What to look for in a breeder.

The most important thing to consider in purchasing your Bernese Mountain Dog is the breeder you are dealing with. There are several things you should expect from a breeder of Bernese.

Expect knowledge of the lines - a breeder should be able to give specific health history - red flag - comments that are generalized without specifics to back it up i.e.. "My dogs are only from healthy lines"

Expect copies of health certificates with hips and elbows minimally - red flag - No copies to show or give and comments like "my vet looked at them and said they were fine".

Expect a contract in advance of the sale that spells out the breeder's responsibility and the buyers responsibility. This may include but not be limited to things like spay/neuter agreements, training, medical care showing, breeding, guarantees etc. - red flag - contracts that require pet puppies to be bred for puppies or litters back. Contracts that are not given until you go to pick up the puppy (be sure you have time to read and ask questions about the contract before you sign)

Expect your puppies to be AKC registered and ask to see the registration papers - red flag - Puppies registered with registries that are not accepted by the world dog community.

Expect your puppies to be able to be registered - red flag - European papers without pedigree info needed to get AKC registration

Expect your breeder to have a long term interest in the health and well being of your puppy often asking that you do hips and elbows by a certain age. This helps the breeder evaluate whether they are producing orthopedically sound dogs.

What type of health problems do Berners have?

Bernese have several hereditary conditions that may require surgery, medication or both and drastically alter their quality of life. These problems include hip and elbow dysplasia. All dogs bred should have health certification that they have been evaluated by a recognized agency such as OFA, GDC, PennHip, OVC etc. There are no lines free of this problem and no excuse for breeders not to check. While even unaffected parents can produce effected offspring, studies have shown the likelihood is decreased, so evaluation is important.

Cancer is also a serious concern for the breed shortening the lifespan to an average of 8yrs. Two forms of cancer are hereditary - Mast Cell tumors and histiocytosis. While mast cell cancer if detected can be treated, malignant histiocytosis has not treatment or cure and the results are devastating. There is no line of dog that can boast it is free of cancer unless the breeder knows what all family members including all siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins have died of and even the best do not have all that information. Lymphomas, osteosarcomas, melanomas and other cancers effect the breed also. Treatment and outcome varies.

How do Berners survive in the hot climates?
Often asked and a legitimate concern. Bernese can survive quite well outside, IF they have access to fresh water, lots of shade and a spot close to the house that has well circulated air (such as a fan). It is suggested that it be close to the house since your dog will more than likely try to stay as close to his people as possible even at the risk of being too hot. That being said it should be noted that the Bernese will much prefer to be inside in air- conditioning on hot summer days and it is preferable that his owners allow him access to the home.

Berners were owned early on by a gentleman from Shreveport, La. , by the name of Glenn Shadow. Mr. Shadow was credited with registering the first 2 Berners with the AKC in the 1930's. These dogs in all likelihood did not have the benefits of modern air-conditioning to stay cool.

Glenn Shadow and dog

Do Berners shed?

YES!!!! Although our dogs here in the south may not have as much coat as their northern counterparts they do still shed and it can be significant. Berner owners soon become accustomed to scrapping black hair from their clothes and food.

Do Berners get along well with children?

Overall Bernese get along well with children, however, they are large dogs and as with any dog there MUST be supervision near small children to prevent accidental injury. This is a dog that by 1 yr of age may be 100 pounds and while very loving can inadvertently bump into a small child or toddler knocking him down and causing injury. Early training and supervision are the only ways to help prevent a tragedy from occurring.