Does anyone have a Bernese mountain dog?

[Sunsun21]

If so are they the loyal, gentle giants I imagine? Pros and cons please?

blowinahoolie is it actually a Bernese you have?

Sunsun21 no sorry, a St Bernard. But lots of characteristics are very similar to Bernese. Short life spans, health issues, exercise requirements are minimal etc.

Hoppinggreen I was told labs abs retrievers are basically stomachs on legs?!

Please tell me WHAT health problems I could expect from a Bernese? Common issues.

I think it's cancer, hips and often epilepsy too with the Bernese. Under 8 years life span according to Champdogs. Didn't realise it was less than Saints, tbh

I am getting a rough collie and they are less high energy than borders but known for their empathy with children and people needing care.

You would be VERY unlikely to get an adult dog that’s ready trained.
Puppies aren’t calm. And giant puppies can be a real handful.
Kids dropping food? Dogs will steal it.

A rough collie? Am going to google this - sounds lovely. I am very concerned about these health issues as it could mean trauma for my kids ( and dog) if I am unlucky. They do sound like gorgeous dogs though.

They can be sensitive and barky. And that coat takes LOTS of upkeep.

Rough collies are just lovely!
I’ve known a few and they have all been lovely, sweet, calm little fellows.
I agree about the coat but not sure I agree with ‘sensitive’, borders are without a doubt, I don’t think I’d call roughs sensitive personally

Why are German shepherds dismissed? We've had 2, and both were soppy as anything with family. Our biggest battle was getting them to not sleep on your lap (rookie puppie mistake).

More difficult with dogs than humans, but great family dogs. (Ime obviously).

My parents have a Clumber Spaniel and she is a total dream. She never seemed to have the puppy stage, it was like she was born at seven years old with regards to her temperament. She can walk for miles and has amazing training with searching and retrieving or she can be just as happy with a ten minute stroll. She is absolutely devoted to all of us-including me and DC who do not live with them. These are all breed traits, not just this particular dog. She is honestly a dream. I however have a pug and a cockapoo-they do not tick any of your boxes 😂

BMDs aren't very drooly. They are super hairy and will eat ANYTHING you leave lying around (doesn't have to be actual food). They like to get very close to their humans which can be painful when you have a 70kg dog leaning their entire body weight against you. And yes, they have short lifespans and can have terrible hip issues.

The upsides are that they are super gentle and friendly, protective of their small humans (but not in a kill all potential aggressors way) and are just lovely lovely companions. If I could cope with the fluff and the enormo size, I would always get st Bernards

Argh Bernese mountain dogs! I would always get them!

I don’t know much about Bernese health, but roughs are fairly healthy.

They are prone to hip dysplasia (as are all medium and up breeds)
Best way to prevent it is a combination of picking a puppy from parents with low hip scores and making sure the puppy is not allowed to get fat, no jumping and stick to 5 mins per month of age lead walking.

Most roughs have the MDR1 gene which means they react badly to certain medications.
Ivermectin I think is one of the most well known medications they can’t have.
Try and pick a puppy from DNA tester parents who don’t have the MDR1 gene.

I think (but not 100% sure) they can also get CEA and PRA and I’m fairly sure there is a DNA test for both.
So try and pick a puppy from parents DNA tested and clear from CEA and PRA

You need to follow Wafflenugget on Instagram. He is a PTSD therapy dog.

Surely in your situation a "boring" Labrador or retriever is just what you need? I love how Bernese look, they're so cute, but with high needs children why would you get a (potentially) high maintenance dog?

leasedaudi3 it’s nothing about his cute they look- I personally prefer the look of. GSD for example- it’s that I have read that their temperament is very calm and affectionate. I may look at at German shepherds again I just worry about getting the wrong character.

Oh I love them!!!!

I would strongly advise against a GSD.

They don’t breed them like they used to.
In neither looks nor temperament.

Ask for opinions and you’ll get a fair few labelling them ‘high strung’ and ‘sensitive’ and ‘neurotic’
They are nothing like the original dog now.

The vast, vast majority I’ve met have been fear aggressive.

I really wouldn’t.

As someone who works with German shepherd rescue on a very regular basis and adores shepherds, I would also advise against GSD.
They won’t tick your boxes op.

@Hoppinggreen you've posted exactly what I would've, same reply to OP too OP, my goldie is very good with food and I think he's pretty typical for the breed. Don't get me wrong he loves it and is a bit of a scrounger but he doesn't resource guard or steal. I can trust him with food in the room if I leave for a few minutes.

It looks like a golden retriever is the best dog for us. Thanks so much for all the advice.

My parents have 4 bernese . They are very affectionate and cuddly and have no idea of their size. They have cost them thousands in vets fees due to various health issues and have very sensitive stomachs. They are also afraid of their own shadows and don't like to be left for long .

I have a goldeb retriever she is very quiet and gentle . Also quite a nervous little thing if I'm honest. She is very lazy for a retriever and sleeps/lazes the majority of the time . Also very hard to get her to eat dog food as she is much more interested in our food . Retrivers have a reputation as being good with kids but I think due to bad breeding I've been hearing more and more bad things about the breed lately.

@Sunsun21 not necessarily. It’ll take more than one thread on MN to be sure.
Bouncy and hairy.
Do your research properly.

I have a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and a son with autism. They're in the same family but the Swissies have less fur and no drool. They are slightly bigger. Ours is an absolute gem. She's so gentle and loving with our son and he adores her. They wouldn't be a good first time dog as they are stubborn. Picnic invading is a very hard thing to train any dog not to do. You need to train a rock solid recall and see the picnic before they do.