The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four Swiss dog breeds known as Sennenhund (alpine herding dogs), that were developed from mastiffs brought to the Alps by Roman soldiers more than 2,000 year. In addition to the Bernese, there is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Mountain Dog, and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. The name for the Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the Canton of Bern in Switzerland, where the breed was developed, and officially established in 1912.
If treated appropriately and allowed to stretch their legs outdoors, the Bernese are typically a well-mannered breed that is good with children and other dogs.