Bernese Mountain Dogs

[Romy]

Every berner I have met has been really sweet and gentle natured. They were all well bred though. Probably people who work with rescue BMDs don't get many of the well bred ones in, due to the nature of responsible breeding. Or the ones that end up in rescue didn't fit the temperament part of the standard.

Anyway, all three I have met were male, and really lovely. EXTREMELY patient with family and strange children alike. They kind of gave me the impression of a differently colored well bred golden, in their "vibe".

 

[Dakotah]

Aww how sweet Romy.

My thing is that people say that the males are moe hard headed and dont listen as well, and the females are smarter and more protective.
Do yall find this true?

 

[Lizmo]

In Berners, Dak, or just in general?

 

[corgi_love]

I'm very excited for you! I hope you find a good breeder, I'll definitely keep you in the loop as far as bear-acres is concerned. So far, as a breeder, she is absolutely great! I'll get some pictures of Willie for you

 

[HoundedByHounds]

They can't hold a candle to a Leo.

 

[borzoimom]

BMD has several problems. One is that in becoming popular, the brain problem of " rage" and also epilepsy is running in the breed- to name two. Do you homework of a good breeder...

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

Why do you keep doing this, borzoimom? Can you point me to where it's documented that "rage" is a problem in the BMD?

Helpful links to learn about the BMD:

Parent Club
Health Issues
FAQ
More on health

 

[borzoimom]

Why do you keep doing this, borzoimom? Can you point me to where it's documented that "rage" is a problem in the BMD?

Helpful links to learn about the BMD:

Parent Club
Health Issues
FAQ
More on health

Of course- here you go.. Simple to find and long noted the last 20 years in the breed. It started when the breed became too popular too fast..
http://www.bestbeau.ca/Genetic_Disorders.html
or this one..
http://www.thepethealthportal.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=200
http://www.padsonline.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=6
http://members.lycos.co.uk/ragesyndromeinfo/whatisrage.htm
http://members.lycos.co.uk/ragesyndromeinfo/whatisrage.htm
http://www.bestbeau.ca/bmd_health_links_5.htm
All easy to find and as a trainer I will say- there is a problem in the breed with both conditions. OP- just do your homework on the breeder.

 

[Dakotah]

Thanks RR and BM.

I am researching alot on their health. I understand what health issues they can get, but not EVERY single BMD or every single breedline has these health issues, some have more than others and some have little to none.

And Carlee- thanks a million. It means alot. I love bear acres breeder, she is amazing and her dogs are so stunning!

 

[borzoimom]

Thanks RR and BM.

I am researching alot on their health. I understand what health issues they can get, but not EVERY single BMD or every single breedline has these health issues, some have more than others and some have little to none.

And Carlee- thanks a million. It means alot. I love bear acres breeder, she is amazing and her dogs are so stunning!

Agreed- just look into things. Tervs have a problem with epilepsy as well. Each breed has things to look for. Age of the parents helps tell you if its in the lines. Example- thyroid problems ( such as in the sighthounds ) shows up in sexual maturity- ie check to see if the dogs are tested thyroid. In shepherds its Hips etc- ie all should be certified.. In Danes with heart problems etc older dogs in the lines tell you if the hearts etc are clear...
Cancer in Rott's and Boxers is so bad if I were to get one, I would want to know the health of the grandparents etc.. same thing- know your breeder etc..

 

[Dakotah]

Thanks BM.

I understand the short life span of BMD and their issues, and if I were to get one (which hopefully I will someday) I will be prepared for whatever I must do to keep them living along time and take care fo them if a health problem was to show up.

 

[dr2little]

All easy to find and as a trainer I will say- there is a problem in the breed with both conditions. OP- just do your homework on the breeder.

I'm confused, are you saying that you have seen Rage Synrome in Berners that you have personally trained, in numbers enough to suggest a problem.

I still can't find any concrete evidence anywhere that places this 'syndrom' as an applicable reference to the breed. I can tell you that in all of my years in training (specializing in behavioural issues) and having the BMD as a very common breed in my area, I've yet to meet even one.

Numbers must be significant enough to warrent listing and I find none.

 

[borzoimom]

I'm confused, are you saying that you have seen Rage Synrome in Berners that you have personally trained, in numbers enough to suggest a problem.

