Cross Breeds

Does anyone know anything about bernese mountain dogs and other breeds?

My bernese mountain dog needs a doggy companion. I am not sure what breed gets along well with any other breeds. The vet recommended a so-called playmate but toys---nothing works.It keeps being very quiet. I don't think people wifthout dogs will understand.

Public Comments

1. This is a wonderful breed but the breed is going through serious health issues right now (cancer). Please read this before considering this breed at all. Good breeders are "working on it" closely with vets and researchers, but like many breeds have, this breed is having trouble right now. http://www.bmd.org/faq.html#can
2. First off, why don't you ask a Bernese Mountain Breeder. If you didn't get your dog from a breeder, contact a Breeder or do some research on the net on what dogs get along with this breed. Bernese Mountain dogs are large dogs so I wouldn't get a tiny dog as a companion. Not to say some people don't but tiny dogs can get stepped on or crushed easily. Bernese dogs are related to the St. Bernard and they are very gentle dogs. I suggest a Terrier type (medium size) as they are feisty and very hardy dogs and do well with larger dogs. Check out the pounds as they have loads of dogs and lots of terriers/terrier mixes. I'm sure your Bernese will love to have a companion. Two dogs are great company for each other. Good Luck.
3. Bernese Mountain Dogs are similar in temperament to many types of dogs, like Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees, Golden Retriever, and the Mastiff. Any of these would be an even tempered playmate for your Bernese, but there are many other types of dogs which would be playful and keep your dog well excersised. Any of the northern breed (spitz type) dogs are energetic, friendly and fun, but they do need a lot of grooming in spring and fall. It also depends on the part of the country in which you live, since the northern breeds have a double coat and would be uncomfortable in the summers down south. A Labrador is always a great choice for a companion because they are friendly and playful and only have a single brush coat. They are easily maintained and trained. Whichever breed you choose, make sure that you get your new puppy or dog from a breeder with a good reputation and good breeding practice. You will save yourself headaches and money by insisting on good breeding stock. Good luck in your search!
4. Dogs unlike humans don't recognise 'other breeds'! To them a dog is a dog! If introduced properly, being pack animals, any two dogs will get on. Breeds are characterised by what they were bred for, which is why that is what you should consider when choosing one. For example if your dog only needs a small amount of exercise and isn't a high energy breed that loves to play (must admit I know very little of the breed) then you shouldn't get a Jack Russell or a Border Collie! Both were bred to work all day and have high energy levels. No-one can be an expert on more than a handful of breeds, there are far too many! Personally I'd look for something of a medium to large size possibly a retriever breed they generally seem to mix happily with most other dogs and are what I would call 'average' in that they aren't the laziest dog but they haven't the high exercise demands of the hounds or sheepdogs! (Don't forget though that dogs are individuals too and there are always exceptions in any breed.) Good luck finding a suitable companion.
5. I would recommend getting a larger breed to play with your bernese. If he likes to romp, then I would get something larger just because (and I work with dogs, including bernese mt dogs) sometimes when they start to play hard, littler pups can accidentally get stepped on. Some smaller breeds are also sedintary, meaning they aren't going to have the energy level to romp with your big bernese. If your dog isn't spayed or neutered, make sure to do so before getting another dog. I would also make sure that any dog you find is spayed/neutered before bringing it into the house. Most breeds are OK with each other. Bernese Mt Dogs are extremely friendly and social (hence, they are great family dogs), so I'd just look for another dog that has those two traits as well. You can visit a local shelter, or if you want to purchase one, a breeder. Either way, take your Bernese with you and see how he reacts to the other dog. It will help. Good luck!
6. Giant:Newfoundland Large:Collie Medium:Lab Small:Pug X-Small:Teacup Poodle
7. My recommendation would be another Bernese or a Samoyed. Samoyeds have a higher activity level but are sturdy enough to deal with a Bernese Mtn Dog's play style of body slamming. I think they make a natural match. Bernese as a breed are rather sedate once they are adults. Contrary to the other poster's opinion I do believe dogs recognize their own breed (My Sam Rico goes nuts when he sees other Samoyeds or even an Am. Eskimo) and my Bernese are naturally drawn to other Bernese (its really the ONLY time another dog will distract them from their Service Dog work). Edit: Get a dog of the opposite sex for your Berner. You'll have fewer issues. Feel free to email me for more info on Berners or Samoyeds.