BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG BREED STANDARD
Here are Links to the official Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Standards.
Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) Breed Standard
www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/045g02-en.pdf
American Kennel Club (AKC) Breed Standard
www.akc.org/breeds/bernese_mountain_dog/breed_standard.cfm
UK Kennel Club Breed Standard
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/working/bernese-mountain-dog
THE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG BREED STANDARD - AN ESSENTIAL REFERENCE DOCUMENT
A Breed Standard is a crucial reference document associated with each and every pedigree breed of dog. It is a descriptive guideline which relays the essential and/or ideal construction, features and characteristics which all combine to make each breed unique and distinctive.
The concise nature of the current UK Breed Standard of the Bernese Mountain Dog as recognised and accepted by the Kennel Club is minimally worded and consequently lacks detail and is open to interpretation. A full explanatory expansion of the Breed Standard and elaboration of all the finer details of construction, features and characteristics of Bernese Mountain Dogs would fill a dedicated publication and so is beyond the space available here but I have commented on some aspects that have been the subject of recent discussion.
Founded upon the history and development of our breed, the Breed Standard of the Bernese Mountain Dog as we know him today is rooted in our breed's origins of the farm dogs who had proved to be such useful and valuable assets on the traditional Swiss farms.
Secondary sexual characteristics reflect the masculinity of males and the femininity of females and as such the features and characteristics of the breed will be expressed slightly differently for each gender. A "masculine" female or a "feminine" male could perform the tasks that the breed was developed for but retaining and maintaining clear gender identity is desirable.
More than a century ago the declining population of the traditional types of farm dogs in and around the Durrbach region of Switzerland was recognised and to prevent the valuable working traits being lost a number of owners and enthusiasts of "Durrbachlers" dedicated themselves to a selective dog breeding programme intended to preserve, improve and promote these very special dogs. The ongoing selection of dogs with positive, desirable attributes whilst also striving to reduce faults, defects and health issues brought about more uniformity and as time passed breeders began to desire and favour other additional features and characteristics which positively enhanced the working ability, soundness, performance and beauty of what we know as the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Even the most experienced, skilled and talented breeders do not have control over the genetic profile and potential of the dogs they breed but by adhering closely to the Breed Standard the cards are stacked in favour of producing future generations which themselves are representative of all that is positive and desirable in the Bernese Mountain Dog. Every deviation from the Breed Standard undermines the integrity of the breed.
A high percentage of those who become interested in Bernese and subsequently seek to research or investigate the breed will likely have glanced at the Breed Standard but it's content is usually quickly forgotten and that is a shame for the breed and also a shame for enthusiasts of the breed. Without a Breed Standard there is no breed. The Breed Standard is wholly relevant reference work which should be adhered to by everyone who believes that the positive attributes are desirable and should be preserved for future generations
The UK Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Standard is reproduced below in bold text.
BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG BREED STANDARD
Last updated January 2009
The Kennel Club prefaces all Breed Standards with this paragraph;
A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch section of the Kennel Club website here http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/watch for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as undesirable or highly undesirable it is strongly recommended that it should not be rewarded in the show ring.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
Strong, sturdy working dog, active, alert, well boned, of striking colour.
Reference to the actual size and colour of the breed in this section of the Breed Standard is, in my opinion, a regrettable omission as each of those features command immediate attention. Unless a specific dimension is stated it is true that any reference to size may be relative but Bernese are generally regarded as a "large" breed with some enthusiasts preferring to describe them as "above medium size" although that phrase is arguably somewhat ambiguous. Bernese are not a "giant" breed to be compared to those breeds of larger dimensions and proportions such as Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards or Newfoundlands etc., but Bernese are larger and more substantial than Golden Retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs and their size is a significant feature of their "general appearance".
The bigger, giant breeds are often described as "massive" which does seem appropriate and correct for those real titans of the canine breeds and as such I do not regard the term "massive" as being relevant to Bernese as the burden of more size and bigger bulk would negatively impact upon the working heritage (and their potential for retaining their working ability in future years) of the breed. It is essential that Bernese should be well-proportioned and as a consequence, any part of a Bernese which appears to be or is described as massive may be a feature that is out of proportion with the rest of the dog and is therefore undesirable.
