Anyone have a Bernese Mountain Dog or an Irish Setter?

[itsheresomewhere]

A rescue about 2 hours away has these dogs. Are they a great family dog? I have read up on the breeds and just want honest opinions. Thank you

 

[MichelleVW]

Don't get an Irish Setter unless you have lots and lots and lots of room for them to run and run and run. It's what they love and what they do. We had one growing up and my brother has one now. Sweet dogs and I love the breed, but they really really really like to run. Usually they run first and think later!!

 

[minkydog]

I"ve not owned either one, but I do have some experience with both. Our next door neighbors had an Irish Setter and that was the most high strung dog I ever saw. He wasn't patient with their kids at all, and the kids were nice kids, too. They didn't abuse him, but the dog just was very aloof and nervous. Don't know if that's a breed trait or just a poorly bred dog.

Now the Bernese Mountain Dog--I almost got one of these. The one I knew was smart, calm, steady and SHED like nobody's business. That was the deal-breaker for me. Ranger, the BMD, was a therapy dog who worked with Christian. When he first started Christian couldn't even come near him or look at him--he'd just scream bloody murder! It took a few weeks of exposure, but gradually we were able to get Christian to just remain in the room with the dog, then sit near the dog, then touch the dog. Finally, one day Christian was sitting so he was leaning on Ranger as the dog lay on it's side. Christian lay down against Rangers stomach and in a minute Ranger placed his big paw across Christian's body as if to protect him. There wasn't a dry eye in the house! I will always love that dog for what he did for my son.

 

[LJC1861]

Bernese Mountain Dogs are fantastic family dogs, but the PP is right....they DO shed.

 

[itsheresomewhere]

Thank you. I don't care about shedding. I kinda wonder why this 5 yr old irish setter was retired from being a therapy dog.

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

grew up with a bernese mountain dog. Great memories!! They do shed a lot but otherwise great family dog.
My whole family wants another one

 

[Luvchefmic]

Thank you. I don't care about shedding. I kinda wonder why this 5 yr old irish setter was retired from being a therapy dog.

I agree about the Irish Setter as other pps have said but maybe this one is a little calmer since he is 5 y/o & was a therapy dog? If I were you I would contact the rescue and ask all about him/her. Just may end up being YOUR dog

As far as the other dog they look beautiful but I have never even seen one in real life

 

[simba928]

Thank you. I don't care about shedding. I kinda wonder why this 5 yr old irish setter was retired from being a therapy dog.

Call the rescue and ask. It could be something as simple as the person doesn't have the time to commit to it anymore. A good rescue will be more than willing to answer ALL of your question, no matter how crazy or out there they sound. The goal should be for the dog to go to the right family and not end up being a danger to anyone (animal or people) or come back to the rescue. If they aren't straightforward with you on the answers to your questions, don't adopt from them. That's just a disaster waiting to happen.

Working in a shelter, I just want to give you one piece of advice. I know it is sooo easy to fall in love with a picture and description online (that's why they write those descriptions, to draw people in to either adopt or donate), but try not to until you actually talk to someone about the dog. At my shelter, I've had several dogs that just drew in herds of people because they had fantastic pictures posted on petfinder. This led to an issue because often times, once someone falls in love with a dog (and I'm not saying this is you, I'm very impressed with you not jumping head first into any dog that catches your eye and asking others who have had these breeds, but I have seen WAY too many people that do this), they don't want to listen to anybody about the dog. I recently had 2 beagles with A LOT of issues. They had the sweetest petfinder pictures, though, so people were constantly coming in looking for them. Some people decided against it once we explained their issues (and we had worked with these dogs, they came a loooooong way from the time that they came in, but they were still dogs that needed a lot of patience and work so we wanted people to be aware of that before they took the dogs home). However, a lot of people just looked at their eyes and were sold. Everything we told them about these dogs went in one ear and out the other ("What do you mean she won't be good in a home with a 2 year old? Just look at her, she's sooo sweet!") This happens quite often. In my opinion, the best matches are made when someone comes in, maybe points out a couple dogs they were interested in, I show them the dogs, and while showing them the dogs, they tell me a little bit about their living situation and what they are looking for. At the point, I either tell them which of the dogs would be best for them or point out another dog or two that they may have over looked. This has happened several times and everytime, the people decided on the dog I recomended and when I've heard updates, the dog blended right in and fit very well with the family. Why don't you call the rescue, tell them the dogs you are looking at, and explain what you are looking for (a dog that will go outside and play with my DD3 and DS5, but want to cuddle on the couch with the family in the evenings)? They know these dogs very well (or atleast should, and if they don't I would be very leery of adopting from them) and may have a dog in mind that you overlooked. But again, that is very smart of you to do your research. You'd be surprised at the people that don't and end up bringing their dog to a shelter because of a breed trait (Great Danes get big? Border collies will herd kids? Who knew?)

