BMDCA Breed Stewards

Introduction to the Puppy Connection

Making the decision to bring a dog into your life is a major milestone for you, your family and ultimately your canine companion. If you have decided that a purebred dog meets your requirements and expectations better than a mixed breed dog, you are one step further in the decision making process. Determining what breed is best for you is the critical next step. And, after that you will be challenged with finding a responsible breeder with whom you feel comfortable and have trust.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America wants to be a resource to you and your family in this most important decision making process. Our ultimate goal is to promote the care and welfare of the breed. And, by assisting you in becoming an informed and savvy buyer we are serving the breed we so deeply cherish.

Please heed the invaluable advice that all breeds do not fit all life styles. A Berner is not right for everyone. To help you think through a variety of breed-specific issues in a practical and fun way, please take the time to complete our BMD Compatibility Profiler. Based upon your answers to multiple-choice questions you will immediately receive online feedback about why a Berner may or may not meet your expectations and fit into your lifestyle.

Another resource we have developed for the potential and new BMD owner is the BMDCA Info Series. This online library of resources, all of which are downloadable, is "must" and easy reading for those wanting to obtain a good overview of the breed. The wide array of topics includes tips on finding a responsible breeder, puppy's first year, FAQs, grooming, health and far more.

And, after you have made an informed decision that you wish to bring a Berner into your family, please utilize the BMDCA Breed Steward Program. This 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, assist you in your puppy search and more. This list of breed stewards is organized geographically so you can locate contacts as close to your home as possible.

Regional BMD clubs are another valuable resource at your fingertips. Many have their own breeder referral programs and all host various events that are open to the public. These are wonderful opportunities to learn more about the breed and meet BMD owners and breeders. Return to our homepage to find the button for Regional Clubs and a calendar of Events.

And, if you have questions or concerns that have not been addressed by the resources listed above, please feel free to contact the BMDCA Public Education Chair Person by clicking here (bernese4me@aol.com).

It is our sincere hope that we have and will continue to be of assistance to you, your family and Berner, if this is the right breed for you. Remember, we are here to help you when selecting a breed, trying to locate a responsible breeder and throughout the life of your dog. A commitment to any dog should be for its lifetime and we promise that same level of commitment to you.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, Inc.

BMDCA Info Sheets

For more information or further questions please contact bernese4me@aol.com

BMDCA Breed Steward Program

Disclaimer

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America ("BMDCA") Breed Steward Program is a volunteer, member-supported referral program that was created for the education of potential puppy owners/purchasers. Its purpose is to provide the general public with a list of Breed Stewards (both breeder and non-breeder BMDCA members meeting the criteria noted below) who are willing to educate potential owners and to encourage them to consider the benefits of buying from responsible sources. This program will provide the public with contact information for participating members in their area of the country and beyond, through which the public may network to find breed information as well as breeders.

Participants in the BMDCA Breed Steward Program are individuals who have:

The BMDCA does not inspect, monitor or regulate the breeding or business practices of its Breed Steward Program participants. Moreover, it does not become involved in resolving disputes between participants and their customers. Accordingly, the BMDCA does not endorse, guarantee, recommend or otherwise approve any particular breeder(s) or guarantee or accept any responsibility for the health, temperament or any other aspect of the dogs sold by the participants. The information provided on this list is based solely on the information the BMDCA received from the participants and should be verified by the purchaser.

The BMDCA strongly encourages all buyers to carefully document, in writing, all representations, promises, statements, warranties and guarantees made by sellers of Bernese Mountain Dogs. The seller should sign such documentation or provide a purchase contract that covers the same provisions. The seller should also proceed to fulfill his/her obligations throughout the life of the dog.

BMDCA Breed Stewards

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Last modified: June 6, 2007.