BMD Puppies2024-03-18T16:06:26-06:00

SO, YOU WANT A BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG!

You’ve seen pictures of Bernese puppies (which are the cutest ever!), and may have met beautiful, calm adults. Although initially Bernese (aka Berners) may seem to be the ideal pets, they are not for everyone. There are some DISADVANTAGES. Listed below are the many areas that need careful thought and consideration before you bring one into your home. Speak with a reliable breeder before making a commitment. Get the facts before you buy!

SIZE: Berners are large dogs. They fall into the category of giant breeds. Fully-grown males range from 24-28 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 85-120 pounds; females stand 23-26 inches and weigh 65-100 pounds. They normally possess extremely active tails, making a clean sweep of any coffee table. A 6-month old puppy can weigh between 55-65 lbs, but it is still a baby mentally and can easily (but unintentionally) knock a small child down.

EXERCISE: While Berners are not a hyper breed they do require daily exercise to keep fit and adjust to the role of the calm house pet most people desire.

SHEDDING: Yes, they shed! They are a long-coated breed and shed a minimum of twice a year. This “blowing of coat” will result in more than the occasional dog hair in the butter, on the furniture, hair bunnies in the kitchen, and making the mother-in-law’s new white dress somewhat hairy. If you are fastidious in the home, DO NOT GET A BERNESE! A good thorough brushing every day during this molt is beneficial. THIS IS NOT AN IDEAL BREED FOR ALLERGY-PRONE INDIVIDUALS.

HEALTH & CARE: As in any large breed, hip and elbow dysplasia are a concern to all Berner owners. Purchasing a puppy whose parents have been certified to be free from dysplasia will better your chances of having a strong and capable pup. Cancer is also a serious concern in the breed. There are several eye conditions that are known to occur in Bernese, including cataracts and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). Other health problems that Bernese
owner may have to deal with include: allergies, bloat, thyroid, epilepsy, and heart conditions. Most breeds of dog have some of the above noted conditions, and some Berners will never have any of these problems, but we feel that it is best for you to know the worst. If you wish more information on any of these conditions, there is a list of links to websites on these and other medical issues on BMD Health Information Links and the Health Issues page on this website.

DOWNLOAD OUR BREED INFORMATION BOOKLET

The breeders listed below are current members in good standing with the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Canada (BMDCC) and have signed and agreed to follow the Club’s Code of Ethics. However, it is the buyer’s responsibility to research and determine each breeder’s reliability. The BMDCC in no way endorses or makes recommendation of any name on this list and cannot be held responsible for the behavior of any of the breeders on this list.
In addition to being members of the BMDCC, our breeders should also be members in good standing of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and adhere to the CKC’s Code of Ethics.

BUYERS TAKE NOTE:

Breeders should be able to provide a pedigree for each of their breeding dogs and the puppies being produced. They should be able to provide proof of any health clearances that have been completed on their dogs either by providing paper copies upon request or directing the buyer to their records on Berner-Garde (BG) or the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). At the very minimum, health clearance certificates for Hips, Elbows and Eyes should be available, as well as clearances for Heart and Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) (SOD1A & SOD1B). All puppies produced by our breeders must be registered with the CKC, and the buyer must be provided with their registration papers within six months of their puppy purchase.Breeders should provide lifetime support and should always be willing to take a puppy back, regardless of the age or reason.

Our breeders do not engage in the breeding of mixed breed dogs nor will they sell to those that are or may wish to.

Our breeders are always happy to talk with you and to answer any questions that you might have.

BMDCC Breeder Directory 2024, updated March 2024.

Note: The “BG” numbers after the Breeders’ names can be used to search for their profile in the Berner-Garde Database.

