Are All Bernese Mountain Dogs Tri-Color?
While Bernese Mountain Dog mixes can come in various colors, true (pure-bred) Berners must have very particular coloring and marking patterns to be considered breed standard.
For instance, a pure-bred Berner will only come in a tri-color pattern of black, white, and red or rust coloring with a very specific pattern arrangement. First off, the white color around their nose should form a “horseshoe” pattern, resulting in a perfectly black nose.
In addition, the white coloring on the chest should create a cross pattern (commonly referred to as the “Swiss Cross.” And finally, there should be a noticeable pattern of white coloring surrounding the neck and throat. The fur arrangement in this particular area is known as the “Swiss Kiss.”
There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white marking on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The tip of the tail is white. White on the feet is desired but must not extend higher than the pasterns. Markings other than described are to he faulted in direct relationship to the extent of the deviation. White legs or a white collar are serious faults. Any ground color other than black is a disqualification.
The breed standard describes the Bernese Mountain dog as tri-colored. The ground color is jet black. The markings are rich rust and clear white. Symmetry of markings is desired. Rust appears over each eye, on the cheeks reaching to at least the corner of the mouth, on each side of the chest, on all four legs, and under the tail.
Common Health Issues
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a breed with a short life span and often suffer from breed-specific health concerns, including:
You can minimize serious health concerns in a Bernese Mountain Dog by purchasing him from a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices, and through screening for common diseases and conditions.