Bernese Mountain Dogs

[ganesh]

Anybody got one?(not a breeder or show person)Would like to know what they're really like. Have seen them, though rarely,and want to know if they would make a good family pet.

[spudqueen]

My Mums neighbour had one, he was lovely, really loyal and friendly. When he died they got another one, but he was one puppy that never grew up, even when he was three years old (last time I saw him) he was acting just like a puppy!

[ganesh]

aaaaah.. sounds cute. Actually, if they got another it's proof that they're lovely. Don't suppose you know where they got them. They're certainly not as popular as the run-o-the-mill retrievers and such,and you don't see many ads for them. Looking on the net there seems to be about 3 official breeders in the country!
Thanks for the info,were they really huge or just nice big dogs?

[blue eyes ;)]

they are quite huge!! a girl at dog training had one and it was the softest soppiest lovely dog,id recommend one xx

[lankeela]

They are big, clumsy, dribbly, fun loving, coat shedding, mud trailling, comedians. Visit someone who has them and see if you can cope with the size, mess, drooling and clumsiness before deciding. If they decide to sit on you, you stay sat on! they are also very strong, so unless you are capable of holding a big, strong, lunging dog then maybe you should go for something smaller. They are really lovely if you can put up with the downside. They also need a fair bit of grooming if they are not to smell doggy. They are generally good with children, but of course can easily knock a small child over.

Can't understand why you don't want an opinion from a breeder or show person, surely they are the people who know the breed and would really be able to tell you what they are like. A responsible breeder would want you to know the pitfalls before getting one, and would not sell you one if you did not seem to appreciate being jumped all over by their 'pack'. Can you get to Discover Dogs at Earls Court on 11th/12th November? There will be several there and the owners will be more than willing to discuss the pros and cons.

Try www.champdogs.co.uk click on Guided Search, Working Group, Breeders and there will be breeders listed from all over the country.

[lankeela]

Here is a good site for information and advice:

http://www.bernese.tv/

[ganesh]

Thanks lankeeela but I did want the opinion from the general public AS WELL AS a breeder. The breeders generally have said how marvellous they are ,obviously, and none say how huge,dribbly,or clumsy they are. Thanks for the info, Have you got one?
I will try and get to the show but its a long way for me. Thx for the web-link.

[lankeela]

No I haven't got one, but know several people with them (plural, they are addictive). They will all tell you what they are really like, although you would soon find that out if you visited their homes!

I think the general public are more likely to just say they are lovely and you should get one, without telling you all the pitfalls.

What area are you in, I could let you know of any shows in your area, where you could go and chat to people with them, although Discover Dogs would be your best bet.
I think I'll ask the Kennel Club for commission for advertising it!

[lankeela]

I work on a pet stall and we often go to game fairs and there are often a large group of Bernese owners who do a demonstration in the main ring, with their dogs pulling carts, all decorated and the owners in Swiss National Costume. They usually (but not always) tend to have dogs that are not quite marked right for the show ring, as they don't care about the colour/markings, whereas show people have to have them correct, or else they will get penalised. Sometime breeders will sell puppies cheaper if they are 'mismarked' if you are not bothered.

Club shows often have 'carting classes' and they have fun days as well where you can have a go without having to lay out for all the equipment.

[lankeela]

Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain have their Championship Show at Henfield, West Sussex on 3rd December.

Southern Bernese Mountain Dog Club Open Show is at Leatherhead on 15th October.

There is also a Scottish Club and a Northern Club. I have details of secretaries if you would like them. They could put you in touch with breeders who are club members.

[kita1]

I agree with Lankeela on all her answers. Before I bought a rare breed dog I talked to as many breeders as possible (at shows) and I joined the breed club and got the newsletters for about 4 years before I actually purchased my pup (alot of pet owners write in the newsletters). This way I found out all about the temperament of the breed and any health issues. I also found out the best breeder to purchase my pup from, most rare breeds will not have a pup available when you want one so you may have to wait quite a while for one to become available, this may involve going on a waiting list with a particular breeder.

