Hi everyone,

Just discovered Bernese Mountain Dogs a couple months ago, and actually had the opportunity to meet a slightly nervous female at a dog show in Milwaukee a few weeks back. I felt bad for the handler. The dog had the handler by 20 pounds.

My question is simple: What are the best sources to gain info? Books, webpages, things like that; because I really don't want to bother everyone here all the time.

Thanks for any info you can supply on this.

Mike

Welcome to Bernertalk! So after meeting your first Berner are you "hooked"? I only saw a picture of one on the internet, and I knew I had to have one. We did do a lot of research, and there were a lot of things to factor in, cost, size, health issues, not to mention having a puppy is hard work. But I didnt care, and it has been more than worth it! I know I am biased, but I think Berners are the BEST dog in the whole world! We got most of our info from the web. There arent a lot ( or I havent seen them ) books that are about Bernese Mt. Dogs. And one of the reasons my husband started this website is so that people that do have them or are interested in them can talk to other owners. So feel free to ask as many questions as you want.

Not sure, though I do love the coloring, and I've always loved large dogs. The berner I met was a bit nervous around anyone but her handler, and the little that I've learned is that that particular dog was the exception and not the rule. What made me nervous about the breed was another dog in the breed kinda backed up like 'why are you grabbing my face?' as the judge was inspecting the animal's teeth. Am I wrong, or are Berners stand-offish with people?

Either way, I'm looking at a few different breeds and learning as much as I can for the future.

Mike

From what we have learned, Berners can be a bit stand offish.....for about 2 minutes. When Riley meets someone new, he always seems to take a step back and "take it all in". He has never acted nervous though, and I dont remember ever reading or hearing that they are ever considered a nervous breed. Maybe someone else here knows different......But after a minute or two, Riley is best friends with everyone! Even the cats in the neighborhood! We have always liked (and had) big dogs too. Thought about a Newfie at one point, but really shyed away because of the all the drooling. What other breeds have you looked at?

I'm looking at 4 different breeds at this point. Berners, Bullies, Alaskan Malamutes, and St. Bernards, and I'm just starting the research process as I believe I'm far from owning a dog on my own yet. I've only had the "family" dog my whole life, not one on my own.

The one Bernese at the dog show I was at was shy until you pet her for a few moments then she calmed down. She was also the one dog in the show ring who didn't even lift her tail let alone wag it. The other Bernese was being judged and sorta freaked out a little when the judge was checking teeth.

I think that is such a good question, because far too many people just decide they want one and go get a puppy without thinking of researching the breed or what it takes to be a responsible owner.

We did sooo much research, I really wanted to make sure we could handle it, to realize the good and the bad. Even though I was prepared for the bad because I just love this breed.

Google is amazing for info, then there's berner clubs, facebook groups, and this chat group have all helped out so much.

We started with generic books such as The Dog Bible (I recommend it!) and then we went on to more breed specific books... you really only need one breed specific book though, they are all pretty much the same. I would also recommend dog whisperer.... don't roll your eyes, lol, berners have some bad habits that are cute when they're puppies, but maybe not so cute when they are potentially 100 pounds! haha

Also, look up some registered breeders in your area, drop them an email or call them up. Most would be happy to sit and chat with you about the breed, as most of them have been most deeply involved with every aspect of the breed, not just as a companion but as a show and breeding dog. We met many good breeders (and berners!) this way. Don't let them push you into buying one though! A good breeder shouldn't pressure people.

Good luck!

I am a fan of the Bernese. I still need to do some research on the breed as well, but never would I jump into a buying a puppy without learning first.

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