Breeder NameKennel NameLocationContactBreeding Bernese SinceLitter Plans
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Conzatti, Laura
BG 18981
Pawsonlake (Reg’d)Lake Country, BC250-766-5500
email
20112024
Dempsey, Julie
BG 17084
Snowcountry (Reg’d)Whistler, BC604-966-1851
email
2022Enquiries welcome
Gowans, Trish
BG 37674
Seabern (Reg’d)Victoria, BCemailEnquiries welcome
Knowles, Madeline
& Geoff Huber
BG 4231
Swisskiss Perm (Reg’d)Victoria, BCemail1996Enquiries welcome
Vaartstra, Anita
BG 14777
Bernergold (Reg’d)Merritt, BC604-302-3136
email
2008Summer 2024
Van Klaveren, Bernadette
BG 7685
Double Dutch (Reg’d)Nanaimo, BCemail1996Summer & Fall 2024
YUKON
Joanisse, Leslie &
Don Allen
BG 31366
Borealbreeze (Reg’d)Whitehorse, YTemail2005Summer & Fall 2024
ALBERTA
Banziger, Doris
BG 29643
Blue Feather (Reg’d)Stettler, AB403-883-2214 email2016Spring & Fall 2024
Corpataux, Ursula
BG 22549
Creo (Reg’d)Erskine, AB403-742-3337
email
2011Spring & Fall 2024
Doig, Kim
BG 9014
Susa (Reg’d)Didsbury, AB403-586-1596
email
20022-3 Litters Summer 2024
Greaves, Maureen
BG 60170
Delagrea (Reg’d)PO Box 10183
Airdrie, AB T4A 0H5
403-226-4953
email
2008Enquiries welcome
Harris, Lori
BG 42926
Talvi Reg’dOlds, AB403-586-5674
email
2023Enquiries welcome
Johnson, Coreen & Steve
BG 19021
Tailspinbmd (Reg’d)Leduc, AB780-913-4501
email
2014Enquiries welcome
Moran, Liz
BG 20128
Sennenridge (Reg’d)Okotoks, AB403-938-3551
email
2012Enquiries welcome
Newlove, Denise
BG 18583
Nitroberner (Reg’d)Bowden, AB403-396-9219
email
2011Spring & Fall 2024
Ruel, Shelbie
BG 51424
Ruel Red’gPeace River, AB780-618-3874 email2023/242024
Shelstad, Monica
BG 60306
PrairiegemsTaber, AB403-330-6551
email
2007Enquiries welcome
SASKATCHEWAN
Hansen, Amanda
BG 48447
Goose Creek Bernese (Reg’d)Rockglen, SK306-531-4311
email
2023Spring & Fall 2024
MANITOBA
Kelly, Tammy
BG 29037
KelbernBrandon, MB204-761-7348
email
2012Spring 2024
Larkin, Claire & Simons,John &
Simons, Jen
BG 20122
Afterberner (Reg’d)Winnipeg, MB204-668-3720
email
2010Enquiries welcome
Mulder, Lynne
BG 5875
Blakoke (Reg’d)Winnipeg, MB204-224-1636
email
19982024
ONTARIO
Gowan, Alison & Barbara
BG 9184
Gowans (Reg’d)Hagersville, ONemail19972 Litters 2024
McCallum, Nancy
BG 34065
Alpenbliss BMD (Reg’d)Eden, ON519-983-8315
email
2015Summer & Fall 2024
Nagel, Simone & Bart
BG 16154
Mount Magic (Reg’d)Tiny, ON705-529-6242
email
2007Spring & Fall 2024
Robertson, Cindy
BG 2448
Chasseron (Reg’d)Uxbridge, ON905-852-0389
email
1987Summer 2024
Wagenblast, Angela
BG 2142
Wagenblast (Reg’d)Caledonia, ON905-808-8854
email
1994Spring & Fall 2024
Ward, June
BG 8459
Kumnc (Perm Reg’d)Tiny, ON705-245-2724
email
1995Summer 2024
Willis, Patricia Anne
BG 11169
Gelbachler (Reg’d)Mattawa, ON705-744-3652
email
1992Enquiries welcome
QUEBEC
Clavel, Josée
BG 15927
Michaudville (Reg’d)St-Bernard-de- Michaudville, QCemail1999Summer 2024
Lessard, Edith
BG 32124
Dudswelriver (Reg’d)Bishopton, QCemail2015Spring & Fall 2024
Martineau, Valérie
BG 38767
Stardust (Reg’d)Villeroy, QCemail20112 Litters 2024
Matte-Paquet, Veronique
BG 14217
Belnois (Perm Reg’d)Aston Jonction, QCemail2005Summer & Fall 2024
Racine, Nicole
BG 4982
Imier (Reg’d)Bécancour, QC819-294-2424
email
1999Fall & Winter 2024
Rimmer, Helen & Guy
BG 14783
Baergli (Reg’d)Pincourt, QC514-425-1044
email
2005Spring 2024
NEW BRUNSWICK
Bennett, Wendy
BG 2508
Fisher, Bonnie
BG 32123
Bellusi, Lori
BG 12549
Julian, Jenn
BG 60287
Backcountry
(Perm Reg’d)
Nerepis, NB506-757-2555
email

