Bernese Mountain Dog

[marydmjj]

Does anyone have a Bernese Mountain Dog? Can anyone tell me about them? Are they good family pets? Good with children? Good with people coming to your house? Any info would be great.

Thanks!

 

[StanH]

I don't have one, but I found this info.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bernesemountain.htm

These gentle, cheerful dogs love children. They are very intelligent, easy to train and are natural watchdogs, but not overly aggressive. A friend for life. They are very loyal and may have trouble adjusting to a new owner after they are 18 months old. Self-confident, alert and good-natured. They are fairly friendly with strangers, and are generally good with other pets and dogs. Never sharp or shy. These dogs may by slow to mature, remaining boisterous and puppy-like for quite awhile. The Bernese needs to be with people and not relegated to the backyard or kennel run. Like any dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog should be well socialized as a puppy. These dogs are sensitive and should be trained gently.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Does anyone have a Bernese Mountain Dog? Can anyone tell me about them? Are they good family pets? Good with children? Good with people coming to your house? Any info would be great.

Thanks!

Don't have one, but I wanted one. I love them.

1. usually FABULOUS with kids!

2. Can be somewhat protective, but should be "ok". They love their families so much.

3. Unfortunately, they do NOT live long healthy lives, by and large. You usually get about 7 good years from them, then the aging process catches up. This is the reason I don't have one. I didn't want my kids to deal with death of a pet so early in their lives.

4. Good luck!

 

[marydmjj]

Great website - thanks for the link! We saw one in the 4-H barn at the fair last weekend and it was adorable. He had the cutest, sweetest face. I don't think we are going to get one (see my little yipper in my signature) but wanted to know more about them. Where else would I go but my favorite place to get answers?

 

[komondorok]

I also don't have one, but have show friends that do.

Gorgeous, wonderful dogs!

The best place to get info is from the breeders themselves. Here is the link to the National Breed Club

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America

Contact the breed club and get a list of breeders in your area that you can perhaps visit their dogs and learn more about the breed.

Here is the AKC link for the Berner Breed Standard:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/bernese_mountain_dog/index.cfm

 

[piglet too]

My Mom and Dad have owned them since 1990, and also are breeders since 1993 I believe.

They are wonderful dogs! I prefer the males, as the ones I have been around are more loving then the females. (that is not to say the females are not loving, far from it)

I have yet to meet one that is not good with kids.

For the most part, they are great with your guests. My parents do currently have a girl who is more timid then others that they have owned, but she settles in pretty quick.

If you do decide that you are in the market for one (they would get along fine with your other dog, in my experiance) let me know and I will have my Mom get me the name of a good breeder in your area.

There are a few Berner owners on the DIS, so maybe they will check in. If you have any other questions for me, just ask.

 

[piglet too]

3. Unfortunately, they do NOT live long healthy lives, by and large. You usually get about 7 good years from them, then the aging process catches up. This is the reason I don't have one. I didn't want my kids to deal with death of a pet so early in their lives.

Sadly this is true for most of the large breeds. My parents have been lucky and have had dogs that lived to be older with good, happy, playful lives.

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

Don't have one, but I wanted one. I love them.

This is the reason I don't have one. I didn't want my kids to deal with death of a pet so early in their lives.

This is why we didn't get one also. I do think they are great dogs, and a friend of mine has one. Very docile. Good luck

 

[amid chaos]

I grew up with them and owned my first just after I got married. They are fantastic dogs but as mentioned in previous posts, do not live that long. we lost ours at 5 from cancer. They are expensive...around $1500, but you really couldnt find a better family dog.

 

[Tantor]

We have friends who have one and it is 10 this year and just starting to have a few health issues. Wonderful dog and very loving. Her name is Panda.

 

[goofyforlife]

Berner Mom checking in.......

Abby is 18 months old..... However from the time i started researching the breed (about 2 + years ago) until now i have gained a wealth of info.

I belong to a local MD Bernese club and worked at our breed info table at the AKC specialty event we host every February.

There's alot of things to consider with our breed but i would be happy to talk with you.

The BMDCA.org website is a good one to start at. They have links to other sites as well and we have a yahoo discussion group out there for Berner owners/enthusiats/lovers called the Berner-L. (i believe the link to register is on the BMDCA website)

Look forward to hearing from you....

 

[Crankyshank]

I don't have one, but I've do have personal experience with them.

-They are a great with kids
- Very easy going loving dogs
- Depending on where you live it can be hard to find a breeder. Breeders are also super selective of who gets their dogs -I think even more so than most common breeds. My parents' best friends have a Bernie and they get their dogs from someone up near Buffalo (they live in MA).
- you have to be dilligent about grooming
- not the best dog for warm climates (much like huskies and keeshonds) because of their fur

If I could afford one and had a bigger house, I would get one in an instant. They are wonderful dogs. I have yet to come across one that isn't just a big slobbery ball of love.