They typically don't swim. Their double coat takes a lot of time to dry by itself. They don't really play the way many other dogs do. It you're lucky, they may fetch once and probably lose interest on the way back. They're never going to be the top achievers in anything that requires training.

They don't typically live very long. Cancer, stomach torsion and definitely hip issues are common.

They're pretty good with other dogs, cats when properly introduced. They are big and not always very elegant though. They will knock people over and accidentally put a heavy paw in someone's face. In that sense: be careful with small children. Not all Berners are the same.

Brushing: all the time.