This article originally appeared in the award-winning AKC Family Dog magazine. Subscribe now!
Imagine this picture plucked from a postcard: snowflakes drifting over a charming country road, Victorian carolers spreading good cheer, and storefront twinkle lights scattering a soft winter glow. A trio of Bernese Mountain Dogs in red tartan scarves pulls carts filled with Christmas wreaths, while an English Setter wearing a jingle bell collar strolls down Main Street. Bernese Mountain Dogs outnumber other breeds and mixes, but the puppies, adults, and senior dogs who meander down the snowy Christmas lane lap up the crowd’s oohs and aahs.
A canine yuletide dream? Welcome to the annual Holiday Dog Parade in Breckenridge, Colorado. With their long, thick, silky coats, the large, tricolored Bernese Mountain Dogs, also known as “Berners,” are the stars of the show. They, along with other dogs and their families, usher in the city’s Lighting of Breckenridge, marking the beginning of the Christmas season. This traditional ceremony, celebrated on the first Saturday in December, unites thousands of dog lovers and holiday enthusiasts in a colorful and festive canine experience.
As Gail Marshall’s 8-year-old La Neige, which translates to “snow” in French, and her Bernese Mountain Dog housemate, 4-year-old Eiger, lead the dogs in the opening procession, 250,000 LED holiday lights slowly illuminate the quarter-mile route.
After the dogs amble their way to the finish line, the excitement revs up as hundreds of runners in Santa suits race down the route, followed by the Children’s Moose March, and the countdown to Breckenridge’s tree lighting ceremony begins.
Nearly 20,000 spectators—many dressed in Santa attire—line the streets. As the event gets underway, a sense of community spirit and frivolity with a touch of whimsy fills the frigid air. The event has evolved into a popular gathering place where friends meet, make new acquaintances, and everyone feels a part of the small mountain community.
“The Lighting is like a Currier and Ives holiday card,” says Dr. Rick Meining about the idyllic Americana setting. Ten years ago, the retired orthopedic surgeon in Colorado Springs came to his first parade with his Bernese Mountain Dog, Ruby.
“Our first year also living in Breckenridge, we didn’t know anyone in town, so going to the parade was a good way to meet nice people with other Bernese Mountain Dogs,” Meining says. “Everyone is passionate about their dogs.”
A ski and snowboard resort town in Summit County, 86 miles west of Denver, Breckenridge lies in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains’ Tenmile Range. The town frequently sees heavy snowfall, which sets the stage for a spectacular winter party.
How It Started
“For anyone with a Bernese Mountain Dog or any dog, coming to Breckenridge and leading the lighting procession is a bucket list item,” says Marshall, who instigated the first dog parade in 2010. “Today, hotels book out months in advance, so people begin planning a year (in advance) to be here, with many driving across the country with their dogs.”
The Breckenridge Dog Parade began organically when Marshall adopted Clyde, an 8-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog she didn’t want to leave at home alone, and who needed some socialization.
“At the time, the Christmas tree lighting was a small, casual event with people in town,” Marshall recalls. “I asked the event director if dogs were allowed, and (if) I could bring Clyde.”
When Marshall received the go-ahead, she put an ad in the local newspaper notifying owners to bring their Bernese Mountain Dogs.
“I had seen other Berners around town, and I thought it was a good way for Clyde to meet other dogs,” Marshall says. “I baked a few dog treats for any dogs who showed up, but I was surprised when 30 dogs—many with carts—came to the event.”
In 2011, 70 Berners joined the crowd. For years after, only Berners came to the event. Then, one year, someone asked if they could bring another breed.
Today, all dogs are welcome to participate in the parade. For instance, it’s not unusual to see a pair of Dachshunds take in the scene from their comfy wagon, dressed in colorful knit hats and coats with a red plaid blanket draped over their shoulders.
“We ask people to register in advance so we can get an idea of how many to expect, but there’s no fee to enter and no formal process to check in,” says Sarah Whitmore, events manager of the Breckenridge Tourism Office.
To open the parade, the Berners pulling carts go first. The carts are decorated with ribbons, LED lights, and bells. “The dogs know to take turns and there’s never any jostling ahead of one another,” Marshall says.
Last year, Breckenridge experienced their largest canine entry with 800 registered dogs.
“Our dog parade has built a steady, loyal following,” Marshall says.
Berners Build Community
To inform other Bernese Mountain Dog owners about the Lighting of Breckenridge, Marshall built an active social media campaign. Over 4,000 Berner owners reached out—including Nicole Gordon in California. Gordon’s dog Allistair had been diagnosed with cancer, and she wanted to give her dog a positive last experience.
She reached out to other Berner owners to ask about the care and food they were giving their dogs with a similar condition.
“The dialogue helped bring Berner people together, and I told her that Allistair could lead the parade,” Marshall says.
Marshall remembers another time when dog owners came together over the parade. A Berner owner in the town’s bar overheard another man talk about his daughter, who was getting a Berner so they could march in the parade. The two men exchanged contact information and became friends.
While Breckenridge isn’t the only Colorado mountain town to hold a Christmas tree lighting, in 2015, a brutal weather forecast of 30 degrees below zero threatened to shut down all outdoor events in the area. But not Breckenridge.
“Breckenridge didn’t cancel the action, and Berners kept showing up,” Marshall recalls.
The Berners’ breed history explains why these dogs are a perfect match for Colorado’s mountain weather. Winters in the Colorado mountains typically last for eight months, with freezing temperatures and frequent snowfalls.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dog originally from Bern, Switzerland. In their native land, the dogs drove cattle, guarded farmyards against predators, and pulled their own weight as carting dogs, regardless of the weather.
“We’ve built a strong canine camaraderie both in and out of Breckenridge that goes beyond this event,” Marshall says.
For people who love cold weather and enjoy participating in outdoor sports with their dogs, Berners make the ideal companion. Although Berners no longer drive cattle or guard farms from intruders, they manage to get plenty of exercise along Breckenridge’s more than 200 miles of hiking trails.
Many residents relish taking their dogs carting, snowshoeing, or skijoring—with Berners pulling their owners on skis. Residents also regularly meet in a walking group.
“Ruby obtained her drafting title, which the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America awards,” Meining says. The series of exercises evaluates a Berner’s ability to haul a cart or wagon in a controlled manner, teamwork, and willingness to work. “If you’re serious about this breed, you give them a carting experience, and this is the great place to do it.”
Meining is now working on getting a drafting title for his 3-year-old Berner Bodhi, formally recognized as Silver GCh. Davieau’s Thunder Paws of the Forest.
Marshall has fond memories of Clyde and her later Berners who marched in the parades over the years. “He helped bring so many people together, and I can’t imagine what the lighting would be like today without the friends, Berners, and other dogs who made so much of a difference in our lives,” Marshall says.
From behavior and training to health and nutrition, learn from the experts at the American Kennel Club, in AKC Family Dog magazine. Subscribe now!