The Bernese Rottie is a cross between a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and a purebred Rottweiler. A large dog given to relaxing and lounging when not at work. It is inactive indoors, but due to its size, still requires space in which to move freely. It is ideal for suburban and rural areas, rather than urban living.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the four Sennenhund, or dogs of the Swiss herdsmen working the mountainous pastures of the Alps. Large and heavy, with a double coat to protect it from harsh weather, the Bernese Mountain Dog was traditionally bred to guard property and drive livestock from the farms to the market.
The Rottweiler is a German breed that was the preference of livestock farmers in pulling their carts and droving livestock to market. Originating from the town of Rottweil, the dog's origins is believed to be that of native German dogs crossed with mastiffs or molosser-type dogs brought by the Roman Legion as they traveled through the area.