The Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Standard Review

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Table of Contents
BernerSennenhund BreedIntroduction
History Dogclubs
PhotosofearlyBernese,1stBreedStandard
BernesecometotheUS
BMDCAestablished,updateAKCbreedstandard
CurrentAKCBreedStandard
Vocabulary&Anatomy
Temperament,Proportions outline profile
BerneseMtn.DogFronts/Forequarters
BerneseMtn.DogRears/Hindquarters
BerneseMtn.DogFeet,FrontandRearPasterns
BerneseMtn.DogSidegait partsworktogether
BerneseMtn.DogTails
BerneseMtn.DogHeads
BerneseMtn.DogCoats
Anoverviewdescription(keyfeatures)
Substance(sturdiness)
Disqualifications
Followupquestions youbethejudge
Websites,References,acknowledgements/credits
Roadahead

Page3

Bernese Mountain Dogs Then & Now

Thetimeframecoveredinthisbreedstandardpresentationisfromthelate1800stopresentday(2010).

The Drrbachhunde - Origins & Historical Purpose

Page4

Thepredecessorsoftoday'sBerneseMountainDogexistedinSwitzerlandlongbeforeBreedStandards,beforedogswerepurebred,andbefore
thetimeofdogclubs.
TheDrrbchlerdogslivedandworkedonfarmsinanareaknownastheBerneseMittelland(Midlands).TheBerneseMidlandsisnotthehigh
altitudemountainousAlps,butiscomprisedofrivervalleys,foothills,hillyforestedregionsaswellastheplainaroundthecapitalBern.
Duringthelate1800sandearly1900stheDrrbchlerdogswerekepttowatchovertheirowners farms&property,familymembersand
livestock.Observantanddiscerning,theDrrbchlerwerealert,faithfulcompanionsseldomknowntoroam.Thefarmdogsperformedavarietyof
farmtasksincludingkeepingwildanimalsorstrangerswithill intentincheck.Theywereappreciatedfortheiramiablemanner wheninteracting
withknownfriends,familyandchildren.The dogs were utilized as cattle drovers.
Photosfromthelate1800sandearly1900sinSwitzerlandshowchildrenaccompanyingdraughtdogsofmany differenttypes.TheDrrbchler
dogshadtrustworthytemperaments,andtheirbodybuildswerewellsuitedtopullingcarts.

Page5

Breed Development - Dog Clubs

Clubs Role
Dogclubsandorganizationsareresponsibleforcreatingbreedstandardswhichhaveinfluencedtheevolutionary
advancementofpurebreddogbreeds.
TheBerneseMountainDogcameunderthedirectionofthedogclubbreedersinitshomeland,Switzerlandduringthe
late1800's.TheSwissCyologicalSociety(SCS Swiss"KennelClub")beganin1883.
In1907,the"SchweizerischerDrrbachclub"wasestablishedinSwitzerland.

In1904SCSofficialsdecidedtorecognizethe
Drrbachhundeasabreed, anddogsofthis
typejudgedtohavemeritwereregisteredin
theSwissStudBook.

Descriptionsofthe4Sennenhund
breedswererecordedbyDr.Albert
Heimina1914publicationentitled,
DieSchweizerSennenhunde.
ThefirstBreedStandard(1907)
describedthedogsaswellbalanced,
activeandalert,andacombination
ofsagacity,fidelityandutility.Traits
ofthebreedincludingaspecific
color&markingsschemewere
outlined.
Purebreddogbreedsarechanging,
morphingentities,andahuman
constructinmoderntimesatthat.
Characteristicscanbebredinand
bredout.Breedstandardsdefine
idealcharacteristicsthatabreed
shouldpossess.Earlybreed
standardsanddogspavedtheroad
fortheBerneseMountain Dogswe
knowandappreciatetoday.

Page6

Breed Development the

1st

Standard

The1stBMDBreedStandard1907
Size:Dogs60 70cm,bitches55 65cm.(23.6 27.5,21.625.6)
Head:.Ovalwithslightstopandlengthymuzzle.flewsonlyslightly
developed,crownslightlyrounded,eyesbrownandfulloffire,earsshort
andtriangular,coveredwithcurlyhair.
Body:rathersturdythanlong,withawellarchedchestandastrong
ribcage.
Legs:straightandbony,withwelldeveloped,stringyhocks,pawsround
andcompact.
Tail:bushyandwavy,notcarriedovertheback.
Coat:thickandlong,overthebacksometimescurly.
Colour:glossyblackcoat,richreddishbrownmarkingsonlegsandcheeks
andcharacteristicreddishbrowndotsabovetheeyes.Frontpartof
muzzlemostlywhite,alsothefeet.Whitepatchonneck,whitestaron
chests,whitecollar,whiteblazeandwhitetipoftailnotacondition.
Facialexpression:friendlyandintelligent.
Asfaultsareconsidered:splitnose,harefeet,plumpandheavy head,long
andslendertrunk,Tailbentforwardovertheback,heavyhoundlikeears,
eyestoolight(likebirdofprey),undershotbite.

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More Bernese Mountain Dogs from History

AKC - BMDCA
Early - Bernese Mountain Dogs
BerneseMountainDogswereimportedtotheUS,throughoutthe
earlypartofthe1900s.Mr.GlenL.Shadowwasinstrumentalin
gainingAKCrecognitionofthebreed.AtranslationoftheSwiss
BreedStandardacceptedbytheKlubFrBernerSennenhund served
asthe1stAKCBreedStandard,approvedbytheAKConApril13,1937.

GlenL.Shadowsimport,
FridyV.Haslenbach
wasdescribedinasa
AHandsomeNewcomer
totheUnitedStates
ABerneseMountainDog
inaDecember1941
NationalGeographicarticle
WorkingDogsoftheWorld
byFreemanLloyd.

SHADOW'SMANFRIDAYOFAMERICA
wasbornin1938producedoutof
FridysiredbyQuellv.TiergartenFelix .
ThenumberofdogsregisteredwithAKCfrom1937throughtheearly
1960samountedtojustafewdozendogs.

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Page9

The 1st AKC Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Standard - Approved April 13, 1937
BerneseMountainDog
GeneralAppearanceAwellbalanceddog,activeandalert;acombinationofsagacity,fidelityandutility.
HeightDogs,23inchesto271/2inches;bitches,21inchesto26inches atshoulder.
HeadSkullflat,definedstopandstrongmuzzle.Dewlapsveryslightlydeveloped,flewsnottoopendulous,
jawstrongwithgoodstrongteeth.Eyesdark,hazelbrown,fulloffire.EarsVshaped,setonhigh,nottoo
pointedattipsandrathershort.Wheninrepose,hangingclosetothehead;whenalert,broughtslightly
forwardandraisedatthebase.
BodyRathershortthantoolonginback,compactandwellribbedup.Chestbroadwithgooddepthofbrisket.
Loinsstrongandmuscular.
LegsandFeetForelegsperfectlystraightandmuscular,thighswelldevelopedandstifleswellbent.Feetround
andcompact.Dewclawsshouldberemoved.
TailOffairthicknessandwellcoveredwithlonghair,butnottoformaflag;moderatelength.Wheninrepose
shouldbecarriedlow,upwardswirlpermissible;whenalert,may becarriedgaily,butmaynevercurlorbe
carriedovertheback.
CoatSoftandsilkywithbrightnaturalsheen;longandslightlywavy butmaynevercurl.
ColorandMarkingsJetblackwithrussetbrownordeeptanmarkingsonallfourlegs,a spotjustabove
forelegs,
eachsideofwhitechestmarkingsandspotsovertheeyes,which mayneverbemissing.
Thebrownontheforelegsmustalwaysbebetweentheblackandthewhite.
Preferable,butnotacondition,are Whitefeet,tipoftail,purewhiteblazeupforeface,
afewwhitehairsonbackofneck,andwhitestarshapedmarkingsonchest.
Whenthelattermarkingsaremissing,itisnotadisqualification.
FaultsToomassiveinhead,lightorstaringeyes,tooheavyorlongears,
toonarroworsnipymuzzle,undershotorovershotmouth,pendulousdewlaps,
toolongorsetterlikebody,splayorharefeet,tailcurledorcarriedoverback,cowhocksandwhitelegs.
Generalappearance___________15
Sizeandheight_______________5
Head_______________________15
Body_______________________15
Tail________________________10
Coat_______________________10
Legsandfeet________________15
Colorandmarkings___________15
ApprovedApril13,1937

Paintingsanddrawings
ofthetimedepictedthe
breedslook,environment
andpurpose.

