"The Man with The Berner" Part II

Photos courtesy of owner and photographer

     The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, long haired dog.  They have the "Swiss Coloring" of mostly black, with some rust, and white on the feet, face and belly.  Although they are primarily known as drafting dogs, they also excel at herding since they were originally used as multi-purpose farm dogs.  Females can be slightly smaller (about 2 feet at the shoulder) at about 65 pounds, but males are very large (up to 28" at the shoulder) at about 120 pounds!

     The Man and his wife have had several Bernese Mountain Dogs over the years.  He lovingly recalls each and every one.  He detailed their lineage, how him and his wife traveled overseas to select their first four pups (not all at once of course!).  He told me of the wide variety of activities they compete in for fun.  Berners are so versatile they can perform in informal events like rally style obedience, or formal obedience as well as agility, herding, carting and drafting (and yes, there is a difference between carting and drafting).

     *The photos that he has allowed me to use for this blog are actually 5 different dogs!*

In Obedience competition, the dog must not only retrieve, but jump!

     The Man had just recently shown his young dog in Gettysburg, PA in May.  While there he won the Specialty's HIT- or High In Trial award.  They also won awards as the highest scoring Bernese Mountain Dog in Herding, and as a Specialty Triathlete (for qualifying in Rally, Herding and Obedience).  That was why he laughed when I told him I was impressed by the past weekend's showing.

     The Man's Berner, whom he was working with that day is CH Tranquility's Andy Robynson CD RAE HSAs HTAD-Is HTD-Is RLF-Is JHDs .  It is a mouthful, and I would never have remembered half of those letters if The Man had not written them down for me.  All of The Man's dogs have multiple titles, from the AKC (American Kennel Club), BMDCA (Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America) , and the AHBA (American Herding Breed Association).  It is akin to a human with several doctorates and certifications- so impressive!

     I began reading more about this breed, and it's history.  The Man graciously sent me a website and a few articles to get me started.

     In conclusion, I know that this is a breed I am not ready for yet.  Perhaps if I continue to learn more (and earn more money!) a few years down the road I will look into the option seriously.  For now, it is enough to say I have met and watched a furry breed ambassador who has a kind enough owner to educate me on Bernese Mountain Dogs, and canine companionship at it's finest.





*Click either of the links below to read more about Bernese Mountain Dogs! Enjoy!

Potomac Valley Bernese Mountain Dog Club website

Pages 210-223 in the Showsight Magazine July 2012 issue.