THE STANDARD
*Working Group American Kennel Club Breed Standard*
General Appearance
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking tri-colored, large dog. He is
sturdy and balanced. He is intelligent, strong and agile enough to do the draft
and droving work for which he was used in the mountainous regions of his
origin. Dogs appear masculine, while bitches are distinctly feminine.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Measured at the withers, dogs are 25 to 27 inches;
bitches are 23 to 26 inches. Though appearing square, Bernese Mountain Dogs are
slightly longer in body than they are tall. Sturdy bone is of great importance.
The body is full.
Head
Expression is intelligent, animated and gentle. The eyes
are dark brown and slightly oval in shape with close-fitting eyelids. Inverted
or everted eyelids are serious faults. Blue eye color is a disqualification.
The ears are medium sized, set high, triangular in shape. gently rounded at the
tip, and hang close to the head when in repose. When the Bernese Mountain Dog
is alert, the ears are brought forward and raised at the base; the top of the
ear is level with the top of the skull. The skull is flat on top and broad,
with a slight furrow and a well-defined, but not exaggerated stop. The muzzle
is strong and straight. The nose is always black. The lips are clean and, as
the Bernese Mountain Dog is a dry-mouthed breed, the flews are only slightly
developed. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. An overshot or undershot bite is
a serious fault. Dentition is complete.
Neck, Topline, and Body
The neck is strong, muscular and of medium length. The topline is level from the withers to
the croup. The chest is deep and capacious with well-sprung, but not
barrel-shaped, ribs and brisket reaching at least to the elbows. The back is
broad and firm. The loin is strong. The croup is broad and smoothly rounded to
the tail insertion. The tail is bushy. It should he carried low when in repose.
An upward swirl is permissible when the dog is alert, but the tail may never
curl or be carried over the back. The bones in the tail should feel straight
and should reach to the hock joint or below. A kink in the tail is a fault.
Forequarters
The shoulders are moderately laid back, flat-lying, well-muscled
and never loose. The legs are straight and strong and the elbows are well under
the shoulder when the dog is standing. The pasterns slope very slightly. but
are never weak. Dewclaws may he removed. The feet are round and compact with
well-arched toes.
Hindquarters
The thighs are broad, strong and muscular The
stifles are moderately bent and taper smoothly into the hocks. The hocks are
well let down and straight as viewed from the rear. Dewclaws should be removed.
Feet are compact and turn neither in nor out.
Coat
The coat is thick,
moderately long and slightly wavy or straight. It has a bright natural sheen.
Extremely curly or extremely dull-looking coats are undesirable. The Bernese
Mountain Dog is shown in natural coat and undue trimming is to he discouraged.
Color and Markings
The Bernese Mountain Dog is tri-colored. The ground color
is jet black. The markings are rich rust and clear white. Symmetry of markings
is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the
corner of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the
tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking on the chest
typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white. White on the
feet is desired but must not extend higher than the pasterns. Markings other
than described are to he faulted in direct relationship to the extent of the
deviation. White legs or a white collar are serious faults. Any ground color
other than black is a disqualification.
Gait
The natural working gait of the
Bernese Mountain Dog is a slow trot. However, in keeping with his use in draft
and droving work, he is capable of speed and agility. There is good reach in
front. Powerful drive from the rear is transmitted through a level back. There
is no wasted action. Front and rear legs on each side follow through in the
same plane. At increased speed, legs tend to converge toward the center line.
Temperament
The temperament is self-confident, alert and good-natured, never
sharp or shy. The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand steady, though may remain
aloof to the attentions of strangers.
Disqualifications
Blue eye color. Any ground color other than black.
Approved February 10, 1990 Effective March 28, 1990