Bernese Mountain Dogs

[Bunny82]

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.

Dakotah I am sorry your thread got off track. It just alarmed me when I saw someone say that 'rage' was a problem in the breed. Not that I am all familiar with 'rage' or what it even is (Dr2Little did provide some wonderful insight-thank you by the way) but having only had a positive experience with the BMD the word 'rage' and the BMD in the same sentence just did not set right with me. Sorry again.

To get back on track with your thread, Do you know when you are planning to get your BMD? They really are sweethearts.

 

[Dakotah]

Its okay it turned into a debate I just didnt want things to get heated.

I actually don't know when I plan on getting one. I am looking a breeder, and will continue looking at them, and I still have lots to learn.

 

[PWCorgi]

I've only ever met two, they were both males and they were sweethearts. A little dense, but overall they were smooshy clowns. One was an adult and the other was just a pup, from the same breeder I think. Their names were Tank and Tonka

 

[Dakotah]

Awww cute names PWC.

I am wondering why most people get males than females...?

 

[HoundedByHounds]

Same as in Leos...bigger size and more coat.

 

[HoundedByHounds]

oh and of the tri mountain dog breeds my fave is DEFINITELY the Greater Swiss followed by the Appenzeller...those tails are TOO cute!

 

[Kayla]

Ok back to some good vibes for bernies- I worked with five when I was at my dog daycare ADORED them! Four were males and one female, all were great sweet tempered dogs who loved to sit with you ( and by with you I mean on you). When I get hit by a car and went back to work while still on recovery my fav bernie used to body block the other dogs from jumping on me and though he used to love to sit on me when I sat down, the whole two weeks while I was still frail he would sit next to me and lightly put his head on my lap

One female was from a puppy mill that was raided, was still a sweetheart despite no doubtly her poor genetic background and earily life.

They are certainly on my to own one day list.

 

[borzoimom]

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.

I have met many- the reference of "two" was in the lines of topic of " two with rage" .. Additionally before my sister got her first Leo, she looked in the BMD as well. Her preference was the Leo obviously. Meeting two with problems of any breed does not a breed make. What was posted was in giving information for the OP to look into to assist with things to ask the breeders in lines of research...Any breed can have health problems or temperment problems. However- if the person that is looking for a dog does not know what to ask, or what to check out- that can be a problem. Like with shepherds- hips, hearts, elbows etc. Borzois- thyroid, autoimmune, CERF etc. This is all part of looking into any breed.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

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..

Kindly leave the Rottweiler out of your know-it-all rambling BS posts.

Yes, cancer is a factor in the breed, however, MOST dogs live to 10+ years old, which is not bad for such a large breed of dog.

 

[HoundedByHounds]

Geesh...the OP said "thanks", moved on...and showed some grace at least...kudos to her.

 

[Dakotah]

Thanks HBH.

And Kayla- That is soooo sweet. That is one of the main reasons I want a BMD, they are so kind and gentle, and KNOW whats up.

Now can we get some BMD pictures going in this thread.

 

[Kayla]

I only have one, I wont use his real name but this was my fav bearnie out of the five ( I know you shouldnt pick favourites but there was just something about him that clicked with me). He's the one he body blocked the other dogs and really seemed to know I was injured and was extra gentle around me while I was healing. Once I was better he went back to his big silly self, I am convinced these guys want to carry you around on their backs as all five inisited pushing themselfes between your legs and walking away with you lol, truley strange but hilarous dogs. He's also sent me flying a few times when he got a little bit over exicted that I had arrived at work, needless to say it was very hard to have a bad day with these guys around.

 

[pitbullpony]

Wow; I've always liked the BMD (less so than the Swissie due to hair; but love the tri-colour); glad to hear that they are not predominately the jerks that appear in our area.

We (myself/trainer/groomer) have lots of exposure to the rescue BMD (so we don't get the cream of the crop); we have one dog that has been loosely diagnosed as having rage syndrome (I state loosely due to the fact that I don't know what the experience of the vet that did the diagnosis was), who attacked his owner one day - eyes glazed over; blah,blah; who I made a muzzle for; they can't predict when he's going to "turn" and still love him.

Our geographic area must be inundated with crappy berners; which I guess is quite possible due to the preponderance of byb (of every breed) in our area.

Again; glad to hear they aren't known to be as poor in other areas.

I don't think I can help w/regards to breeder recommendations; since as rescues I'm not sure that there is any consistency.

 

[Dakotah]

That picture is adorable! I LOVE his eyes.

I am glad that BMD aren't as overpopulated as other breeds, as labs, poodles, etc.
I'm not saying there aren't BYB with BMDs but I dont think they are as bad... correct me if I am wrong.
And good job for working with the rescue!

