Pop quiz: What breed are the puppies in this picture?

Moving on: Novices to the world of dogs seeking to improve their knowledge (and okay, look smart in front of the in-laws) will want to know that Sennenhund, a word often found in dog writing, refers to Swiss mountain or cattle dogs. The word, Sennenhund, comes from the German word, “Senne” (alpine pasture) and “Hund” (dog). These big dogs accompanied herders and dairymen called Senn as they pastured in the Alps – and interestingly, many owners of Sennenhund breeds (Bernese Mountain Dogs, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Appenzellers, and Entlebuchers) report that their dog love heights: Sitting on a high deck, climbing a dog house, or surveying their kingdom from a grooming table. These breeds range from being medium sized to very large, and have varying coat attributes, but what these dogs have in common is a calm temperament, a capacity to think, and a loyalty to their people.

Image (and answer to the opening question): Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies by John Daniels is available here.