GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 58-70cm (23”-27½”).
Colour: Tricolour (black, tan and white as stipulated).
Coat: Long, soft, silky with a bright sheen and slightly wavy.
Gait: Fore and hindlegs move effortlessly and straight with strong hind propulsion. 
These handsome working dogs are both strong and agile. The broad skull is slightly furrowed and the muzzle is strong. The dark eyes are almond shaped and the triangular high set ears hang to the side of the head. As in a number of herding dogs, the body is slightly longer than the height of the dog at the shoulder. Fore and hindquarters are well angulated and the round feet are compact. The bushy tail reaches to just below the hooks and may be raised in action.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
While being almost insensible to the cold, these dogs readily adapt to all types of climate. They fit into any lifestyle but in order that they do not become a one man or one family dog, early socialisation with strangers is important. Regular grooming is advisable particularly when the dogs have their annual coat shed. Checks to see the ears and the teeth are clean should not be overlooked.
HISTORY
Like the Rottweiler, the origins of this breed can be traced back 2,000 years to the time the Roman invaders brought them to Switzerland. Originally known as the Sennehund or Durbachler, besides herding and guarding cattle the Swiss utilised them as draught dogs drawing small carts. In spite of their versatility and pleasant natures, with the arrival of other breeds in Switzerland, popularity for the Bernese Mountain Dog waned to such a degree that they almost became extinct. Fortunately some enthusiasts resuscitated the breed and formed the first specialty club in 1907.