I don't think Bernese are particularly long lived and tend to suffer from cancer a fair bit, so if you are looking for a dog that lives for a long time check out the average lifespan of the breed.

[lankeela]

Many only live till about 7 or 8, although some do go on to about 11 or 12, but this is rare.

[ganesh]

Thanks. Strangely enough I have relatives who live in Henfield. I may go to that. I live in the West Country. I get the feeling people are trying to put me off this breed!
There are pitfalls with having any dog,I suppose- I'm used to large retrievers, and their big problem is FOOD.
I would check out any breed before embarking on this, thats why I thought I'd ask.

[lankeela]

The Secretary of the BMD Club of GB is Mrs H Head, telephone [phone]. She will be able to tell you exactly where the show is, what time it starts and will send you a schedule so you can see what is going on.

There will be refreshments and probably a raffle, and there may be a club stall where you can buy things related to Bernese.

[ProperBoPeep]

I am probably biased as I am a vet - but personally I wouldn't recommend them.

They have a number of problems associated with "big dogs" (including St Bernards, Pyreneans etc) such as skin problems, eye problems, ear problems, to name but a few.

Don't get me wrong - the list above applies to lots of different dogs too! I agree with previous posts, if you can cope with massive amounts of drool, hair shedding, panting, and are quite happy to accept lots of mud and coat around the house - then they are super dogs. Temperament wise you can't really fault them.

Hope you have a big house and a big garden!

[ProperBoPeep]

Oh - and PS - I would always take breeder advice very cautiously. In my experience there are lots of breeders out there with minimal knowledge of animals and often their ignorance are responsible for a lot of general health problems we see every day!!

[lankeela]

Responsible breeders will have done any health checks that are available, and will be willing to give good advice. Unfortunately, there are always going to be breeders who are not so responsible in any breed. These are often the ones who breed from unsuitable specimens, and who sell to unsuitable owners. Often 'pet' owners decide to breed from their dogs, using the dog from up the road, just because it is the same breed and have not studied blood lines, or have knowledge of hereditary problems. If you go to a breeder recommended by a breed club, you should avoid most of the pitfalls, and certainly anyone who is a 'puppy farmer' - and these are often the ones that end up in the vets because they have not been bred/reared carefully.

[Lizbrown1st]

ours is 5 months old and a teddy bear on stilts -so far no damage to house or possessions. yes he is big (as big as our very large full grown labrador) very affectionate, placid. Loves walking - but not extra long ones, enjoys paddling and doesn't really need much grooming - once a week is sufficient so far. Eats lots! Is not given to jumping on people - but then we actively discourage this type of behaviour. You do need space for them and they love being outdoors - so you do need a garden and he is excellent with small children

[ganesh]

I don't really want a drooly dog and if the vet doesn't recommend them then maybe I'll think again. I think I'll post another question asking for recommendations for the perfect breed(?) that will suit my family,and yes I do have a large house and a fair bit of land so the size of the dog wouldnt really matter, and you've got to admit they are beautiful and their temperament sounds perfect.

[spudqueen]

Yes they are a BIG dog, and the ones that I knew did seem very drooly! Good luck with finding a dog that suits you.

[Kelvin]

Hi Ganesh,
I have a 12 year old Bernese Mountain dog and last year I lost an 8 year old bitch to cancer. Unfortunately the breed is prone to this awful disease. I would recommend you have a look at the Bernese in GB Yahoo discussion group at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/bernese-in- gb/ There you will find lots of chat, photo's etc, from owners, breeders and potential owners. I know I'm biased but I think they are a terrific family pet. They are not big dribblers like St. Bernards and in his younger days mine did obedience, agility, carting and even went to Crufts. The downside is the susceptibility to cancer. I am lucky to have a 12 year-old, most don't live past 8. Another nice web site is http://www.angelfire.com/anime3/longlease/
Good luck with whatever breed you choose.