Did you know that the Bernese Mountain dog was originally bred as a draft canine? This means that the breed was developed to pull a small cart and help move farmer equipment, produce and other things across the mountains of Switzerland. Some believe this breed could have existed as many as 2,000 years ago. The breed is named for the Bernard Canton, which is located in the central region of Switzerland. It is believed that the Roman’s Mastiff military dogs were brought into the region and introduced to the Swiss herding dogs, which eventually created the Bernese Mountain dog. The breed became an indispensable tool the rural life of Switzerland. The Bernese has been known to pull up to 1,000 pounds or 10 times his body weight. It’s important to train each individual Bernese to pull only what they are capable of and to never push them further. Your veterinarian Scottsdale, AZ can give you more details on this breed.