Breeders The different types

Responsible Breeders:

    • Breeds for themselves and to better the breed with a well thought out breeding plan.
    • Active Breed Club Member.
    • Seeks out mentorship and advice from other responsible breeders.
    • Does extensive research to breed to the ideal dog and to breed to the standard.
    • Chooses pairings to breed for good health, temperament, sound structure, breed type, and longevity.
    • Does not often repeat the same breeding, uses multiple stud dogs in breeding program.
    • Does appropriate health testing and makes wise breeding decisions based on the results.
    • Is continuously seeking to learn more about Bernese Mountain Dogs.
    • Is very selective and sells only to approved  buyers.
    • Cares deeply about the puppy for life and wants periodic updates on the dog.
    • Has a contract with the buyer, including a statement regarding taking the dog back if the buyer can’t keep it (so the dog doesn’t end up in rescue or a shelter).
    • Will be there for the buyer for the life of the dog.
    • Is actively involved in dog related activities, and shows their dogs.
    • Has extensive breed knowledge and shares that knowledge with others.

Puppy Mill:

    • Breeds to make a profit (supplies pet stores, sells to brokers).
    • Not interested in Breed improvement.
    • Breeds to ANY available dog.
    • May pretend to have some breed knowledge.
    • Dogs live in kennels and runs designed for mass reproduction.
    • Does not participate in dog related activities or rescue.
    • Does not care what happens to the puppy after it is sold.
    • Has a PayPal or credit card system setup for payment.
    • Will ship puppies anywhere in the world.

Commercial / Brokers:

    • Breeds to make a profit (supplies pet stores and brokers, sells online and in papers).
    • Has many types of Breeds, does not specialize in a particular one.
    • Focuses on general appearances and fads.
    • May claim Breed knowledge is not important.
    • Dogs live in kennels and runs for mass reproduction.
    • Does not participate in dog related activities or rescue.
    • Does not care what happens to the puppy after it is sold.
    • May claim “USDA or AKC Inspected Kennel”.
    • Has a PayPal or credit card system setup for payment.
    • Will ship puppies anywhere in the world.

Back Yard Breeder:

    • Breeds to make a profit, to have another just like one of the parents, “so the kids can experience the miracle of birth”, to produce “just nice family pets” (sells online and in newspapers).
    • Most likely not a Breed Club Member, but sometimes lies about being a club member.
    • Works independently without guidance, advise, or mentorship from others.
    • Breeds to convenient dogs only, often the same stud dog over and over again.
    • May or may not do some or all health testing to appear as if they care about health, and may claim it doesn’t matter for “just a pet”.
    • May share false or incomplete information regarding the breed and/or their dogs.
    • Rarely attends dog related activities.
    • Does not take steps to learn more about the breed and best breeding practices.
    • Will sell a puppy to almost anyone with money, not very selective.
    • Does not truly care what happens to the puppy after it is sold.
    • Has a PayPal or credit card system setup for payment.
    • Will ship puppies anywhere in the world.