I'm wondering what other breeds of dog other people have had here before they got a Bernese?

I grew up with Labrador Retrievers -- the first one was black and the other yellow. My parents have a chocolate and a yellow now and when I was in high school we took care of two Boxers for a while.

What about the rest of you?

I don't have a Berner yet, but I grew up with Jindo dogs (traditional Korean dog). They're great guard dogs and wonderful learners.

I have heard that Chows can be difficult with strangers which is too bad because they're such nice-looking dogs. Are Berners a lot better about getting along with new people?

Chows are a one (sometimes 2 ) person dog. I had chows before I met my husband, so I never had to worry about protection! Berners are very social. They're somewhat stand off-ish ( ?) when they first meet you, but are really social dogs.

I have owned dogs all my life. I had a poodle, cockerspaniel when I was growing up. As an adult, I prefer the larger breeds, I have had German Shepherds, chow, great dane. Today I own a lab/doberman and a cattle/shepherd.

Wow, that's a lot of breeds. What would you say was your 'favorite'? The only other kind of dog I've ever had was a Yorkshire Terrier (this was when I was a little kid). But he used to bite and bark all the time, so I didn't like him very much.

I have a Chocolate Labrador who is 2.5 years old and a Bernese. I had a yellow Labrador, German Sheppard and a mix breed in the past.
This is my first Bernese Mountain dog and I will never ever live without this breed of a dog!! Unbelievable...I am comparing to Labradors of course, and really you can't compare..Two completely different level of care, obedience, trainning, etc...I love them both, but Bernese was the easiest to train in general and very very gentle!!.

Hi
I also grew up with chows but would never have one myself, i find they would rather sit in the corner on there own instead of being in your face like a bernie,depends what you want out of a dog though.I have now had 3 bernese and would never ever change, best breed going i think.I also have a syberian husky/alsation and i have just rescued a 4 month old staff (not my thing but couldnt see her put down)I have had her 2 months and she has turned into a very friendly, well behaved, loving little dog.It just shows what "people" do to dogs rather than them being born "bad"
Karen

I have Keeshonds. They are great dogs, super friendly and do really well with agility.