Hi...I've heard the comparison between Bernese and Goldens, too. (As in, "If you love
Rottweilers, get a Swissy; if you love Goldens, get a Berner.")Many current Bernese
families seem to have started with Goldens...
The temperament issues have been discussed many times on the list. You should know,
however, that if shedding is an issue, this may not be the breed for you. Although
shedding is somewhat seasonal, you have to be willing to adapt to having lots of fur
around. With a two-year-old Bernese and an almost-10-month old Berner pup who is just
starting to blow her baby coat, vacuuming is a daily thing for the most part. It's
hard to be fastidious with that much black fur around! And you must get used to your
food being seasoned with fur, as well. It's next to impossible to get food to the
table without some floating up and into it!
In my experience, barking is not a big issue. Nuisance barking does not seem to be a
Bernese trait. They bark to announce visitors and passersby, in watchdog fashion.
More important to focus on the possible health issues and related commitments,
etc.,associated with the breed when making your choice, I think.
Anne
Cranford, NJ
with Maddie and Titan