The industrious heritage and working ability of Bernese should be obvious from his structure and demeanour. He should present a pleasing, imposing picture of power, strength and substance with uncompromised freedom of mobility - never appearing clumsy, lumbering nor ungainly. "Harmonious" is a well-chosen term often used to describe the overall appearance of Bernese. The construction and frame of Bernese should be free from exaggeration with a well-balanced unity of each part which flows effortlessly into the next part as is essential for optimum health, soundness and function.
He should be alert and aware of his surroundings and survey his situation with an intelligent confidence and calmness without fear or aggression. He should be animated but not flighty - an erratic or highly-strung nature is definitely not conducive to his aptitude and purpose.
The term "well-boned" would imply that a Bernese should have a heavier skeleton than would be found on a finely framed, lighter built, more athletic breed. The thickness of the leg bones of Bernese should not look out of proportion with the body and frame of the dog but the hair on the leg may give an illusion of the bone being thicker (heavier) than it actually is. If the bone thickness and strength is too light his usefulness would be substantially weakened and if too heavy and exaggerated that would be a physical burden to the dog and compromise his ability to perform all the varies tasks he was bred for.
The colour and markings of Bernese is indeed "striking" but that term provides no indication of this instantly visual, attractive aspect of the breed which leaves a lasting impression even upon first glance of seeing the breed for the first time.
The body and head are predominantly black with clearly defined and symmetrical, rich tan accompanied by white accent markings on the head (face), chest and feet.
CHARACTERISTICS
A multi-purpose farm dog capable of draught work. A kind and devoted family dog. Slow to mature.
Many breeds of pedigree dog were primarily developed to have the aptitude to efficiently perform a single task such as herding or guarding or hunting or retrieving but the job description for Bernese is one which demands this breed is capable, able and willing to applying his strengths and talents to a number of useful tasks.
"Workmanlike" is, I believe, an appropriate phrase to describe Bernese as it correctly reflects the physical and temperamental characteristics derived from the breeds origins and heritage. Sadly "workmanlike" has also been misinterpreted by some as a negative criticism meaning coarseness which I do not agree with. Bernese should neither appear to be fine (weak) nor coarse and a harmoniously built working dog is a truly magnificent sight encompassing nobility, purpose and efficiency and should be celebrated as such.
Put into harness and required to perform draught work, it is essential for Bernese to have the size, frame and physical construction to easily pull and manoevre a cart or waggon plus the strength and stamina to enable them to efficiently haul heavy loads.
Often one reads or hears the comment that a heavy-set Bernese deemed sturdy enough to pull a cart could "do the job he was bred for" but we must always strive to preserve and produce future generations of Bernese who are more than a one "job" draught dog - his origins on those traditional Swiss farms was as a dog who had many other uses including droving, guardian and watchdog.
A large, powerful working dog must be biddable, manageable, predictable and reliable if he is to be effectively trained or schooled and also be willing to repeatedly engage in that work thereafter.
Also achieving specific mention in this section of the Breed Standard is the important characteristic of "kind and devoted family dog" which confirms that a Bernese should be biddable, loving, protective and respectful of all members of the family - not a one-man dog who respects only one 'master'. Bernese should be at ease when engaged in a job of work alongside his owner but also seek out and enjoy the company of his human family when not otherwise engaged. This characteristic is, in my opinion, of the utmost importance. Farmers of yesteryear and today would not want or tolerate a dog who was a threat or a liability to their own family no matter how useful an asset he was when engaged as a farmhand. All Bernese should be easy going and tolerant but also able to react accordingly without being over-zealous should his family or territory be threatened.
Nowadays only a very small percentage of Bernese are employed in their original purpose in farm environments, the majority of Bernese being almost entirely sought after as a beautiful, family companion. We don't have to make any compromises regarding the ideal temperament and character of this working dog to enable him retain breed integrity and thrive as a family dog as Bernese were developed to be both those things but the future of this distinctive breed will only be secured if the desirable temperament and character of the breed is not compromised by careless breeding.
