the belly area is a telltale sign of a dog lacking confidence. Dogs that stand steady, but aloof are not to be faulted.
RULES OF THE RING Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually very uncomfortable in direct sun. Judges are urged to avoid undue exposure whenever possible. Be kind to our dogs. Be kind to the exhibitors. The novice exhibitors must be encouraged. Become familiar with the BMDCA Standard. If you are uneasy with the breed, pursue opportunities to observe and discuss the breed for a better understanding. Most Bernese Mountain Dog mentors will gladly devote their time and share their knowledge.
In Memory of all Bernese Mountain Dogs who live on in our Hearts