Checklist Reputable Breeders

Preservation Bernese Mountain Dog or Poodle breeders will not allow their dogs to be crossbred. Therefore, the dogs generally used to breed doodles are of unknown quality or heritage. A Bernese Mountain Dog should be sturdy and balanced. He should be strong, intelligent and agile. A Bernese Mountain Dog should be able to work all day, as per the breed standard. A reputable breeder will work to put titles on their breeding stock in conformation or working events. Those titles indicate that their dogs have met the breed standard and excelled in the conformation ring or at working events. Reputable breeders do BMDCA-recommended health and genetic testing prior to any breeding to make the optimal match and produce the best qualities of a Bernese Mountain Dog. The crossbred dogs can be prone to the genetic diseases of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog has to offer.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America and the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northeastern Illinois is opposed to the deliberate crossing of Bernese Mountain Dogs with any other breed!

    • Puppies for sale are born on the premises – never shipped in.
    • Breeder does not sell puppies to wholesalers, brokers, dealers or retail shops.
    • Dog set up is clean and well kept.
    • Breeder insists that the puppies for sale will be at least 8 weeks old before being placed.
    • Sire and dam of the litter were tested for genetic health before the breeding.
    • Puppies for sale and dogs for sale have been introduced to children and other animals as a part of their socialization.
    • Breeder reviewed some of the problems some people have with the breed.
    • Breeder asked if you plan to breed the dog. Your contract should spell out spay and neuter or what is required if you are going to show your dog?
    • Breeder is available as a resource for advice and support for the life of the dog.
    • Breeder promises to take the dog back (not return your money) if you can’t keep it, for the life of the dog.
    • Breeder provides a contract for your review and goes over it with you.
    • Breeder raises no more than 2 different breeds of puppies for sale and dogs for sale. It is very difficult for a breeder to be competent in more breeds.
    • Breeder is a member of a breed club.
    • Breeder’s primary concern is finding a good home for the puppy, rather than getting paid.
    • Breeder asked you lots of questions about your lifestyle, family, experience with dogs and other pets, and why you are looking for a dog for sale. Breeder was happy to answer all your questions and made you feel comfortable asking for advice.
    • Breeder shows their dogs in conformation.
    • Breeder breeds puppies to support their own bloodlines. Breeder does not breed for profit.
    • Breeder selects the puppies out of the litter best suited for you and your family.
    • Breeder’s priority is the placement of the puppy in the best home and circumstances for all.

PUPPY BUYERS BEWARE “RED FLAGS”

    • Sells males for less money than females.
    • Sells “Show Quality” puppies while they never show themselves.
    • Sells any puppy with full registration for more money, regardless of the quality or health of the puppy.
    • No reputable breeder sells puppies to a broker.
    • Does not have verifiable health clearances on hips AND elbows, of at least MOST of the dogs on the puppies pedigree.  If you are told “our Vet said they are healthy” this is a BIG red flag!
    • Breeder discourages you from visiting their home/facilities, or “suggests” you meet somewhere to get your puppy.
    • Requires money up front before any paperwork (such as pedigree info. or contract) is provided.
    • Requires non-refundable deposits before their bitch is bred or the litter is whelped.
    • Sells puppies without a written contract.
    • Puppies registered with other than the AKC registry or Canadian CKC registry.
    • Has PayPal or credit card system setup for payment.
    • Says “I just breed nice puppies for nice people.”  What this REALLY means is “I am selling them to anyone who comes up with the cash.”
    • Breeds multiple breeds.
    • Sells unregistered puppies or charges additional money for registering puppies.
    • Advertises in the newspaper.
    • Does not provide pedigree information or provide the family health history of the parents.
    • Does not allow you to see the mother of the puppy.
    • No registered names of dogs on the pedigree or breeder’s website.
    • Using registered names that are false.
    • Dogs or breeder not listed in the BMDCA Berner-Garde database.
    • Will ship puppies anywhere in the world.