I wish I was on my computer and could go all out... alas, I'm on a cell phone so I'll give the basics (and please forgive errors!). I own 2 berners; one male and one female, both weighing in at 100 pounds. The female is show quality, well-bred, incredibly built, and just GORGEOUS. She has, sadly, been having some back issues for about 1 year. She is 7 now I believe. I think she'll be 9-10 before we start thinking "time to put down". She's never had a single health issue besides the back, and it doesn't hinder her other than she doesn't jump well anymore. She is extremely loving and insanely protective. Awesome guard dog. No bark, just waits and has a look of "come in, i dare you". The male is not the same quality, and has freckles on his nose which are a "no no" but it's fucking adorable. He also doesn't have enough white on some of his paws. But he is Mr Personality and just a lover. Has a huge bark and is the alarm system for us. He's brilliant and very expressive. He is 6 now and I bet he'll live into his teens. No health issues ever, other than eating a dish towel whole once and nearly dying. He pooped it out lol. They are both friendly yet protective, incredibly smart, think they are tiny lap dogs, and generally AMAZING. I am in love with the breed and hope to breed them one day when I have the funds. Also, I firmly believe that even if they died at age 6, the love they bring into your life is worth the heartache. I think they should be bred to be healthier and live longer, and it's sad that they MAY die young, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. Even a year with them is life changing, in my opinion. Like the old cliche saying, i'd rather have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.

Zurhia said: Have you ever considered attending elementary school, or opening a dictionary? I won't tell you how it ends, I don't want to ruin the surprise, but it's a REALLY GOOD BOOK..