They are classified as a working dog. Males are slightly larger than females.
The breed is 1 of 4 varieties of Swiss Mountain Dog: the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Entlebucher, Mountain Dog, Appenzeller and the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Herders
The breed was used as a farm dog driving cattle and keeping guard. Their numbers were seriously decreased, even used in Harrisburg as a dog in war, which helped to seriously decline their numbers until a band of Swiss breeders at the turn of the 19th century gathered the breed from the localities as an attempt to promote and preserve the pure breed and founded the Schweizerische Durrbach-Klub.
Their popularity soon spread to further than Europe. In 1937 the breed was recognized and their popularity was interrupted by the second world war preventing importation of the breed, but after the war importation restarted and in 1968 a few breeders and owners formed the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.
Shorter mortality
They have shorter lives than other dogs of their size averaging around 7 years of age in America and Canada.
They can be somewhat prone to health problems and have high incidence of problems with cruciate ligaments, hip problems and arthritis. These problems can start early compared to other dogs of its size. Special care is required with their bedding.
Gentle giants
They have a good temperament with children. Loyal and affectionate a little shy but very intelligent good with people and other animals of all kinds.
Very trainable, with patience. The owner may notice that they remain puppy like up to about 2 and half years and a little slow to mature.
They need grooming regular as long haired and tend to shed fairly heavily.
Very much an outdoor dog needing reasonable amount of exercise.
Where to find
Online there is no shortage of breeders throughout the country. To find the breeder nearest to you look here for throughout United States and Canada.
Prices
An average price for a Bernese mountain dog puppy is around $1000. Here at NextDayPets they claim that all the sellers on their site go through a strict verification process before they are allowed to place a dog for sale on the site.
Good breeders
They are such a popular breed, and so many people wishing to own one, and reputable breeders will ensure you are a worthy enough potential owner before they will sell you one.
If you come across a breeder or seller that does not concern themselves about you and the conditions you wish to keep them, could suggest they are not that reputable and perhaps to find a breeder that does worry about that could be a good idea.
This may well be a better route as an approved dealer can help you with advice before and after your purchase.
This site is a helpful guide to matters concerning buying a Bernese mountain dog and care and being fully aware of the needs and what is required of you as an owner.
The site can also point you towards an accredited breeder.
More useful information about the breed can be found here.