Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Standard
Comparison Chart

History / Origin and Purpose:	CKC: The Bernese Mountain Dog takes its name from the Canton of Bern in Switzerland, its native land. It is one of the four Swiss tri-colour breeds known by the collective name Sennenhunde, the only one of the four with a long coat. The Bernese Mountain Dog and his ancestors lived for many generations as farm dogs with occasional use as draft dogs. From this background developed a hardy, natural, good-natured working breed that today is known principally as a faithful family companion. AKC: (Not indicated as part of AKC Standard.) UKC: The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four ancient Swiss Sennenhunds, developed when the invading Romans bred their mastiffs to local flock-guarding dogs, and is the only one with a full coat. Refined in the Berne region, dogs of this breed were routinely used for multiple jobs. These included: general farm worker; flock guardian; and draft dog. The breed is characterized by the classic, striking Sen-nenhund tri-coloring (black ground color, with rust and white markings). The Bernese Mountain Dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948. KC: (Not indicated as part of KC Standard.) FCI: ORIGIN : Switzerland. UTILIZATION : Originally used as a guard-, draught-and cattle dog on farms in the Canton Bern, today also family dog and versatile working dog. BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: The Bernese Mountain Dog is a farm dog of ancestral origin which was used as a guard and draught dog and for driving cattle in the prealpine regions and in the midland areas around Bern. Originally he was named "Dürrbächler" according to the name of the hamlet and of the inn of Dürrbach, near Riggisberg in the Canton Bern where these long-haired tricoloured farm dogs were especially numerous. In 1902, 1904 and 1907 specimen of this breed had already been exhibited at dog shows, and in 1907 some breeders of the region of Burgdorf decided to promote the pure breeding of these dogs by founding the "Schweizerischer Dürrbach-Klub", and fixing the characteristic traits of the breed. In 1910, at a show in Burgdorf where many farmers of that region brought their Dürrbächler dogs to, already 107 specimen were shown. From that day onward this dog, renamed "Bernese Mountain Dog" following the example of the other breeds of Swiss Mountain Dogs, became rapidly appreciated all over Switzerland and in the neighbouring parts of Germany. Today the Bernese Mountain Dog is well known and appreciated all over the world as a family dog thanks to its striking tricoloured coat and its great adaptability.
General Appearance:	CKC: Large, sturdy, well balanced working dog of substantial bone. Square in appearance from withers to ground and withers to tail set. Heavy-coated with distinctive characteristic markings. In comparison with the opposite sex, dogs appear masculine, bitches feminine without loss of type. 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. UKC: The Bernese Mountain Dog is large, yet sturdy, balanced and agile, reflecting its historical origin and uses. Dogs denote a masculine appearance and bitches are distinctly feminine. KC: Strong, sturdy working dog, active, alert, well boned, of striking colour. FCI: Longhaired, tricoloured, strong and agile working dog, of above medium size, with sturdily built limbs; harmonious and well balanced.
Temperament / Characteristics:	CKC: The Bernese temperament is one of the breed's strongest assets. Consistent, dependable, with a strong desire to please. Self-confident, alert, good natured. Attached and loyal to human family; may be aloof or suspicious with strangers, but never sharp or shy. A dog must stand for examination when required to do so by its handler. AKC: 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. UKC: They are slightly longer than tall, though sometimes appear-ing square. Their substantial and sturdy bone is characteristic of the breed. They have an intelligent, animated and gentle expression. A stocky, well-balanced appearance is characteristic of the breed. They are self-confident, alert and good-natured. They are characteristically friendly but may remain aloof to strangers. The Bernese Mountain Dog is shown in a natural appear-ance; unnecessary trimming is not desirable. KC: Characteristics - A multi-purpose farm dog capable of draught work. A kind and devoted family dog. Slow to mature. Temperament - Self-confident, good-natured, friendly and fearless. Aggressiveness not to be tolerated. FCI: Self-confident, attentive, vigilant, fearless in every day situations; good-natured and devoted to his own people, self-assured and placid towards strangers ; of medium temperament, docile.
Size:	CKC: Dogs 24.4-27.6inches (62-70 cm), best size 26-26.8 inches (66-68 cm); bitches 22.8-26 inches (58-66 cm), best size 23.6-24.8 inches (60-63 cm). Height measured at withers. The stocky, well-balanced appearance must be maintained. AKC: Size, Proportion, Substance - Measured at the withers, dogs are 25 to 27½ 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. UKC: Males - 25 to 27½ inches. Females - 23 to 26 inches. KC: Height: dogs: 64-70 cms (25-27½ ins); bitches: 58-66 cms (23-26 ins). Compact rather than long. Height to length 9:10. FCI: Important Proportions: Height at withers : length of body (measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock) = 9 : 10, rather compact than elongated. Ideal relation of height at withers : depth of chest = 2 : 1. Height at withers : for dogs : 64-70 cm, ideal size : 66-68 cm. for bitches : 58-66 cm, ideal size : 60-63 cm.