Page10

US Post WW2

AfterWWIIthenumberofdogsintheUSAincreased.
AKCsAmericanKennelGazette,1953
` In1968theBerneseMountainDogClubofAmerica
(BMDCA)wasformed,with33membersandgrewtojust
over100membersin1971.In10yearsoftimeBMDCA
membershipreached350.
` In1973theAmericanKennelClubgrantedsanctioned
statustotheBMDCA.
` SeveralgenerationsofBMDCAStandardCommittees
engagedindiscussionabouttheneedtorevisetheexisting
AKCstandard.InNovember1977aproposedrevisiontothe
AKCbreedstandardwasdrawnupbySylviaHowisonand
EstherMueller,alongwithMaryAliceHorstick.The
proposedrevisionwassenttotheAmericanKennelClub.
Mr.MarkMooty,SecretaryoftheAKCofferedinputand
copiesoftheproposedstandardweremailedtotheBMDCA
BoardandmembershipbyJanuary1978.Atthatpoint
discussionsofrevisionstotheBreedStandardbeganin
earnestamongtheStandardCommitteeandclub
membership.
` In1980theAKCapprovedrevisionstothelongworked
andwellhonedbreedstandard.
BellasClara,bornin1967
&Zytav.Nesselacherin1976,picturedasBest
OfBreedatthe1st BMDCASpecialty

PhotosontherightarefromtheAKCs
CompleteDogBook.Thetopphoto,
AjaxvomBucheggberg,1947edition;
bottom2photos,1958edition.

AKC BMDCA standard revision

OFFICIALAKCSTANDARDFORTHEBERNESEMOUNTAINDOG(1980version*)
Summaries ofclubcorrespondenceandworkproductincludingdrawingspertainingto
BERNESEMOUNTAINDOG
theparentclubsbreedstandardrevisionwerepublishedove rmany monthsinthe
GENERALAPPEARANCE Asturdy,balanced,large,strongboneddog.Intelligentandhaving BMDCA Newsletter during 1978 1979. Discussion included study of both the breeds
anappearanceofstrengthandagilitysuitingittodraftanddrovingworkinmountainous
history, the dogs functionality as working draft dogs, as well as in depth
regions.Dogsappearmasculine,whilebitchesaredistinctlyfeminine.
explorations of canine anatomy, structure and essential aesthetic qualities.
HEAD Skullflatandbroadwithaslightfurrowandawelldefined,butnotexaggeratedstop.
Muzzlestrongandstraight.Drymouthed.Teeth strong;scissorsbite;completedentition.
Thecarefullycraftedlanguage foundinthe1980BreedStanda rdreflects
Seriousfault:overshotorundershotbite.Ears mediumsized,triangularinshape,gently
the keycharacteristicsoftheBernese.
roundedatthetip,hangingclosetotheheadwheninrepose,broughtforwardandraisedat
thebasewhenalert.Eyesdarkbrown,slightlyovalinshapewithclosefittingeyelids;
TheAKCbreed standardwasupdatedagainin1989tobringitinto
expressionintelligent,animatedandgentle.Seriousfaults:invertedorevertedeyelids.
Disqualification:Blueeye.
compliance withAKCsbreed standards format tingrequirements.
NECKANDBODY Neckstrongandmuscularandofmediumlength.Backbroadandfirm.
Afewcontent changes weremade.
Toplinelevelfromwitherstocroup.Chestdeepandcapaciouswithwellsprungribsand
EffectiveMarch 28,1990.
AKCapprovedtherevisionsonFebruary10,1990,
brisketreachingatleasttotheelbows.Bodynearlysquarewithoverallbodylength
measuringslightlygreaterthanheightatthewithers.Loinstrong.Croupbroadandsmoothly
roundedtotailinsertion.
FOREQUARTERS Shouldersmoderatelylaidback,flatlying,wellmuscled,neverloose.
Forelegsstraightandstrongwiththeelbowswellundertheshoulders.Pasternsslightly
BestofBreedatthe1989BMDCANationalSpecialty,
slopingwithoutweakness.Feetroundandcompactwithwellarchedtoes.Declawsmaybe
AlpenblicksAlpineAlpenweide,Willi
removedfromfrontlegs.
HINDQUARTERS Thighsbroad,strongandmuscular.Stiflesmoderatelybent,tapering
smoothlyintohocks.Hockswellletdownandstraightasviewedfromtherear.Dewclaws
shouldberemovedfromrearlegs.TailBushy.Bonereachingtothehockjointorbelow.
Wheninrepose,tailshouldbecarriedlow,upwardswirlpermissiblewhenalert.Maybe
carriedgaily,butmaynevercurlorbecarriedovertheback.Fault:Kinkintall.Coat Thick,
moderatelylong,slightwavyorstraight,withabrightnaturalsheen.
COLORANDMARKINGS Tricolor:jetblackgroundcolorwithrichrustandclearwhite
markings.Nosealwaysblack.Markings(symmetrydesired):Rust: overeacheye;oncheeks,
preferablyreachingatleasttothecornerofthemouth;oneachsideofchest;onallfour
legs;undertail.White:blazeandmuzzleband;chestmarking,typicallyforminganinverted
cross;feet;tipoftail.Faults:Markingsotherthanasdescribedtobefaultedindirect
relationshiptotheextentofthedeviation.Seriousfaults:Whitelegs;whitecollars.
Disqualifications:anygroundcolorotherthanblack.
GAIT Naturalworkinggaitisslowtrot,butcapableofspeedandagilityinkeepingwithusein
draftanddrovingwork.Goodreachinfront.Powerfuldrivefrom thereartransmitted
throughalevelback.Nowastedaction.Frontandhindlegsoneachsidefollowthroughin
thesameplane.Atincreasedspeed,legstendtoconvergetoward thecenterline.
HEIGHT Dogs:241/2"to271/2"atthewithers.Bitches:221/2"to251/2"atthewithers.
TEMPERAMENT Selfconfident,alertandgoodnatured.Neversharporshy.Adogwhichwill
notstandforexaminationshallbedismissedfromthering.
DISQUALIFICATIONS
Blueeyecolor.
Anygroundcolorotherthanblack.ApprovedJuly8,1980

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The AKC Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Standard

*Working Group American Kennel Club Breed Standard* Approved February 10, 1990 Effective March 28, 1990

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GeneralAppearance
TheBerneseMountainDogisastrikingtricolored,largedog.Heissturdyandbalanced.Heisintelligent,strongandagileenoughtodothedraftanddrovingworkforwhichhewas
usedinthemountainousregionsofhisorigin.Dogsappearmasculine,whilebitchesaredistinctlyfeminine.
Size,Proportion,Substance
Measuredatthewithers,dogsare25to271/2 inches;bitchesare23 to26inches.Thoughappearingsquare,BerneseMountainDogsareslightlylongerinbodythantheyaretall.Sturdy
boneisofgreatimportance.Thebodyisfull.
Head
Expressionisintelligent,animatedandgentle.Theeyesaredarkbrownandslightlyovalinshapewithclosefittingeyelids.Invertedorevertedeyelidsareseriousfaults. Blueeye
colorisadisqualification.Theearsaremediumsized,sethigh,triangularinshape,gentlyroundedatthetip,andhangclose totheheadwheninrepose.WhentheBerneseMountain
Dogisalert,theearsarebroughtforwardandraisedatthebase;thetopoftheearislevelwiththetopoftheskull.Theskullisflatontopandbroad,withaslightfurrowandawell
defined,butnotexaggeratedstop.Themuzzleisstrongandstraight.Thenoseisalwaysblack.Thelipsarecleanand,astheBerneseMountainDogisadrymouthedbreed,theflews
areonlyslightlydeveloped.Theteethmeetinascissorsbite.Anovershotorundershotbiteisaseriousfault.Dentitioniscomplete.
Neck,Topline,andBody
Theneckisstrong,muscularandofmediumlength.Thetoplineislevelfromthewitherstothecroup.Thechestisdeepandcapaciouswithwellsprung,butnotbarrelshaped,ribs
andbrisketreachingatleasttotheelbows.Thebackisbroadandfirm.Theloinisstrong.Thecroupisbroadandsmoothlyroundedtothetailinsertion.Thetailisbushy.Itshouldhe
carriedlowwheninrepose.Anupwardswirlispermissiblewhenthedogisalert,butthetailmaynevercurlorbecarriedover theback.Thebonesinthetailshouldfeelstraightand
shouldreachtothehockjointorbelow.Akinkinthetailisafault.
Forequarters
Theshouldersaremoderatelylaidback,flatlying,wellmuscledandneverloose.Thelegsarestraightandstrongandtheelbowsarewellundertheshoulderwhenthedogis
standing.Thepasternsslopeveryslightly,butareneverweak.Dewclawsmayheremoved.Thefeetareroundandcompactwithwellarchedtoes.
Hindquarters
Thethighsarebroad,strongandmuscularThestiflesaremoderatelybentandtapersmoothlyintothehocks.Thehocksarewellletdownandstraightasviewedfromtherear.
Dewclawsshouldberemoved.Feetarecompactandturnneitherin norout.
Coat
Thecoatisthick,moderatelylongandslightlywavyorstraight.Ithasabrightnaturalsheen.Extremelycurlyorextremelydulllookingcoatsareundesirable.TheBerneseMountain
Dogisshowninnaturalcoatandunduetrimmingistobediscouraged.
ColorandMarkings
TheBerneseMountainDogistricolored.Thegroundcolorisjetblack.Themarkingsarerichrustandclearwhite.Symmetryofmarkingsisdesired.Rustappearsovereacheye,on
thecheeksreachingtoatleastthecornerofthemouth,oneach sideofthechest,onallfourlegs,andunderthetail.Thereisawhiteblazeandmuzzleband.Awhitemarkingonthe
chesttypicallyformsaninvertedcross.Thetipofthetailiswhite.Whiteonthefeetisdesiredbutmustnotextendhigherthanthepasterns.Markingsotherthandescribedaretohe
faultedindirectrelationshiptotheextentofthedeviation.Whitelegsorawhitecollarareseriousfaults.Anygroundcolor otherthanblackisadisqualification.
Gait
ThenaturalworkinggaitoftheBerneseMountainDogisaslowtrot.However,inkeepingwithhisuseindraftanddrovingwork, heiscapableofspeedandagility.Thereisgood
reachinfront.Powerfuldrivefromtherearistransmittedthroughalevelback.Thereisnowastedaction.Frontandrearlegs oneachsidefollowthroughinthesameplane.At
increasedspeed,legstendtoconvergetowardthecenterline.
Temperament
Thetemperamentisselfconfident,alertandgoodnatured,neversharporshy.TheBerneseMountainDogshouldstandsteady,thoughmayremainalooftotheattentionsof
strangers.
Disqualifications
Blueeyecolor.Anygroundcolorotherthanblack.
ApprovedFebruary10,1990EffectiveMarch28,1990

