Buying a large dog, but which one?

Croatoan

UKTigerlily wrote: »

Aww can't wait for pics, Bernese are beaautiful, congrats! What will you call him?

Serious thought going in to that at the moment but, as usual, getting the entire family to agree on one isn't easy - and may prove impossible!

Croatoan

I can't figure how to post a picture but here's a link to a bit blurry and not very good photo (off the phone) of him. 4.5 weeks old.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/847/imag0016a.jpg/

Caroline_a

Aww he's lovely. Lots more pictures when you get him please!!:j

krlyr

Very cute! I notice you decided quite quickly after viewing pup to take him. Have you done much research on the breeder? Having been a victim of taking on a badly bred pup (she was bought by a family member who rehomed her to us after a little while as she didn't get along with their resident dog), I wouldn't wish anyone the heartbreak of the health issues you could face, so would really recommend making sure all the appropriate healthtests have been done. Ignore me if you have already done your homework!

Croatoan

krlyr wrote: »

Very cute! I notice you decided quite quickly after viewing pup to take him. Have you done much research on the breeder? Having been a victim of taking on a badly bred pup (she was bought by a family member who rehomed her to us after a little while as she didn't get along with their resident dog), I wouldn't wish anyone the heartbreak of the health issues you could face, so would really recommend making sure all the appropriate healthtests have been done. Ignore me if you have already done your homework!

Yes, did a fair amount of research before coming on here, and after. Exchanged long emails before travelling, everything seems fine re health etc (saw parents and grandparents - aged 8 and 10 which seems pretty good for Bernese).
My view on health is that of course you should do everything you can to try and get a healthy pup/dog, but I do prepare myself for the worst knowing that most if not all large breeds, and mongrels, (and plenty of smaller dogs, too), seem to fall prey to any number of health problems.

Caroline_a

I do think that if breeders have taken the trouble and expense to do the health checks, hip/elbow, etc, then as far as health is concerned, there is little more you can do. Having a German Shepherd I took 3 months to research and find a breeder, and despite some fab looking pups, did turn some down!

Croatoan

As promised here's a piccy of my Bernese, Diesel, now we've got him home at 8 weeks.

cjmumto2

Gosh he is gorgeous.

gettingready

Wawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww... lovely

Caroline_a

Aww how cute is he!!!