Coat and Colour:	CKC: The adult coat is thick, moderately long, possibly with a slight wave but never curly. It has a bright natural sheen. In texture it is soft rather than harsh, but is weather resistant, easily kept and resists matting. There is a soft, seasonal undercoat. Compulsory markings: Jet-black ground colour. Rich russet markings (dark reddish brown is most favoured) appear on the cheeks, in a spot over each eye, in a patch above each foreleg, and on all four legs between the black of the upper leg and the white of the feet. Clean white markings as follows: On chest extending uninterrupted to under chin; also a slight to middle-sized blaze extending into a muzzle band which is not so wide as to obliterate the russet on the cheek (and which preferably does not extend past the corners of the mouth). Preferable markings: White feet with white reaching at the highest the pasterns and a white tip of tail. Markings should be symmetrical. Too little white is preferable to too much. AKC: Coat: The coat is thick, moderately long and slightly wavy or straight. It has a bright natural sheen. Extremely curly or extremely dull-looking 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 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 a white collar are serious faults. Any ground color other than black is a disqualification. UKC: Coat: The thick coat has a bright, natural sheen. It may be slightly wavy or straight. Severe faults: Extremely curly or extremely dull coats. Color: The tri-colored coat is a breed characteristic. The ground color is always jet black. Markings are rich rust and clear white in color. Symmetry of markings is desirable. This includes: rust over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the corners of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs and under the tail. White markings include a blaze and muzzle band, as well as an inverted cross on the chest and a white tail tip. White on the feet is desirable, but does not extend higher past the pastern area. Faults: Any deviation from the desired markings are faulted in relation to the extent of their deviation. Disqualification: Albinism. KC: Coat - Soft, silky with bright natural sheen, long, slightly wavy but should not curl when mature. Colour - Jet black, with rich reddish-brown on cheeks, over eyes, on all four legs and on chest. Slight to medium-sized symmetrical white head marking (blaze) and white chest marking (cross) are essential. Preferred but not essential, white paws, white not reaching higher than pastern, white tip to tail. A few white hairs at nape of neck, and white anal patch undesirable but tolerated. FCI: HAIR : Long, shining, straight or slightly wavy. COLOUR : Jet black main colour with rich tan markings on the cheeks, above the eyes, on all four legs and on the chest, and with white markings as follows : Clean white symmetrical markings on the head : blaze extending towards the nose on both sides to a muzzle band; the blaze should not reach the tan markings above the eyes, and the white muzzle band should not extend beyond the corners of the mouth. Moderately broad, unbroken white marking on throat and chest. Desirable : white feet, white tip of tail. Tolerated : small white patch on nape of neck, small white anal patch.
Head:	CKC: Skull: Flat and broad with a slight furrow; defined, but not exaggerated stop. Muzzle strong and straight; roughly square proportions, tapering only very slightly. Muzzle is slightly shorter than length of skull. Lips are fairly clean and tight; black in colour. Teeth: jaw is strong with good teeth meeting in a scissors bite. Dentition should be complete. Nostrils well open and black in colour. Eyes dark brown in colour, almond shaped, and well set apart; tight eyelids. Expression is intelligent, animated and gentle. Ears middle-sized, triangular in shape with rounded tip. Set above eye level high on side of head; hanging close to the head in repose, brought forward at the base when alert. AKC: 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. UKC: SKULL - The skull is broad and the top is flat. It has a slight furrow leading to a well-defined, but not exaggerated, stop. MUZZLE - The muzzle is straight and strong. The breed is dry-mouthed, having clean lips and only slightly-developed flews. TEETH - A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite. Faults: Level bite; incomplete dentition. Severe faults: Undershot or overshot bites. EYES - Eyes are dark brown in color, and slightly oval in shape. Eyelids are close-fitting. Fault: Light or round eyes. Severe faults: Entropian or ectropian eyelids. NOSE - The nose is always black. EARS - The ears are triangular in shape and of medium size, gently rounded at the tip. The top of the ear is level with the top of the skull. They are set high, and hang close to the head when at rest. When the dog is alert, the ears are raised at the base and brought forward. KC: Head and Skull - Strong with flat skull, very slight furrow, well defined stop; strong straight muzzle. Lips slightly developed. Eyes - Dark brown, almond-shaped, well fitting eyelids. Ears - Medium-sized; set high, triangular-shaped, lying flat in repose, when alert brought slightly forward and raised at base. Mouth - Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. FCI: Strong. In size balanced to general appearance, not too massive. CRANIAL REGION : Skull : Viewed from the front and in profile little rounded. Frontal furrow hardly marked. Stop : Well defined, but without being too pronounced. FACIAL REGION : Nose : Black. Muzzle : Strong, of medium length; nasal bridge straight. Lips : Close fitting; black. Jaws/Teeth : Strong, complete scissor bite (molars 3 (M3) are not taken into consideration). Pincer bite accepted. Eyes : Dark brown, almond-shaped, with close fitting eyelids. Neither too deep-set nor prominent. Loose eyelids are faulty. Ears : Medium-sized, set high, triangular in shape, slightly rounded at the tips, in repose hanging flat and close to the head. When alert, the rear part of the set-on is raised while the front edge of the ear remains close to the head.
