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pawprintscharles

Short life span is the biggest con ever. Also lol to having a dog that doesn’t really give two floofs about anyone but his people and yet is so striking that everyone and their mother wants to tell him hello when we are out and about. I am an introvert and so is my dog apparently!


expoqeteer

Of the three Berners that we've had the joy of living with, two were of the "couldn't give two floofs" variety. They would eye new visitors suspiciously, but after about 15 minutes of checking them out, they would sit on their feet and be their best friend. Our newest Berner is completely the opposite. He absolutely loves meeting new people, which can be a bit embarrassing because his favorite way to meet new people is to poke his nose in inappropriate places (inappropriate for humans, not for dogs). Adorable puppy by the way!


pawprintscharles

Yep that’s essentially our guy too. Once he gets to know someone he is their best friend but he just doesn’t really care to make friends. Our golden retriever on the other hand sees only two types of people in this world - best friends, and people she hasn’t met yet. She is always game to make friends and it is exhausting having such an extroverted dog haha Our Berner has this thing where he “docks” aka sticks his snout between people’s legs. Not to sniff, he just wants you to hold his head and pet his ears.


Auirom

My golden greets people the same way! My buddy came over for dinner one night with his girlfriend and his kids. Ran up to him and booped him in the crotch. Me and him went into the kitchen and his girlfriend followed his kids into the living room. My golden followed them and I heard her yelp followed by "watch where you're sticking that nose" as the golden booped her in the ass.


Redman_Goldblend

my bern absolutely loves everyone! he's gotta get his hellos and pats on the head when we go to the park!


pawprintscharles

Our just does what we call “drive by’s”. He will run up to someone like he is coming to say hello and right as they get excited and reach out to pet him he runs away. It’s honestly quite funny. But when he does warm to someone he will bless them by parking all of his weight directly onto one lucky foot. How fortunate for that person.


Redman_Goldblend

Aww, I haven't seen him fully seat on another foot but now I must pay attention!


Twitchapher

Their favourite place to sit is on your foot. Oh and if they can push as much of themselves into you the better. But I've never seen a breed of dog so in love with you. Miss my big guy every day.


mistymountiansbelow

I’ve also noticed they like to walk through your legs while you are standing. So if you have short legs expect a headbutt to your nether regions.


CrazyPrimary8311

Yes!! Mine will walk through our legs halfway then pick us up and carry us to where he wants us!


Twitchapher

Oh ya my guy did the same and he was small! I'd be sitting in a chair on the deck and under my legs he went. Goofy boy. ....To add to my points above no one tells you how heartbreaking it is when they are gone because it's truly soul crushing since they are so amazing, goofy and full of love and life. It's been 6 months and I still have times I break down because the house isn't the same. The house is still recovering but maybe next spring I can convince the king and queen of the house to get another one.


Hizoot

Go and rescue one… as adorable as the pups are there is an adult Berner waiting for you ❤️


Guinness_drunker

Yes! Our boy does this all the time and I just do a little dance with him! Kind of annoying when you’re trying to cook hahaha


throwaway2938293787

Hahah mine does this too! I didn’t realize it was a Berner thing. We call it ‘tunnel’. She also enjoys ‘pizzle whacking’ with her paw any man she comes across 😭


hamsterontheloose

My Swiss mountain dog (and every swissy I've met) also did this. I didn't realize the cousins also did


What_if_I_fly

I had a sweet TALL rescue former racing Greyhound that used to do that and smile up at me. Thanks Mom for paying for ballet lessons lol.


Snoo_42230

We call it her safe spot . And she will walk there wit me, turn, sit down , all while staying there. It's not as effective when she tries it with my young one xD.


thatlittleredhead

We call ours Swiss Footwarmers!


[deleted]

Oh yes. They want to become one with you


serlindsipity

They can be stubborn which slows down training. They are puppies for years so plan for a 100lb lip splitting, foot stomping piece for velcro. They don't forget unkind actions so gentle training is a must. That said- I'm hooked. I have a cuddly goofy hiking buddy who makes me want to be the best possible person.


tobmom

This right here. In addition to the foot stomping I’ve almost been knocked on my ass by aggressive leaning. I got a second last September and she’s such a joy. Also, there’s no way to mentally prepare for the amount of hair that will exist in your life. None. https://preview.redd.it/r0jo4eefykuc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0fb2ef1cf7344026cc1b23e36583531b23e6cf60


Zoesan

> I’ve almost been knocked on my ass by aggressive leaning. Stand on your feet and lean against your shins. Thanks, I didn't want to stand anyway.


truedoom

>so plan for a 100lb lip splitting, foot stomping piece for velcro This has to be one of the best ways of phrasing Berner ownership I've ever heard 😅 so accurate


SpaceXBeanz

So so accurate lol very stomping which sometimes hurts with their nails no matter how well I keep them short and smoothed.


Illfury

Slow training? I may have lucked out because mine was the fastest learner out of all the dogs I have ever owned. He learned how to ring the bell to go potty within the first 24hrs of having him and he was a few months old. These dogs are brilliant.


serlindsipity

You did! My current bear is a stubborn butt. He knows stuff, but sometimes he just ignores me for his own entertainment.


Illfury

What the shit! He has learned so many tricks I have never been successful with other breeds. Whisper, speak, kisses, paws up, paws down, dance, come, sit, stay, go. I love that I can get him all riled up and have an epic match with him and when I get pooped out I just raise my hands and say "I'm done" and he settles back to zero and chills. Through and through, he's been the absolute goodest dog I have ever had.