Bernese are fast to grow but slow to mature. Maturity is usually reached at about 4 years of age and widely accepted as such. Enhanced growth patterns and too-rapid maturity can cause undue stress on a heavy, albeit immature skeleton so compromising normal function and increasing the risk of damage or deformity.
TEMPERAMENT
Self-confident, good-natured, friendly and fearless. Aggressiveness not to be tolerated.
Every desirable aspect of the Bernese temperament has been selected for and developed as a highly inherited trait but of course temperament can also be affected both positively and negatively by exposure to variations in management, environment, experiences and other factors.
Bernese do not have one overriding instinct other than to be around people - he was not bred to take off as a loner and "do his own thing". His role was to work and remain within his home boundary/territory and not wander further afield unless required to accompany his master whereby he would remain close at heel and compliant with what was expected of him.
No matter how visibly attractive Bernese are, by far the MOST attractive and desirable characteristic is correct temperament. A "self-confident" Bernese will not be upset by either expected or unexpected activities, noises and events which are likely to occur within his home environment and beyond; he should accept everyday situations in his stride and survey unusual situations whilst standing his ground without undue stress or panic. A kindly breed which is affectionate, bonds easily with his family and friends and is eager to please and keen to interact with people but it is not essential for a Bernese to foist his affection over-enthusiastically onto everyone he meets. Bernese puppies and juveniles are usually carefree and keen to make friends with everyone and everything but as a Bernese matures he may develop and display an aloofness with strangers which we can trace all the way back to his origins when his forebears were vigilant watchdogs and guardians of the farms although a degree of aloofness must not be mistaken or confused with reluctance to interact with people of other animals due to his anxiety, apprehension, fear or aggression which is unacceptable. The ideal Bernese temperament is also engaging, characterful and trustworthy resulting in a dog who is a faithful and reliable companion who is a joy to live and work with.
HEAD AND SKULL
Strong with flat skull, very slight furrow, well defined stop; strong straight muzzle. Lips slightly developed.
Some breeds are regarded as "head breeds" whereby exaggerated features of the head and skull are given primary prominence over other features when evaluating those breeds. Bernese are not regarded as a "head breed" nor should they be.
The head of the Bernese should be strong and undoubtedly beautiful in construction and expression but the qualities of the head should be no more important than the desirable features of the whole dog. However, our primary interaction with our Bernese is inevitably conducted by our constant speaking to and connecting with the head and face and so the features of the head are constantly focussed upon and become prominent in our relationship and the bond we have with our dogs.
The shape, strength, proportions and definition of all the correct head features combine to give a pleasing impression of strength without coarseness. The correct expression of a Bernese is benign, relaying an alert intelligence and absolute kindness of nature. The ideal Bernese head displays a distinctive and harmonious balance of strength and beauty, being neither as massive as the St Bernard, exaggerated as the Mastiff or Boxer nor with any similarity to the Rottweiler, Retriever or Collie.
The skull should be broad and although our UK Breed Standard states it should be flat, some other countries have adopted an amendment to the Breed Standard stating the skull, when "viewed from the front and in profile a little rounded" and that feature is very commonly seen in Bernese today and is widely regarded as acceptable. The length of back-skull should be fractionally longer than the muzzle.
The furrow is a slight indentation which runs along the median line from the stop to the occiput (the upper back point of the skull). The furrow adds definition and character to the head but should not be too pronounced (deep). The stop is the step-up from the muzzle to the skull - an indentation between the eyes where the nasal bone and skull meet and should not be too pronounced as that causes the head to have a heavy and untypical shape.
The muzzle should be of medium length and strong with good breadth and depth and a straight nasal bridge. Good balance and proportion is essential and any suggestion of heaviness brought about by an overly shortened and/or deep muzzle or a narrow, pointed muzzle is to be avoided. Slight padding of the cheeks prevents the face having a sunken-in appearance but over padded cheeks alter the planes of the face and bring an unnatural coarseness which is alien to the desired shape and expression.
Both the upper and lower lips should be smooth and close fitting and avoiding overly deep cheek pouches and this conformation will keep the Bernese mouth dry so avoiding the unsightly drooling that pendulous, loose-fitting lips allow. Ideally the lips should have dark pigment.
The nose of a Bernese should be large, well padded with open, well developed, nostrils. The nose should have complete solid black pigment.
