We will start this post with the following warning:
Do not believe what you read on the internet
If you are curious as to what are the differences between females and males, we hope this post is helpful.
We strongly encourage you to talk to other Bernese owners, to join Bernese owner forums and to talk to other breeders regarding the difference between males and females.
Based on our research, most information available through search engines regarding this subject is completely misleading and in many cases, just wrong.
PLEASE TALK TO BREEDERS AND BERNESE OWNERS.
ASK US QUESTIONS.
We live with this breed, we can tell you about our observations and experience. We have met many Bernese owners, we know of other breeders. We have information based on personal experience.
If searching for answers, please consult with people that have engaged with the breed and have actual and factual personal experience.
Now the blog:
As always, please remember this blog is geared towards Bernese Mountain dogs.
“What do you think is the difference between males and females? Do you recommend one in particular?”
We get these questions often. But, before we get to divulging our opinion on the subject, let’s make one thing very clear:
Dogs are individuals & Individuality matters!
There are generalities we can discuss and that will be the main content of this post. Please note, this is based in our experience. Because, as we said before, dogs are individuals, experiences are bound to vary greatly.
Now then, what are some of the generalities we’ve observed.
Females
- Loving
- Loyal
- Devoted
- Independent
- Goofy
- Playful
- Intelligent
males
- Loving
- Loyal
- Devoted
- Independent
- Goofy
- Playful
- Intelligent
You saw what we did there? That is the breed standard, except you don’t find the word ‘goofy’ in fancy textbooks.
We have read in several forums opinions such as: “Females love you, but males fall in love with you.” This we have found to be incorrect. We have experienced females that love us fiercely and males that prefer the company of our pack than ours. This is not to say all our dogs don’t love us, they do, but their personality and upbringing determines this trait.
Training:
Both females and males have a tendency to be stubborn when it comes to training, especially if not started early. The approach is what tends to vary. Females tend to mature faster which makes them push boundaries sooner than males. Males, as we said, tend to mature slower, due to this they can take a while to pick up on commands.
Because males tend to be slower, it provides the illusion that they are not naughty. Females tend to be a bit braver in this regard, but males can be equally naughty.
We have found that all berners regardless of sex, are naughty. They are children at heart, and they love getting into all sorts of trouble. The variant is, how the approach it: the sneaky way or flat out trouble of running off with the toilet paper roll.
Multiple pet households
Now this is a very important variant, and it is something that should be taken into consideration.
Berneses in general are excellent at adapting to their packs and families. But what about the pets in your household? There are so many variables here, it is not possible to cover them all.
Here are some possible instances:
Are the pets in your household fixed (spayed / neutered). If not, let’s say you have an intact male already. If you get another male from us, and you have to wait between 2 – 2.5 years before neutering, you will have two mature, intact males in one household. This could represent a problem of dominance. Some possible scenarios would be: marking, scuffles, fights over their owners, a couch, etc.
Could nothing happened even with two intact males?
Yes, it depends on the dogs.
What about two females in the household?
The same as above could happen or nothing could happen. Because this is something that could potentially need managing, your family should take a moment to think of how the situation would be handled if it was to happen.
That being said, we have had up to 4 females in our home at the same time, all sharing the space in harmony. This is regardless if they are in heat or not.
If your pack is used to barking at the door bell or strangers, it is likely a new puppy will pick up on it and showcase the same behavior. Because the established pack considers this normal, mirroring and adaptation tends to be ingrained into new pack members. Some dogs, make their own rules, and they may not follow what everyone else does.
Again, individuality.
ALL Bernese bred for temperament will love and be there for their owner with fierce, yet calm determination. The gender in that case, does not matter.
This is the key to answer any question regarding female / male.
What is it that you want? What is it that your family wants? Just like when a couple is expecting a newborn baby, everyone has a preference. Unlike new parents, puppy parents are more often than not able to choose a gender. This is what you should consider.
ALL Bernese bred for temperament will love, and be there for their owner with fierce, yet calm determination. The gender in this case, does not matter.
You will have to spend countless hours with this puppy, and they will become part of your life and memories. Take a moment to consider, what is your, and your families preference?
The true answer to the question “boy / girl?” lies therein.