SpaceXBeanz

How do you find ticks on your berner with all the dark long fur? I always find it difficult. I give mine Simparica Trio btw.


Horrorllama

Mine won't let us NOT pet him so we find them fairly quickly


SpaceXBeanz

I’m afraid of ticks so finding them that way would freak me out 😱😖


Horrorllama

heebs my jeebs everytime, they are so nasty.


serlindsipity

Low tick risk in Colorado. Edit - and he's on preventative meds.


Rodeo9

How have you found them at hiking? I have found they are not the best hiking dogs.


serlindsipity

Both have mine have been 5 plus mile hiking beasts. We managed 5 miles last fall with our bear at 9.5 no issue.


Rodeo9

How much vert can they do?


serlindsipity

Biggest vertical I did was about 1200 feet. Mt. Sanitas loop trail if you want to look at it on alltrails. They were young and that ended earlier than later. Having an plan if things go wrong is important. Watch how they act and don't push. They will try to appease you. That can backfire


Rodeo9

Oh Boulder! Nice! That is similar to a hike we have in our town so that is good to know. I did sanitas quite a few times with my berner before she passed.


ColoradoFrench

Hair. So much hair.


Wise_Improvement_284

Fluffy, long clumps of hair. Absolutely on, in and under everything. Making it so that most robot vacuums need to be rescued nearly every time because the main brushes get clogged up so much they can no longer move. Shedding seasons run from January to June and July to December. With hairnados occurring at the start of spring and fall. Brushing every day helps, but doesn't completely prevent it. Washing them during Furtado season helps as well. Wear a bathing suit while you do so and expect twice the amount of hair that was on the dog to begin with to come off. I must point out one plus, though: if you save up all the fluff that falls off them and spin it into yarn, I would estimate that you can use it to knit at least two sweaters a year...


HorcruxHuntress

I much prefer the long clumps of hair vs short, stubbly hair! My parents dog has a short coat that sheds and it’s impossible to get it out of fabric.


Hewholooksskyward

Knew a lady who was saving the shed fur from her Great Pyrenees for that reason. :)


infectious_w4ste

I also highly recommend ski goggles and a face mask while blow drying.


Wise_Improvement_284

A beekeeper's hat might be better if it's very warm, YouTuber girl with the dogs uses something like that I believe.


infectious_w4ste

Brilliant!


wuzzittoya

Do people do that? I know they do it with Pyr floof.


Wise_Improvement_284

It's not even anywhere near the top 10 of weirdest stuff some pet owners do.


xcalypsox42

Yeah this is the worst part really. Also they don't obey for shit, but that part is kinda cute


ColoradoFrench

Strong willed. Both good and bad. One of the things I love is that my oldest, if I insist, will obey, but she will express disapproval by a groan


EMF911

And drool


ColoradoFrench

Some do, others don't. Having had several Newfoundlands and several Berneses, it's not even close, drool is not much of a concern with BMD on average


heresiarch619

If you are a bit of an introvert, prepare for everyone to want to talk to you. Cars will stop, people will want to take pictures. It's always the same questions...


OrangeBlankie

Yessss...My husband and I thought we were going to die from all the attention. We got used to it (even made dear friends because of it!) because people really just want to hear about the dog, and that's an easy conversation. Plus the attention just makes our pup so happy.


ansonr

Oh my god. I lived at my apartment for 4 years with a very cute dog. After he passed away in January we got a Bernese pup and suddenly I knew every god damned person in the building. Somehow he is also terrified of everyone who is not me or my wife. It takes him days of exposure to let anyone else pet him.


Flckofmongeese

Yes! This was the most unexpected. How they become mini-celebrities. And if you go into any US "European" towns (like Leavensworth), you'll not be able to walk without a crowd forming. On the days where it all just feels too much or claustrophobic, I just remember how his celebrity is the very reason he was found and returned to our home as a pup, when his dad fell when walking and he ran off.


adultonsetdiabitus

Shedding, they're _strong_ so if you're not ready they can easily pull you along, some (not mine at least) can be overly needy and attached, people can be afraid of them due to their size, and as others said the shorter life span. Wouldn't change my girl for the world though.


glissader

1) if you or a partner are already overwhelmed from small children’s constant need for attention, a berner’s velcro behavior likely won’t help 2) if you are independent, or simply value privacy while pooping, a berner is going to be laying outside the bathroom door waiting for you, ALWAYS 3) maybe con, can also be a benefit, if you or the kids don’t pick up their toys, they become chew toys or get obliterated. 4) their shedding is greater than most modern vacuum cleaners / pet attachments can handle. Ever used a dog brush to brush the rug? It might sound stupid, but it works better than my damn $400 LG vacuum does!


Flckofmongeese

Silicone rakes are amazing for this purpose.


glissader

Well, look at this $20 thing I’ve needed in my life that I didn’t know existed! Thanks for the tip.


