They need lots of protein and exercise to keep them fit and healthy. They're also the most adorable dog in the world.

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Bernese Mountain dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, filling an emptiness we don't even know we have.

As you might have seen from my other posts, we are new to the berner experience and have some issues but not insurmountable.

When looking at a Berner for a pet you need three key things.

1. Patience: they are slower to learn in some respects ie mouthiness.

2. Attention/Dedication: I find most difficulties that arise are due to OUR lack of attention or diligence. When he acts up its usually because we have slacked on excerise, training or our time. (three kids + dog= busy)

3. A fantastic, supportive breeder! This is actually primary. A good breeder will support you all the way. They will be picky about who they allow their pups to go to. They will grill you! That is all good: a reputable breeder is looking for people that will keep good stewardship of the breed.

And a big shout out to our breeder, Nancy Melone! She is the BEST!

Please take your time finding a breeder. Go to dog shows, go to breed specific dog shows where you can meet hundreds of berners and their owners at once. Be aware of medical needs of the breed, their expenses, personality traits etc et al.

Socialization early and often key. Take them everywhere with you and get them used to strangers in a calm, confident manner. They will follow your lead.

Nothing frustrates me more when I hear/see people dump their Berners at rescues saying " I didn't know how big they got" or "how much they shed". Or better yet "their sooo stuborn". Duh? Fifteen minutes of reading, any due diligence at all would reveal that to anyone interested in a Berner.

A berner needs to be taken on as you would a child: a lifetime commitment.

All that being said, we love our Charlie boy and wouldn't trade him for the world! Even if his teenage stage is driving us a bit nuts once and awhile

Look for long longevity in the different lines and make sure they are Hip scored and elbow scored. Not sure if you are in the Uk or US but in the Uk they are the only two health requirements needed.


( Make sure you buy from a breeder ) not a pet shop. Try to see at least one of the parents preferably the mum see if you can meet the breeder and the dogs before going on a list and that you will be invited to visit once the pups are born and it is safe to do so before choosing your pup).

Saying that, even done properly things can and do go wrong but if you have researched properly if things do go wrong you don't feel quite so bad.

Exercise should be the five minute rule with large dogs 5 mins for every month of age. They run and expel their energy very quickly then love to plod and have the odd energy spurt. When old enough they will hike for miles with you at their pace not yours.

Never exercise in the heat wait till it is cooler they overheat very quickly. As someone said they love to be with you if outdoors usually with the door open not shut even when it is cold.

If done properly they can usually be left at home for a few hours while you shop or visit friends. Puppy proof the house though.