The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in ancient times and managed to survive today.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four breeds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. It is said the Sennenhund breeds came about as crosses between farm dogs in Switzerland and mastiff-type dogs the Romans brought with them when they invaded the Alps about 2,000 years ago. Some do not agree with this theory because the remains of large dogs have been discovered in Switzerland dating to before the Romans came.
The name Sennenhund is derived from the German word Senne meaning alpine pasture and Hund meaning dog, as the dogs accompanied the herders and dairymen called Senn. The other three breeds in this group are the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (the largest of the four), the Appenzeller Sennenhund and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. All four breeds are tri-colored (black, white & rust/tan) but only the Bernese has long hair. The Bernese (Berner in German) got its name from where it was bred in the canton of Bern.
The Bernese Mountain Dogs were used to guard the farms and drive cattle over long distances from the farm to the Alpine pastures. Later they were used to pull dairy carts to transport their products. These large dogs with broad and muscular hindquarters weigh roughly 100 pounds, but are capable of hauling 1000 pounds. This was perfect for the small farmer who couldn't afford to buy a horse. Over the centuries these dogs remained working on the farms, but around the mid 1800s little attention was given to preserving the breed. By the late 1800s, the breed was almost extinct.
Fortunately, several Swiss dog fanciers focused on reviving the breed around the turn of the century. Their efforts paid off. By 1907 a few breeders found the Schweizerischer-Durbach-Club (later changed to Berner-Sennenhund-Klub) and they developed the characteristic traits of the breed in a first standard. In 1926, an American farmer from Kansas imported a pair of Bernese Mountain dogs to the US. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937, and The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America was formed in 1968. The club helps keep the tradition of their amazing abilities alive by sponsoring carting events which the Bernese who thrives on exercise and activity loves participating.
Today the breed is back to being a favored farm dog, as well as a favored companion and show dog.