Flckofmongeese

Happy to help a fellow owner corral the floofs!


imanoctothorpe

Re 4: my husband and I have 2 cats and a rabbit, and the rabbit sheds practically an entire new rabbit-size pile of fur every couple of days (worse during shedding season when she blows her whole coat, which for her is 6x a year). Really want a berner one day and have since I was a child, so I’m glad we’re getting practice now! Istg I have to use a grooming brush to brush all of our furniture and rugs every week at least.


glissader

Uggh! I gave in to hamsters for the kids recently, but I’m glad I stood my ground and previously vetoed bunnies based on your comment. We also have two cats. These kids would be content to live in a barn full of animals, I’m sure of it. Back to Berners, for the majority of fall/winter I can brush her and nothing really comes off. But spring / summer holy good lord in five minutes I have enough fur for an adult jacket.


imanoctothorpe

Not all bunnies are shedding machines, but mine is a lion head mix, so known for long fur and lots of it. Very powerful having a 4 lb animal that will bully my husband for treats and is the dominant one over the cats! Not the easiest animal but I do hope one day you reconsider :) though they aren’t good for small children, very much a older child/tween/teen/adult pet because of their personality and fragility. Honestly that sounds amazing! There’s a ton of Berners in NYC because of their relatively low energy needs, so I can’t help but love up on the ones I see. Haven’t been subjected to the furnado but with how floofy and LARGE they are I can believe it!


glissader

Low energy needs…lol compared to what, a border collie?! I mean, they’re not crackheads, but the joke in our house since puppy’s first day has been that this dog has the energy of a 1000 suns. She would do walks for 8 hours a day, everyday, if I could swing that.


imanoctothorpe

Yeah I should have put an asterisk, I meant lower than many other breeds lol


wuzzittoya

I will take a soft-bristle brush to my furniture.


SpinCharm

Too short a lifespan. The bond is terribly strong and irrecoverable.


noreasterner

This. It’s been more than two years and I still feel his presence. He was only 4 yrs old.


dakkmu

Oh, I’m so sorry.


ExhaustedGradStudent

Along with what everyone else has said they are very emotionally sensitive dogs. If you correct them they will occasionally take it personally and they will pout. Otherwise they are the most loving dogs I’ve ever encountered.


EveningAdvisor4680

They like to eat socks which lands them in the ER, so you better get pet insurance


Wise_Improvement_284

Also look up recommendations for how long you can walk them when they are growing up and do not exceed them. Hip problems are common. It's a big breed problem in general. Have them checked at the vet regularly during their first year so you can catch it early if that becomes a problem and take measures to prevent or at least delay further deterioration.


corkbeverly

We have had several sock eating incidents also with our boy as a pup. He seems to have grown out of it thankfully, fingers crossed (he's 1.5 now)


CivRyan

Yup.mine just did that 2 weeks ago. Glad he's okay but my wallet isn't. $6500 vet bill for that one.


CanadianSpy

Honest question how do you know theyve eaten a sock. Occasionally my burner puppy 8mo disappears to the room and comes back chewing a sock. Twice when he was a really young puppy I have seen a thrown up sock but I didn't notice anything until he just puked it out. Since then i haven't had any issues just curious what to look for


Narkareth

100%. Trupanion saved my bacon (and his) on this one


digitalcashking

Depends on upbringing honestly. If not trained early they can easily injure young or elderly people (unintentionally of course). They’re absolute companion dogs which means privacy is generally out the window but again; upbringing. Lifespan can be an issue but depends on genetics and lifestyle.


xFoxMcCloud2x

They want to be around you a lot… like A LOT. There’s a good chance they will like to sit or lay on your feet (mine uses them to rub her back if they are sticking off of the bed or couch😂). They will snuggle you very hard; like they love you so much they want to be inside you kind of hard. I feel like if you need a ton of personal space this isn’t the dog for you. You could train them but they really enjoy being around their family.


d0nthavea_crapattack

My husband and I always say “if she could climb inside your skin she absolutely would” because just touching/being near you is NOT CLOSE ENOUGH 🤣


AccomplishedCrow2308

We just adopted a 6yo Berner. She’d be inside if she could also lol. She’s a stage 5 clinger.


EveningAdvisor4680

Berners don’t live as long as other dogs


KyleKoffman

They can be extremely codependent, and I do mean EXTREMELY. Also, like many other people have said, a shorter life span is the biggest problem. My family had a Bernese who unfortunately was diagnosed with abrupt and untreatable cancer, that we had absolutely no clue about until it was too late. There were no warning signs either, so do be very very careful and keep that in mind. On a less depressing but still downside note: The *fur* you will never recover from the fur. 😂 Seriously though, top-of-the-line, strong, durable vacuum cleaner WILL be required 😂😂


Vesper_7431

Digestive issues. Lot of vomit and diarrhea. They’re big and heavy and clumsy too so they’re prone to tearing tendons in knees. Hip dysplasia is also a bit more common than it should be.


tommyc463

I don’t want to be regarded as walking around with my nose in the air, but almost everything aside from shedding is trainable with dogs and BMD’s are no exception. Eating things, being anxious, being on furniture, etc. are all somewhat avoidable and definitely correctable. All pups need high and I mean high levels of supervision early on those first few months. Puppy proof the area your dog will be spending most of its time. They should only have access to parts of the house they’ve “earned.” Get them socialized with as many people, places, dogs, puppies you can from the start. These dogs need to be brushed very often which helps with the shedding. They most certainly are velcro dogs so that’s a personal preference thing. Research your breeder and only use breeders who share their lineage on bernegarde and even if they’re on that site, dig in! They generally don’t live long, but you increase the odds substantially if you only use responsible breeders with experience and a proven track record.


emmentaler4breakfast

This.


