Anyone have a Bernese Mountain Dog

[TheZue]

If so what are they like?

We are considering one but my main concern is that we have two sedans and am concerned about transporting the GIANT dog.

 

[chrisw127]

Our neighbors have one. She is the nicest dog with the best manners; I have never seen her jump on anyone. They foster strays and all the little tiny dogs boss her around. They also have a few cats who don't seem to mind her either. But yes, they're massive. They put her in the truck when they go somewhere.

 

[bballmom56]

My DH has a St. Bernard and drives her to the trails they walk on - in the back of his Ford Escort! It is quite a sight. But that car is used exclusively to transport her so we don't mess up the other vehicles, too. We think the Escort is being held together by the slobber and her hair.

 

[TheZue]

Ya I'm thinking best bet would be a realy big blanket over a seat....or to try to get a mini van like I've wanted for a while lol...or go with our second choice a Beagle.

 

[piglet too]

My parents are breeders. They have a van for transporting more than one, otherwise they use their car. They have even used the car for taking two of them if need be. They dog(s) may take up the whole back seat, but then again, don't most dogs? Throw a blanket or sheet on the seat to protect it, and you are set to go.

If your only concern is the car, then go for it. They are extremely lovable dogs and would be a great addition to most any family.

 

[Abbie]

Our neighbors have had three in the last few years. All three were sweet and goofy lovable dogs! Very slobbery and hairy though. However, the first two each died within a year or two due to some kidney issues, I think. It devastated the family but they did try once more with a different breeder and this one has been around a couple of years now. The life expectancy for such a giant breed is considerably lower than for a beagle!

 

[All American]

I have a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. It is one of the four dogs in the same "family". Same coloring, different breed. The obvious difference is the Bernese ("Berner") has a much longer coat.

The "Swissy" tends to be a tad larger (weightier by a few pounds) than the Bernese. I drive a Ford Focus. Our dog fits in the back seat just fine, and she has to share with my daughter's carseat. I, basically, make a platform with her dog bed. She curls right up and goes to sleep. Be aware, they do shed. ALOT, so get a cover for the seat.

They are fantastic dogs. I read a quote that described the Bernese:

"Three years a young dog. Three years a good dog. Three years and old dog. All else is a gift from God."

ETA: They are INCREDIBLY strong dogs. Definately sign up for obedience classes. That and the Gentle Leader have really helped us to be a happy-dog family.

 

[Lintasare]

There is a poster here on the Dis...HRH_Disney_Queen has a Bernese. I am gonna send her a link to this thread.

 

[shortbun]

Our friends got one this summer. His name is Arlo, lol! He's the best dog!! Well behaved (for a puppy) and easy. I love his markings. They've always had big dogs and this one seems to be one of the best.

 

[mamamary]

Our vet has one and he comes to work with him. It's odd seeing this huge dog just hanging out and walking around the vet's office by himself. He must be a great dog to be able to behave thru all that goes on there. He's super cute too.

 

[happily single]

We had one we found at the pound. He was a great dog. I was just looking at pics of my ds "riding" him when he was about a year old. Very patient and gentle. We used to be able to give him a piece of food and take it right back out of his mouth without a problem.

Sam wasn't that big (might not have been a pure bred) but boy did he shed. Oh yeah, he loved to run away-which is why we don't have him anymore-ran away for the last time and never saw him again. Otherwise a terrifc dog!

 

[adkkev]

information about the breed here.

 

[Diva of Dragons]

I loooooove them! They are the sweetest, cutest dogs. I haven't had one and I'm not I sure I would. They tend to have very short life spans.

 

[teacups]

Ya I'm thinking best bet would be a realy big blanket over a seat....or to try to get a mini van like I've wanted for a while lol...or go with our second choice a Beagle.

I dont think you should worry about that. Throw a blanket in and you are set. I'd encourage you to get the BMD over the Beagle. But I'm a big dog kind of person.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

There is a poster here on the Dis...HRH_Disney_Queen has a Bernese. I am gonna send her a link to this thread.

Sorry, I have my PM's turned off if you tried to reach me! (they are back on now..) You KNEW I would find this thread, though!!

Berners are the BEST dogs..the best! They are sweet, affectionate, playful, loving friends. They are also big, big, big, and shedders,too. We have our second puppy right now, Zoey is 8 months old (60 pounds). Stella died at age 10 last March. That was old for a Berner..another drawback. All American's quote was spot on, "Three years a young dog. Three years a good dog. Three years and old dog. All else is a gift from God." Stella only got "old" in her last year though. Up until she had a "stroke" three months before she died, she was a very youthful old lady.

There is not a mean bone in this breed's body..I have tried to look up Bernese Mountain Dog attacks on Google out of curiosity, and all I could find was two idiots with one on a leash and muzzled, teasing the poor thing..and it was wagging it's tail the whole time.

I carry Zoey around in the back of my Toyota FJ Cruiser. Our dogs and going to the beach were major considerations for this SUV, it has no carpet on any floors or cargo area. I throw an old comforter back there for traction, put up a gate, and that is how we get her around.

With Zoey or Stella, slobber was never an issue. We had a Newfoundland, Mitch who filled that postition quite well. RIP, he was known as Slobbermouth on the Loser thread..

 

[daisax]

Great dogs, but buy a well bred one from somebody testing for genetic illnesses. I forget what the main concern is -- hearts?

Like my breed, boxers, 9 years just isn't enough, so do your best to put odds on your side.

 

[piglet too]

I want to add in on the slobber as well. Out of all of my parents dogs (they have been breeders for over 15 years) only one has had "slobber problems." He usually was only bad when he got excited.

 

[teacups]

only one has had "slobber problems." He usually was only bad when he got excited.

Sounds like most male creatures.

 

[Spinning]

I love these dogs! Not that I ever owned one but they are beautiful and I have heard their temperment is fab! I knew someone who had one and use to take her to work with them all the time. They owned a scrapbook store. I used to spend about as much time with the dog as I did shopping! I would love to get one! Maybe my next dog!

 

[monkey68]

My friend has one, and the dog is the funniest, goofiest thing ever. He loves people, so friendly, and doesn't quite know just how big he is. They have an in ground swimming pool, and all their dogs (they have 5) like to jump in and catch balls in the pool. This dog is the only one that doesn't swim, he just walks on his hind legs in the pool, it is pretty funny to see. He is really sweet, very energetic.