Vocabulary - Terms
` TheSkullorhead iscomprisedoftwoparts;1)themuzzle whichencompassesthe
areafromthetipofthenosetothestopand2)thebackskull whichistheareafrom
thestoptotheocciput.
` Thespinalcolumnismadeupofvertebralregions:1)cervical(neck),2)thoracic
(upper/midback),3)lumbar(lowerback),4)sacral(pelvic)and 5)coocygeal(tail).
` Angulation theanglewhichisformedbythemeetingofbonesatajoint
` Back Regionbetweenthewithersandrootoftail
` Belly underpartofabdomen
` Bite therelativepositionoftheupperandlowerteethwhenthemouthisclosed
` Brisket referencetodepthofchest
` Buttocks rearoftheupperthigh
` Carpaljoint&bones Bonesofthewrist
` Chest theforepartofthebody/trunkenclosedbytheribs
` Croup Therearpartoftherump,fromthehipbonesextendingtothe rootofthe
tail.Thecroupconsistsoffusedsacralvertebrae,thatformthetopofthepelvis,and
thefirstfewcaudalvertebraeofthetail.
` Dentition thenumberandarrangementoftheteeth
` Elbow thejointbetweentheupperarmandforearm
` Flank Thesideofthebodybetweenthelastribandthehip
` Forearm thebonesoftheforelegsbetweentheelbowandthecarpus(wrist).
` Forechest thefrontpartofthechest
` Foreleg thefrontlegfromelbowtofoot
` Forequarters thefrontofthedog,excludingtheheadandtheneck
` Hindquarters rearpartofdogfromtheloin
` Hock Thetarsusorcollectionofbonesoftherearlegformingthejointbetween
thethighandthemetatarsus;heeloranklejoint.
` Breastbone sternum
` Layback theangleoftheshoulderbladeascomparedwiththeverticalwhen
viewedfromtheside
` Loin theregionofthebodyeithersideofthevertebralcolumn,unsupportedby
ribs,betweenthelastribandthehindquarters.
` Mandible lowerjawbone
` Metacarpals bonesoftheforelegbetweenthewristandthetoes;thefront
pastern.
` Metatarsals bonesbetweenhockjointandthefoot,therearpastern.
` Muzzle theforeface headinfrontoftheeyes,whichincludesthenasalbone,
nostrils&jaws
` Neck thepartbetweentheskullandthewithers
` Occiput theupper,backpointoftheskull

Page13

` Pastern(front) theregionoftheforelegbetweenthewristandthetoes.
` Pastern(rear) theregionofthehindlegbetweenthetarsus(ankle)andthetoes.
` Themetatarsus.Oftenincorrectlyreferredtoasthehock.
` Patella Kneecap infrontofthestiflejoint
` Pelvis aframeworkofbonesformedbythepelvicarch
` PinBone theupperbonyprotuberanceofthepelvis
` PointofButtock rearmostpointofthebuttocks anatomicallycalledthe
Ischium
` PointofHip FrontmostpointofthePelvis
`PointofShoulder Jointwheretheupperarmmeetsthescapula
` Prosternum frontmostupperpointofthesternum anatomicalterm,
Manubrium
` Rearpastern theregionoftherearlegbetweenthehockandtoes
`Roachback aconvexcurvatureofthebacktowardstheloin
` Rump Therearpartofthebackfromthefrontofthepelvistotherootofthetail
(includesthecroup) somereferencesconsidertherumptobetheentirefleshy
areasurroundingthepelvicgirdleextendingfromthefrontmost pointofthehipto
therearmostpointofthebuttocks.
` Scapula Shoulderblade
` Skull bonyregionsofthehead Cranium sectionofheadfromstoptoocciput
` Springofribs degreeofcurvatureoftheribs.
` Sternum centralchestbone breastbone keel
` Stop thedepressioninfrontoftheeyesbetweentheskullandthemuzzle
` Stifle jointofthehindleg thedogsknee
` Tailcarriage positioninwhichthetailisheldinrelationtothebody
` TailSet thepositionofthetailontheCroup
` Thigh thehindquartersfromhiptostifle
` Throat frontpartoftheneckbeneaththelowerjaw
` Topline theoutlineofthebackfromjustbehindthewitherstotherump
` TuckUp theconcaveunderlineofthebodycurvingupfromtheendoftheribs
beneaththeloin;thewaist
` Underline thecombinedcontoursofthebrisketandabdominalfloor
` UpperArm thehumerus boneoftheforelegbetweentheshoulderbladeand
theelbow
` Withers thepointwheretheshouldersandneckmeetandthepointatwhich
heightismeasured
` Zygomaticarch archofboneformingthelowerborderoftheeyesocket
extendingtothebaseoftheear
`ZygomaticProcesses brow,boneypointslocatedabovetheeyes

Page14

Labeled Dog skeleton bones - the framework

Page15

Muscles of the dog

Page16

Bernese Mountain Dog - Body Proportions & terms

Bodylength:bodyheight=10:9(slightlylongerthantall)
Idealrelationofheightatwithers:depthofchest=2:1

Page17

Bernese Mountain Dog Temperament & Character are of Utmost Importance

Importance Today

Substance
Balance
Bernese Mountain Dog - Body Proportions

BodyLength10
Elbow

Height9

Withers

Ground
Proportions Heightatwithers:Bodylength9:10
Totalheightfromwitherstoground:Lengthofleg2:1
Whenexaminingthepartsorcomponentsofadog,itisimportant torecognizethatthepartscontributetoabiggerpicture thewhole
dog.Thebreedstandardsaddressthewholedog undertheGeneralDescription oftheBerneseMountainDogwiththewordbalanced.
Thewordssturdy,strong andbalanced havebeenconsistentlyusedtodescribethebreed.

Page18

Page19

Proportions & outlines

BerneseMountainDog
Profile(outline)

Setterlikeprofiles,toplines
thatslopedownfrom
witherstocroupandtucked
upunderlinesareincorrect.

WhenviewedinprofiletheBerneseshouldnotbe
shortorhighonlegorappearlongorshortinback.
Dogswiththistypeofbuild
maypacetoavoid
oversteppingorcrabbing.

Setterlike,
tuckedupunderline,
slopedtopline

Highonleg,
shortinback

Correct
outline

Shortnecks,are
oftencausedby
straightshoulder
assemblies.Shortupper
armsarenotuncommon.