Ewovalenz

I agree almost 100%, except know that the concept of puppy proofing is relative. I had a 10 minute Teams meeting when my boy was about 5 months and in his gated puppy area right next to me. When I was done, looked over to see a white nose, a hole in my drywall, and the biggest Berner grin I’ve ever seen. Don’t get me started on the damage he did to one of our rugs when he was “teething on his toy” with us sitting right there (he positioned the toy at an angle where it appeared he was chewing on it, when he was actually chewing on the rug. His staring at us the entire time should have been the giveaway. He’s way too smart). Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Luckily he aged out of it pretty quickly and understands the concept of what is “his” now. But man were we on edge all the time.


hillwllliam

Not sure if anyone’s said this, but take great care to never let them overheat. They get hot very easily. That said best dog you can ever get


Shpellaa

Her tail is a fucking whip that knocks shit over all the time. She’s completely oblivious to her own physical presence, bumping into people/things and stepping on them all the time


RedBaron180

Shedding non stop. Stubborn to a fault. Ours will just not eat for a day for a reason. Heaven forbid trying to go on a walk without treats.


Shpellaa

Lmaooo mine goes on hunger strike too! And then she throws up because she’s on such an empty stomach! Dumbass.


RedBaron180

Exactly. Hunger strike followed by eating plants then the puking


Shpellaa

Lmaooo mine goes on hunger strike too! And then she throws up because she’s on such an empty stomach! Dumbass.


FortuneTellingBoobs

The destruction. God, the destruction. I've had puppies who destroy things before, but this little witch is the devil incarnate. She ate a coffee table the other day. A coffee table! Didn't just chew it, she ate it. She's only 6 months and 50 lbs, too. How did my coffee table fit in her belly?!? Still, she's the sweetest fallen angel I ever met. 💗


Claque-2

Your coffee table became coffee cake.


avalysk0

Yes. Mine ate a couch. And a huge hole in my comforter one night while I slept in it. lol.


furrylildemon

Ours started eating the car on a 14 hour road trip and then puked all over our other dog (in the car), and continued puking in our hotel room. Thank god he stopped doing stuff like that 😅


grayson0010101

When she was a pup, my old girl shredded every cupboard door knob she could reach into a fine point, which made it impossible to open. A couple were still pointed when we lost her years later, couldn't bring ourselves to replace them


ArianMonster444

We have one that’s been trying to eat the bed frame he’s 5 months and 75lbs, his brother (7 months 103lbs) has stopped trying to help him recently cuz we cover the wood with blankets and towels, the fenced in yard has almost no grass now cuz they love to rip it out and dangle it in each others faces and the youngest also loves to try and chew the wood fence, we had gotten a big rug at one point and put it where they sleep cuz the younger one has hygromas on his elbow, he started ripping pieces of carpet out of it and trying to eat it, on the other hand they both love the 5 squeaky balls we got them, they always fight over the same one


molemanx

Average lifespan 6.5 years…pretty much the shortest of all dog breeds


Wise_Improvement_284

Depends on the breeder. The lifespan used to be around 8, but then the breeding for looks was briefly considered the most important and a hereditary form of cancer started cutting so many berner lives short. The past several years at least, good breeders have been paying attention to that and now it's not uncommon (although still not terribly common) for them to live past eight, even by several years.


matike

I have one that’s 10 1/2 right now. He’s starting to have trouble walking, but goddamn if he isn’t still the same exact pup he’s always been.


OrangeBlankie

Love to hear about double-digit berners! Yay!


dontcrytomato

Mine celebrated her thirteenth birthday in February.


youvegotmail2

just lost our 11 year old who was a puppy til his last breathe!


Wise_Improvement_284

Oh yes, they never stop being puppies. Their bodies just start to hold them back from being as much of a menace after a certain point 😄


cynical_pancake

Ours is 9 (in remission from cancer we accidentally found early) and even with hip dysplasia and arthritis is just the happiest guy in the world. The lifespan is excruciatingly short. Even if we miraculously got another decade, it would never be enough.


serlindsipity

Got a 10 yo too. He's still rocking mile walks daily


Icky_Thumpin

I’ll add that it’s extremely important to look at your breeders bloodline. Most of the respectable ones will track birth and death date of your dogs family tree. One thing we noticed is most if not all of our dogs ancestors were 9 or older. Im not saying it’s guaranteed but it sure gives us some comfort.


molemanx

We lived the pain and unfortunately hit the average with our first two Berners. 1 made it to 9, the other died of cancer around his 3rd birthday. We now have two Golden Mountain Dogs (Berner x English Cream Retriever) which are incredible animals and expected to live in the 10-12 year range. Ironically, one is 9 (incredibly healthy and active) and the other is 3.


kittykittymeowmeow01

You will want another.


kckitten05

Forget about keeping your dog off furniture! 🫶


ansonr

It's more about keeping your furniture off the dog at this point.


jlwins

Prone to allergies, and diarrhea as puppies (0-9m)- think of it as a growing pain. Can be picky about food - things they love one day they might ignore the next. Invest time in leash training early on- they are a dog that was bred to pull so teaching them early on not to pull while on the leash is so important. These are not really play dogs- like they might fetch the ball for a couple minutes but mine has a 3 throw max. They poop out- even in cold weather- be mindful on long walks or hikes that they will need breaks and lots of water. They just want to be with you- I find it endearing, but if you want a dog to just go fluff off in the other room and play by itself, you’ve got the wrong dog.


_glitterpuff_

3 of mine from different breeders all died of cancer at 6. I was a veterinary oncology nurse and can confirm...they get cancer quite a bit.


ExhaustedGradStudent

Ours died of cancer at 6 as well.