EYES
Dark brown, almond-shaped, well fitting eyelids.
Eye colour does not affect vision but eye colour does impact greatly upon expression. The desired dark brown eye brings an essential softness to the strong, typical Bernese head and also compliments the rich colouring of our breed. Eyes which are so dark as to be almost black can result in a dull, lifeless expression. Eyes which are a lighter shade of brown deliver increasing degrees of harshness and sharpness to the expression and extremely pale, amber tones convey a fierce and somewhat piercing intensity which is highly undesirable.
Bernese with one or two wholly or partially blue eyes, sometimes referred to as "wall eyes" also occur and initially presents as a bright "china" blue in puppies but appears whiter with maturity. This lack of pigment in the iris often, but not always, occurs in Bernese who are over-marked with too great a degree of white markings. Although vision is unaffected blue eyes are regarded as a disqualifying fault in some countries.
Eyes should be almond shaped and therefore round or narrow (slit) eyes are undesirable. The set of the eye within the socket should not be too deep giving a sunken appearance nor too shallow resulting in a prominent or protruding eye. Eyes should always appear clear and healthy, free from discharge or redness of the conjunctiva. It is incorrect to regard any redness of eyes as "normal" or acceptable trait for Bernese. Redness of the eyes is a symptom of inflammation or infection and thereby unhealthy and so well-fitting eyelids which lie close and evenly to the eyeball provide necessary protection. Ectropion is a painful condition whereby loose eyelids, specifically the lower eyelids, will droop downwards exposing the haw and conjunctiva allowing debris to enter the eye socket and cause irritation and is therefore unacceptable as too is Entropion, another serious condition caused by the upper and/or lower, entire or partial eyelids and/or eyelashes rolling inwards and rubbing against the eyeball causing severe discomfort and the risk of permanent damage. The eyelids should be darkly pigmented.
EARS
Medium-sized; set high, triangular-shaped, lying flat in repose, when alert brought slightly forward and raised at base.
The correct shape, size, lay and set of the ears perfectly compliment the desired head shape and are crucial to the overall expression. Proportions are important and so smaller or larger, pendulous ears will detract from the overall balance of the head. When alert the tips of the ears should remain flat and lie close to the head and not fly outwards or upwards nor should they wholly or partially fold back upon themselves.
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.
Full dentition in an adult Bernese should comprise of 42 teeth which are arranged as six incisors, two canines, eight premolars and four molars on the upper and a similar configuration plus two additional molars on the lower jaw. Missing teeth (commonly Premolar 1 (PM1) and/or Molar 3 (M3)) are not ideal but absence of those is not considered serious.
Normal sized teeth in a regular formation provide optimum function whereas small or misplaced teeth are disadvantaged by uneven and premature wear. It is not uncommon to see Bernese with small, undersized incisors (usually the four smaller of the incisors which are rooted at the centre front of the jaw) and some countries have listed this irregularity as a fault in an amendment to their version of the Breed Standard.
The scissor bite is preferred but a pincer or level bite where the teeth meet edge to edge is currently tolerated. An overshot jaw (top jaw extending noticeably beyond the bottom jaw) and undershot jaw (the lower jaw extending noticeably beyond the upper jaw) are more serious defects due to the more severe misalignment of the teeth and the associated consequences of inefficient function.
NECK
Strong, muscular and medium length.
The neck should flow smoothly with a pleasing forward and upward curve from base to shoulders. A neck which is too long or too short impacts negatively on the desired, balanced and shapely Bernese outline. A profuse mane of long hair around the neck, found especially in mature males, can disguise the actual length of neck. The length and indeed the set of the neck is influenced by the lay back of shoulders and other structural features reminding us again that correct structural conformation is the essential foundation of correct balance and function. When pulling a heavy load or moving at speed the neck and head will be lowered.
FOREQUARTERS
Shoulders long, strong and sloping, with upper arm forming a distinct angle, flat lying, well muscled. Forelegs straight from all sides. Pasterns flexing slightly.
The forehand of a Bernese bears much of the body weight and so efficient distribution of that weight supported by adequate strength and correct angulation and proportion is crucial. The forehand produces the forward reach needed for efficient propulsion when combining with the drive from the rear quarters.