Lowonleg,
longinback

Dumpy,
shortneck

Longbackeddogsoften
haveexcessivelengthinthe
loinsection.Dogswiththistypeofbuild
mayappeartohaveaconcavewaistline
duetolackofmuscledevelopment.

Page20

Body Shape
TheBerneseMountainDogcarriesaheavycoatovertheshoulders,neckandforechestandrump.
Thelengthofhairontheundersideofthechestandflankcanbe3 8 long.Thehairovertherumpmaybeconsiderablylongeranddenser
thanthehairoverthemidbackandsides.TheonlywaytogetaclearideaoftheactualstructureoftheBerneseisbyfeelingthedogs
frameworkandmuscling.Adogmightappeartobepaunchyintheunderlineorappeartohaveawellarchedforechestwhenneitheristrue.
Likewisetheperceptionofbreadthordepthofchest,profileof theshoulders,neck,backandcroupcanbeaffectedbythelie,lengthordensity
ofthehair.
Overline referstotheprofileviewextending
fromtherearmostpointoftheskullor
beginningofthenecktotheendofthetail.
Underlineisdefinedasthecombinedcontours
ofthebrisketandabdominalfloor.

Feel & observe topline

(overline)
overline) and underline

Flatcroup.
Neckabruptlymeetsshoulders.
Lowslungunderlinebehind
ribs.
Paunchyflank.

Feel the
framework
to determine
the dog
dogs
chest shape.

Barrelshapedchest,
Wellarchedribs

Prolificcoat
Deepchest,
Flatribs

Steepcroup,lowsettail.
Frontlegssetforward,head
carriedhigh.Tuckedup
underline.

Correct
Overline&Underline
Smoothlyroundedcroup.
Smoothtransitionofmuscular
mediumlengthneckinto
shoulders&back.
Chestarchedforward.
Slightrisetounderline.

FEELWHAT
FEELWHATS
UNDERTHEHAIR

Correct
Deep,broadchest
Oval(eggshaped)ribs

Page21

Width of back,
width across the shoulders and rump.

Correct
Abroadlevelback,goodspringofribcage
withawellroundedrump.

Narrow

Viewthedogfromabovetogainasenseofthe
widthofshoulders,chestandpelvis.Thewidth
ofthefrontquartersandrearquartersshould
benearlythesame.Thebackshouldbebroad
andmuscledup.Theribsarewellsprung.
Whenfeelingthetopline,payparticular
attentiontotheangleatwhichtheribsmeet
thespinalcolumn.
Theshapeoftheribcage
influencesthewidthoftheback.
Ifyouwould,picturethedogsbackasatable
top.Couldyousetadinnerplatefulloffoodon
thecenterofthedogsback?Ifthedogsback
issufficientlybroaditwillaccommodatethe
plateandtheplatewillremainrelativelylevel.
Iftheplateslipsoffortips,thespinalcolumn
mayberaised,thebacklinefaulty,and/orthe
angleoftheribs(springofribs)islikely
incorrect.Slacknessinloin,dipsbehindthe
withersarenotuncommoninBernese.
Alwaysfeelwhatisunderthehair!

Correct
***Thisdogis
outofcoat&
wasnotbathedor
blowndry.

Widefront,narrowrump,
toomuchwaist

Page22

Trapezius
Sternomastoid
Deltoid
Brachiocephalic
Pectoral
Triceps
Biceps

Correct

Fronts
Narrow

Shallow
chest

Pinched Inclinedforearm,
atelbows
Toedout

Outat
elbows

Inclined
forearm

Astraight
columnof
support,
broadchest,
andfirm
musclingare
desirable.

Correct
Aclean
movingfront.

Correct

Widefront

Toedin

Outat
theelbows

Narrow,toedout

Page23

More on Fronts
AKC Thechest isdeepandcapacious
withwellsprung,butnotbarrelshaped,ribsandbrisketreachingatleasttotheelbows."

Correct

Whenviewedinprofile,theidea
thatelbowsarewellsetunder
thedogandtheforechestis
developedorarchedforwardis
anextremelyimportantfeature
fromthestandpointofstructural
soundness.
Theweightofthechest,headand
neckiscarriedbytheforelimbs,
soitisimportantthattheelbows
andforelimbsarewellknitby
musclingintotheneck,chestand
back.
Forelimbssituatedunderthe
weightloadtheymustcarry
provideadvantageouscolumnsof
supportwhichaddsstabilityto
jointsthatinfluencefrontend
strengthandrangeofmotion.

Whetherthedogisstandingormoving,iftheribcageissufficientlybroadthereisdistance/daylightbetweentheelbows
atthelowerpartofthechest.PinchedfrontendassembliesaresomewhatcommoninBernese.
Whenconductingahandsonexamorwhenlookingatphotosofdogsinprofile,noticewhetherornotthedogappearstohavefill infront.
Fillinfront isanotherwayofsayingthattheforechestisdeveloped/arched forward.Fill infrontisanindicatorofhowthescapulaandhumerus
aresituatedontheribcage.Dogswithpoorfillinfront rarelyhavedesirableribcageconformationorforequartersangulation.

Page24

Bernese Mountain Dog Fronts - Shoulders

Theangleformedbythescapula&humerusaswellasthelengthandverticalpositionofthesebonesaffectsmuscleandligament
attachmentswhichgovernoverthereachandweightbearingcapabilitiesofthedog.
Layback oftheshoulderrelatestotheangleofthescapula.
Welllaidbackshoulder
FORECHEST
Thechestshouldbe
archedforward.
Theelbowsandlegs
shouldsetunderthedogschest
whichprovidesastraightcolumn
ofsupportfromthescapulato
thepadofthefoot.
FLATFRONTS
Dogsthatlackaforechestmayhavea
verticalscapulaand/orahumerusthat
setstoovertical.Ashortupperarm
(humerus)willalsoresultintheelbows
andfrontlegssettingtoofarforwardonthechest.

Lackingforechest,elbows,legs&feettoofarforward
Shortupper arm

Feelwhats
underthehair!
Scapula

Endurance,
balanceand
stabilityare
affectedbythe
BONESofthe
dogsfrontend.

Sternum
Elbow
Forearm

Averageshoulderlayback

Upperarm
Humerus

scapula&
humerus
toovertical,
padoffoot
infrontof
linethrough
Scapula
Dogs
weight
centers
shifted
backwards

Page25

Bernese Mountain Dog Fronts - Review the Components

RIBCAGE,
SHOULDERS
&
LEGS

FEET&PASTERNS
Feetareshockabsorbersandprovide
traction.Thickpads,tightlyknit,well
archedtoesandcompactfeetrequire
lessenergytolift,allowingthedogto
conserveenergyandincrease
endurance.

Astraight
columnof
supportfrom
shouldersto
feetprovides
astructural
basisforcleanjoint
action&efficient
gait.Wellsprung
ribs/deepchest
provideadequate
roomforheartand
lungs.

Thepasternsactasshock
absorbers.Themuscles
&ligamentshereoperate
thewristjointtomaintain
thelineofsupportfrom
forelegstofeet.

CHEST&ELBOWS
STANDING&
INACTION

Theweightofhead,neckandforequartersaresupportedbythefrontlegs.Theelbowsshouldset
underabroad,deepchestandbewellknittotheribs,neckand shouldersbymusclesandligaments.

Theshoulders,upperarm,
elbow,forelegs,pasterns
andfeetbones,
becomemovingparts
activatedbyligaments
&muscleswhichtie
togethertosupportthe
frontendsweight.
InBernese,breaksinthe
columnofsupportaretypically
attheelbowandpasternjoints.
Looseshoulderswillcauselateral
shiftsinbodyweight(thebody
mayrollfromsidetoside)
and/orcreatelowerleggait
anomalies.Increasedloadis
placedonmusclesandligaments
whentheboneframeworkis
poorlymade.Whenmuscles
andligamentshavetoworkharder
tosupportweightandmove
limbs,enduranceiscompromised.

SIDEGAIT
Shoulderlaybackandangle&lengthofhumerus&forearmaffectsrange
ofmotionofthefrontlegs.Alongstridewithgoodreachinfrontmovesthe
bodyforwardefficiently.

Page26

Bernese Mountain Dog Hindquarters

***Tailsofftosidetoshowrearleg
conformation.
AKC
Thehocksarewellletdownandstraightasviewed
fromtherear.Dewclawsshouldberemoved.
Feetarecompactandturnneitherinnorout.

STIFLE&HOCK
Bernesestifles
andhocks
shouldnot
turninorout adequate
flexionwithlittle
laterallaxityinthese
jointsprovidesthedog
poweringaitaswellas
optimalcolumnsof
supportneededfor
rearbodyweightbearing.

