🐕 Bernese Mountain Dog
Temperament
Calm, gentle, devoted, slightly aloof with strangers. Berners adore their family, are wonderful with children of all ages and tolerant of other pets.
Exercise
60 minutes of moderate daily exercise. Heavy build means avoiding impact in puppies under 18 months — no jogging, jumping, long stairs.
Grooming
Long, silky double coat. Brush 3× weekly, daily during seasonal moults. Bathe every 6–8 weeks. Light trimming around feet and rear keeps things tidy.
Health
Cancer is the leading cause of death — over 50% in some studies. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloat / GDV. Histiocytic sarcoma is over-represented in this breed. Lifespan 7–10 years; planning for shorter time together is part of choosing this breed.
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🐕 Rottweiler
Temperament
Confident, calm, courageous. Rotties are famously affectionate with their own people (and lean — the "Rottie lean" is iconic) but reserved or aloof with strangers. Early, ongoing socialisation is non-negotiable. Not naturally aggressive — but they will defend if they feel they need to.
Exercise
60–90 minutes of structured exercise daily, plus mental work. They excel at obedience, tracking and weight-pulling. Heavy bones and slow growth mean puppies under 18 months should avoid impact (jumping, jogging, long runs).
Grooming
Short, dense double coat — moderate shedding year-round, heavier twice yearly. Weekly brush, more during moults. Bath every 6–8 weeks.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is sadly common — early neutering may worsen risk; many vets recommend waiting until 18–24 months. Aortic stenosis. Bloat / GDV. Lifespan is short for the breed (8–10 years).
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