Neck:	CKC: Strong, muscular of medium length, well set on. Dewlaps are very slightly developed. AKC: The neck is strong, muscular and of medium length. UKC: The medium length neck is strong, muscular and well set on. KC: Strong, muscular and medium length. FCI: Strong, muscular, of medium length.
Body:	CKC: Approximately square from withers to ground and withers to tail set. The body is sturdy. The chest is broad, with good depth of brisket reaching at least to the elbows; ribs are well sprung. The back is firm and level. Loins are strong and muscular. The croup is broad, well muscled. AKC: 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. UKC: The topline is level from the withers to the croup. The chest is broad, with well-sprung, deep ribs which reach to the elbows. The back is broad and firm. The loin is strong. The croup is broad and well-muscled. Faults: Overly long or thin body. KC: Compact rather than long. Height to length 9:10. Broad chest, good depth of brisket reaching at least to elbow. Well ribbed; strong loins. Firm, straight back. Rump smoothly rounded. FCI: Topline : From the neck running slightly downwards to the withers in a harmonious line, then running on straight and level. Back : Firm, straight and level. Loins : Broad and strong; seen from above slightly less broad than the chest. Croup : Smoothly rounded. Chest : Broad and deep, reaching to the elbows; forechest distinctly developed; ribcage of wide-oval section extending as well back as possible. Underline/belly : Slightly rising from chest to hindquarters.
Forequarters:	CKC: Shoulders are well muscled, flat lying and well laid back. Forelegs are straight with substantial bone; parallel stance. Elbows are well under shoulders. Pasterns are slightly sloping, but not weak. Feet are proportionate in size, round and compact. Dew claws are preferably removed. AKC: 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. UKC: The flat-lying, well-muscled, tight shoulders are moderately laid back. FORELEGS -- The forelegs are straight and strong. When not in motion, the elbows are well under the shoulders. The pasterns slope very slightly. Dewclaws may be removed. Severe fault: Weak pasterns. The feet are compact and round, with well-arched toes. Fault: Feet which turn in or out. KC: Shoulders long, strong and sloping, with upper arm forming a distinct angle, flat lying, well muscled. Forelegs straight from all sides. Pasterns flexing slightly. Feet Short, round and compact. FCI: Strong bones. FOREQUARTERS : Forelegs seen from the front straight and parallel, standing rather wide apart. Shoulders : Shoulder blade long, strong and well laid back, forming a not too obtuse angle with the upper arm, well attached to the chest, well muscled. Upper arm : Long, set oblique. Elbows : Close fitting; neither turned in nor out. Forearm : Strong, straight. Pastern : Seen from the side almost upright, firm; seen from the front in straight line with the forearm. Forefeet : Short, roundish; with well-knit, well-arched toes. Turned neither in nor out.
Hindquarters:	CKC: The hindquarters are powerful, with broad, well-muscled thighs and substantial bone. Stifles are well angulated. Hocks are well let down, turning neither in nor out. Pasterns are wide and straight, standing parallel. Feet are proportionate in size, round and compact. Dewclaws must be removed in the first few days of life. AKC: 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 turn neither in nor out. UKC: The thighs are broad, strong and muscular. Stifles are moderately bent and follow a smooth taper to the hocks. The hocks are straight when viewed from the rear and are well let down. Rear dewclaws should be removed. The feet are compact and round, with well-arched toes. Fault: Feet which turn in or out. KC: Hindquarters Broad, strong and well muscled. Stifles well bent. Hock strong, well let down and turning neither in nor out. Dewclaws to be removed. Feet Short, round and compact. FCI: Seen from the rear straight and parallel, not too close. Upper thigh : Long, broad, strong and well muscled. Stifle : Distinctly well bent. Lower thigh : Long and oblique. Hock joint : Strong, well angulated. Metatarsus : Set almost vertically. Dewclaws to be removed (except in those countries where it is prohibited by law). Hind feet : Slightly less arched than forefeet, turned neither in nor out.
