Finding a breeder and a puppy can be tough! We're here to help.
Martha Haynes, Puppy Referral Chair, e-mail:mhaynes1@nycap.rr.com
A puppy is an investment in time, money and love. Choose wisely, the time spent now will be well-rewarded with a life-time of pleasure with a beautiful, healthy and happy Bernese Mountain Dog.
A breeder that is a member of a local club, follows a code of ethics and has time for you and your concerns is your most important resource. Breeders know their dogs, if you feel comfortable with the breeder, they can be an important source for information you will need.
A good breeder is busy, a good breeder wants to place puppies in the best homes. You can increase your chances of making a successful contact with a good breeder through a few simple steps.
Know why you are choosing a breeder over a pet shop. You can review some of the reasons here
Review the excellent Puppy Buyer's Guide on the BMDCSEW site.
Check our calendar and attend an event. If it's a competitive event, the good breeders may be involved in the competition and may not be available at that time to discuss litters, but other members of the club will always be happy to discuss their dogs with you. Attending an event before you have a dog is also an excellent way to show breeders that you are the kind of owner that will provide a good home for their dogs.
Visit the BMDCA's breed steward page. You can contact a breed steward near home, or you can contact several breed stewards to cast a wider net and be more likely to find a good breeder. Be aware that one of the signs of a good breeder is a desire to meet you prior to making a commitment to sell, you may have to travel. You can also learn more about the breed by visiting the BMDCA's info series pages.
The "Breeder Checklist" is available here and will help you understand what kinds of questions you might wish to ask the breeders you meet. Much more information of interest to a puppy buyer is also included on that site.
You may wish to take the BMDCA's breed compatibility quiz. It highlights some of the factors involved in owning a Bernese Mountain Dogs, and some of the considerations breeders make before commiting to a sale.
The berner-l mailing list is a place where you can request a breeder referral. It is available through berner.org.
Martha Haynes, Puppy Referral Chair, e-mail:mhaynes1@nycap.rr.com