Lack of angulation impedes movement and, consequently, stamina which is a serious failing for a working breed. Correct shoulder construction involves the shoulder blade and upper arm forming an obtuse angle of around 100 degrees. The position of the elbows is dependent upon this figuration accompanied by good musculature and the elbows should be close fitting and not turned in nor out. The forelegs should be well boned, set parallel, well apart and straight when viewed from the front and with a slightly flexed pastern when viewed from the side. Correctly constructed shoulders and pasterns serve as efficient shock absorbers.
BODY
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.
To efficiently carry and propel the size, weight and bulk of Bernese, correct body proportions are extremely important.
The body, when viewed from above, should be broad and substantial and of similar width across the shoulder and the hips with a slight narrowing across the loin; the ribs should be deep and well sprung but not too rounded (barrel shaped) nor too flat (slab-sided.)
The chest should be broad and deep providing enough heart and lung room with a wide, oval shaped ribcage extending well back. An incorrect, barrel shaped ribcage will push the elbows out and hinder front movement. The chest should reach the elbows with a substantial, well developed forechest extending beyond the forelegs which are set well back. The depth of brisket should be at least equal to the length of leg (ie at least 50% of the height at the withers.)
The desired height to length ratio of 9:10 (the height at the withers being slightly less than the length of the dog) but Bernese who are too long in body and/or short in leg have become commonplace and the seriousness of this fault should not be underestimated. The acceptance of a longer body or loin in a female Bernese used for breeding may have contributed to the increase of this fault as bitches who are overly long in body and/or short in leg will inevitably produce offspring who may have or carry the same faulty, disproportionate construction.
The loin is the region between the last rib and the croup, otherwise called the rump, (between the 1st and 7th lumbar vertebrae) and is reliant upon strong musculature for support and stability. An overly long loin will be weakened and lacking in strength and is therefore unsuited to the multi-tasking Bernese who may be required to engage in draught work. The back is short and extends from the withers to the 13th thoracic vertebrae. A backline which is concave (dips) or rises (roached) is a fault. The rump (croup) is well rounded when the pelvis lies at the correct angle; if the pelvic bone lies too flat the rump will not be sufficiently rounded and if the hindquarters lack sufficient angulation and are too upright the rump will be raised causing the dog to be overbuilt.
HINDQUARTERS
Broad, strong and well muscled. Stifles well bent. Hock strong, well let down and turning neither in nor out.
Strong, sturdy bone, correct angulation and good musculature combined with balance and proportion are needed to provide the flexibility, power and endurance needed for our multi-tasking breed to function normally.
When viewed from the rear the hindquarters should be well boned, strong and powerful and are set neither too wide nor too close, parallel and straight. The thighs should be broad, powerful and well muscled - the upper thighs should be long and strong and the lower thigh long and sloping (oblique).
It is important that the forequarters and hindquarters are balanced and in proportion to allow them to produce the propulsion and transmission of correct gait and unimpaired mobility.
There is sometimes confusion regarding the term "hock". Some use the term "hock" when referring to the joint which equates to our human ankle joint combined with the metatarsus bone; "hock" is perhaps more correctly used as the name for the joint alone and the metatarsus bone which extends downwards from the hock joint towards the foot is called the rear pastern. A "well let down" hock is commonly understood to mean that the rear pastern is short. When viewed from the rear the hocks and rear pastern should be firm, straight, neither tuning in nor outwards and when viewed from the side they should be set almost vertically.
FEET
Short, round and compact.
The feet are the primary shock absorbers and so must be large and well padded. The front feet have four toes which are are arched and sited close together resembling cat-like feet, a term which found favour as it seems very appropriate.
The hind feet have four toes which have contact with the ground and may also, but not always, have one or two more toes which are usually sited further up the inside of the foot or hind leg. The four hind toes are not so well arched and are a little longer and narrower and consequently the hind feet are usually fractionally little less compact than the front feet.
The feet should be neither flat nor splayed.
TAIL
Bushy, reaching just below hock. Raised when alert or moving but never curled or carried over back.