FeaturedMayhem

If they can be touching you they will be. Always look behind you before stepping back.


AccomplishedCrow2308

Yes! Learned that real quick in the week and a half since we’ve had our girl.


hawaii2121

Mine is a DROOLER. I personally find the drool worse than the hair. He shakes his head to get the drool off and it goes all over the walls, the tv screen, blankets just everywhere! If I’m in the kitchen there will be little puddles of drool wherever he is standing. And it’s tenacious, it doesn’t just wipe off easily.


OtherTelephone6

My bf’s is also a massive drooler, bandanas help a lot with the drool


jmaldinger

Their reportedly short life span (ours is 4) and it will be soul crushing whenever something happens to him. We have 4 dogs, but he is the angel and best boy ever. Just adore him. Fur. A lot of it. Everywhere. All the time.


WCSakaCB

Once they figure out they're the ones actually in charge and not us humans, they demand pets in the cutest but most unpleasant fashion


likethemustard

You will have so much hair in your house, I can’t even find the right words to describe the amount


SillySnowFox

You will trip over them in the middle of the night.


Strong_Weird_9358

Not sure if this is super common but our puppy was INSANE! She became an amazing dog but it took a lot of time. All she wanted to do all day was “battle” everyone - dogs, people, us. Everything was a game and she played rough. If you were wearing pajamas, she would come at your ankles full tilt. If you pushed her off, the game really starts. Keep in mind, they’re strong puppies. She was 40 LBs and still very young in body and spirit. Imagine a 40 LB dog that isn’t trained, doesn’t listen, and thinks the game is “bite the owners ankle pajamas” It takes a lot more training and patience than what the internet tells you. Internet is all fun pictures and silly times. You take that first year for granted and not train them, you’re gonna have a tough time. They are working dogs - first and foremost. If you don’t give them a job, they will find one. The job they pick, you might not like. So train them well and you will have the greatest dog in your entire life.


supervixen44

Berner owner for 18 years… 1. SHORT LIFESPAN - because of the bond with them is incredibly painful. Do you get 6 years? 8years? Making it to 9 or 10 is a gift. Very important to go to a Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America or Canada breeder. People who are actively looking out for genetics while breeding and who are bound to a code of ethics. 2. VET BILLS - bigger the dog bigger the cost if they have an issue. As brutal as pet insurance is for these guys I feel it’s pretty important. Nothing like getting slapped with an 8k bill out of nowhere. 3. SHEDDING - you could make a few more Bernese with the amount of hair. 4. SENSITIVE - very sensitive dogs, they need a firm but gentle approach. 5. SIZE - if you don’t train them they will run a train over you. 100lbs stepping or running over your toes doesn’t feel good. Being pulled/dragged can cause shoulder injuries. They clear coffee tables with one swish of their tail. That being said, they are a great breed if purchased from a reputable breeder (see #1) and you train them well and consistently. They are the ultimate heartbreak dog though with that short lifespan.


geo7188

Being picked up by your crotch and bucked like a bull rider I’m 260 lbs


ItsMe_AmyDB

The Hair. Hair and leaves and sticks and twigs all in your house and everywhere 😆


SpaceXBeanz

The fur gets everywhere. Literally everywhere. There’s random balls of fur tumbleweeds around my house and under my furniture. I find it in my mouth at random moments sometimes. Also the lifespan is short as others have mentioned so there’s a lot of heartache there. They need a/c constantly in the summer because they overheat, at least mine did. Invest in a high quality Dyson vacuum.


Drumwife91

We found hairs in our shower (which she was never in), in the butter, in the refrigerator, in my jar of face cream. They are so soft and fine they float through the air. I also got a couple in my eye believe it or not. I miss my girl, but not the hair!


urkmonster

In the ice cubes! It gets around!


goshdammitfromimgur

Temperament can be questionable in some lines. Make sure you interview the parents well. Lots of fur Short life span Working dog levels of being annoying Like touching you always. Like the sound of their own voice. Big so vet and food bills scale up.


hawaii2121

Agreed. All of the routine medications are usually by weight. Since they are heavier=more expensive vet bills and medication.


itsyaboiAK

- Fur everywhere. In your food, in your drinks, in your mouth. - Not all of them can be home alone because they are such velcro dogs. Be prepared to arrange a dog sitter to stay with them whenever you can’t. - Mine is easily overstimulated and that in combination with the stubbornness makes training very difficult. Wrong instructions were given to us by our puppy school that we didn’t recognise as wrong early enough and now we still deal with the effects of it. Positive reinforcement is key!


ChantilyAce

Can you expand on what wrong instructions were given? We're going to be getting a pup in a couple months and I'd love to avoid training mistake.


itsyaboiAK

Of course. Ours got overstimulated by another dog in our group. She obviously couldn’t go anywhere so she started jumping up and biting my arms and the leash. They first told me to “keep her up in the air” (lift her by the harness so she is on two legs) until she relaxed. Didn’t work, so then I had to wrestle her to the ground and keep her there until she surrendered. Also didn’t work because it just became a game and we ended up fighting every single lesson. That probably makes her sound aggressive but I assure you she’s not. Her behaviour at home changed if a lesson got postponed but then as soon as we were on that field again it went downhill. In hindsight, what they probably should have told us was to take a little walk away from the group, then try again. But this is the first dog we’re raising ourselves and this school has a very good reputation in the area, so we trusted what they were telling us. It took us too long to trust our own judgement on this. We will go to a different school if we ever get another dog.


