The Heartland Bernese Mountain Dog Club is hosting our annual back-to-back draft tests at Jester Park in Granger, Iowa.
Draft tests are held as a means to evaluate the natural ability of a Bernese Mountain Dog to pull a draft cart, mimicking their historical role as farm dogs in Switzerland.
Exercises include basic control, maneuvering through obstacles in a controlled environment, group stays, and a freight haul over varied terrain. Dogs earn various draft titles if they receive a passing evaluation from two accredited judges.
While the test is for Bernese Mountain Dogs, the event is open for entry for all breeds, with preference being given to BMDs.
We welcome observers to our draft tests. We hope to see you there!
Judges on Saturday are Jill Schaefer and Julie Bacon.
Judges on Sunday are Jill Schaefer and Kathy Berge.
Entries close on April 21, 2026 at 6:00pm CT at the test secretary’s address.
For more information, please send us a message!
