The llife span of the Berner is described by the Swiss expression: “Three years a young dog, three years a good dog, all else is a gift from God!” The expected life of the Berner is 9 to 10 years. Two hereditary cancers known in the Berner can shorten their life to 6 or 7 years.
A Berner is watchful, alert to strangers approaching and is contemplative before reacting aggressively and they are seldom nuisance barkers. The Berner is intelligent, but needs patient and consistent training. They are considered to have a moderate activity level and are obedient and easy-going and fairly inactive indoors. Outdoors your Berner may be very active for a short period, then settle to a trot or walk. The Berner was bred to drive cattle or pull carts at a walk all day. They are not quick on their feet (as an Australian Shepherd or Border Collie) and will tire quickly if exercised at a fast pace for extended periods. They cannot run continuously as a hunting or sporting breed (Labs, Golden Retrievers, Setters, etc.). They are a fine walking and hiking companion but lack the endurance of lighter boned breeds.
Because Bernese are quick to learn and obedient, I highly recommend the breed for families with children, farm animals, obedience and especially therapy work. The Berners behavior consistency is rated high, meaning most of the time they will be on good behavior and will not be easily distracted when interacting with you. The Berners emotional stability is quite high compared to other breeds. He is stable, not prone to mood swings as some other breeds can be. You can be certain you can trust his behavior.
The Berner learns quickly with one two exposures and will retain the learned behavior for long periods without practice. As a watch dog they are rated high in that they will bark at strange noises but will stop barking as soon as the stimulus is stopped and they are somewhat discriminatory about what they will bark at. A Berner might hold someone at bay by barking, but would not attack without being trained to do so. This is typical of many Berners. However, most of my dogs are greeters and will happily approach strangers to get petted. Though they do bark, they would not act snarly toward anyone, in most cases.
Bernese are not naturally inclined to hunting and are not a natural retriever. They much prefer being by your side. This is what makes them such good therapy and carting dogs. They were bred to work with their humans, not be independent of them.
Bernese do shed “Berner Furr” (heavy shedding or blow the coat) once a year. A good brushing every few days will greatly reduce the amount of hair shed. Regular brushing, but only occasional bathing is required.
Bernese are not heat tolerant dogs. Though they do well in warmer climates. Berners will generally seek shade and be less active during the hottest part of the year. They much prefer air conditioning and a cool surface such as a tile floor. My dogs prefer the kitchen, utility, entry and the bathroom floors for lying on even through the winter months.
In general, Berners are not jumpers or climbers and are easily kept within the confines of your back yard. They are not escape artists, but if left alone for long periods have been known to dig out of boredom. Berners will adapt well to the water actually enjoying a romp in the surf or a swim in the lake. Thought they were not bred for water work, they seem to adapt well to water and boating activities if introduced at a young age. Bernese make wonderful travel companions. Not only are they well-mannered in public, but they will introduce you to many new acquaintances who are attracted by your dogs royal appearance.
A Berner is not fully mature until he is about three years old. He will go through what breeders refer to as the “uglies”. During this time, they appear gangly, gawky and rather thin. This awkwardness will be noticed around four months and can continue until almost three years of age. Until one day you will do a double take and realize he is all grown up. So don’t rush your puppy’s growth. Allow him to develop as he should – slowly – in order to prevent health problems brought on by over-feeding.
Because of their size, body mass, thick coat and black color, Berners can be susceptible to heat stroke as previously mentioned. The safest way to deal with this is to avoid situations which the dog may become overheated. Some young dogs will foolishly over-exert themselves in the heat and should be protected from this by supervision or confinement during hot weather. If left outside during the summer, a Berner should have heavy shade in which to rest, and should have a supply of fresh water at all times.
It is possible for normal (unaffected) parents to produce dysplasia and other genetic problems in puppies. However, the chances of a puppy inheriting a genetic disorder is greatly reduced if both parents are normal, and even more greatly reduced if close relatives are also free. I cannot promise that you will not encounter genetic concerns, however, I do all I can to minimize the risk.
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Cranbury Brook Farm Bernese Mountain Dogs
Cranbury Brook Farm Bernese Mountain Dogs
Main Page (Puppies for Sale)
308 Federal Road
Monroe Township, NJ 08831-5947
Farm: (609) 918-0351
Email: NewJerseyFarmer@aol.com
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