The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America

►  The BMDCA Online Breeder Referral program is a resource where BMDCA breeders list recently born litters and upcoming litter announcements.

►  The BMDCA Breed Stewards program is a network of BMDCA members who are experienced breeders and owners and have volunteered to make themselves available to talk with you, answer your questions, and assist you in your search for a breeder and a puppy. Please review the Breed Steward Program disclaimer.

For more information on the BMDCA Breed Steward program please contact Annes4@aol.com.

►   Bernese Mountain Dog breeders can also be located through the BMDCA Regional Clubs system. Club members are always happy to talk dogs, and most welcome the opportunity to educate people about our breed! If you are new to the breed and have not had an opportunity to meet many Berners, attending club events is a great way to meet a number of different dogs and see them working, playing, showing and interacting with other people and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions and Realistic Expectations

How much do puppies cost?

The cost of a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy ranges from $1200 - $2000, or more. Price is not an indication of quality.

Please keep in mind the purchase price is only a percentage of the cost of owning a Berner. Routine veterinary care (wellness exam, vaccines, fecal checks); licensing fees; food/treats; toys; training classes; crate; dog dishes; leashes/collars; and pet health insurance (if purchased) will cost money too. In the first year, a healthy Berner puppy expenses may amount to the purchase price of the puppy.

Can I get a Berner puppy right away?

The puppy you purchase will be your companion for years to come. It is to your benefit to take the time to locate a breeder who will be able to offer you a Berner puppy that has the best chance to grow into a dog that will meet your expectations.

Be prepared to spend some time talking with the breeders you contact

Reputable breeders welcome puppy buyers who can provide responsible care and a positive, nurturing environment for their pups. Plan to talk with breeders about your goals and reasons for wanting to bring a Berner into your life. Breeders you contact will want to find out about your experiences with dogs, about your other pets (if you have them), where the puppy you plan to purchase will live, how the pup will spend its time, and about how your family plans to train and manage the pup responsibly for the entire life of the dog.

A reputable breeder spends a great deal of time trying to make an accurate assessment of each puppy's potential. Temperament, inborn aptitudes and physical characteristics vary. Making a good match between an owner and a puppy is not a one size fits all proposition. A responsible breeder makes every attempt to place pups that have the potential to become the kind of companion the owner hoped for (companion dog, working dog, show dog, breeding dog).

Expect questions and be honest

Every breeder has different criteria for puppy homes. Be honest with your answers to their questions. Don't answer with what you think the breeder may want to hear — what the breeder will want to know is the truth. The breeder is trying to ensure that puppies go to the best possible home, and to make sure that a Bernese Mountain Dog is right for you.

Plan to contact more than one breeder

Every breeder has a unique approach to managing their own dogs. Each breeder has a particular focus and goal that influences their breeding decisions. And breeder's placement policies and support practices differ. After having several conversations you will have a good sense of which breeder(s) are most likely to provide you with a puppy that will match up with your idea of an "ideal companion dog". Choosing a breeder who offers ongoing support, is willing to provide advice if questions about feeding, training or other management concerns arise when raising a Berner puppy can save owners time and money.

Pedigrees — an important connection

The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is affected by a number of health problems and hereditary conditions that can significantly impact quality and length of life. Reputable breeders know the puppies they produce inherit health, temperament, physical soundness and length of life from their ancestors. If your hope is to bring a dog into your life that is not affected with an inherited health problem or orthopedic condition, your best choice is to work with a breeder who pays attention to these things and is doing everything possible to choose breeding stock that are not likely to pass on undesirable traits.

Breeders who have spent time carefully researching the family history of dogs they use for breeding have a better grasp of the characteristics puppies they produce are likely to possess. Better breeders do genetic testing and take into account the results obtained when choosing breeding pairs. Careful breeding practices tend to minimize the incidence of inherited health problems and orthopedic conditions. The Berner-Garde Foundation Open Database contains pedigree and health records for Bernese Mountain Dogs. The database is a tool for breeders as well as owners and puppy buyers to access health records for dogs used in breeding programs world wide.

Be an educated buyer

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America offers the following educational resources to assist puppy buyers in their understanding of the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Is a Bernese Mountain Dog your "ideal" companion dog? Visit the BMD Compatibility Profiler. Based upon your answers to multiple-choice questions you will be given feedback designed to help you decide whether a Bernese Mountain Dog's temperament, size, costs, care and management needs will match up well with your family's lifestyle.

The BMDCA Info Series is a library of documents which provides readers with breed information, tips on finding a responsible breeder, puppy's first year, FAQs, grooming, health and training.