I've had bernese since 1986 - wonderful breed. Kind, loving companions and beautiful to look at.
They are certainly not a breed for everyone, and anyone who is interested in a berner should research the breed beforehand. They are not without their health problems (like any breed), so it is important that before you purchase one of these dogs you familiarize yourself with the breed and what they require in terms of a great owner. Choose your breeder first - then your puppy. A good place for information about the breed is
Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Canada and
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America
When chosing a breeder - find one who will talk openly about problems in the breed and what problems they have encountered. Do not walk away from a breeder who admits to problems (all breeders will have problems). Find out what they do to minimize problems. Berners suffer from orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems such as Subaortic stenosis (SAS), eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), bleeding disorder called von willdebrands (VwD - we now have a DNA test for this), and there is a cancer called malignant histiocytosis which is quite deadly.
There are no bloodlines free of the above, so do not let any breeder claim they do not have these problems. If they state that - then they are probably not testing their dogs or are lying. Before you buy a puppy make sure the parents have been tested and you want to see the actual paperwork on these clearances from accredited intitutions such as the OFA (for orthopedics).
Another great tool for finding out about bernese is the Berner Garde (
www.bernergarde.org). Plug in the dogs name (or partial name) and then find out what is there about the dog and its relatives. An incredible tool for research to help the puppy buyer find a well-bred bernese. It is also a incredible tool for the reputable breeder to research potential mates.
Cheers,
BIS
Bernese Mountain Dog Dogs 
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