 

[Micca]

We had a setter many years ago. Sweet dog, dumb as a box of rocks. It certainly didn't have enough room to run and we gave her away to someone who had acreage where she could run wild.

 

[itsheresomewhere]

I agree about the Irish Setter as other pps have said but maybe this one is a little calmer since he is 5 y/o & was a therapy dog? If I were you I would contact the rescue and ask all about him/her. Just may end up being YOUR dog

As far as the other dog they look beautiful but I have never even seen one in real life

Call the rescue and ask. It could be something as simple as the person doesn't have the time to commit to it anymore. A good rescue will be more than willing to answer ALL of your question, no matter how crazy or out there they sound. The goal should be for the dog to go to the right family and not end up being a danger to anyone (animal or people) or come back to the rescue. If they aren't straightforward with you on the answers to your questions, don't adopt from them. That's just a disaster waiting to happen.

Working in a shelter, I just want to give you one piece of advice. I know it is sooo easy to fall in love with a picture and description online (that's why they write those descriptions, to draw people in to either adopt or donate), but try not to until you actually talk to someone about the dog. At my shelter, I've had several dogs that just drew in herds of people because they had fantastic pictures posted on petfinder. This led to an issue because often times, once someone falls in love with a dog (and I'm not saying this is you, I'm very impressed with you not jumping head first into any dog that catches your eye and asking others who have had these breeds, but I have seen WAY too many people that do this), they don't want to listen to anybody about the dog. I recently had 2 beagles with A LOT of issues. They had the sweetest petfinder pictures, though, so people were constantly coming in looking for them. Some people decided against it once we explained their issues (and we had worked with these dogs, they came a loooooong way from the time that they came in, but they were still dogs that needed a lot of patience and work so we wanted people to be aware of that before they took the dogs home). However, a lot of people just looked at their eyes and were sold. Everything we told them about these dogs went in one ear and out the other ("What do you mean she won't be good in a home with a 2 year old? Just look at her, she's sooo sweet!") This happens quite often. In my opinion, the best matches are made when someone comes in, maybe points out a couple dogs they were interested in, I show them the dogs, and while showing them the dogs, they tell me a little bit about their living situation and what they are looking for. At the point, I either tell them which of the dogs would be best for them or point out another dog or two that they may have over looked. This has happened several times and everytime, the people decided on the dog I recomended and when I've heard updates, the dog blended right in and fit very well with the family. Why don't you call the rescue, tell them the dogs you are looking at, and explain what you are looking for (a dog that will go outside and play with my DD3 and DS5, but want to cuddle on the couch with the family in the evenings)? They know these dogs very well (or atleast should, and if they don't I would be very leery of adopting from them) and may have a dog in mind that you overlooked. But again, that is very smart of you to do your research. You'd be surprised at the people that don't and end up bringing their dog to a shelter because of a breed trait (Great Danes get big? Border collies will herd kids? Who knew?)

Apparently, He is just a "little stubborn" is what they are saying. They are offering him at a very discounted adoption rate as he is an older dog. He seems very sweet on the pics they sent me but something about it is making me second guess.

The Bernese is a puppy who owners didn't know she will not stay a small 10lb dog. She has been spayed and completely vetted. The foster mom does not know much about the dog and stuff as it is with a small dog rescue. She says it gets along well with her poms and follows her directions.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Apparently, He is just a "little stubborn" is what they are saying. They are offering him at a very discounted adoption rate as he is an older dog. He seems very sweet on the pics they sent me but something about it is making me second guess.

The Bernese is a puppy who owners didn't know she will not stay a small 10lb dog. She has been spayed and completely vetted. The foster mom does not know much about the dog and stuff as it is with a small dog rescue. She says it gets along well with her poms and follows her directions.

