The Bernese Sennenhund is the most popular of the four Swiss shepherd dog breeds. According to the most widespread version it originates from the dogs transported by the Romans across the Alps more than 2 thousand years ago to Helvetia after Julius Caesar's soldiers defeated the locals and made their lands part of the Roman province.

The breed's revival began in 1892 thanks to the cynologist Albert Heim.

Its first representatives were called Burgdorfs and Durbachlers in honor of the towns where they were bred. Only at the beginning of the XX century the breed received its modern name.

Breed History

Muscular dogs of medium height have long been found in Switzerland. The locals called them “cow” or “peasant” dogs. In modern Bernese sennenhunds the coloring is strictly standardized, so their ancestors were sometimes quite different in appearance, but in terms of working qualities, the animals are very similar.

Peasants needed a loyal and hardworking dog to guard the farm and to work as a shepherd. Because of the isolation of the areas and frequent inbreeding, the pets remained relatively calibrated in type and character. It is from them that the modern Bernese zennenhunds descended.

Artisans, farmers and merchants have kept “cow” dogs as part of the household for centuries. It never occurred to anyone to breed them specifically. The only thing that mattered was how suitable the animals were for herding livestock, transporting goods and guarding property. Only at the end of the XIX century zennen-nenhunds became really interested in them.

Temperament and Character

Dogs of this breed are very hardy, friendly, peaceful and emotional. They are characterized by an easy temperament and well-mannered. However, Bernese zennenhunds are usually wary of strangers. At the slightest sign of danger they are ready to the last to protect the owner and their territory, although usually non-aggressive and rarely bark.

With the owner, the sennenhund is very obedient. He remembers his place well and will never show aggression without a reason.
Dogs of this breed are well suited to organized people who are accustomed to keeping a clear daily schedule, because timely and regular walks zennenhunds are simply necessary.

Purpose, training

Bernese Sennenhunds are easy to train and always do not mind to play with the owner, but when learning commands he still has to show some persistence. The main thing is not to put pressure on the young zennenhund, and in due time he will realize what they want from him. These dogs usually reach maturity by the age of 1.5-2 years, so for a very long time they perceive learning as a fun game. Representatives of this breed are usually breed as a reliable guardian or an ordinary companion dog with a cute appearance. Pets are very attached to their owners and get along well with other pets.

However, they are very assertive, so they will always claim leadership.

Health

Bernese Zennenhunds are very strong and hardy dogs, but they are prone to developing eye diseases, heart disease and musculoskeletal problems. In addition, this breed has a serious genetic condition called hip and elbow dysplasia.