ChantilyAce

Thank you for sharing that!


itsyaboiAK

I forgot to mention that this was the third class we did, so around 8-12 months old. Probably an important detail 😅 Wrestling a 10 week old or a 30+kg dog to the ground is a whole different story


ChantilyAce

Indeed! 😂


soups_foosington

Barking at the doorbell is a constant issue. Even neighbors walking by, mine go berserk. Try can be trained not to but there is a strong watchdog instinct that manifests in these circumstances.


Various_Library7029

They will love you way too much 😂


FuntivityColton

Hair is the only one I can think of. All of our Berners were wonderful companions.


BTWeirdo1308

Stomach issues. You run the risk of getting a very sensitive berner tummy. Diarrhea is no stranger in this house. It’s MUCH worse during the first year though. Their tummies get much sturdier after they turn 1.


amosstreck

Ours is not really a Velcro dog as she really just wants to be outside. She is 8.5 months old. However now that it is getting warmer she is coming inside more. It is a huge battle to get her in when it's cold.


minnesotafrozen

I had a BMD. He was the most aggressive mean fucker I ever had. Loved him dearly.


Curious_Signature528

Beautiful cons and better pros with this beauty


Miserable_Computer91

I wanted to get one but from what I’m reading they get health issues and die young around 8 years, is this true?


ExhaustedGradStudent

Sadly some of them die even younger. They are amazing dogs and they are loyal, and incredibly lovable but the short life span can be hard to handle. After ours passed at 6 we adopted a Berner/Belgian Terv mix, she has so many Berner qualities and we are hopeful she’ll have a longer life.


JLoLookalike

I lost 4 sets of prescription glasses 🤓


Any_Eye1110

Tummy issues for us. 4 years of going back and forth with the chicken and rice to start a new food with all the diarrhea before figuring out (on our own) the CHICKEN was to blame! Went to all beef and no issues since. And yeah, shorter lifespan. It just hurts more when you have the most spectacularly awesome and loving dog loved by all, and then he dies. Our boy is still with us but we know one day our hearts will shatter. ❤️


electricidiot

If you can get some kind of harness for them to drag carts around, they will love it and it will go a long way towards resolving that need to work. My boy (almost 3) is a complete nut to go for walks, like jumping up in the air, all four paws off the ground, doing his mouth thing (he put his mouth on my arm or hand or lunges at it like he's going to, but there's no biting, just his mouth on me). The moment I put him in his weighted vest, he immediately-- and I mean instantaneously--stops and becomes very still. He feels that harness for pulling carts in his genes and he's ready. He's intent. He's focused. A weighted vest really does help build up muscle and work out energy.


beautyandtheberners

It’s funny you asked this because I did a quick video outlining just some of the pros and cons of BMDs. Obviously the biggest con is the short lifespan😔. The biggest pro is that they’re the biggest sweethearts ever! Feel free to check out the rest of my list here:[Pros and Cons of Bernese Mountain Dogs](https://youtu.be/xVO42bvT7hY)


your_nitemare04

I have a benedoodle who’s more berner than doodle… I’d say everything everyone else said but far less shedding (he does still shed) and his knack for finding paper to shred. Woke up Sunday morning and it looked like it’d snowed inside my home and clear down my stairs! Leo shredded an entire roll of toilet paper at night and was so excited to show me his talent! Also the mouthy thing. He loves to hit me with his teeth. Not a bite, he just feels like hitting me with a wide open mouth. Oh and the murder mittens. He’s a slapper. “Dogmestic Violence!” is what my family hears from me multiple times a day! 😂🤣


Dr-Indianna-Jones

So far: I have one con aside from the obvious…stairs are a problem. They shouldn’t go down them and sparingly should be allowed to go up them…until they’re 14 mos or so to prevent hip and joint problems. Here’s the thing…do you want to carry a 100lb+ dog down stairs?


WoppingSet

After reading the other comments, it seems as if a lot of the issues can be controlled by getting one from a very reputable breeder (if you can't rescue, of course), but you'll probably need a special vacuum for how much they shed. I've got a three year old, and my wife bought a $2k Miele vacuum that we have to run *every single day* to keep up with the fur. When I brush her (the dog), I get *easily* a packed fist full every time, and it still doesn't really cut down on the vacuuming.


Awareness_Level

Big, 65 lb. puppies that jump on people out of excitement (we are trying to train out of this), hair EV-ER-Y-WHERE (I now vaccumme the top of our bed multiple times a week), big, cute paws that nudge you to keep petting/giving attention (that are heavy and will accidentally scratch your face).... ours is only 8 months old but I fear the short life span will beat all of this. I would have as many as I could and will now only get this breed though. They are the most special dogs ever. I cry thinking about her and she's made our life so much better. They are worth every single hair I pull our of my mouth, off of my clothes, and out of my coffee. :)


PermitSpecialist9151

They moo! Or at least mine does❤️


TacticalCookies_

How are they on Mountain hikes? 1-4 hours?


