I have a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (relative to the Berner), and i have been to many Swissie events. These dogs are made to pull heavy loads. They can pull up to thousands of pounds. I am not sure about carrying a heavy load for long distances. They originally started out as helpers, to carry milk, and such, to people in towns in Switzerland, with their carts hooked up behind them. ( The Swissie is the larger version of the Bernese, and is short haired...you can see my Swissie in my signature). There are 4 types of Sennehunds...the Great Swiss, the Bernese, the entlebucher and the appenzellar. ANyway, Swissies are very large dogs...can range from 110-140 lbs. They generally have a very sweet temperment, but, as with any breed, you may find one really shy, or overly hyper. I have a Swissie, and also have a 3 year old child, and you must watch them when playing together...b/c, unintentionally, the Swissie will knock over small children. I know someone with a Berner, and the dog stays right by her side, unleashed...seems to have a good temperment.

Not sure if it is the same way with Berners, but Swissies are very hard to house train, it takes a lot of patience!! I was told this before i ever adopted Dale, and he stayed true that fact!! Swissies need to be reminded often, that they are not alpha, b/c they can tend to forget their place in the pack

They love to be with their humans, and are very willing workers. ANyway, if you are intersted in looking into Berner breeders, or Swissie breeders, i can find you some very reputable ones.

If it weren't for all the hair and shedding, i would love to have a Berner someday, they seem like great family dogs. I love my Swissie, though!!

One more thing, I know that Swissie's aren't suppose to cart pull until like 18 months old, due to growing at such rapid rates as a young pup, and i am not sure if the same goes for Berners...