bernese mountain dog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (in canine contexts), Everyday (among dog enthusiasts)
Quick answer
What does “bernese mountain dog” mean?
A large breed of working dog from Switzerland, characterized by a distinctive tri-colour coat (black, white, and rust), a sturdy build, and a gentle temperament.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large breed of working dog from Switzerland, characterized by a distinctive tri-colour coat (black, white, and rust), a sturdy build, and a gentle temperament.
A dog breed originally used as a farm dog for driving cattle and pulling carts in the Swiss Alps, now primarily kept as a companion and family pet, known for its loyalty, calmness, and strength.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of 'Mountain' is consistent. The breed is referred to identically.
Connotations
Similar connotations of a large, gentle, family-friendly working dog in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally recognized and used in both regions among dog owners and breeders.
Grammar
How to Use “bernese mountain dog” in a Sentence
We [verb: own, have, bred] a Bernese Mountain Dog.The Bernese Mountain Dog [verb: pulled, guarded, accompanied].A Bernese Mountain Dog is [adjective: loyal, gentle, large].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bernese mountain dog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmer used the dog to bernese the cattle (archaic/non-standard).
American English
- [No standard verb form exists for this proper noun.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form exists.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form exists.]
adjective
British English
- She has a classic Bernese Mountain Dog temperament.
- The Bernese breed standard is very specific.
American English
- He bought a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy.
- Their Bernese's coat is beautifully marked.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of pet industry, breeding, veterinary services, and dog food marketing.
Academic
Used in veterinary science, animal husbandry, and canine genetics research.
Everyday
Commonly used when discussing pets, dog breeds, family animals, or in dog parks.
Technical
Used in kennel club registrations, breed standards, dog showing, and professional breeding.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bernese mountain dog”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bernese mountain dog”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bernese mountain dog”
- Misspelling as 'Bernise', 'Burnese', or 'Bernese Mountin Dog'.
- Incorrectly capitalizing as 'bernese mountain dog'.
- Using 'Bernese' alone ambiguously (it could refer to the dog, a person from Bern, or a type of sauce).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are renowned for their gentle, affectionate, and loyal nature, making them excellent family dogs, particularly with children, provided they have sufficient space.
Unfortunately, they have a relatively short lifespan for a dog, typically averaging 7 to 10 years, partly due to a predisposition to certain cancers.
They need moderate daily exercise. They enjoy walks and playtime but are not hyperactive. Their exercise needs are balanced with a tendency to enjoy relaxing with their family.
They can be suitable for dedicated first-time owners who have researched the breed thoroughly. Their size, grooming needs, potential health issues, and strength require a committed and responsible owner.
A large breed of working dog from Switzerland, characterized by a distinctive tri-colour coat (black, white, and rust), a sturdy build, and a gentle temperament.
Bernese mountain dog is usually formal, technical (in canine contexts), everyday (among dog enthusiasts) in register.
Bernese mountain dog: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɜː.niːz ˈmaʊn.tɪn ˌdɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɝː.niːz ˈmaʊn.tən ˌdɔːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this breed name]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BERN (the Swiss city) + ESE (meaning 'from') + MOUNTAIN (its origin) + DOG. A dog from the Bernese mountains.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENTLE GIANT (combining great size with a calm, friendly nature).
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary historical function of the Bernese Mountain Dog?