I wish I had understood how much pedigree matters–not just to the puppy you bring home, but to the healthy continuation of the whole breed. AKC registration on its own doesn’t mean much in terms of transparency on health issues. I learned (the hard, expensive way) that you need to ask the breeder about the parent dogs’ OFA evaluations on hips and elbows and screenings for degenerative myelopathy, VonWillebrand disease, and histiocytic sarcoma. If they aren’t doing those or claim there are no health issues in their lines: red flag. My first Bernese, Wotan of blessed memory, presented with elbow dysplasia at four months (surgery! lifelong anti-inflammatory meds!), had severe allergies his whole life, and died of cancer at age 4.5.

How they insist, at 100+ pounds, that they are lap dogs. The cuddles, the plopping tantrums mid-walkies, the way they almost topple you by popping through your legs from behind, their sense of humor, their deep and abiding attachment to routine, their hippity-hop dancing for some foods and hatred for others, the way they come ALIVE in the cold weather, their intuitive way of protecting and being gentler with children, how they are elegant, snoring, farting rugs for so much of their existence.

To give your Berner the best life without going totally broke, get insurance. For real. Do it immediately. I use Embrace. There are waiting periods to clear. On training: ask for help! Group puppy classes are great for the babies; specialized training may be needed for traumatized rescues. And be realistic about the shedding. You will have mountains of fur, and it will find its way into the wildest crevices. One time I found a tuft hanging from the door frame trim eight feet in the air. The Dyson big vacuum and Dyson Animal cordless are amazing for managing–and it’s still an everyday task to keep up with.

According to the BMDCA, many Berners live into their teens, but on average they live only to age 7 or 8.

See: My writing