Draft dogs - whatcha got?

[Wildabeest]

Wasn’t really sure where to put this, but this seems to be the only “dog” specific forum topic, so I’ll put it here.

I’m pretty close to pulling the trigger on getting a Bernese Mountain Dog. I’ve done a ton of research on the breed, but would be appreciative of any input from others with experience. I know they generally have a shorter life span than other breeds, but they seem to be a great match for what I’m looking for at this stage of my life.

More specifically, I’d be keenly interested as to whether anyone has utilized Berners as draft dogs for big game hunting. They were traditionally bred for the specific purpose of draft animals, but that seems to have been lost in recent times. I’m primarily looking for a companion, but if that companion can also “enjoy” the labor of love packing out an elk or deer on wheeled cart or sled, all the better! Does anyone else out there utilize Berners (or even other breeds) in this capacity? Would love to hear your experiences, and whether having a canine with you has caused issues on getting close enough to game to seal the deal. Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard all about llamas and love some Beau Beatty, but I’m just a cheap SOB!

I’ve done a lot of upland bird hunting over the years with dogs, and quite frankly that’s the most enjoyable part of the experience for me. I just love watching a working dog work. It’s always felt like a shared enjoyment to me. So I’m cautiously optimistic that perhaps a canine can provide an equally, but differently, rewarding experience for big game. What are your thoughts?

I’ve found a local breeder with a litter, but if you have recommendations for other Berner breeders, please send them my way!

Thanks!

 

[Foggy Mountain]

Brother, just my 2 cents. As a dog guy for many years, realize not only are there variations among bloodlines but you’re talking about something you know is no longer prevelant.
You won’t know the desire, physical abilities, etc. Even as mostly a canine companion I’d not be looking at anything low odds for myself. Also realize if the life span is low, you’ll not be loading it up real young. An an elderly dog you won’t either. How many useful years would you get at best? I don’t know the breed and only offer considerations. Remember one or two instances of something working out are not experience. If someone is intimately familiar with the breed and can place you in contact with someone breeds dogs that actually do what you want you’ll up your odds. Good luck

 

[David58]

Berinies are beautiful, good natured dogs. My concern would be hips, and the sadly short lifespan. There are some good, strong dogs, that can pull a lot (my big Airedale is amazingly strong, and loves to pull), but think of a dogsled - it takes a team of dogs to drag a sled on snow. Do you think a single dog could put much of a dent on towing an elk out of the woods?

 

[JLS]

My brother and sister-in-law have had two Berners. The short life span and hip issues are real.

 

[OntarioHunter]

They are absolutely tops for disposition but those two genetic issues are real. Neighbor down the street is on his third one now. I love to see those dogs ... just hate to see them always check out so early.

Stay away from Pyrranese. Big enough to do the job but they can be sneaky mean around other dogs.

 

[Lilhowie83]

If I remember correctly, Randy had Dustin Roe, owner of BC Backcountry and Beyond, on the podcast once and he talked about his two draft dogs. I don't remember the breeds, but he spoke highly of them. He said they accompany him on his stalks when he is archery hunting stone sheep.

 

[ccc23454]

My lab can pack up to a limit of ducks, never packs geese... probabaly no help to your question but proud of my pup so show him off when i can. Good luck

 

[VikingsGuy]

My sister had one. It was not good around kids, was not good around other dogs, super lethargic when it got even the slightest warm (but loved January in MN) and died young. On the plus side was it was super loyal and protective of my sister - since my sister lives in the city near some large but urban parks and has no kids it worked out well for her (except the short life part).

 

[WildWill]

Recently got a 1/2 Bernese, 1/4 rottweiler, and 1/4 doberman. Got him to train as a guard dog for the family so I could have a little peace of mind while away on work. Got him at 8 weeks he'll be 6 months next week and so far I've been happy. Very protective and loyal also have been pleasantly surprised with his drive and ability to handle stock. Can't help on the draft aspect of it. He has been amazing with the kids very protective my daughter recently fell and fractured her wrist he won't let her out of his sight sense.

 

[BirdManMike]

If Hannibal could teach elephants to cross the Alps, surely someone here can begin a Bernese elk packing service. I wish you luck in your endeavors.

 

[rwc101]

Realizing that I can't afford horses, burros, or llamas I have been going old school with a dog and travois.

 

[geetar]

If Hannibal could teach elephants to cross the Alps, surely someone here can begin a Bernese elk packing service. I wish you luck in your endeavors.

You kill an elk with a rock and it pack it with a dog and I’ll buy beer, whiskey, dinner whatever you want. just don’t interrupt your B tag adventures to do it.

 

[Nick87]

My lab can pack up to a limit of ducks, never packs geese... probabaly no help to your question but proud of my pup so show him off when i can. Good luckView attachment 186800

Most labs if you through that strap of birds over there back would resemble a gut shot coyote spinning and biting.

Love that pic btw.

 

[AlaskaHunter]

Most labs if you through that strap of birds over there back would resemble a gut shot coyote spinning and biting.

Love that pic btw.

My lab is pretty good at pulling

 

[Wildabeest]

Thanks everyone for the comments here. I did end up getting a Berner pup last August. Breeder put me in touch with a local trainer who shows them in drafting, so we’re planning to do some prelim work with him this fall since they don’t recommend having them pull anything before they are a year old. We’ll see how it goes.

Here he is at 7 months and 100 lbs!

 

[Wildabeest]

No draft training yet, but I got the most awesome tip yet. Someone suggested YouTube videos for dog training. Damn this just got easy!

 

[tim629]

right breeding and they can have a good long life for a large dog (probably not a 15 yr old dog but right breeding & care i'd be guessing you can keep up with an average lab in lifespan)

promising that your breeder has connections to a draft trainer, hopefully that means they have a line of dogs that have possibly had others go there in the past. i would ask the draft trainer & your vet what they like for joint care and ask each what basics they want your dog to know. our pointer went from puppy food to a prescription joint diet and almost daily for the first year or so got work on different restraints he would get at the vet. he's big enough to think about joints from here out especially with the prospect of working and he's big enough that the more chill he is to be restrained the more the vet staff will love him.

i have a soft spot for the berners, vet friend breeds them (or used to) and they're just such a happy breed like a newfoundland but not quite that darn big haha

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

My profile photo is a GSMD pack hike and those are lots of fun. Berners are welcome too! http://www.gsmdca.org/activities/pack-hike/

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

Our girl is 3.5 y.o. Been through several trainings with her so far and she shows interest in scent work. I’ve learned that torsion is real (had to gas-x a lick fit just last night) and ain’t nobody seen a dog blowing a coat like a sennenhund breed!

 

[Wildabeest]

Pile of spring shed from a brushing last night.