Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities is a regional club and a part of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA) was founded in 1968 for the advancement of the Bernese Mountain Dog. The BMDCA is the parent breed club for the Bernese Mountain Dog and is a member of the American Kennel Club. The BMDCA has many Regional Bernese Mountain Dog Clubs that create a network of support for Bernese Mountain Dog owners.

For more information about the BMDCA, visit their website at bmdca.org. 

Our Mission

We strive to provide opportunities for people who simply want to learn more about the breed, want to learn more about breed health concerns, or gain awareness of breed health research, as well as give exposure to AKC events that may be of interest to you.

Our club activities range from informal Berner get-togethers to in-depth seminars on a topic about dogs or Berner ownership.

We also provide specific learning opportunities for our members. Club events offer opportunities for human-mingling, meeting other dogs, and asking questions if you are new to the breed or interested in getting help finding a reputable breeder.

We have formal club meetings at least six times per year in addition to educational seminars and informal get-togethers.

BMDCA BOB 2019C-03687

BMDCGTC Constitution & By-laws

The objects of the Club shall be:
  • To encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.
  • 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.
  • To do all in its power to protect and advance the interest of the breed by providing a forum for the dissemination of information pertaining to the breed.
  • To do all in its power to protect and advance the interest of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, obedience trials, rally trials, agility and tracking tests.
  • To conduct sanctioned matches, dog shows, obedience trials, rally trials, agility and tracking tests and any other event for which the club is eligible under the Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club, and conduct draft tests under the rules of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA).

Club History

  • The Club was originally formed in 1988 under the name of Boundary Water Berners.
  • The name was changed to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities in 1989.
  • The Club was officially recognized by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America in 1992.
  • The club became a licensed AKC Club in 2013.
In early days of the club, there were not a lot of people who were breeding Bernese Mountain Dogs (BMD’s) and therefore weren’t a lot of local owners of BMD’s.  Club gatherings were limited to a relatively small group of folks, but their common purpose for gathering and forming a club was their love of the breed. Those early years that defined the club were not that much different than what the club is like today.  Members join today for the same reason they did nearly 20 years ago—a shared love and interest in the breed. The club has grown from that handful of dedicated Berner fanciers to an organization of many members from the Midwest.  The club reaches many more people interested in the breed through our website and social media presence.

Club Membership

Whether you own a Bernese Mountain Dog, are trying to determine if a Berner would be a good addition to your family, hoping to find information on how to locate reputable breeders, or simply want to get together with other like-minded dog owners, the club has something to offer you! For a very small annual fee club members receive:
  • Quarterly club newsletter
  • Invitations and reminders about upcoming club and dog-related events
  • Discounts on selected club events
  • Education and assistance with all things Berner-related
  • Breed rescue services
  • Assistance in identifying reputable breeders
  • Access to member-only programs like Wag-A-Wish, which can help BMD member-families with extraordinary medical expenses for significant disease or injury
  • Provide you with a potential member sponsor if you decide you would like to join the Bernese Mountain Dog Parent Club, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA).
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities welcomes new members to join our club as we work together to support responsible care and breeding of the Bernese Mountain Dog, and continually educate our members, and the community at large, about the unique qualities of our beloved breed. From novice owners and pet lovers to experienced breeders and accomplished show participants, you’ll find something for everyone at the many club events and social activities throughout the year.