Over time, the sport of dogs has developed a way to judge and evaluate its breeding stock. Each breed has a set standard by which it is judged. The standards are generally purpose-driven and, depending on the breed, sometimes fashion-driven, the latter not being preferred in a working dog.

In the case of the Bernese Mountain Dog, the AKC standard was originally a direct translation from the FCI standard at the time of recognition in 1937. The first BMDCA revision, made in 1980, and the second, made in 1990, reflected changes in the FCI standard and incorporation of AKC requirements. Significant changes included raising the height on the lower end and adding a section on movement.

The historical essence of the Bernese Mountain Dog is that it has been a farm dog of the midland regions of Switzerland, mainly around the city of Berne. In that capacity, it was primarily used as a companion and watchdog to the farmer and his family. It alerted his owner to unfamiliar visitors. It may have been used as a dog to pull a cart. A large dog, well-muscled and with sturdy bones, was needed for this task. It may have been used to accompany cows to pasture but not for long distances. As most Swiss farmers had a small number of cows, the dog was not required to manage large herds. The BMD was not a herding dog for sheep and goats as these animals were not usually kept on Bernese farms except in very small numbers. In other parts of Switzerland, especially in the alpine regions, such tasks were done by smaller, quicker dogs such as the Appenzeller and Entlebucher. The temperament of the Bernese Mtn. Dog was never to be sharp or shy.

The history of the breed is one of a watchful farm dog. Those fanciers who want to have conformation dogs or obedience or draft or agility or tracking or herding dogs would be wise to heed the heritage of the breed and mind that this is not a breed of any one specific sport but is a Swiss farmer’s companion.