 

[BostonBanker]

I am glad that BMD aren't as overpopulated as other breeds, as labs, poodles, etc.
I'm not saying there aren't BYB with BMDs but I dont think they are as bad... correct me if I am wrong.
And good job for working with the rescue!

We definitely have more byb Berners around here than many other breeds; maybe not as bad as labs and goldens, but they may be number three. They are a very "Vermont" dog though, so maybe it's not so bad in other places. Many of the byb ones remind me a lot of the byb labs and goldens as well; longer and thinner, pointy heads, and that hyped up, out of control energy.

 

[Dakotah]

Oh God BB, thats horrible.

I have only seen one here and she was a puppy that I saw almost a year ago and oh my lord she was stunning. Her head was amazing and her coat looked like someone poured some kind of shiny gloss on it, it was so beautiful.

 

[Bodi's Mom]

I have a 2 year old male Berner who is the most loveable, sweetest, goofiest, most gentle dog I have ever owned. I've had GSD's, Akita's, Flat Coats, Westies, Labs and mutts - and Bodi by far is the biggest kissy-face, want to be with you every minute dog I have ever had the pleasure of sharing my life with. He is definitely a touch on the dominant side, but in a very passive way. My 7 year old can control him with hand signals from across the yard. Bodi is a joy, and no I haven't seen any signs of rage, nor have I heard of any in the BMD circles I am involved with. Bodi is a therapy dog and will sit his slobbery head on any Senior who will pet him. He loves his job. He is usually the main attraction at Pet Stores and Dog Parks. I would highly recommend a Berner, but only from an excellent Breeder given their health problems.

 

[Dakotah]

I have a 2 year old male Berner who is the most loveable, sweetest, goofiest, most gentle dog I have ever owned. I've had GSD's, Akita's, Flat Coats, Westies, Labs and mutts - and Bodi by far is the biggest kissy-face, want to be with you every minute dog I have ever had the pleasure of sharing my life with. He is definitely a touch on the dominant side, but in a very passive way. My 7 year old can control him with hand signals from across the yard. Bodi is a joy, and no I haven't seen any signs of rage, nor have I heard of any in the BMD circles I am involved with. Bodi is a therapy dog and will sit his slobbery head on any Senior who will pet him. He loves his job. He is usually the main attraction at Pet Stores and Dog Parks. I would highly recommend a Berner, but only from an excellent Breeder given their health problems.

Awww Bodi sounds like an amazing dog.
I am already in love with him and I haven't met him.

The breeder I am looking at has amazing health on her dogs, and their parents has amazing health. The breeder I am looking at, her stud's parents both lived for 6 years (and I think thats pretty good seeing as most live maybe to 4 years old), and I think her stud's grandparents lived to be 7 or 8 years old, so thats pretty awesome TO ME.

Now do you have any Bodi pictures?

 

[AllieMackie]

Hey Dakotah!

Late to the party, as always, but here's my two cents.

My experience with BMDs is pretty much limited to where I work (a dog kennel/day care facility) where I've dealt with 8-10 different BMDs, including my manager's dog. All of them have fantastic temperaments. Even in the unfamiliar kennel environment, they are relaxed, but also very silly.

In my experiences, nearly all the BMDs were bad jumpers, always trying to jump up on us. Again, given that this is a kennel situation, I have no idea if they're as bad at home, but perhaps something to be forewarned of for training purposes.

Seems like the only "bad" things about them is the copious amounts of hair that will shed everywhere, and the shorter lifespan than many dogs. You look as though you're doing your research, so good for you. Keep researching your dog, genetic health issues for BMDs, training methods, etc. that everyone's been mentioning on this thread.

Oh, and we demand eventual puppy photos. There is NOTHING cuter than a BMD puppy.

Good luck!

 

[Dakotah]

Hey Dakotah!

Late to the party, as always, but here's my two cents.

My experience with BMDs is pretty much limited to where I work (a dog kennel/day care facility) where I've dealt with 8-10 different BMDs, including my manager's dog. All of them have fantastic temperaments. Even in the unfamiliar kennel environment, they are relaxed, but also very silly.

In my experiences, nearly all the BMDs were bad jumpers, always trying to jump up on us. Again, given that this is a kennel situation, I have no idea if they're as bad at home, but perhaps something to be forewarned of for training purposes.

Seems like the only "bad" things about them is the copious amounts of hair that will shed everywhere, and the shorter lifespan than many dogs. You look as though you're doing your research, so good for you. Keep researching your dog, genetic health issues for BMDs, training methods, etc. that everyone's been mentioning on this thread.

Oh, and we demand eventual puppy photos. There is NOTHING cuter than a BMD puppy.

Good luck!

Thanks!
I will keep doing my research and I am doing alot more on their health issues, because I want to know what they have and what could cause it, the signs/symptoms,etc, and the cure (if there is one).

And I have to agree about there being nothing cuter than a BMD pup!