Correct
Cowhocked

Rump

Correct
Broad
Good
Tail

Bodied

HAIR
can
createan
illusion
ofbreadth,
ormaskstructural
deficiencies!!!

Narrow

Narrow

Narrowly
maderears
maybe
associated
withnarrowly
made
forequarters
and/or
slabsided
chests.

Broad

Bandy,wide

Bodied

Straightcolumnofsupport
frompelvistopad.

Y
shape
rear
NarrowHocks

Anybreaksinthestraightlineofsupport providedbythe
framework(pelvicgirdle,femur,lowerleg,rearpastern
&feet)putunduestrainontendonsandligaments,
requiringmoremuscularefforttosupportthedog'sbody
weightandmaintainsoundnessandmotion. ...
Result decreasedendurance.

Toedout

Stiflesturnedout

Page27

Hindquarters
u
Cro

ANGULATION

Loin

Thefemurandtibia/fibula
bonesformanoblique
angle[thatmeansanyangle
thatisnotarightangle
ormultipleofrightangles.]
Thisangleisreferredtoas
thebendofstifle.
Thestiflejointistheknee.

TAILS&CROUP
Theangleofthepelvicboneaffectstailset.
Berneseshouldnothaveaflatcroupor
asteepcroup.Checktheangleofthepelvic
bonetodetermineitsposition.
TOPLINE
Thetoplineshouldformanaesthetically
pleasingoutlinefromnecktotheendofthe
tail.InBernesethelayoutofthebones
(anglesformed)intheforequartersandrear
quarterssectionscreatethetransitionsseeninthetopline.
Abruptjuncturesinanypartofthetoplinecreatesanimproper
outline.Typically,whenabruptjuncturesoccurtheyarecausedby
excessivelyobliqueanglesand/orextremevariationsinlengthsofbones.
Desirable asmoothflowingofneckinto
level,broadback,backintoloinandcroup
intoalongsomewhatheavytailwhichreaches
ataminimumtothehockjoint.

Excessiverearangulation
Thereartoesinanaturalstance
fallwellbehindtherearmost
pointoftheishium.Noticethe
longlowerthighbonesandshortfemur.

Imagineastraightverticallinethatisdroppedfromtherearmost
pointofthepelvicbonetotheground.Inadogwithgoodrear
quarters angulation,thefrontsofthetoesshouldbecutoffby
theline whenthedogisinanaturalstance.
Ofteninashowposed stancetherearlegsaresetfurtherback
andthehock&rearfootareartificiallysetupsothetoesset just
behindtheline.Thiscausesthedogtoleanforwardintohisfront
astheweightisshiftedforward.

Thelowerthightapers
smoothlyintorearpastern,
oftenreferredtoasthehock.
HOCKS(rearpastern)
Wellletdownforleverage,
enduranceandstability.
Thedistancefromthe
pointofthehock totheground
isshort.Therearpasternshould
setvertical,turnneitherinnorout.

Page28

Rear movement going away & stride

AKC Hindquarters
Thethighsarebroad,strongandmuscular.
Thestiflesaremoderatelybentandtapersmoothly
intothehocks.Thehocksarewellletdownandstraight
asviewedfromtherear.Dewclawsshouldberemoved.
Feetarecompactandturnneitherinnorout.

Faultygoingaway
Toedout

Close

Cowhocked

Gaitsequence,
padsoffeettrue

DRIVE=Rearpropulsion.

LEGS
Whenviewedfrombehind,thehindlegs
areparallelatrest.Thethighsarewellmuscled.
Inaslowtrottinggaitgoingawaythereshouldbe
daylightbetweentherearlegs;thetopofthehipsis
thewidest.Atspeedthelegsconvergetowardsa
centerline.Theweightiscarriedbystraightcolumns
ofsupport.

Strideunbalanced.Overreachingin
rear,frontreachbreaksatpastern
causedbymorerearangulationthan
frontangulation.

Toplinesslopingfrom
witherstocroupwhena
dogisgaitingareoftenthe
resultofmoreangulation
inrearthaninfront.

ANGULATION
Bendofstifle thelessangulatedtherear(&front),themore
stepsneededtocoverground. shorterstride.Rearangulation
insyncwithfrontangulationandlengthofbackismore
efficientthanmismatchedcomponentswhichcausethe
dogtooverreach,crab,sidewind,pace,flipfrontfeetor
prancetoavoidinterferenceinfootplacement.

GROUNDCOVERAGE balancedreach&drive
Arrowsshowthelengthofstride.
Shortersteps averagereach&drive
Longsteps goodreach&drive

Bernese Feet

Page29

Feetarethedogsbaseofsupport;theyactasacushiontoabsorbshock,providetractionandbrakingingait.
Thebonesinthepasternsandfeetareheldtogetherbyligamentsandmuscles.GiventhattheBerneseisaheavilybuiltdog,defectsinbonesinthefeetplace
enormousstrainonmusclesandligaments.Ligamentsandmusclessupportinsplayedfeetandindoublejointedtoeshaveatendencytobreakdownovertime.
Thisbreakdowncreatesextrawear&tearonthepadsofthefeet whichservetocushiontheimpactandstabilizeshiftsinweightwhenthedogismoving.
Thestrengthofmuscles&ligamentsinthepasternsisultimatelyaffectedbytheboneconformationandknitofthefeetaswell.
Goodfeetplacelessstrainonpasterns.

Page30

Front & Rear Pasterns

Correctpasterns

common terms - wrist & hock

Uprightpasterns

Improperlyalignedbonesinfeetorpasternsmay
createpoormuscleandligamenttensionorflexion
inadequaciesinmovingdogs.Thesebonesandjoint
issueswillinterferewithoverallbalance,stability,
weightbearingability,strength,enduranceand
footfalltiming.Defectsinpasternsandfeet,insome
casesareinfluencedbytheboneplacement
(angulation)andthe
accompanyingligament
muscleattachment
structureabove.
Noticethebendofthe
pasternswhichbegins
belowthecarpaljoint;
andlookatthe
lackofforwardarch
ofthechest.
Theweightbearingin
thesedogs frontfallson
therearoftheplantarpad.
Thissetupplacesmore
stressonligaments
inpasternsandfeet.Theslopeinpasternsis
indicativeofthestrain.

CommonissuesinBernese
PasternsandFeetinclude:
` Splayedfeet wherethereis
daylightbetweenthetoes.
` Doublejointedtoes(seenmore
inthereartoes.)Padsrollupand
arevisible.
` Frontpasternsinwhichthe
carpusandmetacarpalbones
slopeorturninoroutexcessively
oraretooupright,orknuckleover.
Inanycase,pasternorfeetdefects
placegreaterstressonthe
muscles,ligamentsinthejoints
whichmaycompromisethe
integrityoftheframeworkabove.
RearPasterns
` Lackofflexioninrearlegand
hockjoint.Sicklehocks:result
inlossofpower,driveis
diminished.

Goodflexioninrearlegs

Page31

Front, rear & body work together

BendofStifle Angleofcroup Balance Efficient,wellmaderearquartersarentindependentofthe
dogsbodylengthandconstructionofthefrontassembly.
Slighterangulation bendofstifle steeperangletocroup.
Whenrearangulationisinsyncwithforequartersangulation,thedogwillhaveabalancedlook.
Movementwillbesufficientlybalanced;although,thisdogwilltakemorestepstocoverground
thanadogwithmorebendofstifleandgreatershoulderlayback.
Reachanddriveorrangeofmotionaregovernedbytheforeandrearquarters angulation.

Moderateangulation bendofstifle croupgentlyrounded.

Noticetheoverline inyellow.
Theangleformedbetweenthejunctionoftheneckandbackislessverticalthanthefirstdog.
Thistypeoftransitionoftheneckintothebacktypicallyindicatesafavorablelaybackofshoulder.
Thesubstance,welldevelopedforechest,lengthofneck,lengthofback,coupling,angleof
shoulder,bendofstifle,andgentlyroundedcroupareaestheticallypleasingandexemplify
awellmadeBerneseMountainDog.

Greaterangulation bendofstifle flattercroup

Bothforeandrearquartersarewellangulated.
Theangulationisinsyncwiththelengthoftheback whichisslightlylongerthanidealforthis
dogsheightatthewithers.Thefrontandrearangulationcoupledwiththelongerbackwillenable
thisdogtocovergroundwithlongstrides.TheidealproportionforaBerneseMountainDogis
Length:10;Height:9.Bernesewithlongerbacksshouldbefeltacrossthelumbarareaorloin
sectiontoassureadequatemusclingexists.Couplingsthatareshorttendtobestructurallystronger
butnotasflexible.
Droopingintheloinsoratuckedinwaistareseeninsomelong backedBernese.