I bolded 2 things that stick out to me in a perfect world you could visit both dogs first but...good luck if one becomes part of your family..please post update and pictures

 

[simba928]

Apparently, He is just a "little stubborn" is what they are saying. They are offering him at a very discounted adoption rate as he is an older dog. He seems very sweet on the pics they sent me but something about it is making me second guess.

The Bernese is a puppy who owners didn't know she will not stay a small 10lb dog. She has been spayed and completely vetted. The foster mom does not know much about the dog and stuff as it is with a small dog rescue. She says it gets along well with her poms and follows her directions.

That could mean that he didn't want to get close enough to patients (as in he was more content sitting next to handler and not moving within reaching distance of the person) or he could have some issues listening to commands (which is strange if he was certified considering the tests they put the dogs through). If your gut is telling you no, then don't do it. You have to be fully into the dog or else it will not be a good situation for you or the dog. Don't let the discounted rate push you into it one way or the other. Getting a dog just because it's cheap, again, isn't a good situation. I would much rather pay twice as much for the right dog as opposed to half as much for A dog, KWIM?

See what I mean about people not doing their research? Maybe it's just me but something about the name Bernese Mountain Dog just SCREAMS bigger dog. But maybe I'm just crazy. Anyways, the fact that foster mom doesn't know much about the dog is kind of strange to me. She's living with him. I can tell you all about the 20+ dogs I have in my kennel right now and I only spend 8 hours a day, a few days a week with them. BMDs are a lot of dog. They can be AWESOME, but you have to set rules and boundaries with them. It's not like a little 10 pound chihuahua that if it jumps on a visitor it's fine. If a BMD jumps on you (same with any bigger dog), it could cause some harm.

If you can arrange to meet both dogs (if you really want to. Again, if your gut is telling you no on either or both, keep looking. You'll find a dog that picks you and you can't help but say "ok, you win") go for it. If they won't let you meet the dogs without trying to pressure you into adopting then, IMHO, you should keep looking. I would much rather spend all day showing you dogs and you walk away with none of my dogs (OK, so I'd be a little annoyed...) than have you settle for the first dog that looked good. You don't by any chance live in PA? I have an awesome girl right now that I could hook you up with. Everytime I looked at her today, I thought of your posts.

 

[itsheresomewhere]

That could mean that he didn't want to get close enough to patients (as in he was more content sitting next to handler and not moving within reaching distance of the person) or he could have some issues listening to commands (which is strange if he was certified considering the tests they put the dogs through). If your gut is telling you no, then don't do it. You have to be fully into the dog or else it will not be a good situation for you or the dog. Don't let the discounted rate push you into it one way or the other. Getting a dog just because it's cheap, again, isn't a good situation. I would much rather pay twice as much for the right dog as opposed to half as much for A dog, KWIM?

See what I mean about people not doing their research? Maybe it's just me but something about the name Bernese Mountain Dog just SCREAMS bigger dog. But maybe I'm just crazy. Anyways, the fact that foster mom doesn't know much about the dog is kind of strange to me. She's living with him. I can tell you all about the 20+ dogs I have in my kennel right now and I only spend 8 hours a day, a few days a week with them. BMDs are a lot of dog. They can be AWESOME, but you have to set rules and boundaries with them. It's not like a little 10 pound chihuahua that if it jumps on a visitor it's fine. If a BMD jumps on you (same with any bigger dog), it could cause some harm.

If you can arrange to meet both dogs (if you really want to. Again, if your gut is telling you no on either or both, keep looking. You'll find a dog that picks you and you can't help but say "ok, you win") go for it. If they won't let you meet the dogs without trying to pressure you into adopting then, IMHO, you should keep looking. I would much rather spend all day showing you dogs and you walk away with none of my dogs (OK, so I'd be a little annoyed...) than have you settle for the first dog that looked good. You don't by any chance live in PA? I have an awesome girl right now that I could hook you up with. Everytime I looked at her today, I thought of your posts.

I pm'd you.

 

[kinntj]

The Bernese Mountain Dog can suffer from serious health issues such as genetic cancers, orthopedic problems, eye diseases, heart abnormalities... just to name a few. It is because of these problems that our time with them is often much too short.

Yes, their average life expectancy is 7 years.


This was something I copied and pasted from Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain dog club. It's always good to do a lot of research and call these places up and ask tons of questions.