I still can't find any concrete evidence anywhere that places this 'syndrom' as an applicable reference to the breed. I can tell you that in all of my years in training (specializing in behavioural issues) and having the BMD as a very common breed in my area, I've yet to meet even one.

Numbers must be significant enough to warrent listing and I find none.

Yes I have- twice... One a very well bred, out of a good " kennel " line and the other was not as ' well bred..".. I have my personal opinions on the breed. This breed went from almost never heard of to a complete explosion in breeding and even the club is highly alarmed by the incidences. Last time I checked into " rage" the only breed higher in incidence in rage were the Springers. If she does her homework, able to meet generations ( ie grandparents etc) then the possibility of this should be ruled out.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

You've met TWO, TWO dogs out of the thousands that have existed and all of a sudden the numbers are devastating because you've met TWO? I'm sorry, but I dare say you are NOT the know-it-all you want us to believe you are.

 

[Bunny82]

Yes I have- twice... One a very well bred, out of a good " kennel " line and the other was not as ' well bred..".. I have my personal opinions on the breed. This breed went from almost never heard of to a complete explosion in breeding and even the club is highly alarmed by the incidences. Last time I checked into " rage" the only breed higher in incidence in rage were the Springers. If she does her homework, able to meet generations ( ie grandparents etc) then the possibility of this should be ruled out.

Please forgive me if this is out of line but I would hardly consider two incidents of rage in the BMD to be sufficient enough to say they a problem with "rage". Two cases in my mind hardly signifies an epidemic.

 

[dr2little]

Please forgive me if this is out of line but I would hardly consider two incidents of rage in the BMD to be sufficient enough to say they a problem with "rage". Two cases in my mind hardly signifies an epidemic.

The "syndrome" itself is being debated, I doubt that anyone has actually seen 2 in the same breed if at all. Sometimes people can mis-read any number of reactivity issues.

I'm disappointed to see anyone catagorize any breed so harshly without concern for real facts.

 

[Bunny82]

The "syndrome" itself is being debated, I doubt that anyone has actually seen 2 in the same breed if at all. Sometimes people can mis-read any number of reactivity issues.

I'm disappointed to see anyone catagorize any breed so harshly without concern for real facts.

I just did a search on 'canine rage' and found a page that talks about it being linked to a form of epilepsy. Do you have any thoughts/opinions on that? If so I would be interested to hear them. Always willing to learn something new.

 

[dr2little]

I just did a search on 'canine rage' and found a page that talks about it being linked to a form of epilepsy. Do you have any thoughts/opinions on that? If so I would be interested to hear them. Always willing to learn something new.

The most recent information suggests that what was previously diagnosed as CRS, an incurable form of chemical imbalance or (even) neuological disorder, has since been dismissed by many. If in fact this is a 'syndrome' the cases that have been successfully treated with behavioural modificaiton would contradict what this syndrome is by definition.

CAT (Constructional Aggression Treatment), and other forms of behaviour mod. have been used on some of the most severe "CRS" cases with marked improvement WITHOUT the aid of psychiactirc medication. Not by me I might add....BECAUSE I'VE NEVER SEEN EVEN ONE CASE!!!:yikes:

I have to say that I have also trained a great number of E. Springers and have never seen it there either. I by no means live in a bubble, there's not much that escapes my notice, not because I'm all that, but this IS what I deal with.... After this many years dealing specifically with behavioural issues....it just makes no sense.

I really wish that CRS was never mentioned in this thread.

 

[Dakotah]

Holy cow we went from talking about BMD to a debate.

BM- if you have seen this rage in 2 BMDs then that doesn't mean its widely known or every line has it. To be honest, I have done research on rage but not once have I ever heard of a dog having rage.

 

[dr2little]

Holy cow we went from talking about BMD to a debate.

BM- if you have seen this rage in 2 BMDs then that doesn't mean its widely known or every line has it. To be honest, I have done research on rage but not once have I ever heard of a dog having rage.

So true Dakotah!
And when someone posts such outrageous misinformation, there's bound to be a debate...sorry for the threadjack. Honestly, I adore this breed and felt the need to defend them. They are fantastic dogs.