Club Activities

Events and Publications

The club puts on events for its members and other interested parties each year. Most of these are regular annual events which members enjoy. The events are not just for and about ‘showing’ and there is something for all lovers of the BMD. It is not compulsory to attend an event and many members remain in the club purely for the club magazine and handbook but many members choose to enhance their Bernese experience by coming to at least one event every year. Costs to attend events are normally reduced for club members.

The ‘something for all’ principle is demonstrated massively by the largest, in terms of numbers of people and dogs attending, which are the two Garden Parties, one in Spring and one in the Autumn. These are a sort of huge Bernese Festival with  loads of Bernese owners having fun by taking part or working their dogs or just watching other people and their dogs doing this. Since 2024 each Garden Party has been part of a weekend which also includes at least one show but on different days so the GP day itself is unaffected.  There is a lovely, friendly and relaxed atmosphere at the Garden Parties and they are a great place for people interested in the breed to come and see the dogs just being family dogs and sharing the experience of a great day out with their families.

There are club shows of course, 1 Championship Show and 2 Open Shows, where you can also meet owners and dogs and talk about queries you might have.

The club also produces several publications, the annual handbook, 2 magazines a year all mailed direct to members, or sometimes initially issued and distributed at events to reduce postage, as well as occasional items such as the Champions Book.

We also have occasional educational events and the club AGM which is the member’s chance to hear reports from the Officers and Committee and share their thoughts on how the club is organised and contribute to rules and policy making. We always include Crufts in the events list for each year as well because the club has a presence at the side of the Bernese ring where people can buy items from our club Bernershop as well as pick up the latest mailing which always includes the new handbook for that year being available for the first time.

Details of all these events can be found on this web site or will be sent out to members either in hard copy or email depending on their stated preference.