Golden Mountain Dog

There is little data available yet about how the Golden Mountain Dog evolved. Looking at the history of the parent dogs, the Golden Retriever was bred into existence during the mid-1800s. A nobleman named Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland started the breed; he wanted a dog that was more attentive to people and a great companion. He was enamoured by the yellow puppies he bred, so he focused on using them, hence the Golden Retriever was born. Known first as just the Retriever, it was adopted by other breeders and became a popular dog. It took until 1911 until the breed was first recognised by the English Kennel Club. Then in 1920 the name was changed to ‘Golden’ Retriever. The Golden Retriever adores people, is affectionate and loyal and makes not only a great working dog but an ideal family and companion dog. The Bernese Mountain Dog originated from cross breeding the Roman Mastiff type dogs with Swiss Alps farm dogs. It was then known as the Berna dog and has been used on farms in the Alps for over 2000 years. They were used as guard dogs, companions and for hauling carts. In the 1800s the need for the dog reduced its lineage, but breeders preserved the breed through staging events and it became well known in Europe. During the early 1900’s the name changed to the Bernese Mountain Dog. After the first World War, they came to the United States of America. The American Kennel Club recognised them in 1981. Since then, they have become a popular dog known as a gentle giant.