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Learn more about the Bernese Breed

Not a Member?

The Alpenhorn is published four times per year by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America and its many volunteers

Issue Focus

Spring (April - June) — Activities / Training / Puppies

Fall (October - December) — Health / Breeding

Winter (January - March) — Veterans / Rescue

Summer (July - September) — National Specialty

You can subscribe to "THE ALPENHORN" for educational and entertaining articles on the Bernese Mountain Dogs, health and activities. 

Bernese looking to the future

Access to a larger platform for support of the Berner-Garde Foundation DNA Tissue and Repository at the Michigan State University to improve the health and longevity of our Berners

The BMDCA also offers events and programs, such as:

Access to a larger network of Berner owners

A subscription to The Alpenhorn (BMDCA's official breed magazine) along with the BMDCA Monthly Bulletin Newsletter which provides vital information for Bernese health, education and activities.

Support for our Regional Club Rescues

A yearly National Specialty which includes conformation, companion, performance, and draft events, Berner U, health clinics, rescue gallery, annual meeting and awards, health auction fundraiser, and social gatherings

Financial support of canine health studies and grants affecting the health and longevity of Bernese Mountain Dogs

Larger platform for affecting change in AKC policies and legislative changes

BMDCA Breed Ambassadors and Breeder Mentor Programs

General Membership

BEST VALUE

Become a Member of the BMDCA

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It seemed to begin so simply. In the May 1, 1937 issue of the American Kennel Gazette there was a brief notice: "New Breed Admitted to Stud Book. Bernese Mountain Dog." There followed the newly accepted "Standard of Perfection" for the breed, which was admitted to the Working Group.

Recognition of the Bernese Mountain Dog by the American Kennel Club actually took place at the meeting of April 13, 1937. There were, we may be sure, many events, discussions, meetings, and deliberations leading up to this momentous recognition. The breed had, of course, been recognized and promoted in its Swiss homeland for many decades prior to this recognition of its status by the American Kennel Club.

DID YOU KNOW...

about AKC's recognition of the Bernese Mountain Dog?

Bernese love hikes in the mountains

Join the BMDCA!

Exclusive benefits including access to vital resources, a supportive community, and expert guidance for optimal health and happiness.

April 27-May 3, 2025
Gettysburg, PA

Stay up to date on all details for the 2025 specialty by visiting our dedicated page!

Bernese are good working dogs

Find a Berner for your family!

2026 Primary Logo Build - flattened.jpg

2026 BMDCA National Specialty
May 10 – May 16, 2026
Albany, Oregon

Stay up to date on all details for the 2026 specialty by visiting our dedicated page!

Not a Member? Want to Stay Informed?

Spring (April - June) — Activities / Training / Puppies

Fall (October - December) — Health / Breeding

Winter (January - March) — Veterans / Rescue

Summer (July - September) — National Specialty

Subscribe to "THE ALPENHORN"

The Alpenhorn contains educational and entertaining articles on the Bernese Mountain Dogs, health and activities. The Alpenhorn is published four times per year by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America and its many volunteers.

The issues focus on:

1742306366928-8d7ffb36-9384-4ee8-8091-c10f05503889_1.jpg

Access to a larger platform for support of the Berner-Garde Foundation DNA Tissue and Repository at the Michigan State University to improve the health and longevity of our Berners

The BMDCA also offers events and programs, such as:

A subscription to The Alpenhorn (BMDCA's official breed magazine) along with the BMDCA Monthly Bulletin Newsletter which provides vital information for Bernese health, education and activities.

Larger platform for affecting change in AKC policies and legislative changes

Support for our Regional Club Rescues

A yearly National Specialty which includes conformation, companion, performance, and draft events, Berner U, health clinics, rescue gallery, annual meeting and awards, health auction fundraiser, and social gatherings

Financial support of canine health studies and grants affecting the health and longevity of Bernese Mountain Dogs

BMDCA Breed Ambassadors and Breeder Mentor Programs

Become a Member of the BMDCA

Being a BMDCA member has it's perks! With a membership, you will gain:

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