Im wanting a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy...tips?

Question

Im just trying to do my reasearch before getting this puppy so im wanting to know some of the ups and downs of this breed from owners?

Answer 1

I'm a Bernese breeder.  I show and train my dogs.  Here are some of the pros/cons of the breed.

1. Loyal- they love THEIR people.  You must be certain to socialize them.. they were bred originally as farm dogs so they can be territorial and some of them don't just naturally like anyone but THEIR people

2. They are beautiful- that tri-colored coat is lovely.  And, as berner-mom put it in another question they shed once a year- for 365 days.

3. They have health issues.  You MUST buy one from a breeder who OFA's for hips/elbows.  There is a very very high incidence of hip/elbow dysplasia.  They also are very prone to cancers... the average age of death is 7.5 years.  Which means half die younger and half older.

4. They are heat intolerant.  60 degrees and sunny can have them miserable.  To comfort their misery they will dig a nice hole to cool off in.  I travel with a spray bottle to wet my dogs down.

5. Big dogs=big bills.  They eat a lot.. especially as pups- this can be expensive as you really want to feed them a high quality diet to do whatever you can to prevent cancer... also note- lots of food = lots of poo.  Big dogs cost more for vet care... and cancer can be danged expensive.

6.They need to be trained.  Some can be very stubborn.  Mine have been VERY easy to housetrain.  Realize an untrained 100lb dog pulling you (what they were bred to do) is a recipe for disaster.

7. They love their people-- so much that they want to be CLOSE to you... if not on your lap then sitting on your feet, or under your feet.  You don't mind sharing your body with a furball constantly, do you?

I love the breed.. but they definately are not a breed for everyone.

Answer 2

I have never owned a Bernese Mountain Dog, but I have been around a friends Dog. They are very nice dogs (at least hers was a big sweetheart) however they are large dogs so, make sure you have the space for one.  

Answer 3

I like the personality of a bernese mountain dog. They are so sweet.

Answer 4

Animal and Berner Mom have said it all.

I would like say that eye problems are on the increase and this can cause the dog no end of problems, which generally means surgery.

So please check for those who may have entropian in the lines. Hoping that the breeders will be honest on this one.

Also to note my Berner was very hard to train, though once he got it its been fine, but he is a very stubborn boy and if he doesn't see the need for doing something he won't, though having a treat generally works.

Answer 5

Bernese Mountain Dogs are the best! They are very friendly and are a great companion.  They are very smart and easy to train as well(at least in my experience). Not to mention they are one of the most beautiful dogs there is IMO.  They do have a couple downsides. They are very hairy and require frequent brushing and occasional grooming. They are prone to skin allergies and require a good diet. I feed mine a holistic select dog food which is $47 a bag. As with most large dogs they can be prone to hip and back problems. Also they are prone to getting certain types of cancer. The breed has an average lifespan of only 7 years or so. I still think they are the greatest though!

Edit: They can get pretty large so they also need room to run around!

Answer 6

They are wonderful dogs!!!

I ditto what Animal says about them...

Get one from a REPUTABLE BREEDER....

Great working dogs that LOVE to be close to you!

MUST have socialization and obedience training!!! They are VERY strong dogs that can and will pull you down the street if they want to...

Email me if you would like some good breeders to contact...

ADD

Animal.....I am still waiting for pics of Ms 'D's babies.......