The Bernese Mountain Dog with its origins as a general working farm dog in Switzerland provides the required attributes for draft work. Stamina / physical fitness along with correct temperament are essential requirements for draft dogs that have to work in a harness and carry milk churns to the creamery. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of GB introduced carting events via their garden parties and working days in the early 1980's. The events took the shape of carting parades and a working cart course. The first working cart trophy was actually presented in May 1982. The parades initially took on a Swiss Theme to represent the origins of the breed and the working cart course was designed to test the drafting capabilities of the breed at various levels. Towards the end of the 1980's Steve and Jeanette Green further developed the carting course so that it more closely included obstacles that the draft dogs were likely to meet when working. Three carting course levels were introduced, beginner, intermediate and advanced with each dog having to pass a lower level before progressing. Rules for the course were established and it was first put into practices at the Festival Of Bernese event in1991 where dogs came from all over the country. In 1994 the Bernese Mountain Dogs were invited to give a demonstration at Crufts and as more than one club was involved the Bernese Carting Group was established. This initially consisted of members from the GB, Central and Southern Clubs and an initial meeting of all interested parties was held to establish its committee structure and terms of reference. The overall aim of the group is: 'The development and promotion of all aspects of responsible carting activities.' It was at this meeting that it was decided to have certificates for each level of draft work. Dogs would need to pass twice at each level to be eligible for their certificate and progress to the next level. Further work was agreed on the rules for the course and requirements for judges. A judges list was set up of eligible handlers that were considered suitable. The Scottish Club has now become a part of the group as draft work has taken off greatly over the last few years. The Bernese Carting Group has developed over the years to make amendments / adjustments to the regulations established in the early meeting. More judging / training seminars have been held and thus has increased the number of people who can judge all levels. Generally the Bernese Mountain Dog is ideally suited to draft work, but careful training is required before any serious work is carried out. Initial obedience training is essential and a gradual build up to pulling a cart is needed. Carting is not only about physical fitness but also the temperament of the dog. That is why a dog is first tested to ascertain its capabilities for draft work before being allowed to compete on the beginner course. Bernese owners have had links with other breeds over the years, notably the Leonbergers and Newfoundlands. This has helped further develop the draft skills and requirements within the various BMD clubs. |
The Bernese Mountain Dog with its origins as a general working farm dog in Switzerland provides the required attributes for draft work. Stamina / physical fitness along with correct temperament are essential requirements for draft dogs that have to work in a harness and carry milk churns to the creamery. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of GB introduced carting events via their garden parties and working days in the early 1980's. The events took the shape of carting parades and a working cart course. The first working cart trophy was actually presented in May 1982. The parades initially took on a Swiss Theme to represent the origins of the breed and the working cart course was designed to test the drafting capabilities of the breed at various levels. Towards the end of the 1980's Steve and Jeanette Green further developed the carting course so that it more closely included obstacles that the draft dogs were likely to meet when working. Three carting course levels were introduced, beginner, intermediate and advanced with each dog having to pass a lower level before progressing. Rules for the course were established and it was first put into practices at the Festival Of Bernese event in1991 where dogs came from all over the country. In 1994 the Bernese Mountain Dogs were invited to give a demonstration at Crufts and as more than one club was involved the Bernese Carting Group was established. This initially consisted of members from the GB, Central and Southern Clubs and an initial meeting of all interested parties was held to establish its committee structure and terms of reference. The overall aim of the group is: 'The development and promotion of all aspects of responsible carting activities.' It was at this meeting that it was decided to have certificates for each level of draft work. Dogs would need to pass twice at each level to be eligible for their certificate and progress to the next level. Further work was agreed on the rules for the course and requirements for judges. A judges list was set up of eligible handlers that were considered suitable. The Scottish Club has now become a part of the group as draft work has taken off greatly over the last few years. The Bernese Carting Group has developed over the years to make amendments / adjustments to the regulations established in the early meeting. More judging / training seminars have been held and thus has increased the number of people who can judge all levels. Generally the Bernese Mountain Dog is ideally suited to draft work, but careful training is required before any serious work is carried out. Initial obedience training is essential and a gradual build up to pulling a cart is needed. Carting is not only about physical fitness but also the temperament of the dog. That is why a dog is first tested to ascertain its capabilities for draft work before being allowed to compete on the beginner course. Bernese owners have had links with other breeds over the years, notably the Leonbergers and Newfoundlands. This has helped further develop the draft skills and requirements within the various BMD clubs. |
The Bernese Mountain Dog Working Cart Group of GB |
History of the Carting Group |
