Bernese Dogs? Any owners here that can share any tips or thoughts on them?
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Anonymous
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We are thinking very seriously about adding a dog to our family. I should say as we spent nearly 15 years in DC we are now in a colder climate.
I'm hoping you can share the good and bad about them. Thanks! |
Anonymous
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I don't have a Bernese, but they're great dogs. I know many where we live and meet them on our dog walks and puppy training. I have considered getting one. They're so patient and great with kids. Owners tell me they don't shed that much or get mats like my Golden Retriever/Labs. They're so fluffy and just love people petting them.
They love getting outside for walks.Once they're past the puppy stage, they don't get the crazy energy some dogs have for a long time. The sad thing is that they have a very short life expectancy of 7 or 8 years. They fit lots of love into those years though and can't be neglected. http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/bernese-mountain-dog#/slide/1 |
Anonymous
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We had a Bernese for 10 years - raised her from about 10 weeks old until she died about two years ago. One of the best dog ever (and I say that as a person who has probably owned about 6 or 7 dogs over the years). Here are my pros and cons:
Pros: Incredibly loyal: They are not prone to wandering/running off and prefer to stay close to their family. Highly trainable and thrive on praise: They are very eager to please and are easy to train. Ours graduated at the top of her puppy obedience class 
Awesome with kids: They're very tolerant of kids and gentle with the little ones. Our Bernese loved to "watch over" our kids when they were babies/toddlers -- she would lay at the foot of their crib or bed (on the floor) anytime they napped so that she would be there when they woke up. As they grew older, she would sleep just outside their bedroom doors. Good watchdogs: They are very alert to strangers, meaning that they will give a serious chest-rattling bark whenever someone they don't know comes to the door. There will be no doubt from the person on the other side of the door that you have a big ass dog in the house (which in our case helped deter what could have been a home invasion/burglary). All around sweet and loving personality: They are like 130lb. lap dogs; they love to snuggle and have a very sweet disposition. Ours seemed to always have a goofy "smile" on her face and just loved to be around us. Cons: Short life span: Our Bernese was surprisingly long-lived at 10 years old. Average life span is 7-8 years. Food and vet bills can be expensive: A big dog requires a lot of food and if yours has any health issues (which unfortunately many Bernese do), vet bills/ongoing meds can be significant. We seriously considered getting another Bernese after ours passed away but as fate would have it, we ended up rescuing a two year old St. Bernard (can you tell we're big dog people?) who's a more mellow version of our beloved Bernese
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Anonymous
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They are the best dogs ever!!! Oh man, be still my heart. My husband and I both had our BMDs when we were little and they are just the best family dogs you could ever hope for.
Cons--they are heartbreakers and often die young. But common for big dogs so are to avoid if you want even a Lab or something The shedding. Sort of a con--hip issues are rampant and thus the due diligence you should do to find a good breeder is substantial. When we got ours we waited for close to a year for our pup. They can get v expensive. At the end our BMDs life we spent $$$ on acupuncture and aqua therapy for his little hips and back to help him with pain. Of course that's optional but somehow even the most practical of families can end up writing check like this for their perfect, loving doggo. Would get four tomorrow if I could. I am so excited for you!! |
Anonymous
| Short life span was the main reason I did not get one. There is one at the house next door and he is nuts. Very high energy. |
Anonymous
| Such sweet dogs. They do sling drool, though. |
Anonymous
| Thank you all for your responses! I forgot to ask an important question- from the research I've done they seem to have a low prey drive. We have 2 adult cats. Do you have any insights as to how they would get on with cats? Also, regarding health, how often did they seem to have health issues (trips to the vet) and for what reason? I've read about the typical health issues but would like personal experience. Thanks again! ? |
Anonymous
| I am not an owner either, but its the only dog that I know I can approach with my dog and there will be NO trouble! |
Anonymous
| Saw the funniest bumper sticker "my BMD drooled on your stick family" on a van with said dog hanging his drooly head out the window. So cute. |
Anonymous
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You must also get a black and white kitten. It's a rule.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKPrWLig-PV/?taken-by=beatrixandmidge |
Anonymous
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The ones I've met have always been very chill and calm dogs. Very sweet and easy going.
The downside is that I've heard they have a shorter lifespan than other large dogs. I don't know enough to know the specific issues they tend to have, and I don't think it's necessarily a reason not to get one. |
Anonymous
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Don't have one, but our neighbor just got a Berniedoodle... besides being the cutest dog in existance, I believe she won't shed, and perhaps also will avoid some of the health issues being a mix? Just throwing that out there.
http://www.101dogbreeds.com/bernedoodle.asp |
Anonymous
The thing is that when it comes to prey drive and cats, it really all depends on the individual dog. Perhaps you could look around at rescue groups who foster dogs and find one that has demonstrated being able to live well with cats. I do think that it helps if you only have one dog and two cats. The worst scenario is two or more dogs and one cat. You also have to ensure that the cats have a getaway route. Perhaps a gate with a cat exit/entry. |
Anonymous
| My FIL had one. Very sweet dog, not the smartest I've ever met, and a leaner. |