ForgotPassword?
Sign Up
Search this Topic:
Forum Jump
Posts: 15704
Aug 25 12 11:50 AM
Posts: 2002
Aug 25 12 11:57 AM
Posts: 100
Aug 25 12 12:04 PM
Posts: 5642
Aug 25 12 12:27 PM
Isabella wrote:I wonder if they live longer in their contry of origin. Does anyone know?
Aug 25 12 12:32 PM
Posts: 20409
Aug 25 12 4:44 PM
StreetMutt wrote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pintos just do things better, and with more flash. They're like the fashionistas of the business world
Nahlahboo wrote: Sonnet is my internet soul mate
Posts: 1663
Aug 25 12 6:32 PM
Worldwide, the average lifespan is 7.1 years. This does not mean they all croak two months after their 7th birthday. It means some are unfortunate to get cancer or another problem at 3 and die, and other live into their teens. My parents' foundation bitch is almost 6, and her sire is 14 and still going strong.Also, the two North American clubs (BMDCC and BMDCA) have some very strict rules that the breeder members must follow in order to be a recognized breeder on their website and get referals for potential puppy owners. I have described some of the these rules that must be followed to breeders of other breeds. They ask why we allow ourselves to be restricted so much. The answer is because in the last decade, because of these rules that force responsible breeding, the North American Berner population has increased to an average life expectancy of 7.8. This doesn't sound like much, but it is a 10% increase in 10 years, and it also includes the Berners produced from BYB who do not follow these rules or even really do the basic health tests. Makes you wonder what the average life expectancy is from the BMDCC Berner population! North American breeders also do a lot more health tests than the older European breeders (more willing to use new science??). My parents do hips, elbows, DM, vWD (blood clotting disorder), thyroid as well as every few years (and before any breedings) eyes and heart. If you look at many European website, you will find Hips and Elbows (always) sometimes eyes or heart or thyroid. Never DM (Degenerative Mylopathy, which is a progressive disease of the spine which causes paralysis in old age - and has a moderately reliable DNA test and is a simple recessive).If you are looking at a breeder, all their breeding dogs should have, at minimum; hips, elbows, DM, eyes and heart. And they should have it listed publicly the results of all test. Or else they are trying to hide something. And it makes you wonder what else they might be hiding.The best part about Berners is Berner Garde. It is a world wide open database. All information is only posted after verification (with OFA, CERF, CKC or AKC or other associations). It has pedigrees, health records, relatives, litters, titles and COI on 80,000 Berners. I always tell puppy buyers that I don't care who you buy from, but be sure they are in Berner-Garde, with ALL their dogs, and ALL their records. Personally, I would never buy from a breeder that is not FULLY in BG. Here in BMDCC, the new club preseident is also a president of BG (all volunteers), and has gotten it passed that all BMDCC recognized breeders must be in BG. I know next will be they must have all records on all owned dogs in BG to stay a recognized breeder.Health problems of Berners:*Cancer is the biggest killer. This is difficult because cancer often hits later in life (after they have already been bred) and so can be hard to weed out. Berners can be safely bred after 24 months (after hips and elbows are done) and before 6 years old. You are not allowed to breed two consecutive heats. Hermageosarcoma (sp?) is the biggest one. And has a lower incidence if you spay/ neuter later in life. *Eye problems; cateracts and PRA*Hip and elbow dispalysia*OCD (not Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but an elbow joint disorder)*Heart conditions*Bloat (runs in lines, has higher incidents in older male dogs)*Thyroid*Allergies and skin problems (prone to hot spots)Many breeds have these issues, and many Berners get none of these, but be aware of these (and be sure the breeder you get from has done all they can for testing)Some great links. I recommend you read all of them before deciding:http://www.bmdcc.ca/cms/http://www.bmdca.org/http://www.bernergarde.org/home/ (this is the breed specific database)Most important point: Buy from a recognized breeder and do your research on the breeder you choose. In Berners, you get what you pay for. The pup may be more expensive, but you are less likely to loose your dog to one of the major killers. No guarantees, because some of them are believed to be polygenic, but still; better odds. Now for the Pros of the breed:*They are AWESOME!!!!*Very good with kids.*Great with other dogs and animals (if you have properly socialized them through BOTH socialization periods)*They always want to be with you. Right beside you. In your lap or bed. They are clingy. *Grooming is pretty easy, but must be done regularly*They never really grow up, silly buggers act like puppies for their whole lifeI will always have one in my house, no matter the stage of my life or what is going on.PM if you have more questions. Always happy to chat Berners!
Posts: 8637
Aug 25 12 7:13 PM
GreatGotlands wrote:If you are looking at a breeder, all their breeding dogs should have, at minimum; hips, elbows, DM, eyes and heart. And they should have it listed publicly the results of all test. Or else they are trying to hide something. And it makes you wonder what else they might be hiding.
I doubt that Holden Caulfield ever inspired more than sullen cigarette smoking.
Posts: 3215
Aug 25 12 7:37 PM
Aug 25 12 7:40 PM
Posts: 1685
Aug 26 12 12:33 AM
Aug 26 12 9:15 AM
Posts: 224
Aug 26 12 9:24 AM
Posts: 8303
Aug 26 12 2:27 PM
Aug 26 12 4:25 PM
Aug 26 12 4:43 PM
Posts: 1771
Aug 26 12 7:19 PM
Aug 27 12 11:42 AM
Aug 27 12 7:08 PM
Share This