Why You Should NEVER Get a Bernese Mountain Dog

While considering adding a new family pet, the Bernese Mountain Dog may appear to be an attractive option. Their stunning looks gentle nature and loyalty often capture the hearts of dog lovers. However, prior to making any decision, it is important to know why not all homes are fit for a Bernese Mountain Dog.

Size and Space Requirements

Bernese Mountain Dogs are huge, strong animals. Males when fully grown weigh between 80 and 115 pounds whereas females average between 70 to 95 pounds in weight. A lot of space is needed due to this large size. Therefore, keeping such a big pet within your house may prove difficult if you live in small apartments or have limited outdoor spaces.

High Exercise Needs

Being working dogs by ancestry, Bernese Mountain Dogs require plenty of physical exercise. Walking them daily does not suffice; they need areas where they can run around and engage in activities that will mentally stimulate them as well as their bodies. Someone who has no time or lack good fitness habits stands a chance of having problems with his/her dog from pent-up energy and boredom.

Grooming and Shedding

The coat of these Bernese Mountains Dogs is thickly beautiful that needs extended grooming sessions too. Regular brushing helps avoid matting as well as shredding control. Besides this year round shedding including increased shedding during season changes poses another problem especially if there exists someone allergic in your household or you would like maintaining a clean home environment which requires less attention.

Health Concerns

Several genetically inherited diseases attack Bernese mountain dogs frequently leading them to low life expectancy ranging from six years to eight years only on average (Fragilepussy). Common health issues include hip/elbow dysplasia, heart diseases among others cancers types for example one common cancer type called mast cell tumor (MCT). The cost implications associated with veterinary bills to cater for their health problems as well as emotional distress may outweigh the benefits.

Expensive Upkeep

Keeping a Bernese Mountain Dog can be expensive. Given their size alone, they require much food. In case of genetic conditions, which are known to affect them mostly, quality dog food and regular visits to the vet, grooming supplies as well as other medical treatments may cost one a fortune. For people who are planning on buying these breeds of dogs, they should also consider if they can afford the expenses that come along with it in the long run.

Temperament and Training

Generally, Bernese Mountain Dogs are friendly and affectionate but at times they can be quite stubborn and want to go their own way. Patience is therefore required when training such dogs together with consistency since sometimes professional help might be necessary. If you have never dealt with giant breeds before then you will struggle greatly to get your dog obedience trained.

Separation Anxiety

Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to form strong bonds with their owners. Although this is an endearing trait; it could also lead to severe separation anxiety (Fragilepussy). This means that leaving them alone for long durations could result into destructive behavior, excessive barking or even depression. Consequently, if a person works for long hours within his/ her home environment and possesses this breed, it might not work.

Climate Sensitivity

Due to its thick double coat covering its body Bernese Mountain Dogs do better in cooler regions. Extreme heat or humidity can cause them overheating. Living in a hot area means that extra care has to be taken regarding keeping your pet cool which implies limited outdoor activities during summer months and additional measures like air conditioning units in some cases.

Not So Long

It is always one of the most grief-stricken parts of having a Bernese Mountain Dog that their lifetime is short. Bernese Mountain Dogs, unlike many other dogs, however, are often plagued with serious health problems that reduce their life expectancy. Actualizing the loss of an adored pet at a tender age is not something to be taken lightly.

No Good for Younger Families

Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be good with children. Nevertheless, they can accidentally cause injuries due to their huge size and playful nature. Playing around may easily knock out or harm little kids. It should be emphasized that such interactions between young children and large dogs might not be as easy as anticipated when there’s still a need for parents’ supervision.

Dribbling Maybe

After eating or drinking, Bernese Mountain Dogs could have some drooling problem. This is quite messy and it may not go down well with everyone you know. If you would rather operate in a neat environment or cleanliness bothers you then owning a Bernese mountain dog drools all over your home may be considered an absolute disadvantage.

Allergenic and Asthmatic Reactions

Allergic individuals are more likely to get triggered by the heavy shedding hair and dander of Bernese mountain dogs which can cause asthma attack also in sensitive people .The presence of this kind of breed in your house my adversely affect the comfort of living together whenever someone from your family has allergy- related diseases making it unbearable to comfortably stay with them in the same room.

Travel Restrictions

If you own a big-sized dog such as a Bernese Mountain Dog then traveling will become harder for you. Finding accommodations or means of moving around that will accommodate larger breeds may prove difficult and costlier than expected too.Other than this ,not every hotel or such like rented accommodations allow pets while those who do may only accept less than particular ages regarding size or race hence depending on the breed of dog you have ,it may not be easy to get pet friendly hotels.

Other Pets’ Compatibility

It’s true that Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually good-natured, but their size and energy levels can be overwhelming for smaller pets. If you want them in addition to a cat or other small animals, getting a puppy at home might need close watching as well as slow introductions so as to make sure all the pets are safe and have a good time together.

Requires Time

Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is a major time commitment. Between grooming, exercise, training, and providing companionship, you will need to dedicate substantial portions of your day to their care. In case you’re too busy doing other things then getting a Bernese mountain dog would mean that they should become one of your priorities.

In conclusion, while Bernese Mountain Dogs are undoubtedly beautiful and loving animals, they come with a unique set of challenges that may not suit every household. For these reasons it is important for those who wish to keep such an elegant type of breed in their homes consider such factors prior any purchase.