Tail:	CKC: Bushy, hanging straight, with bone reaching to the hock joint or slightly below. Carried low in repose, higher when the dog is in motion or alert. An upward arc is permissible, but the tail should never curl over itself or be carried over the back. AKC: 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. UKC: The bushy tail is carried low when in repose; an upward swirl is allowed when the dog is alert. The tail bones are straight and reach to or below the hock joints. Severe fault: Tail carried over the back. Fault: Kink in the tail. KC: Bushy, reaching just below hock. Raised when alert or moving but never curled or carried over back. FCI: Bushy, reaching at least to the hocks; hanging straight down when at rest; carried level with back or slightly above when moving.
Gait:	CKC: The natural travelling gait of the breed is a slow trot, but it is capable of speed and agility. Good reach in front. Strong drive from the rear, flexing well at the stifles. The level backline is maintained; there is no wasted action. Front and rear feet of each side travel in lines parallel to direction of motion, converging towards a centre line at increased speeds. AKC: 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. UKC: The natural, normal gait is a slow trot, but the dogs are capable of speed and agility. The dogs exhibit good reach and powerful drive, without any wasted action. As speed increases, the dogs tend to single track. KC: Stride reaching out well in front, following well through behind, balanced stride in all gaits. FCI: Sound and balanced movement in all gaits covering a lot of ground; free stride reaching well out in front, with good drive from behind; at the trot, coming and going, legs moving forward in a straight line.
Faults:	CKC: A fault is any deviation from the standard, to be weighed in accordance with the degree of deviation. In addition and in particular: Major faults: ectropion or entropion; undershot or overshot mouth; tail rolled over back. Minor faults (subject to degree of fault): deficiency of type, particularly lack of substance; overly long or thin body; light or round eyes; level bite; incomplete dentition; too narrow or too snipey muzzle; too massive or too light head; too light russet markings or impure colour; grey colouring in black coat; nonsymmetrical markings, especially facial; white neck patch; white anal patch; curly coat in adult dog; splayed feet; kink in tail. AKC: Inverted or everted eyelids are serious faults. An overshot or undershot bite is a serious fault. A kink in the tail is a fault. 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. UKC: Faults: Level bite; incomplete dentition. Light or round eyes. Overly long or thin body. Feet which turn in or out. Kink in the tail. Any deviation from the desired markings are faulted in relation to the extent of their deviation. Severe faults: Undershot or overshot bites. Entropian or ectropian eyelids. Weak pasterns. Tail carried over the back. Extremely curly or extremely dull coats. KC: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog. Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum. FCI: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree. Unsure behaviour. Fine bones. Irregular set of the incisors provided that the bite remains correct. Absence of any other theeth than 2 PM1 (premolars 1); the M3 (molars 3) are not taken into consideration. Coat : - Distinctly curly coat. - Faults of colour and markings : Absence of white on head. Blaze too large and/or muzzle band reaching noticeably beyond the corners of the mouth. White collar. Large white patch on nape of neck (maximum diameter more than 6 cm). White anal patch (maximum size 6 cm). White markings on forelegs reaching distinctly beyond half-way of pasterns ("boots"). Disturbingly asymmetrical white markings on head and/or chest. Black ticks and stripes within the white on the chest. "Dirty" white (strong spots of pigmentation). Black coat with a touch of brown or red.
Disqualifications:	CKC: Cryptorchid or monorchid males; split nose; absent markings as described in compulsory markings; white neck ring; blue eye; ground colour other than black. AKC: Blue eye color. Any ground color other than black. UKC: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Blue-colored eyes. Any ground color other than black. Albinism. KC: (Not indicated as part of KC Standard.) FCI: Aggressive, anxious or distinctly shy. Split nose. Undershot or overshot mouth, wry mouth. One or two blue eyes (wall eye). Entropion, ectropion. Kinky tail, ring tail. Short coat, double coat (Stockhaar). Other than tricoloured coat. Other main colour than black. Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified. N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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