"The Man with The Berner" Part II

Photos courtesy of owner and photographer

     The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, long haired dog.  They have the "Swiss Coloring" of mostly black, with some rust, and white on the feet, face and belly.  Although they are primarily known as drafting dogs, they also excel at herding since they were originally used as multi-purpose farm dogs.  Females can be slightly smaller (about 2 feet at the shoulder) at about 65 pounds, but males are very large (up to 28" at the shoulder) at about 120 pounds!

     The Man and his wife have had several Bernese Mountain Dogs over the years.  He lovingly recalls each and every one.  He detailed their lineage, how him and his wife traveled overseas to select their first four pups (not all at once of course!).  He told me of the wide variety of activities they compete in for fun.  Berners are so versatile they can perform in informal events like rally style obedience, or formal obedience as well as agility, herding, carting and drafting (and yes, there is a difference between carting and drafting).

     *The photos that he has allowed me to use for this blog are actually 5 different dogs!*

In Obedience competition, the dog must not only retrieve, but jump!

     The Man had just recently shown his young dog in Gettysburg, PA in May.  While there he won the Specialty's HIT- or High In Trial award.  They also won awards as the highest scoring Bernese Mountain Dog in Herding, and as a Specialty Triathlete (for qualifying in Rally, Herding and Obedience).  That was why he laughed when I told him I was impressed by the past weekend's showing.

     The Man's Berner, whom he was working with that day is CH Tranquility's Andy Robynson CD RAE HSAs HTAD-Is HTD-Is RLF-Is JHDs .  It is a mouthful, and I would never have remembered half of those letters if The Man had not written them down for me.  All of The Man's dogs have multiple titles, from the AKC (American Kennel Club), BMDCA (Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America) , and the AHBA (American Herding Breed Association).  It is akin to a human with several doctorates and certifications- so impressive!

     I began reading more about this breed, and it's history.  The Man graciously sent me a website and a few articles to get me started.

     In conclusion, I know that this is a breed I am not ready for yet.  Perhaps if I continue to learn more (and earn more money!) a few years down the road I will look into the option seriously.  For now, it is enough to say I have met and watched a furry breed ambassador who has a kind enough owner to educate me on Bernese Mountain Dogs, and canine companionship at it's finest.





*Click either of the links below to read more about Bernese Mountain Dogs! Enjoy!

Potomac Valley Bernese Mountain Dog Club website

Pages 210-223 in the Showsight Magazine July 2012 issue.

"The Man with The Berner" Part I

Photo included courtesy of owner and photographer

     I can recall the first time I saw "The Man With the Berner", it was at one of the first dog shows I attended, in Concord, North Carolina.  I did not know him.  I was instantly, completely captivated with his majestic dogs.  His companions strode proudly by his side, never a misstep, never a moment's hesitation to obey any command!  I loved the easy way "The Man" spoke to his dogs, and the adoration in the gaze of full attention that they gave back to him.  They were the perfect team, a well-oiled machine, and they earned the titles to prove it!  I never did muster the courage to speak to "The Man With the Berner" that weekend.  I simply watched from afar as he performed with his dogs.


     This past weekend (July 27, 28) I accompanied my good friend (the other half of PawsThenPlay, Thomas Brown) to a show in Greenville, South Carolina.  I quickly lost myself in the symphonic chaos of the show and just meandered as I usually do, soaking it all in at my own pace.  Booths, now familiar, lined the sides of the conformation areas and invited me to stop and shop.  I did buy more chocolate from Debbie's Delights of course, so I could get a sugar-high while I oogled dogs.

     "The Man with The Berner" was there!  The first day, I watched from a distance as usual.  The second day, I found myself beside him in the crowd!  As I applauded madly for Thomas and Ebony (they took second in Open!), I decided this was a sign.  I must talk to "The Man".

     I glanced at him, and he nodded politely and smiled.  I took that as an invitation to just plunge in!  In a gush of words, I blurted out how in awe of his performance with his dogs I was, and how much I really enjoyed watching his performance with his animals.

     He kindly laughed, and shook his head.  "But this weekend we were horrible!" 

     I was completely aghast!  I had been so impressed with the easy communication and obvious happiness in the dogs, that I forgot we were at an event with scoring.  In the long conversation that followed, I learned so much my head reeled, and my heart hurt.  I cannot include all of it here, but I do want to share some of this man's experiences since I found him so inspiring.



*End of Part I

The Dog Show

(Thomas Brown and Ebony have a clean sweep to win the Companion Dog Title!)

At the Cabarras County Arena all 3 buildings are packed with dogs, their handlers, and spectators like myself! There is so much to take in all at once it's overwhelming. People and dogs shuffle in all directions like slow-motion bumper cars. Booths line the exterior of the show rings with a variety of products and services for canines and humans. Every breed we can think of (and some we didn't) are here, represented. Each building has a focus: Agility, Conformation, and Obedience.

The Agility area is dominated by two large rings, surrounded by stadium seating. Harried dogs and their handlers scurry to one side or the other. Here the hustle and bustle is frequently punctuated by yips of anticipation and barks of exuberance. Dogs of all shapes and sizes fly through complex courses. We cheer indiscriminately at the dazzling canines going breakneck speed through the courses.

(Brutus and I have competed in Rally Style Obedience)

In the center building the large space is gated into 8 showing rings, where each breed struts at it's appointed time. It is a dizzying symphony of controlled motion all around as we turn first one way, then another to ogle pampered pooches parading by finely dressed judges who poke, prod and caress their coats. Exhibitors awaiting their turn are very friendly and willing to share information about their breed(s), and the dog they are showing.

In the far building three more large rings hold a variety of dogs competing for Obedience or Rally titles. Like the Agility, pure and mixed breed dogs can compete to earn awards. The dog and handler teams must accurately perform set patterns to earn a title. They may have to sit, down, stand, stay, go over a jump, retrieve things, heel past food, toys or children in any combination or order depending on which title they are pursuing. These things also may be on or OFF leash depending on the level of competition.

(Brutus said "But I don't want to hold the ribbons in my mouth Mommy!")

We wander through all of the buildings and the grooming area learning more in each section until our feet start to ache and our shoulders are stiff from holding all of our purchases. A glance around reveals many people are packing up- done for the day. We no longer inch along shoulder to shoulder with dozens of other canine connoisseurs. As we wander to our cars, we agree that we really must make time to go to another show soon. It's too good of an experience to miss!