Hello, guys! I've been frequenting the boards to learn more about Berners. My kids definitely need to have one or they won't stop begging me to buy one for them.

Wouldn't there be any problem if I give in to their wishes? I mean, my kids are still small (one 6, the other is 3) and Berners can be HUGE! I've also heard that Berner pups can be quite overexuberant at times. I'm really quite worried that my kids may be hurt when they play. Any advice?

Originally Posted by jessica

Hello, guys! I've been frequenting the boards to learn more about Berners. My kids definitely need to have one or they won't stop begging me to buy one for them.

Wouldn't there be any problem if I give in to their wishes? I mean, my kids are still small (one 6, the other is 3) and Berners can be HUGE! I've also heard that Berner pups can be quite overexuberant at times. I'm really quite worried that my kids may be hurt when they play. Any advice?

I don't know to give a proper suggestion, but I wouldn't recommend to have a big dog (or when it becomes big) near kids.

Since we dont have any kids, I cant give a very good answer. Everything I have ever read says they are great with kids. I do know that whenever Riley has been around any children or small dogs for that matter, he is very gentle. He has played with my mother in laws 5 lb yorkie and never once came close to hurting him. He even realizes that he cant play with me the same way that he can play with my husband. I am sure it will take some training, but I do think it will help getting a puppy that will be growing up around the kids.

Originally Posted by fightscam

I don't know to give a proper suggestion, but I wouldn't recommend to have a big dog (or when it becomes big) near kids.

Why would you say that?I don't think there is anything wrong with having a big dog with children. And definitely nothing wrong with a Bernese Mountain Dog with children.

Berners are the most lovable and most gentle breed I have ever owned, and I have owned a bunch of different breeds.

Here are a few links that may help you decide if a Berner is the right breed for you. I hope this helps

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America
DeGrasso's Bernese Mountain Dogs
index

Originally Posted by jessica

Hello, guys! I've been frequenting the boards to learn more about Berners. My kids definitely need to have one or they won't stop begging me to buy one for them.

Wouldn't there be any problem if I give in to their wishes? I mean, my kids are still small (one 6, the other is 3) and Berners can be HUGE! I've also heard that Berner pups can be quite overexuberant at times. I'm really quite worried that my kids may be hurt when they play. Any advice?

Hi there. We have a 9 year old Berner, Brodie and our 2 boys are aged 8 and 6 now. Brodie has always been fantastic with the boys, despite his size (he is huge!)He is so gentle and very patient with them at all times. He was quite protective of them when they were babies especially. We're hoping to get another new Berner pup soon and as a breed I would have no hesitation in recommending them as a family dog - we wouldn't think of having anything else!!

I've always had big dogs, and when my daughter was little there were always lots of kids around. My dogs have always been naturally protective and none of them have ever hurt a child or anyone else. But there have been a few accidents just due to their size. To read more about those, check my reply to male or female. Duncan, my Berner, is attracted to kids of all sizes at the off-leah park we go to. If I lose sight of him for a moment, all I have to do is find the nearest family with kids and there he is, sitting next to a little boy or girl, being petted. With a 3 year old or an eight year old around, I'd worry more about the puppy than the kids

I got Yogi when my little girl was about tow and a half, now she is three. I think she hurts him more the he has ever hurt her. Good training. They are such a great breed with children.

Dana

We are getting our first Berner in January and we have 2 small kids. a 4 year old boy and 2 year old girl. The reputation Berner's have for being great dogs with children is part of the reason we are getting one. I can't wait for my kids to have a big dog they can wrestle with and curl up next to. We have only had small dogs up until now and they just avoid the kids the flu because they can get too rough with them.

From all the reading I have done, I am convinced that a Berner is going to be the perfect family dog.