As promised, here is a list of questions that should help you in your conversations with breeders! Most of the people we talk with have conducted extensive research and are well-versed in Bernese Mountain Dogs (Berners) and what to look for in a breeder, which is truly commendable. One of our primary goals is to continue educating Berner lovers to help promote responsible dog breeding.
How long have you been breeding and are your dogs listed in Berner-Garde?
If the answer indicates only a short duration, you can inquire about the origin of their foundation dogs and whether they collaborate with another breeder.
Responsible breeders will have all of their dogs listed in Berner-Garde, accompanied by completed health tests.
Are you a member of the National BMDCA or Regional BMD club?
You can find this information on Berner-Garde under the breeder profile. Here is Katherine's profile as an example.
What health tests do you perform on your dogs?
You can refer to this article from the BMDCA for health information.
You can learn about the CHIC Program here.
You can learn about the specific CHIC requirements for Berners here.
All completed tests can be found on the dog's Berner-Garde profile. Here is Igor's profile as an example.
How many dogs do you own and where do they live?
Breeders should be transparent with this information and invite you to meet them and their dogs in person.
Can I meet you, your dogs and/or puppies?
The breeder should be willing to meet with potential puppy owners and introduce them to their dogs and available puppies.
We strongly discourage people from buying a puppy sight unseen or having them delivered.
Do you have a health guarantee?
Most responsible breeders should provide a health guarantee, typically covering serious health issues.
Will you take your dogs back?
If someone can no longer care for their dog, for any reason, responsible breeders should accept the dog back. They should not allow you to sell the dog to someone else or place it in a new home yourself. The dog should be surrendered to the breeder, who will work to rehome it.
What level of involvement do you have with your puppies/puppy people after they go to their forever homes?
Responsible breeders should maintain a high level of involvement with their dogs throughout their entire lives. They should want to stay in touch, receive updates on the pup's well-being, and be available to answer any questions you may have. Your breeder is your best resource for you and your dog, as they know their lineage well and can address various health and care inquiries.
Do you have a contract?
Good breeders should always provide a contract before you purchase your puppy. This contract should also include the dog's pedigree, health information, and AKC registration.
Do you have a spay/neuter policy?
Breeders who sell their dogs with limited registration should clearly state their spay/neuter policy in the contract.
Do you sell your dogs on limited or full registration?
Non-breeding dogs should be sold with limited registration, meaning they are not allowed to be bred or entered into conformation competitions. These dogs are intended to be pets only.
Full registration allows the dog to be bred and entered into conformation competitions.
Reputable breeders will not sell one of their dogs for breeding unless it is to another responsible breeder and it makes sense for both lines and genetic diversity.
Do you sell your dogs to Bernerdoodle or other mix breed breeders?
The BMDCA and responsible Berner breeders do not support the breeding of Bernerdoodles or other mixed breeds. Their focus is on preserving the breed.
There are so many more questions to ask breeders and most of them are much more fun! Learning about how each breeder does their temperament testing, training, socialization and choosing the right pup for the right family is always the highlight of the conversation. Everyone has their own style and philosophy on this so there may be some differences but the important thing is to make sure you feel comfortable and that the breeders style matches yours.
We will leave you with a great article from the BMDCA that we would encourage you to read:
If you ever have questions about Berners feel free to reach out to us!
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