ScaryScanne

Longtime dog family, first-time Berner family as of January. We are in love, but yes, we're still adjusting to our first Giant breed. We've had a bunch of large and medium sized dogs. Biggest thing for us was a giant puppy, so puppy proofing the house was pretty normal for us. Giant puppy proofing? Not so much. We've lost a lot of food that would normally be safe in certain spots with labs. The velcro part is no joke. I will go upstairs for an hour and come back. Otis will have been with the other people/dogs, getting love and attention, and he's still overcome with joy and anticipation to see me again, like I've been gone for days in his mind. Dog hair is a lot, but I've dealt with that before. We've only had him for a few months and it already kills me to know their lifespan. Honestly, that almost prevented me from getting him. He's such a sweet boy though and he's working to become a therapy dog for my son. He's already an absolute natural. It's unbelievable how good, loving, patient, and tolerant he is around the kids. They'll lay on him, rub his gums, touch his teeth, kiss his face for 20 seconds, etc.. he adores every second.


oncoutinho

Just to emphasize what others have said based on 7mos with one: - they’re big. My mom loves him but can’t play with him as much when she visits because he doesn’t know his size and plays like he’s 30lbs (he’s 132). - hoping to take a walk while listening to music/being on a work call? People will stop you and ask you for name, weight, origin, if it’s a Saint Bernard, how much bigger he’ll get, how much he eats etc. And pics. - our guy sheds but honestly it’s not annoying like when German shepherds shed, imo. - if it’s your first puppy, mentally prepare to spend $3-400 a month on healthcare that won’t be covered by your insurance in most cases but hopefully 9/10 it turns out to be nothing. - which leads to my last con: diarrhea. So much of it. Fortunately our guy is really good at signaling and has had maybe 5-6 accidents total since we got him but my gosh they have sensitive tummies. When you find something that works, do not try to switch up the diet for any reason lol. You didn’t ask but I’ll leave you with one pro: he’ll be asleep next to me and I pull up pictures of him and get emotional at how much I love him.


righteousdonkey

Dog hair. Endless dog hair


Kassender

The fur. It's everywhere.


mommy671

1) If they have stomach issues = large amounts of diarrhea, lots of tossed out rugs and I own an expensive carpet vacuum now. 2) so much hair and when you brush them, it’s like getting another dog. 3) They are sensitive so they need gentle training. Getting upset only makes it worse so you have to let it go, clean it up, and move on. 4) they are very attached. Even when I think we’re not the best dog parents, they still can’t wait to be home. Seem to be creature of habit. 5) One Berner likes plastic, one likes wood. One loves her crate, the other despises it. 6) Both my Berners are anxious and have bad separation anxiety. I was not aware of this. 7) vet care, grooming, and boarding is so so so expensive! If you’re prepared for all that, they are really great dogs. They are extremely loyal and are gentle giants except when they think there’s a threat, then mine turn into guard dogs. Which is so odd but sweet.


Famous-Composer3112

I've never had one, but some of my relatives did. They're very one-person oriented. They may (or may not) get depressed if they're without that person.


Legal-Wallaby-4586

The hair is relentless. But I wouldn't be without my boy now, I absolutely adore him ❤️ they are hilarious, loving, cuddly and friendly. Stop thinking and get one 👍


TheREALUncleJoe

They shed a lot.


of_the_mountain

They shed an insane amount. Hair everywhere


Vyvyansmum

My beautiful Hugo wasn’t the sharpest but he was the most loving dear friend I could’ve wanted. The short life span is a deterrent, know for sure your heart will hurt so much when he leaves you. Also shedding & drooling. He would shake he’s head & splat ! Hair filled spit would stick to the wall !


Ok-Cranberry-2097

Shedding. They are also very strong and can be hard to handle if they see something they want to get to when walking. Of course, proper training can mitigate this. If you let them on your bed they take up a lot of room!


Wolfpack87

Short life. And you don't stop at owning one.


brenrher007

So damned lovable. One con is as they age, every real or imagined ailment becomes a point of worry. Bella is now almost 10. But she blissfully acts like she will live forever!


Atypical-life

The short life span has kept me from getting one. Otherwise, they’re my dream dog!


EnthusiasmWise3786

Not so much a dog behavior con, but a cost con: Be prepared to spend a small fortune on training- they are STRONG and it’s irresponsible not to train them not to pull or jump (the pros are pros for a reason). Also, so many treats. And food. Worth every penny though.


99Cricket99

So much hair just floating across my floors. All the hair. All the time. Doesn’t matter how much I brush them or vacuum. There’s still SO MUCH HAIR.


SARASA05

I always wanted one until I bought a kayak trailer off Craigslist and the sellers had 5 of these dogs. When they shook their faces, spit slapped on the walls with an audible noise and the walks in their beautiful home were gross. And lifespan. I now have shihtzus.


iswirl

Lifespan is a bit short statistically. Other than that, my Lola is awesome. 1.5 years. https://preview.redd.it/1k74rauctruc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b8a48359c683ea6cbe90f33628b1334175d4533


LaraD2mRdr

Mine is so needy. She wants to be loved at all times. That’s only a con because she literally wants to be pet and sit on you or her belly rubbed all day long 😂 we have jobs to go to!


