Responsible breeders breed with the goal of attaining the ideal breed type, temperament and health. They invest substantial time, effort and resources in learning about and understanding the breed, and aim to improve each generation knowing that markings alone do not make a good Berner.
Your dog's breeder should be someone you will feel comfortable calling any time in the future if you have questions or concerns about your Berner. You should feel that person will be there for you, not take your money and disappear forever.
Sales Approach
- Wants to get to know you and understand your expectations in a dog and tries to match puppy temperament and character to you and your family
- Invites you to visit his/her dogs and facilities
- Encourages you to take your time in making the decision to add a new family member
- Provides evidence of the quality of the sire and dam as well as their ancestors and relatives, with pedigrees, proof of titles, and health and genetic clearances, and information on age and cause of death
- Does not sell breeding pairs
- Does not buy dogs or puppies from others for immediate resale. This is brokering, done for profit, and shows no commitment to the breed
- Provides references upon request
Sales Agreements/Contracts
- Has a well defined contract that clearly spells out the terms and conditions of sale and the responsibilities of both seller and buyer, and explains how the future of the dog is protected
- Provides well-defined written guarantees and takes the time to be sure you understand any requirements you must fulfill to validate the guarantees
- Uses spay/neuter agreements and/or limited registrations for all pets and dogs that may not fulfill breeding quality potential due to genetic faults
- Will mentor your involvement in the breed if you wish to become a breeder yourself
- Will take a dog back and or assist in re-homing
- Will care enough to call from time to time to see how your pup is doing and whether you have any questions or concerns
Dog Club Affiliations
- Are members of recognized dog clubs that actively seek to protect and preserve the future of the breed
- Remember, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is the only official certification body for purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs in the United States. Unscrupulous breeders will often claim their dogs are registered, only for you find out later that this so-called "registration" is with an unrecognized organization that in no way ensures the purity of the breed.
Quality & Honesty of the Information Provided
- Explains the goals and results of his/her breeding program
- Discusses both positive and negative aspects of the breed
- Evaluates each puppy for strengths and weaknesses, and seeks to match you with an appropriate puppy
- Asks you a lot of questions about lifestyle and expectations with the goal of a successful lifelong puppy placement
- Encourages questions and provides clear, specific answers
- Provides information on the care and training of a Berner
- Is open about the number of dogs owned, where and how they are housed and the activities they participate in, such as conformation, obedience, agility, herding, tracking, draft
Read more about responsible breeders.
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