This list celebrates the longer living Bernese as reported by their owners. Our breed is often noted as having a shorter average lifestyle than it ought to have as we are not classed as a giant breed, so it is important to recognise that an average figure is just the middle ground and part of that figure is our older dogs.
From early 2025 the current co-ordinator of this list is committee member Debbie Buck who we thank for her volunteered assistance. Debbie can be contacted via the email below.
However capable and willing our volunteer co-ordinator, we still totally rely on the co-operation of our members for the upkeep of the list. This is for putting dogs forward for the list in the first place and then providing updates from time to time so the list remains as accurate as possible.
Of course, some point out that there is much more to being a good veteran than simply attaining a good age. It is of limited value living for a long time without quality of life and it is true that for a proper all round picture health problems have to be taken into account especially as, just like humans, many conditions, such as orthopaedics, inescapably tend to deteriorate with age. However, it is important to celebrate the older Bernese on the list so thank you and congratulations to all the breeders and owners on this list and hopefully they will inspire more people to contribute details of their older dogs.
If you wish to contribute details of your veteran Bernese , over 8 years of age, please use the links below.
If you are a breeder with older dogs around let us have details so that we can acknowledge and publicise the success of your dogs. The more owners that contribute their dog’s details the more meaningful the list will be, so please send in your oldie’s’ (over 8 years) details and help us celebrate them..
Thank you
Complete an Online Veterans Form
Download/Open Veteran Submission Form
Any queries email veterans@bernese.co.uk
Also remember that the club magazine usually carries a veterans feature to celebrate our Golden Oldies so why not email to magazine@bernese.co.uk and place a photo and a line about your veteran in the next magazine AS WELL AS contributing your dog to this list.
When the end comes.
Sadly and inevitably, it is a fact that a few dogs appearing in the list will not stay on it for lots of years (although some do). This will happen almost by definition when producing a list of the oldest dogs but it is not because they are being celebrated on the list (as some people feel). It is not bad luck to let us all know about your marvellous, long living Bernese but a way of celebrating welcome longevity in our much maligned breed.
Sadly, the time will come to say goodbye to your beloved dogs, as they leave for Rainbow Bridge, so please do let us know so that the accuracy of the list can be maintained. You can email on veterans@bernese.co.uk
Unfortunately, it has sometimes been difficult to check the accuracy of the list of late so we do require a new form or email written notice by 30 November each year to confirm that your dog is still to appear on the end of year list, otherwise we may remove their name. This new notice or email will act as you giving us permission to publish your dog’s details on the Club website and in the annual Handbook which goes to press early in each new year.
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Why don’t we only use these lines for breeding?
Unfortunately, it is not as simple as just using dogs with these lines to improve our longevity because dogs with these relatives could still include other dogs with known hereditary diseases in their genetic make up. Also, even if you could know everything about all the potential health issues, breeding is about a balanced and informed consideration of many, many aspects such as temperament, type, size, conformation, markings, movement etc etc etc.
All that is ever being suggested is to bear longevity in mind as one of many considerations when breeding (or puppy buying) and to take just as much pride in breeding long-living, healthy Bernese as breeding show winners. There is absolutely no reason why these two principles have to be mutually exclusive of each other. Many show dogs live long lives and appear well into Veteran classes, so the virtues and ideals needed for show, health and longevity can sit alongside each other. You don’t have to breed for just one or the other and we should celebrate Bernese who are healthy and long living in their own right whether they be show dogs, working dogs or simply family members.
So that is why the BMDC of GB sends hearty CONGRATULATIONS to the owners and breeders of ALL longer living Bernese and THANKS to everyone who has ever contributed their dog’s details to the list.
Please note the details on the list are reproduced in good faith by the club who cannot be responsible for any errors not properly notified to us. Dogs appearing on the list who do not have their continued well being confirmed may be removed from the list after a short period without specific notice in order to maintain the credibility of the list. If you are putting a dog onto this list please ensure you keep us up to date with periodic updates, and please be aware of the new protocol given above AND please respond promptly to enquiries if sent.