Reasons You Should NOT To Get A Bernese Mountain Dog
If you have not already, be sure to check out this other post Six Reasons You Need A Bernese Mountain Dog.
Now, Before Kevin has everyone convinced that all homes should have a Berner in it, we want to share the challenges of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog. While Kevin feels that life is better with a Berner, here are some things you need to consider before adding one to your household.
Considerations Before Getting A Bernese Mountain Dog
1. Bernese Mountain Dogs Have A LOT of Hair
Let’s be real. Bernese Mountain Dogs shed…A LOT! And when I say a lot, I mean like a lot, a lot. So if you have an issue with dog hair on your clothes, on your furniture, and even occasionally in your food (it happens!), then a Berner probably wouldn’t be a good fit.
If you don’t mind the hair, invest in a good vacuum. We are still on the hunt for the perfect Robo vacuum, but until then we have used and had success with these two vacuums
Cordless Dyson- Berner owners will love this! We use it for daily clean ups, and it works great on floors. Plus, with all the attachments, it works great at removing hair on furniture!
Bagless Shark - This is great if you have more carpet in your home or if you are looking for a more cost effective alternative to the Dyson!
I don’t recommend a vacuum with a bag…it would fill up WAY too fast. Regular grooming and brushing can help, but my shedding is something Bernese Mountain Dog parents must learn to live with, because your berner is worth it.
Oh! We should also mention while Kevin doesn’t drool per say…if you meet him on a hot day or after he has been running and he shakes his head, watch out because you will get slobbered.
2. Bernese Mountain Dogs Don’t Live Long Enough
No dog ever lives long enough when they are deeply loved, but big guys like Kevin unfortunately have an even shorter life expectancy - around 8 years. There’s an old Swiss saying: “Three years a puppy, three years a good dog, three years an old dog. All else is a gift from God.”
3. Bernese Mountain Dogs NEED you…like really NEED you
Bernese Mountain Dogs can be very needy! Berners love being close to their family at all times, so if you aren’t home much or want an independent dog, a Bernese Mountain Dog wouldn’t be a good match. But if you like to be needed then we will be the perfect fit for each other.
4. Who Turned Up The Heat?
Have you seen all of Kevin’s fur? For obvious reasons, Berners don’t do well in heat. So if you live in a hot climate, be ready to bundle up and crank up the AC to keep us Bernese Mountain Dogs comfy. But if you live where it snows…can I come visit?!
We thrive in cold places!! So if we go on vacation together, please skip the tropical destinations.
5. We Can Be Shy At Times
A Bernese Mountain Dog can be aloof to strangers sometimes. On occasion, Kevin get nervous around people he doesn’t know, which isn’t a commonly accepted trait of my breed. However, in talking with many Berner owners, it’s more common than not. This could possibly be passed down from our parents or is simply a personality trait we have.
6. Bernese Mountain Dogs Are BIG
While Berners can be stubborn, they are pretty easy to train. But beware, an untrained Berner can be dangerous in certain situations, especially outside. If they see a squirrel they might take off after it, taking you out in the process.
So what do you think? We hope you’ve found these facts useful in deciding whether or not a Bernese Mountain Dog is right for your family. Remember, finding the right match for your family is important, so be sure to take your time and do your research to find your next four-legged pal!
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