I show dogs so I see these often. I'm also a manager at a dog daycare center and we've had several come through. I find the breed very charming. They are playful and friendly, calm and gentle. They enjoy children and are good with other dogs. They are very large dogs that do not have a long life expectancy. They carry some health risks and you should find a breeder that health tests and shows their dogs. Good luck!

My husbands family had one, she was the best dog ever. Until a pit bull riped out her throat and broke her leg. I miss her so much. She will always be "the best!"

All the Bernese that I have seen have had excellent temperaments. Somebody that I know breeds them and they vet applicants for their puppies very carefully. Here is their website: http://www.champdogs.co.uk/breeder/523.html

They are wonderful dogs. I've been around a few and each have impressed me so much with their great temperate and soundness. Incredible family dogs. If I wasn't so fond of Newfoundlands, I would definitely get a Berner. I've never heard a bad word against them.

Hate to bring this up, but a friend of mine is a longtime vet tech, and she says Bernese Mountain Dogs are "cancer magnets." Here's some more info on health issues specific to the breed: http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/bernese/bernesehealth.htm

As you know, they do have some real health issues and are not long lived as any of the Giant Breeds tend not to be. Temperament wise...THEY ARE WONDERFUL doggies! Sweet Playful, yet gentle Willing to accept training, desire to please Bloom with +R training Dependable in their behaviors Great with kids, other animals, elderly people Strong and willing to work hard (herding, carrying a dog backpack, pulling a cart) Warm to cuddle with on a cold night or when out backpacking Loving in every possible way you could hope for in a companion animal CAN BE moderately protective of the family. Though not normally aggressive, the sheer SIZE serves as a decent warning to someone considering aggressive behavior towards you, your family or property. Normally, they will "warn" such a person off with a good, loud, strong BARK! (and a good point blank stare..."what do you THINK you are doing here?") They require regular grooming several times per week, with a good brush, a bit more often if they are blowing their coats.

Bernese mountain dogs are fabulous! Our Sheffie has been with us 6 years, bounds around like a puppy. So affectionate, smart, considerate, loyal and eager to please - I cherish every day with her.

In Holland the avarage lifespan of the bernese mountaindog is around 4 years due to hereditary jointproblems and predisposition to certain kinds of tumors.

I have heard they are wonderful loving dogs. The reason you don't hear for them out side of dog show circles is that Breeders are very picky people and don't want just any body to get their dogs. From what I have learned showing dogs is that a good breeder wont even advertise in the news paper. A lot is by word of mouth or usually the breeders have them for sale at dog shows...that is where you would get a good one but they are pricy and if the dog's parents "win" big at the dog show...the price of the puppy goes up!! I would keep trying the shows! You may have to go through a lot of questioning by the breeder to get one but it will be wroth it! I bred and showed White Bull Terriers a long time ago and it took me over a year to find a breeder!! Then I had to travel a great distance to get the dog I wanted! The more difficult it is to get the dog you want...usually the better the dog is in breed and health! I, personally would never buy from a pet store, Puppy Mills sell to pet shops!! Any one can go to the manager of a pet shop and sell any pet they have an excess of!! From dogs and cats even to mice and hamsters and gerbils!!

i love these type of dogs as i grew up with one when i was small i know what type of dog your talking about they are mainly black with a bit of white and a touch of brown like tanned eye browls