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Bernese Mountain Dog

One of the most beautiful Swiss dogs who was used by the weavers of Berne as a draught dog, and also employed in herding sheep and cattle. He is still occasionally harnessed to a light cart, which he enjoys pulling, often to the delight of the small child riding inside. Of imposing stature, the striking tricolour markings of his soft, silky coat add to his impressive appearance. Never aggressive, he is a gentleman, kind and courteous, well mannered and affectionate. not a noisy dog, but obedient and easily trained, he makes a perfect companion for the children, and a devoted family pet.

General appearance ** Strong, sturdy working dog, active, alert, well boned, of striking colour.

Characteristcs ** A multi-purpose farm dogh 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 toleratd.

Head and Skull ** Strong with flat skull, very slight furrow, well defined stop; strong straight muzzle. Lips slightly developed.

Eys ** Dark brown , almond-shaped, well fitting eyelids.

Ears ** Medium-sezid; set high, triangular-shaped, lying flat in rpose, when alert broughtslightly 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.

Neck ** Strong, muscular and medium length.

ForQuarters ** Shouders long, strong and sloping, with upper arm forming a distinct angle, flat lying, well muscled. Forelegs straight from all sides. Pasterns flexing slightly.

Body ** Compact rather than long, Height to length 9:10. Broad chest, good depth of brisket reaching at least to elbows. Well ribbed; strong loins. Firm straight back. Rump smoothly rouded.

HindQuarters ** Broad, strong and well muscled. Stifles well bent. Hock strong well led down and turning neither in not out. Dewclaws to be removed.

Feet *** Short, round and compact.

Tail ** Bushy, reaching just below hock. Raised when alert or moving but never curled or carried over back.

Gait & Movement ** Stride reaching out well in front, following well through behind, balanced stride in all gaits.

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 legsand 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.

Size ** Ideal height : dogs : 64-70 cms ( 25-28 ins); and bitches: 58-66 cms 23 - 26 ins. Weight, in proportion to size.

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.

Note ** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.