Dear All,

I am looking into purchasing a Bernese; however, I am abit worried if this breed is right for me. I am looking for a low/medium energy that doesn't require too much exercise and constant attention (I do know that some attention is a must.) I am looking for a dog that is easy-going and mellow and not too hyper. Admittedly, I had a Weinmeraner and he was way to hyper and required constant attention. I'd take him for a 3-5 mile run and he's still active once we're home. Consequently, I had to give him up and he is now very happy at his new home. I just wonder if a Bernese is abit more independent and mellow.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Peter

Hi Peter

Personally, I would lean closer to the "no" side if you are concerned about attention requirements. Some Berners may be different, but the ones I know are very attached to their owners and don't do well when left alone. They like their people and require attention and maintenance (brushing, stimulation, etc.) to keep them happy and healthy. Our Berner is ALWAYS in the same room with us and usually wants constant love. She is pretty laid back, but is much more social than labradors or rottweilers we know.
Many dogs will however conform to your lifestyle so I guess it really depends on your definition of "constant attention".


Also, Berner activity level is varied across the breed: some dogs can be much more active while others can be very laid back. However, from my own limited knowledge/experience, Berners won't be really active after a 5 mile walk (if they'd make 5 miles at all). Our Bernese would much prefer running around a field, playing in the yard or simply laying and gaurding the house than a really long walk.


If you can, I would suggest contacting a local breeder or owner & meet the dog(s). This way you can see just how Berners react to people and how much "attention" they do require.
Good luck!

from my experience with having storm (who is almost a year) i would say "no". I call storm the "velcro" dog. example. yesterday we were with the whole family tobogganning, to do this we have snowmachine to run the kids up the hill because it is long and steep, storm ran up and down the hill after me not wanting to lose sight of me. I thought he was going to die.

He is constantly touching me or laying on his bed beside me. At dinner he is under the table on my feet. he needs constant attention. I always have to come up with no games to occupy his mind, if you don't he finds trouble.

exercise is not a big thing, we walk everyday but have to monitor his level because of his special needs. They are very friendly and enjoy people of all ages, but need lots of attention

I agree with the two individuals who replied. Although some berners may not require much exercise they do become very attached and hate being alone. I assure you that if you are forced to leave your Berner for a long period alone your heart may break when you come home and see how excited they are to see you!!! If you are away from the home for long periods which leaves a berner alone, I suggest choosing another breed that is more independent.
I hope this helps

I agree with you all too. Our berner is always with us.... I like the term 'velcro dog.' He constantly wants to be played with, petted, and loved. He paws at us if he needs more attention (does anyone else have this problem?) If you get a bernese mountain dog, you should have him or her for life. They become very attached to thier owners and becomes very sad when left alone.

Barkley (almost 3) loves walks and being outside. Like someone said they are not dogs that need to go on runs, but Barkley loves to run around outside and at parks.

In my opinion berenese mountain dogs are very gentle and calm. Barkley gets along with every dog and person he meets. He rarely barks and has brought so much joy to our lives. Good luck on your search.

I work all day away from Felix, my boyfriend takes him to work with him at his shop where the dog gets constant attention, yet when I go home he goes insane trying to get to me as fast as he can. He always has to be near me.

As for energy - our dog is pretty good but some days he just doesn't stop, granted he is only 9 months old but he does have more energy then we thought he'd ever have. He goes on and on and if no attention is paid he just barks and causes trouble. But on a good day he's so well behaved and just happy to be around us and hang out at my feet.

As everyone else said, if you want an independant dog, a BMD isn't really the way to go...sometimes ours won't even eat if I leave the room, he has to come and see where I've gone - usually he'll go back to eat but some days I have to go back to the kitchen myself so he'll finish.

We are new owners (since Thanksgiving) to a 2 yr old Berner. He does really well being alone from 8-3 when my kids come home from school, but from then until bedtime he is velcro-dog to us. He loves the weekends the most because we are around all the time.

I am a runner and had a little bit of hope that he could go 2-3 miles with me, but he is much more of a sprinter/short spurts of energy dog. He's been on a walk of 3 miles but with lots of stops and he was pretty worn out. Also, it was 40-ish degrees. When it's 60, he acts like he's on fire and lies on the tile floor getting his "cool" back when we get home.

He is bonded closest to me but goes to my daughter as a substitute easily and loves the entire family but you can tell the bonding is tighter to some people than others. I was a little worried as your not supposed to switch owners after 18 months but he has done REALLY well switching to our family!