The end (last) bone in the tail (caudal vertebra) must reach at least to the hock but this can sometimes be deceptive when dogs in full coat have developed long featherings (fringes) flowing from the underside of their tail. Short tails are undesirable.
Correct tail carriage is important to the overall balance as it is a part of the desired, shapely outline. The tail is set into the rounded rump (croup) and if sited too high will be responsible for high tail carriage. The tail should be strong and thick and straight and will hang down when in repose but will become flexible and animated when alert or moving. The maximum accepted tail elevation is level with, or slightly higher than the back. Temperament, disposition and mood are also expressed through tail carriage and tail action.
GAIT/MOVEMENT
Stride reaching out well in front, following well through behind, balanced stride in all gaits.
It is essential that Bernese movement is sound and balanced and energy efficient. The stride should be long and effortless at all speeds and insufficient angulation will result in short strides. Movement affects the whole body and the whole body affects movement. When relaxed and unemployed Bernese may be mostly pedestrian although the natural working gait is considered to be a slow trot but Bernese, in common with all dogs, must be able to move easily and unhindered at all gaits and speeds. When at the trot the legs should move forward in a straight line when viewed from the front or behind. Movement should be parallel and ground covering and any wasted action (such as caused by loose or restricted joints, incorrect angles or exaggerated movements and placements of the limbs) is a deviation which should be regarded as a fault.
Poor musculature and lack of fitness may contribute to inefficient or awkward movement.
COAT
Soft, silky with bright natural sheen, long, slightly wavy but should not curl when mature.
The natural sheen of the top coat should lie flat over a dense, soft undercoat so providing two levels of protection against inclement weather. The correct coat is easy to care for and does not warrant trimming although long fringes sometimes develop on and behind the ears and long furnishings which appear on the feet may need tidying.
A coat that does not lie flat, is too profuse or overly soft will allow heat and wet to reach the skin and also collect dirt and debris and so is undesirable as is a coat that is harsh.
Long hair covers the neck, chest, shoulders, body, thighs and tail. Mature males will grow thick mane and long hair on the chest. The head, face, ear flaps, front of the legs and feet have a covering of short hair.
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.
The markings and colouring of Bernese are spectacular, with the black, white and tan clearly defined. Symmetry and balance of markings are highly desirable.
The nose should be black. Pigment should be dark around the eye rims and mouth (lips) although the presence of pale or pink pigment inside the mouth and on the pads of the feet is commonplace and usually accepted.
The ground colour should always be black, the white and rich tan markings should be clear, solid (not diluted in colour, ticked or brindled) and well defined without bleeding. A few small freckles on the muzzle are tolerated. The white markings on the chest may form a "Swiss"cross but a wider white "shirt front" or irregular shape is commonplace and accepted but should not be dissected by the intrusion of a black band or patch.
The relative proportion of white and tan markings set against the solid black body and head can greatly affect the overall look of a Bernese - especially so on the head. The degree of white markings on the head can cause the true proportions of the head to be masked by an optical illusion.
The white of the blaze should not be so wide as to merge into the tan eyebrow spots above the eyes and the white muzzle band should not extend beyond the corners of the mouth. An absence of white markings or tan markings on the head is highly undesirable as are white markings extending further than halfway up the pastern significantly reducing or deleting the desired tan above.
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SIZE
Height: dogs: 64-70 cms (25-271/2 ins); bitches: 58-66 cms (23-26 ins).
Overall proportion, shape, balance and soundness are intrinsically more important than restricting size (height) to a narrower, definitive boundary. A male at the lowest end of the accepted height range is smaller than a bitch who matches the top size allowed but the male should still exhibit masculine characteristics and the bitch be overtly feminine.
FAULTS
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 and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
A Bernese who does not exhibit all of the desired attributes may still be able to perform do the job he was bred for. All of the desirable features and characteristics combine to make the Bernese unique and distinct and therefore we must all strive to retain our breeds individuality.
In a world that is massively overpopulated with dogs who are unwanted, the only justification for breeding more dogs, albeit pedigree dogs such as Bernese, is for breeders to employ a high degree of integrity and strive to breed only from Bernese who closely resemble the Breed Standard and are therefore most likely to produce future generations of Bernese who closely meet the requirements of the Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Standard.