Welcome to our website - we hope you enjoy browsing and getting to know us a bit better. We hope that we may offer guidance and insight into the beautiful world of the Bernese Mountain Dog. We are located on a 2 acre block in rural Taranaki with Mount Egmont as our backdrop.
Chris and I met in 1994 when I had 2 German Shepherds (Karma & Kodak) and Chris had a Bernese called Moritz Typhoon Toyah (Toyah) and a Rough Coated Collie (Obie). We later got married in the picturesque city of Murren in Switzerland. In 1993 Chris was looking at importing a male Bernese from Sweden along with Steve & Barbera who were bringing in a bitch. When NZCH Jamakis Lucky Swede - Eiger arrived I could not stop laughing - this dog had huge ears (he could have used them as wings) massive paws and no brain - I didn't know then the impact this funny looking dog would have on my life - he was my best friend and companion and my passion for these beautiful dogs increased with every day I spent with him. We sadly only had Eiger for 7 years and I remember the day I said goodbye to him and questioned if I could give my heart to another Berner. I would not trade those 7 wonderful years of unconditional love for anything and to this day he remains in my heart and thoughts. Our kennel SCHALLENBERG was established in 1995.
Our household now consists of Murren (Eiger's grandson), Monty, Kiwa, Summer, Denver, Dante, Emmerson, Arizona (oh and the cat Simba!) and we welcome our new import Sennen Maden Heaven - Sienna who has an exciting background and gives us a completely new bloodline.
The main aim of our kennel is to produce mentally and physically sound Bernese who are not only beautiful to look at but are also healthy and loveable companions. In addition to this main aim we are striving to breed Bernese who can compete successfully at an All Breeds Championship Level. My passion is definitely showing in the conformation ring. We will not waiver from our goal of perfecting the unique beauty and temperament of the Berner, and never to breed for fad rather to maintain the original working qualities and purpose as well as wonderful family members.
We believe temperament is the most important concern in a companion dog so we will never compromise on soundness of character nor physical soundness.
Realising our contribution to this magnificent breed can only be small, we are continuing to work together with our friends at home and abroad to further enhance this wonderful breed. We thank Steve & Barbera Tate of Estcarp, Lisa Stevenson of Anahera, Nicole Lennon of Zanzebern in Australia for letting us use her fantastic boy Denzel & David and Gail May of Sennen Bernese in Australia for letting us use their imported male Tas and entrusting us with our beautiful girl Sienna.
Lastly, breeding dogs is not an action that should be considered lightly, there are many issues in breeding any dogs and particularly Bernese Mountain Dogs. I know of no other breed as personable and endearing with such devotion to their family. This is a breed that will totally captivate you.
We hope you enjoy your visit - we welcome all enquiries.
Schallenberg Soul Man - Tonka
"He is your friend, your partner, you defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." - Anonymous (in dedication to Eiger )
