They are known to have originated in the Bern and Dürbach areas and are related to other breeds: Great Swiss, Appenzeller Mountain Dog,  and Entlebucher. They are known as Swiss Shepherds or Mountain Dogs and vary in size and coat length. There are disagreements among the experts as to which group they should be assigned to. One classifies them as Molossians, others as Molossians, and still others as Schnauzers.