Hello! My name is Shannon and I have decided to get a berner! I'm really excited, but it makes me really sad that I can't find any breeders in my area because I would definitely prefer to pick out a puppy myself, the closest one is over 400 miles away and isn't breeding anymore for the season. Since I can't really pick out my puppy personally and I have to rely upon videos, pictures and phone calls, I can't really decide whether I want a boy or girl. That being said, I want to know if there is a typical pattern in personality as it relates to sex. For example, are boys more affectionate? More protective or territorial? Girls more independent? Typical things such as that. I did want to get a more affectionate loving dog that is deeply attached to mainly me if possible. If there isn't a difference, I figured I'd get a girl since that's what everyone I know is telling me what to do anyway lol. I don't know, please tell me what you think, I greatly appreciate it =)

Hi Shannon,

I was in the same boat you are but now my little pup is coming home on the 30th of September!

The key is to find a good breeder who places puppies based on temperament and lifestyle. The being said-- there is no advantage/disadvantage with getting a male over a female, they both are wonderful!
Some males will mark if left unaltered just as females will come into season twice a year if not altered. Both very.

It all comes down to the personality of the dog, my breeder asked of my lifestyle and what I expected from the dog and as a result: I'm getting the most active, outgoing, affectionate pup of the litter (which from the looks of it is going to be female!). My breeder is also in Quebec so she sends weekly updates and pictures of the pups.

Some say males are more loving and females are more willing to please but I disagree because I've met many loving female berners and many eager to please males. The only difference, really, is one will be bigger than the other.

Good luck, happy puppy finding!

Hi Shannon, In what area do you live? Just curious if I could possibly help in giving you a breeders name or two if you are on the East Coast as I am. I can tell you that this is such a great breed that you cant go wrong either way, male or female. I currently have one of each and will as long as I live own this breed. This is a breed that is very committed to offering itself to you 110%. I am involved with many Berner owners & we do "Therapy Visits" to area nursing homes with our Berners. Chosing a boy or a girl?? I have to say that when I choose a puppy I usualy sit on the ground with the pups and let them pick me. My male is very energetic, always ready to go play, full of energy. While my female is very lazy. For many of my friends its the opposite, with the female being the active one. Good luck in your search for a Berner.