The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America held the first BMDCA National Specialty in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on March 13, 1976. The remarkable entry was 81 (14-35-29) the largest entry of Bernese Mountain Dogs in the US to that date. A total of 74 dogs actually participated. By all written accounts, those present were awed to see so many splendid Bernese Mountain Dogs gathered in one place.
The presiding BMDCA President, Mary Alice Horstick (now Eschweiler) commented on the first Specialty in the April 1976 issue of The Alpenhorn. "What can I say about a first National Specialty? I lapse into deep thought when I think about ours, but my strongest feeling is that it was a huge success and anyone who wasn't there really missed a once in a lifetime event."
The tradition of good spirited fellowship borne at the first National Specialty continues today – as does the sense of pride in our club members' ongoing commitment to breed quality Bernese Mountain Dogs that exemplify excellence in breed type, temperament and working ability as defined in the AKC Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Standard.
Perspective on our breed's development and progress is evident in this Specialty Archive of Past Winners - Enjoy!
ATTENTION: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL SPECIALTY EXHIBITORS RE: DNA REQUIREMENT!
An AKC DNA profile number MUST be provided on the official entry form* for each Bernese Mountain Dog entered in any titling event at the National Specialty. AKC DNA kits can be obtained from the AKC Online Store at www.akc.org. STANDARD PROCESSING TIME IS 6-8 WEEKS AFTER RECEIPT SO DON'T DELAY!!!
Last modified: April 24, 2008.