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Articles from Britannica encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
- Bernese mountain dog - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
A Bernese mountain dog is a large breed, or type, of dog. It is named for an area in Switzerland called the canton of Bern, where the dogs were first bred.
- Bernese mountain dog - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
The Bernese mountain dog is an ancient and sturdy breed of working dog that dates back to the Roman invasion of Helvetia (now Switzerland); used as a draft dog for farmwork, to pull supplies, and to guard flocks of sheep; coat is thick, long, and somewhat wavy and is mostly black with white and tan markings on face, chest, belly, feet, and rump; furry ears are set high on head but are long enough to hang down side of head; tail is full and bushy and is carried low and curving when relaxed; eyes are oval and dark brown; adult stands 21-28 in. (53-71 cm) tall at shoulders and weighs 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg); alert and good-natured demeanor; favorite draft dog of the Bernese weavers because it could pull heavy loads to market.