The dog shows good muscling in strong neck, back, body and limbs.

AKC Thenaturalworkinggaitofthe
BerneseMountainDogisaslowtrot.
However,inkeepingwithhisusein
draftanddrovingwork,heiscapableof
speedandagility.Thereisgoodreachin
front.Powerfuldrivefromtherearis
transmittedthroughalevelback.There
isnowastedaction.

Structurallybalanceddogscarryweightforwardefficiently. Inordertoworkeffectively
draftdogsneedstability,balance&strength.Variationsinreach,drive,toplineandbalanceareseen.

Thisphotoofadraftdog
pullinghiscartshowsasure
footed,smoothstride.*The
headandtailcarriageare

Thebreedstandardsdonotmentionanythingabout
headcarriage.Althoughasomewhatuprightneck
withheadcarriedhighinshowringgaitisflashy ,the
tendencyistoconfuseflashy withawellsetmuscular
neckofmediumlengthwhichblendssmoothlyintothe
shoulderregion.Necksthatabruptlymeetshoulders
orshortnecksareundesirable.
Attitudeandtrainingaswellastheunderlying
structureaffectheadcarriage.
Reasonablehead/neckcarriageforadraftdogmoving
ataslowtrottypicallyfallsbetween
10:00and10:30asrelatestopositionof
clockhands,(dogfacingwest)
Atafasttrotorwhenhaulinga
loadedcart,thedogsheadwilllowerslightlyasthe
dogscenterofgravityshiftsforward.
Thetailhelpsthedogmaintainequilibriumasweight
centersshift.Anupwardswirlatafasttrotis
acceptableasthishelpsthedogkeeplateralbalance.
Rollingofthebodyshouldnotbeexcessive.Feet
shouldremainclosetotheground;thebodyshould
notmoveupanddownorbounce.Asmoothground
coveringstrideisdesirable.

typicalforadoginharness.
The dog shows good muscling in
strong neck, back, body and limbs.
*This dog is in a pace gait which offers
more speed than the walk without the
energy consumption of the trot .

Structuralinadequaciesandimbalancedangulationor
partsthatdonotworktogethertomovethedog
forwardaffectenduranceanddiminishadogs
overallworkingcapability.

Page33

More on Bernese Mountain Dog Tails

Rangeof
acceptable
tailcarriage
ingait.

Tailcarriageandtailsetarenotthesamething.ExcitedBernesemayhavehappy tailswhicharcup.Todeterminethetailset,carefullyobservethe
angleofthepelvisandplacementofthetailasitrelatestothecroup.Tailspositionedtoofarforwardalongthearchofthecrouparelikelyincorrectlyset.
Gay orhightailsetstypicallyleadtotailscarriedovertheback whichdisruptsthedesiredflowingoutlinefromheadtotipoftail.
Wrytailsarecarriedofftotheside,whichpresentsaproblemwiththetailinterferingwithtracesandcartshafts adistinctdisadvantageinadraftdog.
WryTail,
GayTail(standing)
GayTail(moving)
CORRECT
Tailhooked

Page34

Bernese Mountain Dog Heads views - profile, full

frontal

BerneseMountainDogheadsareattractiveinmanyforms.
Withtheexceptionofentropionandectropionfaults
andjawconfigurationsthatleadtofaultybites,
thefeaturesdiscussedhereinvarywiththeindividualdog.
Departuresfromthepointsdiscussedandfaultfindingis
dependentupontheextenttowhichthefeaturesdetract
fromoverallbalanceofheadqualities,includingexpression.

Thebackskullisslightlylongerthanthemuzzle.
Whenviewedinprofilethetopoftheskullislevel,notdomedinappearance.
Whenviewedfromthefront,theskullgentlyrecedeslaterally theheadisnotflat.
Thetopofthenasalbones(muzzle)arelevel.Thestoprisesgraduallyfromtheforeface
tothebackskull.

Thebackskullshouldbefairlybroadbetweentheears.
Heavy,massiveskulls(asarecorrectforSaintBernards)
arenotcorrectforBerneseMountainDogs.
Slenderbackskullscombinedwithlong,narrowwedge
shapedmuzzlesareequallyincorrect.

Theupper&lowerjawarebroadintherear.Themuzzleisfull andwidefromreartofront
whenviewedinprofileorfromthefront.Themuzzleshouldnotbenarrow,snippy
ornoticeablylongerthanthebackskull.
Thefrontedgeoftheearissetabovethebrow(Zygomaticprocesses),closetothetopof
theskull.Thefrontedgeofawellsetearwilltypicallyfallonaparallellineinthetop
portionoftherustmarkingsabovetheeye.Thefrontoftheearshouldbepositioned
slightlyforwardofthemidlineofthebackskull.Thebottomtipsoftheears,whenraised,
shouldfallroughlyalongaparallellinewiththeupperjaw.Long,lowsetearsorearsset
towardstherearofthebackskullappearhoundlikeanddetractfromexpression.

Acleangentlesculptingoffeaturesispreferredwith
someflareofzygomaticarchfromforefacetobackskull
(cheeks),eyeswithwellfittedlidsandtightmouth.
Excesslooseskinordeepfoldsaroundtheeyes,mouthorneck
(dewlap)arenotcorrect.

Depthofhead

Depthof
foreface

Theoutsideoftheeyesshould
roughlylineupwiththerear
cornersofthemouth.

Abalancedharmoniousheadpiece
willappearofappropriatesizein
relationshiptothesizeofthedogsbody.

Bernese Mountain Dog Head Profiles, variations

Longmuzzle,shortbackskull,snippy

Slightstop,shallowhead,lighteyes

Correct

Round,recedingbackskull,roundeyes,largeears

Massive,steepstop,lowsetears,romannose,
looseeyes&overdevelopedflews/lips

Page35

Page36

Dorsal View - Head

Headviewed
fromabove.

BerneseMountainDog
Heads Backskull,Ears,
MuzzleandCheeks

Whenviewedfromabovetheheadis
wideandlong.Theearshangcloseto
head.Thesideofthefaceisnotslab
sidedorflat.
Themuzzleisbroad&flatontop.The
forefaceflaresasitmeetsthebackskull.
Extremeflareofcheeks isnotcorrect.
Theshapeisabluntedwedge.
Headsdontpullcarts!
Thewholedogsbalance,
proportions&structureaswell
asthetemperamentaretobe
heldinthehighestregard.

Thetransitionbetweenforefaceand
backskullisagentleslope.Thecurveof
theZygomaticarch&strongjawsare
evidentwhenfeelingandviewingthe
head.

Page37

Bernese Teeth

Anadultdogwith
completedentitionhas
42teeth.
Thetopjawhas
20teeth;
bottomjawhas,
22teeth

2 m
ola

4premolars

rs

Canine

Canine

3molars

3
incisors

3
incisors

4premolars

AKC:
Theteethmeetinascissorsbite.Anovershotorundershotbite isaseriousfault.Dentitioniscomplete.

Typicalbitefaultsseenin
BerneseMountainDogsare
missingteethand
malocclusions.Missingteeth
usuallyoccurinthepremolar
areainBernese.Malocclusions
include:undershotbites,
overshotbites,wrybites(where
onesideofthelowerjawhas
grownlongerthantheother,
skewingtheendofthejawto
oneside),crooked,crowded,or
protrudingteeth.Withslightly
overorundershotbites,the
incisorsmaybetheonlyteeth
affected.Ananteriorcrossbite
isoftenidentifiedasan
undershotbite.Thedifference
betweenthesetwobitesisnot
subtle.Ananteriorcrossbite
occurswhenthelowerincisors
extendbeyondtheupper
incisors,butallotherteeth
meshproperly.Inatrue
undershotbite,theotherteeth
donotmeshproperly.Some
Bernesehavedropped
incisors,aconditionwherethe
center,lowerincisorsare
shorterthannormal.Sometimes
droppedincisorswilltipslightly
outwardorbecrooked.Crooked
teethinBernesemaybecaused
bycrowdinginatoosmallor
toonarrowjaw.

Page38

Bites Scissors, Level (pincer), Reverse Scissors, undershot, overshot

TheBreedStandardcallsforcompletedentition,andascissorsbite.

CORRECT
Level(pincer)Bite
Upperandlowerincisors
cuttingsurfaces
meetedgetoedge.Otherteethform
azigzagwithnointerference.

ScissorsBite
Innersurfacesofupperincisorsengage
withoutersurfacesoflowerincisors.
Otherteethformazigzagwithnointerference.

