Ok Mark has fallen in love with Bernese mountain dogs. He wants to get one, for himself, when we move. The reasons that he loves the breed are sincere (their love for children, good family dogs). He doesn't just like them because they are big or "pretty" (which they are pretty). So I have between 1 and 2 years to either talk him out of one or learn everything that I can about them. I know they can have hip, eye, and elbow problems. I also know that they shed, and need extensive socialization due to their nature of being shy to strangers. I have heard numerous people tell me that they are a dry mouth breed, and then some people tell me it depends on their head shape. I want to look into rescues but Mark ofcourse wants to go to a breeder. So he needs to try finding a reputable breeder within this state or the surrounding states. Anyone have personal experience with the breed? I have heard they aren't... (I'm trying to say this politely) validictorian of their puppy preschools (if you get what I'm saying). I'm trying to figure out if I should talk Mark out of this dog or let him get one (I think he's jealous because I have a dog and he doesn't have one). We haven't had the greatest track records with dogs, but if we go to a breeder and put down serious money on a puppy again I told him once we put down the money the dog's with us for life.