Bernese Mountain Dog

[ravennr]

My fiance and I have had a hard time agreeing on a breed.
He is a 'big fluffy dog' person. I love big fluffy dogs as well, but I was kind of wanting a sighthound more.
But I have always loved Berners, and loved every single one I've ever spent time with. And he seems to adore them as well (I am going to take him out to a dog show here the first chance I get and see if we can mingle with a few Berners in person).


So, what has your experience been with the breed, if any?
We're both finally in agreement on this, and even though my experience is incredibly more vast than his, I just don't see myself getting a breed that he is not a full fan of.

 

[HoundedByHounds]

lovely lovely dogs....sadly short lived. Be SO careful about where your's comes from...lots of health issues to consider. LOTS.

 

[ravennr]

lovely lovely dogs....sadly short lived. Be SO careful about where your's comes from...lots of health issues to consider. LOTS.

That's my only issue is health concerns.
This is another reason I want to get out and talk to other owners at shows, to develop a list of breeders I can check into.

I have over a year before I will be fully ready and moved into my new home before I will be bringing any new furries into the place, but I would like to get this all done long beforehand.



He was also a bit saddened by the life expectancy, too.

 

[HoundedByHounds]

You might also consider the Swissy...think their lifespans are a bit better. Bit more Mastiffy. tey'd be my pick out of the Swiss breeds...that or the wee one with the bobbed tail.

 

[BostonBanker]

I know of a wonderful breeder of Berners in Mass. Feel free to PM if you want more information. My friend had one from her that lived a wonderful 11+ years (very healthy and sound right up to the end) and they now have a young puppy from the same lines. I loved the temperment of the older dog; we have a lot of local ones with bad temperments. The breeder does all raw diet, limited vaccines, etc to try and combat the breed's tendency towards cancer.

The Swissies I've met have definitely been different in temperment; a bit "duller". Probably the wrong word, but just slower, less reactive dogs.

The Entelbucher (I think that is the spelling) is the only one of the Swiss breeds I haven't met - those are the bob-tailed ones. I believe they are more similar in temperment to the Appenzellers, of which I've known several. Much more herding dog personality; the reminded more of a smooth coated BC.

 

[corgipower]

Every Berner I've met has been a lovebug, but they also tended to be a little on the skittish side ~ not fearful, but spooky, so be sure to have plans for socializing and exposing the dog to various things.

 

[Bodi's Mom]

I've loved Berners before they were even accepted by the AKC. I finally got one two years ago and absolutely LOVE the breed. My big boy is very typical of the breed - very friendly with people, kids and animals, very gentle, a little clingy, not a bad shedder, couch potato inside and tires easily after 20 minutes of play or brisk walking. Berners cannot take the heat at all - they must be kept cool during warmer months. They are wonderful dogs BUT, you must do extensive research and get one from a very reputable breeder. Some lines suffer from several varieties of cancer, hip displasia and auto immune diseases. A Berner living to 10 or 11 is a rariety.

...and finally - they are the cutest puppies on the planet.

 

[Dakotah]

I think Ive met one. Lovely dog.
BMD is my favorite dog breed ever and I WILL be getting one in the future. A male named Simon.

and I agree... the cutest puppies EVER!

 

[planet molosser]

Great breed just allot of health issues i love thier big cat like feet.