Being a bit arthritic I can't walk more than about an hour a day but I have a huge garden and plenty of room in the house also. I currently have a black labrador who needs a lot of walking but could not bear to part with him. I am thinking to the future here and what to get when my labrador dies.
2006-07-11 10:18:48 · 8 answers · asked by Ladyfromdrum 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thank you all for your kindly offered information, all of which was a great help.
2006-07-11 20:14:44 · update #1
Bernese Mountain Dogs are big, sweet loveable dogs similar to St. Bernards, but a bit smaller and easier to train. Great with kids and friendly with strangers. The main problem with all of these big dogs is hip dysplasia - many have to be put down before they're six months old. Make sure you find a really good breeder who guarantees their pups and has the parents and grandparents x-rayed and certified by the OFA. Go to dog shows and get recommendations or check out the www.akc.org website for a list of breeders. (Being on the list doesn't guarantee quality - it's just a place to start your search.) Also, check out the Bernese Mountain Dog clubs - their members tend to be much more involved in the breed and its quality.
These tend to be easy going dogs that need a long daily walk, but not as much energy as a Lab. Weekly brushing to prevent mats, especially under the front legs and behind the ears. They (and all loose-lipped dogs) tend to drool - nice long slobbers of slime on you. You can make a bib for them to keep their chests clean when they eat and drink. Obedience train them young, because of their size. Work on teaching them never to take things off the stove and kitchen counter!!!!
2006-07-11 16:08:34 · answer #1 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While they are a large dog they are quite docile. Great with kids and very gentle. Mostly used for water and mountain rescue. I have trained 2 for search and rescue. They are great and incredibly easy to handle. I might suggest that you get the Bernese now to help with the excess energy of the Lab so that on walks they will both be a little calmer and they will not need such long ones as they will be playing all day. Good luck and a great choice as long as you do some searching and are well informed by the breeder because as was said inbreeding while not prominent yet is still a problem.
2006-07-11 17:31:21 · answer #2 · answered by dogsrwork 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Berners are the perfect dogs, but to own one you have to be prepared for their massive size and high likelihood of serious health problems and a short lifespan. I just got a rescued berner puppy and absolutely adore her--she couldn't be more wonderful. Check out the websites below for some good information. If you are serious about getting one, check out rescue dogs or contact your local breed club to find a reputable breeder. With all of the health concerns in the breed, you must find a good breeder, and can expect to be on a wait list for 3-6 months or more for a puppy.
2006-07-11 20:08:13 · answer #3 · answered by M L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Berners are awesome dogs to own. They are giant breed but mostly very gentle. They were origonally used to do chores around the farm, often pulling small carts and wagons, farmers being so busy typically put they're youngs boys with the dog to complete tasks so they were bred for an even temerament. But beware, they will grow to between 80-120 lbs! Unlike you lovely lab, they aren't known for chewing or a destructive nature, but since they're working dogs they need a fair share of activity to prevent boredom a.k.a. BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS. Pretty finicky eaters too, but when you love them you can overlook that. Like most giant breeds they're life span is 7-10 yrs.
2006-07-11 17:27:44 · answer #4 · answered by noname 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to be careful when looking. There are so little purebreds some inbreeding is happening and the Bernese dogs I know all have 6, 7,8 toes on each foot. Find a good breeder an talk to them about the dog!!
2006-07-11 17:23:19 · answer #5 · answered by starryhalo22 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beautiful, gentle and smart dogs. Also, prone to a variety of health problems, mainly due to inbreeding. Plus, as a giant breed, they also have another set of health problems (bloat, dysplasia, ortho issues) Look into a reputable, good breeder, do your homework and wait till you find a good, quality dog-not the first one to come around. You really want quality and health, These dogs have a shorter life span anyway, due to size, so i would think you would want a very healthy dog for a liminted # of years, that a sickly, suffering dog for a short time. Good Luck.
2006-07-11 19:40:16 · answer #6 · answered by mcghankathy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beautiful dogs! Not very high energy. I do think they have some health problems and do not live to be very old. Do your homework and buy from a good breeder!
2006-07-11 19:36:15 · answer #7 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go look at the breed standard!!! These people barely know enough to come in out of the rain.
2006-07-11 19:34:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