From the American Kennel Club
The Bernese Mountain Dog is aristocratic in appearance, and ancient in lineage. The breed has long been at home on the farms in the midland of Switzerland. One of the four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Bernese known in its native land as the Berner Sennenhund, shares similar distinctive coloring with other varieties, but is the only one with a long, silky coat. The other three are the Appenzeller Sennenhund, the Entlebucher Sennenhund, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
These dogs worked as drovers and draft dogs as well as watchdogs in the farmyards mainly in the Canton of Berne.The Bernese is an extremely hardy dog, thriving in cold weather. He needs only a small amount of daily grooming to maintain his coat. The breed desires human companionship, and is a willing and quick learner.The Bernese Mountain Dog was first brought to the United States in 1926. The breed acquired AKC recognition in 1937.
Kylie at 8 weeks
Sascha at 8 weeks
Kylie's first visit to Chesterman's Beach,
at Tofino, B.C.
This journey with Bernese Mountain Dogs began many years before either of the above puppies came into our lives.  We met our first Bernese by chance, on Mckenzie Beach just south of Tofino B.C.  From that day on we were determined to raise a pair of these beautiful dogs. 
Photographs/Bernese Mountain Dogs                       Photography by Ron McInnis
www.imaginaryimage.com