Finding a Puppy
Finding a Breeder
Finding a responsible breeder you trust is your first – and most important — step to finding your new best friend. Breeders are invaluable resources: Not only are they a bridge between you and your perfect dog, you can rely on them throughout your dog’s lifetime. Think of a breeder as your own private guide to all things dogs, from choosing the right dog to caring for it forever.
As with any major decision, it is important to do your homework before making a commitment to a breeder. Here are some tips for finding — and working with — a responsible breeder:
- Meet the Breeder. The best way to get to know a breeder is to meet in person, which might be at their kennel or in their home. While that may not be possible during COVID-19, ask to meet your breeder outside, or through a video conferencing system. Observe the dogs and the breeder: Are the premises clean? Odor-free? Does the breeder show a genuine passion for dogs? Are the dogs well fed, coats clean and well cared for? How do the dogs interact with the breeder?
- Ask questions. One of the biggest benefits of working with a good breeder is that he or she can be counted on throughout your dog’s life. When you meet with a breeder for the first time, come prepared with a list of questions about the breed and the puppy – you can never ask too many, and there are no dumb questions! See how he/she reacts. Is he/she patient with your questions? Does he/she explain things clearly? Do you feel like you have a good rapport? Responsible breeders want to see their dogs in happy, loving forever homes and will be happy to share their knowledge.
- See the pup’s parents. There’s no better way to see how your dog will grow up than by looking at his parents! It will give you a sense of your dog’s temperament, size, and appearance. Some sires live at a different kennels so ask for a video or photos of him.
- Get a full medical history. Reputable breeders will be happy to show proof of health screenings such as OFA and CERF certificates. This may be in the form of actual certificates or a link to the club’s breed database, bernergarde.org. They will also explain any health conditions that typically affect the Bernese so you know what to watch out for in the long term.
- Be patient. Don’t expect to meet a breeder and bring home a puppy right away: The breeder will keep the puppy at the kennel for the first two or three months of its life, so it can mature and socialize with its mother and litter mates. This transition is important, and it will give you time to puppy-proof your house and to get the necessary supplies before welcoming him home.
- Check the breed database, bernergarde.org. This is a free database for breeders to get accurate information on pedigrees, but also open to anyone looking to find a reputable breeder. Click on “enter database”, and search for a breeder, a dog or kennel that you are interested in. Reputable breeders will list all their dogs, health certificates, litters produced and all health issue which includes longevity, cause of death/age, titles, etc. Be forewarned that not all breeders list causes of death, litters produced, or health issues. The concept is full disclosure with the database so you would expect both good and not so good information to be submitted by a breeder.
Once you’ve found a Breeder
- Get documentation of your puppy’s pedigree. If you have a good meet-and-greet with a breeder, and you want to move ahead, ask what the next steps are. The breeder should have a contract which you should read thoroughly. Do ask questions if something isn’t clear.
- Never give a breeder a deposit until you have a signed contract, have met the breeder and seen the pups. A deposit is not typically refundable but instead confirms that you are on a wait list for a puppy. If a pup is not available from a particular litter, make sure that a full refund is in writing.
Final thoughts on buying a puppy
- Purchase cost is only a small portion of what it will cost you to maintain your dog from day to day. Think about how much disposable income you have to spend on good quality dog food. Add costs for training classes and routine veterinary care. Does the disposable income you plan to use for your dog affect other things you might want to do with your family or children, like vacations or providing your child with unique enrichment activities?
- Although the Bernese Mountain Dog is a beautiful breed, it does come with a list of serious health issues which include cancer and orthopedic problems. Because of this the life expectancy is roughly 7 years.
- For more in depth, accurate information on the breed please visit the national Bernese Mountain Dog website, BMDCA at https://www.bmdca.org/club/
Additional Resources
Helpful Documents
Breeder’s View of Looking For a Puppy