Are you looking for a small, delicate lap dog?
Berners are large dogs. Males average 24-28 inches at the shoulder and weigh 80 to 120 pounds. Females are a bit smaller at 22-26 inches tall and can weigh 70 to 100 pounds.
Does dog hair everywhere give you fits?
Regular grooming is a must or the coat can quickly get out of control. And YES! They do shed!
Can you live with a yard full of holes and barren of vegetation?
Berners are a working breed with plenty of energy. They should be exercised regularly to keep the dog mentally and physically sound.
Are they good with children?
They can be very good with children, but child-dog interactions should always be supervised. Children need to learn how to interact with a dog and the dog needs to learn appropriate behavior around children.
Are you prepared for the expenses to feed, groom, and keep your berner healthy?
Berners are a large breed, and as such are more expensive to maintain. Veterinary costs are often more expensive due to the breed’s large size. Heartworm medication, anesthesia and antibiotic costs are all dependent on the size of the dog. Quality food and grooming costs are significant as well.
Do you know their average lifespan is 7-10 years?
A major downside of this breed is the fact that they can be very short lived. The average life span of a Berner is 7-10 years. They can have many health problems including hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies and cancer. Two types of cancer have been shown to be genetic in Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Are you sure you want a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Berners are renowned for their lovely temperament. They are very people oriented and bond very strongly with their family. They can be protective without any special protection training other than being part of a loving family. If you think this breed may be for you, attend dog shows to find breeders in your area. Be prepared to be asked a lot of questions. Good breeders are concerned with where their puppies are going. You should ask a lot of questions as well. Questions about health certifications that the dogs have, if they have any confirmation or obedience titles, and what does the breeder think this litter can contribute to the overall quality of the breed are just a few examples. Meet the dogs and decide if you can live with the hair and the energy. Breeders may have puppies, or, if you don’t have the time and energy for a puppy, an older rescue dog may be what you need. Find your local Regional clubs They also hold draft tests and have fun matches or picnics that allow you to see the dogs at work and in person. Talk with several people to get a better idea of how a Berner would fit into your life or how you will fit your life to a Berner