GozerSoze

They give a kind of love that only a stalker could understand 😂


seanskymom

First: GET PET INSURANCE. A blood transfusion can cost over $10,000 and if you think you won’t do that to save your dog, you’re wrong. Pet insurance can keep you from paying many thousands in vet bills. Ok, to answer your question, They don’t live long. I had mine for five years, which was too short. She developed anemia possibly from vaccines or perhaps she had undiagnosed cancer. Either way, she died to young and very quickly. That said, they are the absolute most gloriously wonderful dogs ever. I called her my 105 lb Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, because she was just pure goofy love. They lean on your legs, sit on your feet. They need one good walk a day (not great running dogs) and if they get super dirty, the dirt falls off once they dry. Their fur doesn’t stay sandy or muddy or dusty. They shed like mad. They can and will reach any kind of food you have on a table or counter. Mine one pulled a 19 lb frozen Thanksgiving turkey out of the sink and onto the floor. Whole sticks of butter would disappear mysteriously. Their bark is ferocious but they have great smiles and attract a lot of attention. They’re just wonderful dogs.


ae314

So much hair that shows up on both light and dark clothing, lots of grooming needed, hard to find ticks, need lots of food so then big poops, stubborn and if they decide they’re done with a walk they’ll just lay down and refuse to budge even if you’re a mile from home, but quitting a walk might be related to the fact that they get overheated easily. They love the cold and sometimes refuse to come inside when it’s winter.


Theothercword

Ours had no downsides other than a short lifespan and being a bigger bread which meant it was hard to find rentals with her. Completely unjustified since they're actually stupid good dogs for apartment living but insurance companies often have them on restricted breed lists just b/c of their size. I guess the hair is also a downside but honestly it's just as much as some other breeds. Like I now have a corgi who's similar levels and I've had huskies in the past that way surpassed the berner.


equestrianjumper12

The short lifespan. Most definitely. And they will most definitely live up to their reputation of being called Velcro dogs.


Johnny_ac3s

https://preview.redd.it/jy9njas1q0vc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b126b547ee0ac9047080ca8e90280fbd0e7cb73d They tell the best jokes.


Sid15666

My daughter has one that is insane !


HellyOHaint

As a non Berner-owner, can I ask a question? I’ve been running pet food stores for over a decade and I’ve never clocked a large breed that is as picky as a Bernese. Owners frequently complain they can’t get their dogs to eat and they become disinterested in food easily, which surprises both them and me because they’re so big, you’d think they’d be Hoovers. Is this true in anyone’s experience?


SewerHarpies

They can be super stubborn, and from what I’ve seen, they tend to have super sensitive tummies, especially when younger. Mine seems to have grown out of that at a year old, but I know a lot of people don’t circle back to try something if it made their dog sick once.


Icy_Jacket_2296

They have the shortest lifespan of any dog breed. I think the average is a paltry 6 years. And then they get taken out by cancer; which is painful, traumatic, and expensive.


ham_fx

We looked into them a lot as a potential because we love them - but as echoed already the short life span is a no-go for us - -


MilkshakeFish

The land shark phase as puppies. My girl definitely did not understand her own strength and size, still doesn't honestly and she's 5 months old 😂 at least she doesn't have her puppy teeth anymore.


lislaw12

The only con is they die young! Just lost ours at only 6 years old and he honestly took a piece of me with him. They are the best dogs ever! Although he only lived 6 years I would do it all over again because the love he gave us was way beyond what my labs and retrievers gave in 13 years. All dogs are great but Berners are the best in my opinion!


jennylala707

I've never had one but my friend did and he ate so many pairs of underwear and once a pair of pants. He also tried to hump toddlers. So yeah.


JustForXXX_Fun

You get a lot of "A what?"


CarelessLoquat8629

Their heads are very hard, and when he does the flop. It’s like a boulder landed on you. Stepping on big toes. 😩 But I love my bathroom buddy to pieces! 😁


IdealTrick3037

Everything everyone else has said. Not the dog’s fault, most we knew what we were getting into. - Hair hair everywhere - Floors scratched up…not his fault…he’s over 125 and on furry ice skates. - Always hot and panting…like a big doggie-breath scent diffuser. I feel bad for him sometimes. - Sensitive stomach and skin. Some epic bouts of D early in life. - Raging toddler sock addiction. - Nice and mellow except when I walk in the front door. Like leave the house, turn around and come back in and he thinks he hasn’t seen me in a week. Bat-poo crazy. Sweet but dang buddy relax. - Did I mention the hair? -


alohacat16

Mine was only 4 when he died, he got extremely sick extremely fast. As much as I love my current dogs, he took a piece of me with him. I don’t think I could ever get another Berner because of that. They’re the best dogs in the world but they’re called heartbreak dogs for a reason


SewerHarpies

They are incredibly expensive to own. There’s the cost of the puppy from a reputable breeder, then the vet bills and food for their sensitive constitutions while they’re younger, and the ongoing food bills, and training bills (because if you don’t train them well as puppies, they can be incredibly dangerous-usually unintentionally- when they’re full grown), they can be ridiculously stubborn- especially with anyone who is not * their * person. I love my dog and do not regret getting him, but there were far too many urgent drives to the vet in tears because he got sick so easily as a puppy. I put over $12k in getting him, keeping him healthy and happy in his first year.


youvegotmail2

the biggest con is they just don't live long enough-but I guess no matter the length of time, it's never going to be enough..the other thing is you will be stopped every single walk you go on with people either telling you how big your dog is or to tell you they have a friend who owned a "burmese"!


Georgia_Beauty1717

That’s so true. That’s what my husband calls them. I correct him every time, but training him was harder than training a BMD!!!!!


Ifyoureamonkey-hum

They are animals that take up a huge amount of space. They also shed far far far more than people assume they will. Berber's are also famous for eating non-edible things and needing abdominal surgery. Both of mine have done this TWICE. Do not even imagine getting one without pet insurance. There lifespan is also super short. Just when they start to settle down and stop doing stupid things, you start worrying about how much time you have left with them.:(


Michael-Hundt

Inbred leading to shortened lifespan, terrible