Diana Cochrane

The BMDC of GB is sad to report that Diana Cochrane passed away on Sunday 18th December 2011. The club has issued the following statement.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain was very sad to hear of the passing of Diana Cochrane.

Diana was very instrumental in the formative years of the club and was a life member and former Secretary and President amongst other things and played a huge role in establishing the BMDC of GB on the scale we know it today. Our well established Garden Party event takes it’s name from it’s more humble beginnings at Diana’s home.

 Diana was a huge supporter of the Bernese Mountain Dog in the UK and imported several important and influential dogs in the days when, unlike today with cheap flights and the internet to name but two modern aids, it was very difficult, expensive and lengthy process to research and locate these. Whilst not involved at the very beginning of the breed in Britain in the following developmental years she did as much, if not more, than anyone else, to establish our breed and our club. For many years her adverts said “Duntiblae, the name synonymous with the breed” and no one ever questioned this. Diana wrote the first and for many years the only, book on the breed in the English language which was later reprinted. Sometimes outspoken, sometimes awkward, famously sometimes a little crotchety but always honest and concerned with the best interests of the breed, she kept going through the inevitable setbacks and heartaches.

The Bernese Mountain Dog in Britain has lost one of it’s biggest supporters and most dedicated influential breeders.”

Please Note: A minute's silence will be held immediately before the BMD judging at Crufts in memory of Diana. Please be at the ring side well before judging starts to observe this mark of respect for Diana's contribution to our breed during it's formative years in this country.

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