ReverseScissors
Outersurfacesofupper
incisors
engagewithinnersurfaces
oflowerincisors.
Otherteethformazigzag
withnointerference.

UndershotBite
Underjawlongerthanupperjaw.
Bottomincisorswellforwardoftopincisors.
Upper&lowerIncisorsmakenocontact
oncuttingsurfaces.
Otherteethnotmeshedwell,interference.

OvershotBite
Upperjawlonger
thanlowerjaw.Top
incisorswellforwardofbottomincisors.
Upper&lowerIncisorsmakeno
contactoncuttingsurfaces.Other
teethnotmeshedwell,interference.

Page39

Bernese Mountain Dog Eyes

AKC:Head
Expressionisintelligent,animatedandgentle.
Theeyesaredarkbrownandslightlyoval
inshapewithclosefittingeyelids.
Invertedorevertedeyelidsareseriousfaults.
Blueeyecolorisadisqualification.

Beautifulexpressions;
theyarecalledBerner
smiles.Theeyeshapes,
sizesandsetonthese
dogsiscorrect.

Intherangeofcorrect
color,size,shapeandset.
The1st exampleisatthe
smallendofrangeinsize,&
isasharperalmondshape.
The2nd exampleisofgood
size;theshapeisabitfull
frommidtoouteredges.

Eyeshapeandcolorvaries.

Thebackskull,
Roundeyesorlightstaringeyesarenotideal.
andforeface
arefull,but
notmassive.The
W RoundEyes
stop&broware
welldefinedbut
notexaggerated.
Theeyessetvertical.
W Lightereyes
Theyshouldnot
Eyecolorlighter
protrude.
thantherustis
Entropion(lidsturned
undesirable.
inward,lowerlashes
contactcornea)
&ectropion
(lowerlidssag)
arefaulty.

Correcteyeset,correctshape

Eyesettoodeep

Page40

Bernese Mountain Dog nose, lips & flews

AKC(underHeadsection)
Thenoseisalwaysblack.
Thelipsarecleanand,astheBernese
MountainDogisadrymouthedbreed,
theflewsareonlyslightlydeveloped.
Nicelypigmentednose,lips
&clearwhitemuzzleband

Palegreyandmottledpinkandblacklips
occurinBernese.Mottledpigmentofthelips
isoftentimesmirroredinskincoloron
themuzzle.Clearwhitemarkingsarecalled
for.Theskincolorunderthewhiteshouldbe
darktoproduceaclearwhitecoloration.
Heavylipsorpenduloussaggingflewsare
undesirable.

Correct

Heavymuzzle

Correct

Overdevelopedlowerlip

Page41

Female & Male Heads

Noticethepigmentonthedogs.Botharecorrect;themoredarklymarkeddogshowsexcellentcolorationofeyes,muzzlebandand rust.

Page42

The Head - Facial Markings - variations

Thisisthesamemaledog
withdifferentfacialmarkings.

Allofthesemarkingsareacceptable.

AKC:Symmetryofmarkingsis
desired.Rustappearsovereach
eye,onthecheeksreachingtoat
leastthecornerofthemouth...

Theblazeextendstowardsthenoseon
bothsidestoamuzzleband.Theblaze
shouldnotreachthetanmarkingsabove
theeyesorextendrearwardcoveringthe
entirebackskull.Afacewithmorewhite
mayappearwiderthanadarklymarked
face,wheninfactitisnot.Dogswith
excessivelywidewhiteblazesormuzzle
bandshavebeenknowntoproducedogs
withwhitecollars,whereinwhite
markingsextendaroundtheneckordrift
intotherustthumbprintmarkingsover
theeyes.

Page43

Bernese Mountain Dog Coats

TheBerneseMountainDogcoathasabrightnaturalsheen.Itislong,smoothtoslightlywavy.

Hairovertheshouldersandrumpcanbelongerthanhairoverthemidback.
[IMPORTANT:handsonexam,observegaitfromsidetoconfirmcorrectfore&rearquarters structureswithforwardpropulsionthroughlevelback].

Kinkytexture lackscorrecttexture&naturalsheen

Shortcoatforamaturefemaleormaleinfullcoat

Lengthandtexturequalitiesincoatsabouttobeshedaswellasnewcoatsjustcomingincanbeconfusing.Kinky
haircoatsoropen,standoutcoatsandveryshortcoatsarenot uncommon.Thesecoatqualitiesarenotcorrect.

Extremelycurlycoatsare
notcorrectformatureadults.

**Puppycoats[1st adultcoat
(>6months,<18months)]mayhavemore
curlsoverthebackthanamatureadult.

Page44

Bernese Mountain Coats, pg. 2 Mature Male, Female & young adult
YoungmaleandfemaleadultBerneseMountainDogstypicallydonotcarryasdenseorlongcoatsasmaturedogs.
Featheringonforeandrearlegsaswellaslengthanddensityofcoatsincreasewithage.
Overallcoatlengthanddensityvariesfromdogtodog.Bothsexestypicallycarrymorehairintheareaofneckandshoulders(ruff).
Malestypicallyhavelongerchestfurnishingsthanfemales.Thelengthofhaironforeandrearlegsandfurnishings(feathering)isvariable
fromdogtodog.Whenshowingdogsinconformation,longwispyhaironfeet,featheringandhocksmaybeneatened.Backbrushing of
haironlegsisroutinelypracticedtogivetheappearanceofsturdylegbonetomatchablowndry,puffedoutfreshlybathedbodycoat.
Excessivetrimming,groomingandscissoringorsculptingofcoatswithsomedogsshowninconformationispracticed.

AKC:TheBerneseMountainDogisshowninnaturalcoatandundue trimmingistobediscouraged.
ThelengthanddensityofBernesecoatscanmaskunderlying bodystructureandframeworkorenhancetheappearanceofsubstanceandbone.

AcorrectBerneseisadogofrealsubstance fullbodiedwithsturdylegbone.

Youngadults, male/female

Matureadult males/females withcorrectcoats

AgoodBerneseMountainDogcoatprotectsthedogsskinfromtheweather,isnotoverlyfine,orcoarse,hasabrightnaturalsheenandshedsdirteasily.

Page45

Describing the Breed A General Description

Bitchonleft/Dogonright
GeneralappearanceandSize,Proportion,Substance
AKC
strikingtricolored,largedog.Heissturdyandbalanced.Heisintelligent,strong
andagileenoughtodothedraftanddrovingworkforwhichhewasusedinthe
mountainousregionsofhisorigin.Dogsappearmasculine,whilebitchesare
distinctlyfeminine.

Themale,
_ shownontheleft,
isfullbodied,balancedandsturdy.

Thebitch,
shownontheright,`
issubstantial,
withstronglegs.

Thispairdemonstratesthedifferenceinsizeandgeneral
appearanceoffeminine&masculineBernese.
*NOTE:Thereisnodisqualificationforheightinthe
BerneseStandards.ThecurrentFCIstandarddefinessize
fordogsandbitchesasfollows:
SIZE:
Heightatwithers:fordogs:6470cm,(25.19 27.55)
idealsize:6668cm.(25.98 26.77)
forbitches:5866cm,(22.83 25.98)
idealsize:6063cm.(23.62 24.80)
Bernese,whethermaleorfemale,shoulddisplay
balancedharmoniousproportionsincludinggooddepth
ofbody,andashortercoupling.Longbacked,rangy,
fineboned,setterlikeorlonglegsarenotdesirable
traitsineithersex.

Page46

Female & Male Sex

Differentiation
Distinctly feminine &
masculine qualities

Feminine

Masculine

BERNESEARE...
Biddable&Beautiful!

An attractive
male & female

Thefemale,seatedintheback,hasastrongyetfeminine
headwithcorrecteyes,ears,foreface&backskull.
Herbreadthofbodyisevident.Hercorrectjetblackcoat
clearwhitepigment,withrichdeeprussetmarkingsarelovely.
Themale,lyingintheforeground,hasalarger,broader
headofpropersizeandshapetocomplimenthis
broaderchestandoveralllargerbodysize.
Thecalmpleasingexpressionsarethoseoffocused,
attentivedogs.TheBerneseareknownfortheirability
toaccuratelyread peopleandreliablyrespond
sensiblytothesituationathand.

Page47

Page48

BerneseMountainDogscarrythicklong
coatswhichcanmakethedogsappearto
havefull,deepbodies,broadchests,well
sprungribs,muscularrearquartersand
sturdybone.
Hairisnotsubstance!!!

Understanding substance.

