Anyhow, would like to learn more about this breed, including where we could see some near Geneva. Any help appreciated.
Heya...we are starting to look into getting a dog and we are thinking Labernese as we love Bernese Mountain Dogs but were thinking a Labernese might be a smaller, and potentially healthier dog overall, longer life, etc...
First, please understand that a 'labernese' is not a regulated breed. It is a mixed breed, a cross between a Labrador and a BMD. As such, there is no governing organization setting health, temperament, or other breeding standards... and no code of ethics a breeder of these crosses should subscribe to.
Yes, a Canadian assistance dog breeding program has developed a line of mixed breed dogs out of a lab/BMD cross to work as autism spectrum and emotional support assistants. And kudos to them for their very good work.
As far as my friend google and I can see, though, there are no breeders within the assistance dog program producing these crosses here.
The majority of lab/BMD crosses you will find here are the result of accidental matings or of BYBs cashing in on the marketing trend for catchy names. That is, completely unregulated breeding.
A sad reflection of the dark side of the dog world today, but a catchy name for a mixed breed is often the first sign of a battery farmed or BYB dog. Just keep your eyes wide open as you look.
(The gentleman who first crossed labs and poodles for the Australian guide dog program has written many time on how he regrets having come up with a catchy name for his purpose-bred dogs, as he feels responsible for the marketing that unleashed a flood of bad breeding.)
Now... Nothing wrong with a mixed breed, not at all. I love and cherish all dogs, of all shapes, sizes, breeds, and types. Please do not think I am writing from breed snobbism. Rather I am concerned with ethical breeding, from all who decide to bring puppies into this world.
There are serious, responsible breeders of crosses, certainly. But sadly, the majority who produce mixed breeds dogs are not.
Do make sure that you understand what you are getting, and from whom. As you cannot rely on a breeder regulatory organization you will need to do your own due diligence regarding health testing temperament testing, puppy socialization and training programs, and the breeder's ethics. And make sure you understand the price range you should be paying.
As you mention health concerns as a driver for wanting this particular cross, in assessing the genetic health of a mixed breed dog you need to research the health problems both breeds are prone to, and ensure that each parent was tested as appropriate. And understand how the genetic combination plays out. You can find the relevant information for each breed from the FCI breed club websites. The genetics of the cross should be discussed with your vet.
A final caution... beware of the free ads, or of any of the 'puppy search' sites, as these are generally littered with battery farmers and scams. Again, eyes wide open.
Hope you find your dream four-footed friend - good luck!
ETA:
As it wasn't clear from you post whether this would be your first dog registered inSwitzerland... If you have not already had a dog registered in Switzerland you will likely be required to do the SKN theory course - and this must be done before acquiring a dog. You will then have 12months after getting your dog to complete the mandatory SKN practical course. Again, good luck.
After reading the above 2 posts, this thread came to mind-- 3 scams, 2 rejects and a puppy
Hope it helps OP before jumping in.
Considering adopting one?
Here in Zürich, a shelter near Uster has a Bernersenn-Labrador-Mix, named Robbie, who is looking for a permanent home http://www.strubeli.ch/heimtiere/hunde/robbie.php
though he is in Zürich and 10 year old, but a beautiful creature he is!
Hope you find your life-long fury friend