It is rare for a dog to have a history dating back through the centuries. This is precisely the case though, as it pertains to the great Bernese mountain dog. This breed has ties as far back as the Roman Empire, and it’s uses go far beyond that of a normal house pet.

The Bernese mountain dog has been long thought to have descended from Roman sheep dogs. They were bred with the sheep guardian dogs of the indigenous people groups that lived in the Alps for many years, which has greatly shaped the breed of today.

There were many different uses for the animal in the time before they were fancied as pets. They were used by weavers as draft animals, and they carried small carts across town instead of horses. The dogs also enjoyed watching over various types of sheep and goats in the hills of the Alps. Because of their massive size and admirable temperament, they were suitable both for scaring off intruders and threats, as well as being good company for the owners.

Around the 1800′s, the number of Bernese mountain dogs shrunk to an alarmingly low amount. While there is no recorded reason for the shrinking of the breed, the dogs made a comeback with the help of Professor Albert Heim. Heim experimented with various cross breeding of the dogs, with positive side effects in many areas. Among them were an enlarged size, and increase in amiable temperament.

In 1936, the Bernese mountain dog was recognized by the AKC as a legitimate breed. This was a huge step for the animal, as it gained popularity in households all over the country. In 1994 there were over 1500 registered Bernese mountain dog breeders in the United States alone. That is great news for the preservation of the species.
The Bernese mountain dog is a big, beautiful animal. From it’s roots in Roman culture, to it’s place in the modern American household, this dog will remain a great part of any family. There are now Bernese puppies for sale all over the country, and this is great news for the dog loving community.