 

[sunnyday123]

We had a setter many years ago. Sweet dog, dumb as a box of rocks. It certainly didn't have enough room to run and we gave her away to someone who had acreage where she could run wild.

DD wanted a Bernese Mountain Dog, but I read too many statistics online about them having a high rate of cancer. But they are great dogs. Good thing you don't care about shedding!!

Everytime I hear someone talk about Irish Setters, I think of the movie "Funny Farm" with Chevy Chase. His wife buys him a IS, and as soon as the dog gets out of the car, it runs off. Once or twice during the movie, the dog just runs by.

 

[simba928]

DD wanted a Bernese Mountain Dog, but I read too many statistics online about them having a high rate of cancer. But they are great dogs. Good thing you don't care about shedding!!

Everytime I hear someone talk about Irish Setters, I think of the movie "Funny Farm" with Chevy Chase. His wife buys him a IS, and as soon as the dog gets out of the car, it runs off. Once or twice during the movie, the dog just runs by.

A lady I work with was telling me about that movie but nobody could think of the name. I'll have to tell her tomorrow what it is. HAHA

 

[bballmom56]

Have to agree with the posters about the Irish Setter. We adopted an adult male from a rescue. He was sweet, but needed lots of exercise and if you let him off the leash he would just run - didn't know (or care) where he was running, he just ran. Also the phrase used before - "dumb as a box of rocks" could also apply. We did have our first child while we had him and he was perfectly fine with her.

My grandfather used to have Irish Setters for hunting. Darned if I know how you get them to be good hunting dogs!

 

[MichelleVW]

Everytime I hear someone talk about Irish Setters, I think of the movie "Funny Farm" with Chevy Chase. His wife buys him a IS, and as soon as the dog gets out of the car, it runs off. Once or twice during the movie, the dog just runs by.

Lol!! We have a Corgi/Border Collie mix (more Border collie than corgi) but when I describe him I always ask if they have seen the movie "Funny Farm" because my dog runs like that!! Thankfully he pretty much stays on our 4 acres when he runs, so we just let him go and open the door when he wants back in!

 

[peyjax]

We have a Bernese Mountain Dog.They are amazing family dogs. There are health risks with them though. Ours is about 20 months old and weighs about 1101bs. He is one big teddy bear. Does not require a ton of activity. My family all have Labs and are amazed at how calm our dog is. We were concerned with hip disorder but vet said he was fine. We changed his food from puppy to adult and his symptoms cleared up. Other than that we have not had any health issues. They do only live for about 7-8 years. He is not the type of dog you go running with but more of a lay around type dog. He loves to play with the kids but quickly will lay down and let them use him as a pillow.

The thing with the shedding is food has so much to do with it. I researched a lot of things about dogs before we got him and what I found is so much is tied to the food you give him. Iams and all the other stuff at the grocery store is out! We tried several and found that Wellness really worked for him. He does shed but it really is mainly seasonal.(about 2x a year)

If you want a striking and beautiful dog that people will notice and you love to look at get the Bernese. If you want a family dog that is great with kids. Get the Bernese.

I am not a big pet person but this is the only kind I ever wanted and he is a perfect fit for our family.

 

[itsheresomewhere]

We have a Bernese Mountain Dog.They are amazing family dogs. There are health risks with them though. Ours is about 20 months old and weighs about 1101bs. He is one big teddy bear. Does not require a ton of activity. My family all have Labs and are amazed at how calm our dog is. We were concerned with hip disorder but vet said he was fine. We changed his food from puppy to adult and his symptoms cleared up. Other than that we have not had any health issues. They do only live for about 7-8 years. He is not the type of dog you go running with but more of a lay around type dog. He loves to play with the kids but quickly will lay down and let them use him as a pillow.

The thing with the shedding is food has so much to do with it. I researched a lot of things about dogs before we got him and what I found is so much is tied to the food you give him. Iams and all the other stuff at the grocery store is out! We tried several and found that Wellness really worked for him. He does shed but it really is mainly seasonal.(about 2x a year)

If you want a striking and beautiful dog that people will notice and you love to look at get the Bernese. If you want a family dog that is great with kids. Get the Bernese.

I am not a big pet person but this is the only kind I ever wanted and he is a perfect fit for our family.

I am very picky on dog food. What ever we get will have to been on a grain free, soy free, corn free diet as my dachshund is allergic to wheat and stuff. Thanks.