Club Membership

Overview of our club outlining the various sections and activities, many of which have their own sections within this web site. Membership of our friendly, approachable club is open to anyone interested in Bernese Mountain Dogs, you don’t even need to own a Bernese! Membership is NOT all about showing, you  receive discounts on a variety of club activities, messages about events and activities as well as hard copies of our magazines and handbook through the post.

The twice yearly Garden Party based week-ends are open to all, even before you have a Bernese, and a great place to start your club experience. Apply Here

Bernese Shows & Events

For 2024, as a trial, our regular annual events have now been condensed into two long Bank Holiday week-ends. These 2 events include two open shows, one championship show, two ‘garden parties’ including working events carting, obedience, agility events and each has evening events to keep the enjoyment flowing into the night. All now offer camping and many take up the opportunity for a short Bernese holiday break. All club members, and any interested parties, with or without dogs, are welcome to attend all club events, either over several days or just a single day visit to share our experience of our wonderful breed and learn more about them. There are talks for enquirers or novices and chances to ask questions, the chance to buy Bernese themed useful items and memorabilia, watch and meet Bernese having a day out with their families either taking part in the fun and games or in one of the shows.

Bernese Health

No one can pretend Bernese do not have their fair share of problems but the chance of them occurring can either be removed or reduced with good breeding practices.You can also read about the breed’s health history, ongoing concerns, available tests and looking forward at the future well being of Bernese in Britain.

Initiatives YOU as an owner and breeder can help with are detailed here and everyone with a genuine love for the breed will surely want to do what they can to help make a better future.

Considering a Bernese ?

Essential advice and information for those considering a Bernese Mountain Dog. Is a Bernese right for you? Why would you want one? What do you need to think about? Who can you talk to? How can you find out more? Where can you meet some Bernese? Ideally get to one of our events and, at the Garden Parties, as well as the chance for a great Bernese based day out, there is the chance to attend a talk about the breed geared for enquirers and novices and a chance to have your queries answered about the breed as well as meet potentially hundreds of Bernese and their families having a day out who will be happy to share their experiences and advice.

Bernese, just like any other breed, do not automatically reach their potential by magic or just because they have the right genes. The right experiences, training and behaviour guidance are needed so make sure you know what you are doing BEFORE you arrive home with your puppy who needs you to teach him acceptable behaviour.  

Rescue & ReHoming

Bernese come into Rescue for many reasons and our club’s Rescue and Rehoming branch helps to re-home dogs and help Bernese in need. People willing to take a Bernese in need into their lives, or foster one needing a temporary helping hand, are invited to get in touch. Maybe you could assist us assessing incoming dogs or potential new homes in your area or maybe you can help with funding or maybe you could help transport a dog around the country. Guidance and support is given so if you think you might be able to help in any way, this starts with a chat so please get in touch.

If you are struggling with your Bernese for what ever reason and you think Rescue might be able to help then likewise, please get in touch in complete confidence. Sometimes a bit of advice or help with training can be all that is needed but if not then Rescue is there to help the dog, not to judge you, because in this turbulent world, people and their circumstances change.

Find out more and how you can help, or be helped, on the  Rescue and ReHoming page

Carting with Bernese

Carting is our breed’s signature activity and, whilst not absolutely unique to Bernese, both the Swiss and the fun themes of carting are well established stalwarts of club events and even away from the club Bernese carting adds tradition, colour and spectacle to enhance any event. Just about any Bernese could be a carting dog, including YOURS  and the vast majority really enjoy pulling their carts and are better dogs for it. You and they will receive lots of welcome attention as you add a really enjoyable aspect to your Bernese ownership.

Find out more about what is involved in Bernese carting and how you could join in with the activity.