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
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.
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. Dew claws 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. Dew claws 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 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 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
color 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.
