Duke DD(Draft Dog) and BDD (Brace Draft Dog) Candian DDX (Draft Dog Excellent)

Charlie DD (Canadian)

Bernese Mountain Dogs were used in Switzerland to pull Carts full of milk cans from the farm to the creamery. So to earn a Versatility Award or Working Dog Award from the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America and Canada Berners have to pass a Novice Draft Test. The Bernese Mountain Dog Draft Tests are a series of exercises designed to develop and demonstrate the natural abilities of purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs in a working capacity involving hauling. The Bernese Mountain Dog has historically functioned as a draft dog in various capacities and performance of these exercises is intended to demonstrate skills resulting from both inherent ability and training, which are applicable to realistic work situations. Efficiency in accomplishment of tasks is essential. It is also desirable that the dog show evidence of willingness and enjoyment to work in a combination of self control and team work with his hander. Both the American and Canadian Club test the dogs on two levels, Novice and Excellent or Open.

Tom and our friend David hand crafted all the wooden carts for Duke and Breeze and they love it when we get their harnesses out to go carting.

For more information on Drafting go to the BMDCC and BMDCA web sites

Duke passed open Draft both days at the BMDCNC draft test at Blue Rock Springs Park in Vallejo, CA, April 21 &22. Here is a slide show of Duke taking the test. The photos were taken by Diana Gerba, Mike Whalen and Nanc

Charlie has started her Draft lessons.
  Charlie passed her Canadian Draft Test