Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Anyone have a Bernese Mountain Dog?

20 replies

MagicJigsaw · 09/01/2023 15:41

DP and I are looking to get a puppy at the end of the year and we're thinking about a Bernese Mountain Dog. Does anyone else have one and if so, can you recommended a responsible breeder?

OP posts:
Ridingthegravytrain · 24/01/2023 10:34

Not personally but a relative had 3. All died under the age of 8. Was heartbreaking but not that uncommon

Eastereggsboxedupready · 24/01/2023 10:36

I actually walked right into one this morning! As in someone had one on a loose lead and let it wander up my path as I opened the front door.
They said a cheery good morning.. I did not.
I have ddogs and can't imagine letting one walk into someone on their own property!

Eastereggsboxedupready · 24/01/2023 10:37

Hopefully you will be a more responsible owner of your mini horse should you get one op..

bunnygeek · 24/01/2023 10:52

They are beautiful but for notorious for heartbreakingly short lifespans :(

whataboutsecondbreakfast · 24/01/2023 10:52

I don't have one but I walk one!

He's very well socialised and has a lovely nature but a lot of that is down to his owners putting in the work when he was a puppy.

They're big, strong dogs so need lots of training and consistency - you don't want an adult that jumps up or pulls on the lead.

Like PP said they also face quite a short life expectancy which is something to keep in mind. I'd be very reluctant to get a dog that was unlikely to ever hit double figures.

Blistory · 24/01/2023 11:52

Beautiful dogs.

The life span can be misleading. I've known quite a few and all of them have made it to 10 with about half making it to 12.

The issue is that cancer rates are quite high and can occur at a young age - 4 and under - it's this statistic that brings down the overall average life span but you can realistically expect a well bred Bernese to live closer to 10 in the UK.

whataboutsecondbreakfast · 24/01/2023 11:55

Ten is still young when you consider that many smaller dogs easily make 14-16, though.

So while it's good for a large breed it's still quite short overall.

DappleGreyBailey · 24/01/2023 13:23

There is the Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue you should contact.

hattie43 · 24/01/2023 13:28

I met someone at the park with one of these and he said although he loved him he wouldn't have another . Just difficult to manage in the heat and short life span , also not much energy to keep up with younger children.

PassAnotherJumper · 24/01/2023 13:59

A friend's family had them when I was growing up. They were all lovely dogs - gentle and friendly. But they all died before they were 10 which just seemed/seems so young!

marmaladepop · 24/01/2023 14:05

I did my research on a few giant breeds before getting my current dog a few years ago. I discounted the Bernese as they have a terrible problem with cancer. So sad but as others have said, they don't have long lifespans.

Rowdythree · 24/01/2023 14:48

I have a Bernese and he is just gorgeous, he's almost 3 and such a loveable family pet. Great with the kids, gentle personality and such a character, he's a real part of the family.

As others have said they can have short life spans, and it is heartbreaking but the joy our berner brings outweighs the negatives in my opinion. You will probably have quite a long wait to get a well bred pup. If you join the Bernese Mountain Dog club you should be able to find a good breeder through them, who have done all the health tests on the parents.

ilovesushi · 24/01/2023 20:25

A neighbour has a rescue and it is a wonderful dog!

whataboutsecondbreakfast · 24/01/2023 20:31

hattie43 · 24/01/2023 13:28

I met someone at the park with one of these and he said although he loved him he wouldn't have another . Just difficult to manage in the heat and short life span , also not much energy to keep up with younger children.

I'm really surprised to hear that - the ones I know have plenty of energy and don't particularly struggle in hot weather (well, not anymore than other large dogs).

pinkorchid1 · 26/01/2023 12:38

I have a Bernese x poodle. She's a wonderful dog and got her from Springwell Kennels. They have a fb page. They also breed full bernese mountain dogs. I understand they shed A LOT though which is the only thing that puts me off getting one!
Here's a pic of my beautiful girl when she was 5 months old.



Sprig1 · 26/01/2023 12:41

Do you live in the mountains? If not, why not get a dog more suited to your local climate? We had one as children, she died young, as others have mentioned.

pinkorchid1 · 26/01/2023 12:43

A

pinkorchid1 · 26/01/2023 12:44

Upload fail. Can't get it to work Sad

BrindleBernese · 26/01/2023 16:37

We've owned 2. Both from health tested breeders, mdog made it to 5 before having to be pts due to cancer. We also have fdog whos his daughter and is 2. She will definitely be our last, the lifespan is honestly heartbreaking. They're a cracking breed, however shed like mad.

BrindleBernese · 26/01/2023 16:40

Also realised how that makes no sense above. Mdog was from a health tested breeder who shows at crufts. He was completely health tested and had a litter with his breeders dd dog, who was also fully health tested.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread