The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America

The BMDCA was formed in 1968 to bring together BMD owners, breeders, and dogs throughout the country. The BMDCA grew slowly starting with 33 members. Currently the BMDCA membership stands at around 1000 making the BMDCA a well established organization.

In 1981 the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the BMDCA as the breed\'s official parent club. The major objectives of the BMDCA are:

(a) to encourage and promote quality in the breeding of pure-bred Bernese Mountain Dogs (Berner Sennenhund) and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection;

(b) to encourage the organization of independent local Bernese Mountain Dog Specialty Clubs where sufficient fanciers of the breed exist to meet American Kennel Club requirements;

(c) to urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which Bernese Mountain Dogs shall be judged;

(d) to do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the breed and encourage sportsmanlike conduct at dog shows, obedience trials, tracking tests, working/performance events and other club sponsored activities and club functions;

(e) to conduct sanctioned matches, specialty shows and obedience trials under the American Kennel Club rules;

(f) to promote events and activities which reflect the breed history and heritage;

(g) to do all possible to improve the health of the breed;

(h) to provide education appropriate to the needs of owners, breeders, judges, potential owners and all others with an interest in the breed;

(i) to advocate honesty and integrity in all matters concerning Bernese Mountain Dogs.

To fulfill these objectives, the BMDCA produces publications, sponsors educational and other activities, maintains a code of ethics, sanctions a once a year national specialty dog show, and recognizes regional BMD clubs from around the country. Additionally, the BMDCA offers its own draft titles (cart pulling) thereby encouraging owners to maintain the natural working abilities of the breed. It unites fanciers in their common efforts and provides information for people interested in learning more about the breed For more information, including the information stated above, please log on to www.bmdca.org.

REGIONAL BMD CLUBS

Regional clubs are where most of the activities for BMDs and their owners happen. Our network of regional clubs located throughout the US, offers a wide variety of programs and services. Regional clubs and their members offer educational seminars, workshops and lectures by professionals, experts and long time dog caretakers. Topics cover such areas of interest as; training methods, canine behavior and management, health, genetics, holistic care, feeding, grooming, breeding and showing. Most Regional BMD Clubs host a minimum of 4-6 events a year where members and visitors participate in fun matches, or AKC sanctioned conformation, obedience and working events such as drafting and agility. Having a day of socializing and fun sharing the activities with your dogs make participation in a Regional Bernese Club something worth considering. (A listing of regional BMD clubs links is provided on another page.) As our earth increasingly becomes a global community and BMDs can be obtained from a variety of sources around the world, developing a basic understanding of breeders and dogs in other countries and from cultures is important should you decide to go outside US borders to obtain your BMD. International Resources The Fédération Cynologique Internationale was created on May 22nd, 1911 with the aim to promote and protect cynology and purebred dogs by any means it considers necessary. FCI members can be reached through at following web address: http://www.fci.be/members.asp?lang=en It is advisable to contact BMD clubs, protecting the best interests of the BMD in other counties prior to importing a dog. FCI affiliated clubs can provide you with information about BMD clubs and reputable breeders in their respective regions or countries. The North American BMD fanciers from the US and Canada, due to our close proximity, have enjoyed a longstanding association including an ongoing exchange of dogs and services. For information on Canadian breeders and clubs please visit the BMDC of Canada at http://www.bmdcc.ca/