Side by side

Working

Large

58–70 cm (AKC)

~32–52 kg (AKC profile)

Moderate

The Bernese is a strong working dog with a calm side: the FCI calls it of medium temperament, the AKC says Berners are generally placid, and its natural working gait is a slow trot, though it is capable of speed and agility. The AKC recommends at least half an hour of moderate exercise every day and says Berners enjoy long walks and hikes, carting and drafting, and sports such as agility, obedience, rally and tracking.

High

The coat is thick, moderately long and straight or slightly wavy, with a bright natural sheen, and the AKC shows it natural with no undue trimming.

Switzerland

Self-confident, alert and good-natured, never sharp or shy, says the AKC standard; a Bernese should stand steady, though it may stay aloof with strangers. The FCI describes an attentive, vigilant dog, fearless in everyday situations, good-natured and devoted to its own people, self-assured and calm with strangers, of medium temperament and docile.

Working

Large

56–69 cm (AKC)

~36–61 kg (AKC profile)

Moderate

Moderate. The AKC describes a muscular, athletic breed that should exercise every day and loves swimming, walking and trotting with its people.

Very high

The outer coat is straight, coarse, dense, of medium length and lying flat, with an undercoat on the neck and thighs that should not show through.

Germany

The AKC standard describes a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. It responds quietly, with a wait-and-see attitude, to what goes on around it, and has an inherent desire to protect home and family.