So, you are think you want a Bernese Mountain Dog, but don't know if the breed would be compatible with you and your lifestyle?.
It is important to learn as much as possible about this breed and then realistically assess your ability to meet its needs. If you are a workaholic and spend little time at home, this is not the breed for you. The decision to bring a Berner into your home should be made at a time when you have the time, energy, living space, and resources to devote to properly training, and socializing him. The first two years require a lot of patience and time spent socializing and training.
What are the needs of this dog?
What should you expect with this dog?
It is important to learn as much as possible about this breed and then realistically assess your ability to meet its needs. If you are a workaholic and spend little time at home, this is not the breed for you. The decision to bring a Berner into your home should be made at a time when you have the time, energy, living space, and resources to devote to properly training, and socializing him. The first two years require a lot of patience and time spent socializing and training.
What are the needs of this dog?
- Space – inside and out. They are large dogs (80 – 100+ pounds). They need room to move about freely within your home. They do not do well in apartments or outdoor pens. They can overheat easily in hot weather. They prefer cold weather and a lower thermostat indoors.
- Family Ties – These dogs thrive on human companionship and they need a strong commitment from their human. They like to be the center of attention. They are full-time family members, and they can become anxious when left alone, resulting in unwanted behavior, such as chewing.
- Exercise: Moderate exercise is required for adult Berners. They are not sprinters. They enjoy daily walks with their family members.
- Training & Purpose: Berners are intelligent and need to stay occupied. Due to their large size and social nature, it is essential that an owner start training as soon as he gets the puppy. A well-mannered adult results when a responsible owner provides positive and consistent training, socialization, and age-appropriate activities throughout the lifetime of the dog. There is no 6-week short cut for successfully developing a devoted and well-adjusted house companion.
- Regular Grooming: Bernese Mountain Dogs have a double coat and they shed quite a bit. A good vacuum cleaner is mandatory. They need frequent brushing and periodic bathing. Ears and teeth should be cleaned regularly, and nails should be trimmed.
- Possible Health Issues: Most purebreds today are plagued by cancers, orthopedic issues, allergies, eye diseases, bloat, and autoimmune disorders. The Berner-Garde Foundation (BGF) was established to study the genetic diseases commonly found in Bernese Mountain Dogs. Their database is available to breeders and prospective owners. The BMDCA has an Info Series bulletin that explains the Berner Garde Foundation.
What should you expect with this dog?
- Cost: Buying a purebred is just the beginning. Ongoing costs will be spent for training, vet checkups, pet health insurance, new toys (toys are continuously shredded), grooming, food, a good vacuum cleaner, pet sitters, and pet fees when they travel with you on vacation. Can you afford to buy a dog?
- Time and Patience: Berners are slow to mature. They can be rowdy pups and testing adolescents. Their sense of humor, sensitivity, and strong-willed nature demand the utmost patience. They require firm, consistent, and positive handling. You should plan to invest two years in puppy training and socialization. Are you willing to commit the time necessary for this training?
- Shedding: Are you okay with dog hair? They shed quite a bit.
- Personal Companion/Best Friend: Berners thrive when they are an integral part of the family. They have no concept of personal space and like to be right beside you, leaning on you (The Berner Lean), or sitting on your feet.