Bernese Mountain Dog Soft Toy - Anima Sitting Plush

The Bernese Mountain Dog soft toy by Anima sits calmly and composedly — exactly the demeanour this Swiss breed is known for. The tricolour coat in black, white and brown is soft and dense, and the broad chest and sturdy head are clearly recognisable. Small granulate beads in the lower part keep the plush toy sitting upright without toppling over. French manufacturer Anima has been producing lifelike plush toys since 1946 and has highlighted the Bernese's distinctive blaze on the forehead and warm brown eyes. Whether as a gift for dog lovers, a collector's piece or a cuddling companion in a child's room — the Bernese Mountain Dog plush toy brings a piece of the Swiss Alps home. The soft toy is machine washable at 30 °C and meets the European EN71 safety standard.

The Bernese Mountain Dog originates from the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, where it served as a farm dog — herding, guarding and pulling small carts. Standing 58 to 70 centimetres at the shoulder and weighing 36 to 50 kilogrammes, it belongs to the large breed group. Its long, slightly wavy coat is always tricoloured: a black base with symmetrical brown and white markings. Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered good-natured, calm and fond of children. They need close family bonds and feel uncomfortable when left alone.

Did you know that the Bernese Mountain Dog nearly went extinct at the start of the 20th century? As farming became increasingly mechanised, draught dogs were no longer needed, and the breed faded into obscurity. It was Swiss innkeeper Franz Schertenleib who, around 1900, began actively searching for the last purebred specimens and rebuilt the breeding programme. Today the Bernese Mountain Dog ranks among the most popular family dogs worldwide.