Karen and Titan, As you have no doubt learned, in the world of Berners, and dogs in general, everyone has an opinion, and most of us a happy to share it, asked for or not. But since you did ask, I will share my thoughts with you....
Yes, 70 lbs and 22.5 inches is on the smaller side of things for a 10 month old male. But keep in mind he isn't finished growing yet.... A grown male at 110 lbs is in the middle of the standard for size - personally I like to see substantial size and substance from an adult male, and I would hope to see more substance and height from a 10 month old male, but that doesn't mean Titan wouldn't finish a championship, if that is your goal. An 85 lb female is again on the smaller side of things - but we allow for a range with our breed, and this size female is again, within the standard. Just for comparison, I have an 85 lb female here who finished both AKC and CKC CH's in great style. But if I had to choose, I would prefer another inch and another 10 lbs in substance. All without losing the balance and structure :-) Berners take time to mature. Let's say that again - Berners take time to mature. Knowing the dogs behind Titan can allow you to either, be patient, knowing it took most of them 3-4 years to mature, or, panic, knowing they are considered fast maturers, and Titan, while having lovely structure and movement, may never be a substantial boy. Your mentor tells you they are in fact slow to mature. IMO, type is the first consideration - and our standard calls for a dog that is "sturdy and balanced". And states "Sturdy bone is of great importance. The body is full". It also calls for a male to measure 25 - 27 1/2 inches. Is it reasonable to think Titan will grow another 3 inches? Is it fair to expect a 10 month old male to have a full body? There are many dogs, Berners and else, that move well-balanced and are lovely to watch. You might also do better to ask yourself - does this dog have type? If Titan's breeder has been doing this awhile, and truly understands what he/she is looking at, you may well end up with a typey male you can proudly show off in the breed ring as an adult. In the mean time, you may have to learn to smile sweetly and thank the unsolicited critic for pointing out what you already know - that you have a dorky, immature, yet to grow up Berner pup that you are having fun with while you and he learn the scene and gain experience. It is easy to set too high expectations on a puppy Berner. Yes, there are those stars who shine as pups, and adults, and veterans as well. They set the standards for which we as breeders all strive. But the reality is, while many dogs have wonderful virtues, most of them have their faults as well. Personally, I think faults in the area of type and substance are more the worse, than are some others. That being said, I also have here an 11 month old bitch who measures 22.5 inches, weighs 75 lbs, and is as whippy and agile as any Berner who ever cleared a 4 foot fence from a standstill. If I didn't understand what was behind her, I would worry about keeping her as a potential anything-but-pet. And on the few occasions she has seen a show ring - match and for-real - I try to smile into her perfectly shaped, perfectly placed black eyes, and console myself that her brown front feet are perfectly shaped and tight, and can do what feet are supposed to do, and close my ears to the critics on the sidelines, who see what I also see, in the moment - a bitch who isn't yet ready for the ring, just for the experience of it. Karen - practice being speechless :-) You are bound to get a regular dose of unsolicited opinion if you show, and mouthing off at some idiot who is a self-proclaimed expert rarely does any good. Although it might make you feel good momentarily. You are lucky enough to have a Berner expert mentoring you. The people to listen to are the ones who have walked the walk - who have produced Berners to be proud of. Talk is cheap. Are you on the east coast? If you can make it to New Jersey tomorrow, the Watchung specialty promises to be quite to gathering, and with 150 or so Berners slated to show up, a newbie can get quite an eye-opening experience. See you here? Libby Kesner and the Berner girls of Maine Voorheesville NY USA The two summer litters are gone to new homes - I'm free!!!! And Lola just turned 7, so I now have a lovely - mature and trained - veteran to play with.