AKC
Thechestisdeepandcapaciouswithwell
sprung,butnotbarrelshaped,ribsand
brisketreachingatleasttotheelbows.The
backisbroadandfirm.Theloinisstrong.

Themaleshownbelowisbalanced.Hehassubstance,
andapleasingoutlinewithdeepchest,levelback
correctunderlineandahandsome,masculineheadpiece.

ThisbitchisnotsetupinaShow posewhereinlegpositionsarecontrolled. Sheis

compact.Herchestisdeepandherelbowsaresetunderherbody (herchestarches
forward).Herslighterangulationdoesnotdetractfromhersturdybodybuild,lovely
coupling,mediumlengthofneck,attractiveheadtypeandoverallbalancedlook.
Notethedepthofthechestasmeasuredfromtheuppermostpointofthewitherstothe
lowestpartoftheribcagecomparedtothelengthofthefrontlegfromtheelbowtothe
ground thedistancesareroughlyequal.Shescarryingafull,thickcoat!
Also,noticeherunderline whichshowsdepthfromthe
frontpartofherribcageaswellasdepthattherear
oftheribcage(Underline/belly:Slightlyrisingfrom
chesttohindquarters.)
Theunderlineofadogsbellyisalsoreferredtoastuckup.
Berneseshouldnothaveatuckedupunderlineasisseen
intheconformationofwhippets,greyhounds,
orintheManchesterTerrierpicturedtotheright.`

Page49

Bernese Mountain Dog Bone

Bonesizeisreferenced;theAKC
BreedStandardusesthephrase
stronglegs.
Thebreedisdescribedasalarge,
sturdydog.

BonesizeissomewhatvariableinBernese.
Lengthofhaironthelegsalsovariesfromabout
1/3 to1&1/2.
Featheringonthebackoffrontlegsandhocks
istypicallylonger,particularlyinmaturedogs.
Justashaironthebodycanmask
substance,groomingofhaironthelegscan
presenttheillusionofsturdybone.
Feelthebones andlookatthesizeof&feel
thefeet.Asturdyboneddogisunlikelytohave
narrowfootwidth;feetmaybewider.
Wettingdownthelegswillrevealtruebonesize.
NOTE:Stronglegsdoesnot
necessarily=massivebones.
Whenlookingatandfeelingthelegbonesthe
amountofbonethatexistsshouldbe
sufficienttoprovidesupportforthe
dogsweight.

Light,fineboned
Moderate,sturdybone

Aesthetic&functionalbalanceofbonesize
tobodymassisdesirable.

Lightbonecomparedtobody
Bonesizeharmoniouswithbodysize

Page50

Disqualifications

Blueeyecolor.

Anygroundcolorotherthanblack

Page51

Questions You be the judge

Theyaretricolored...
Nowwhat?
1strowacrosstop.
Lookatthelengthoftheirbacks;dothedogslooklong
backed?
Whichfrontappearstohaveagoodshoulderlayback?
Whichdogselbowssetunderthedogsbody?
Whichdogshavethemostandleastrearangulation;
istheretoomuchornotenough?
Howdoeseachdogsnecktieintotheirbacks?
Whichdogappearsmostbalanced?
2ndrowacross
Dothesedogsappearabitshorterbackedthanthose
inthefirstrow,alittlelongerthantall?
Howstheirfrontandrearangulation?
Doesthefirstdog'sforechestappeartobearched
forward?
Handsonwouldtellyoumoreaboutthefront.
Doesthe3rddoghaveenoughbendofstifle?
Ifyouhadtoguess,withoutseeingmovement,
whichdogdoyouthinkwouldhavebetterreach
anddrive,the2ndor3rd?

3rdrowacross
Wouldyousaythesedogsarecompact?
Canyoucomparethelengthoftheirnecks?
Picturescanttellyoutherelativesizeofthedogs.
Woulditbesurprisingthatthereisa30pound
differenceanddoesweightandsizematter?
Aretheirbendofstifleorangleofthecroupdifferent?
Dotheirshoulderlaybacks'lookdifferent?
Whichdoghastheflattertopline?
Whichdogappearstohavethemostbalancedstructure?

Opinionsandtastesvary,thesameasdogs.Breeders knowthecharacteristicsdescribedinthebreedstandard;structureisacomponentofbreedtype.

Page52

Credits & websites

Withspecialthanksandappreciationextendedtothefollowingpeople
whosharedmanyofthephotosusedincreatingthispresentation:
Doris Braun
ChrisStephana c
FaraBushnell
ChristineMann
JeanneStanwood
ChrisMcLean
PatLongandmanyBernerLfriendsinthefancyworldwide
Documentation&photoswerealsogatheredfromthefollowinggroups
andindividuals.
BMDCAPublicationsCommittees
AKCHistorian,BarbaraKolk
MargretBrtschi
&HughHayes collectionofphotosintheberner.orggalleries
...andfromsomanyfriendsoftheBerneseMountainDogswhohave
sharedphotographsofbeautifuldogswithmeoverthepast26years.
...Sincerestgratitude goestoRuthReynoldsforhercontentreview&
consultation.
...Andthanksgotomyhusband,MarkMilligan,forhisadvice,patience
andsupportofthisprojectandforandbeingasteadycompanion inlife
&timesspentwithBerneseMountainDogs.
Thankyouallformakingthisworkpossible.

SincetheBerneseMountainDoghasitsoriginsinSwitzerlandandexists
worldwide,itisfittingtoincludethefollowingreferences.
TheNaturhistorischesMuseum Sciencewebsitecontainsextensive
informationonSwissdogbreeds.
http://wwwnmbe.unibe.ch/deutsch/531_5.html
FCI BerneseMountainDogBreedStandard
http://www.fci.be/uploaded_files/045A2002_en.doc
SwissClubforBerneseMountainDogs
http://www.bshkbs.ch/
Foranindepthexplanationofthehistoryandpurposeofthebreed
seeMargretBrtschisarticle,HowitAllBegan at:
http://www.bmdinfo.org/bmdhistory/2006_Bartschi_BMDCGB_Centenary.pdf

InNorthAmerica
UnitedStates:
TheAmericanKennelClub
http://www.akc.org
TheBerneseMountainDogClubofAmerica
http://www.bmdca.org
Canada
BerneseMountainDogClubofCanada
http://www.bmdcc.ca/

Page53

References
AKCPublications
AKCGazette.IssuesJune1,1935&April,1943.
AKCDogBook.1947&1958editions
BMDCAPublications
TheAlpenhorn:issuesfromDecember1977 February1979.
TheAlpenhorn:1937198750thAnniversaryissue.
TheBMDCAsIllustratedStandard:1st&2ndpublication.
BMDCAYearbooks

Books
CanineTerminology.HaroldSpira,IllustratedbyMary
andPeggyDavidson,1982edition

DieSchweizerSennenhunde.AlbertHeim,1914.
DIESCHWEIZERHUNDERASSEN,HansRaber.

TheDoginAction.McDowellLyon,1988edition

90yearAnniversaryEinHandbuchfuralle,diedenDrrbchler
kennen,liebenundzuchten.SchweizerischerKlubfurBernerSennenhunde.

TheDynamicsofCanineGaitAstudyofMotion.Leon
Hollenbeck,2nd edition

Articles
NationalGeographicMagazine.December,1941
HowItAllBegan,BerneseMountainDogClubofGreatBritain&
MargretBrtschi,2006

DogLocomotionandGaitAnalysis.CurtisM.Brown,1986
edition
TheNewDogSteps.RachaelPaigeElliot,Illustratedby
EveAndrardeandR.P.Elliot

ThisIllustratedBerneseMountainDogBreedStandardReviewwasauthoredandillustratedinbyAnnMilligan;editors,RuthReynolds&MarkMilligan.Thecontentisoffered
forthebenefitofbreeders&owners.Itishopedthepageswill serveasalearningaidandimproveunderstandingofthebreedscharacteristicsastheyhaveexistedindogs
overtimeandtoday&asdescribedinBreedStandards.
AlltheBerneseMountainDogphotosshowninthepresentationwereorarecherishedcompaniondogs.Thanksgototheirbreeders&owners.
Distinctphenotypesofdogsbreedsaretheproductofbreedmanagementinmodernhistory.BreedStandardsprimarilyaddressphenotype.Thisbreedofdogisachanging,
morphingentity,andahumanconstructatthat.Characteristicscanbebredinandbredout.Pleaseneverunderestimatethevalueofchoosinghealthy,longliveddogsfor
breeding;breedonlysound,typeyBerneseMountainDogsofintelligence&outstandingcharacterandtemperament.

Page54

The road ahead the dogs

dogs future is in your hands. Build them & keep them well.