My husband and I filled out an application to adopt a Berner on Sat. and I would like some information about the breed from people who have owned a Berner. We spent about and hour with "Emmett", he is aprox. 2 years old, about 90-100lbs., and seemed very laid back with my husband and I. My only consern was that his eyes were very blood shot.
2007-11-12 03:17:43 · 6 answers · asked by Tara G 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Bernese Mtn Dogs occassionally have eye issues and can have red eyes due to entropion and ectropion... neither is terribly serious. If you are "adopting" I would assume the dog has seen a vet. Either way I would take the dog to the vet to see why its eyes were red. I have one Bernese who, when stressed will have red eyes, however she CERF's clear.
Bernese are fantastic dogs but not terribly long-lived... the average age of death in the US is 7.5 years, some European bloodlines are a bit longer lived.
No.. Bernese do NOT drool... its one of the reasons I've chosen them as a Service Dog.
If you are buying Emmett for more than a nominal fee (ie: he's not coming from a rescue) *I* would ask for his pedigree, his CERF, and OFA or Penn HIP records.
Feel free to email me at animal_artwork@yahoo.com and I will get back to you this evening (I cannot email at work) or add more to this question.
Edit: Is this Emmett? http://hotdogsites.com/Sue/emmett/emmett.php
Edit x2: McDudette: I remember Abbey and competed against her with one of my Samoyeds in the group ring. Fantastic b*tch and one of the reasons I have Bernese now. I'm sorry about your grandmother. She is missed.
2007-11-12 03:38:41 · answer #1 · answered by animal_artwork 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I don't have a berner, but I am friends with people who have 2. They love the breed. They used to have goldens, and other types of dogs, and they are totally converted to bernese mountan dogs.
The two dogs that I know are indeed both laid-back, sweet, intelligent dogs. One of the dogs does happen to be a counter-surfer. They have done everything possible to stop this behavior, with no results. But I think that can happen with any breed.
As far as I know, the possible pit-falls of a berner is a short lifespan, 8-10 years, and their grooming needs/shedding/blowing coat. Apparently they shed a lot and will blow coat a few times a year. Most people get used to it and don't care -- that's just part of owning a dog. But I hear the hair is intense! Also, in warmer weather they need to be exercised early, before it gets too hot. A dark, heavy coat will make them overheat easily.
Also, I've been told they are territorial. My friend with the berners doesn't have a fence and has never needed one -- they don't want to leave their home.
They also have instincts to pull carts (drafting) and to herd, so when you go out in groups, they'll make sure you stay together.
All in all, I think they're great dogs!
2007-11-12 03:30:40 · answer #2 · answered by Carrie O'Labrador 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aww, I know animal_artwork and berner mom have more experience than I do. As long as a vet clears him Emmett should be okay. All I know is that they're big, adorable, and drooly (I think). I starred this so some of my giant breed lover friends may see it.
2007-11-12 03:22:55 · answer #3 · answered by a gal and her dog 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bernese Mountain dogs naturally have a "droopy" eye lid/eye area. These means you are more likely to see the blood vessells in their eyes and that they will have the appearance of being "blood shot".
If the eyes are accompanied by discharge or excessive tearing, you might want to express your concerns to the adoption agency, and check his vet records ( they should have them for him) for his most recent vet visit; make sure nothing out of the ordinary was noted by the vet.
2007-11-12 03:27:14 · answer #4 · answered by J P 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
My grandma (may she rest in peace) had the number 1 Berner in the USA - Abbey. Abbey was a wonderful dog, and so was her son, Theo. When my grandma got sick with cancer, both dogs laid by her. When she died, both dogs quietly got up and left. Abbey and Theo died themselves less than a month later. Berners are awesome dogs.
2007-11-12 04:48:23 · answer #5 · answered by McDudette 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
http://www.akc.org/breeds/bernese_mountain_dog/index.cfm
http://www.bmdca.org/info_sheets/about.pdf
http://www.berner.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernese_Mountain_Dog
http://www.qualitydogs.com/Bernese_Mountain_Dog/information.html
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/bernese.html
2007-11-12 03:24:54 · answer #6 · answered by siren 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