1995

2009

2008

2019

2 Litters 2024
Ibelshauser, Lisa
BG 12880
Stockli (Reg’d)Willow Grove, NB519-373-2251
email
2007Enquiries welcome
Pellerin, Jessica
BG 22845
Azhar (Reg’d)Ste-Marie-de-Kent, NB506-955-9982
email
2011Fall 2024
NOVA SCOTIA
LeBlanc, Kim
BG 38440
Kidanga (Reg’d)Meteghan, NS902-645-2659
email
2016Fall 2024

BMDCC Member-Breeders: To be eligible to apply to be in the Breeder Directory, a breeder must have been a BMDCC member for one year, and have all their Berners listed in the Berner-Garde database with all testing listed for their breeding dogs. If you have been a BMDCC member in good standing for at least one year and would like your name added to the Breeder Directory, please download and complete the Breeder Directory Application Form and return to: June Ward.

Do Bernese get along with children?2023-12-27T09:06:56-07:00

This depends on the individuals involved – the child, the dog, and perhaps most importantly, the parents. The Bernese is NOT always the best choice of breed for a family with small children. Many Berner puppies go through a “mouthy” stage that can be unwittingly encouraged by young children. Many Berners’ bodies grow faster than their “brains”, which can be a challenge to the inexperienced dog owner.

Do Bernese get along with dogs or other animals?2023-12-27T08:51:29-07:00

Most Bernese puppies will be able to adjust to the other members of their new families – human, canine, feline and other pets. The greater the size difference, the more supervision and training may be required. Also, much depends on the individuals involved. Some Bernese are more nurturing, while others may have a stronger prey drive. The majority are somewhere in the middle and will respond to guidance in regard to their interactions with other family members.

Do Bernese have a tendency to wander?2023-12-27T09:05:24-07:00

Bernese prefer to stay close to the family and do not tend to wander. However, any breed if left alone for extended periods will get bored and go looking for something to do. If the puppy cannot be watched, they should be safely secured in a fenced yard or dog run. Better yet, in the house with the family.

What is a Bernese’s temperament like?2023-12-27T09:03:51-07:00

With the training essential for ownership of a large working breed, adult Bernese are generally gentle, easy-going and tolerant. They do not do well when isolated from people or activity. This breed can be slow to mature, and young dogs can be very active compared to the trained, often mellow adult. While Bernese should not be shy, this tendency does run in the breed. Due to temperament concerns, it is very important to expose Bernese to a wide variety of people, places and other animals, especially in their first year of life. However, caution should be taken not to over-face a sensitive dog.

Are Bernese easy to train?2023-12-27T09:01:50-07:00

Bernese generally like to please their people, but you must earn their respect. Some dogs can be challenging and take more work. Bernese are also smart enough to manipulate their owners. Generally, most Bernese are sensitive, impressionable dogs. Some may be “soft”. Bad or scary experiences are hard to overcome and are best anticipated and avoided. Only positive training techniques should be used. These dogs have lots of heart and owners need to understand their dog’s unique, psychological make-up. Your breeder should be able to assist you with training advice and methods.

How much should I expect to pay for a Bernese puppy?2023-12-27T09:00:44-07:00

Prices of puppies will depend on a variety of factors—locality, availability, quality. The prices now average around $2500.00 – $2800.00 in Canada. Higher cost does not necessarily equate to higher quality. Be sure that you fully understand the terms to which you are agreeing when purchasing a puppy, particularly if you are asked to provide a large deposit up front—you may find it is non-refundable.

How much exercise does a Bernese require?2023-12-27T08:58:58-07:00

Bernese require a moderate amount of exercise to maintain good health and condition. Some individuals are natural athletes while others have couch-potato tendencies. To keep them fit they should go for at least two brisk walks daily.

Where do I go to see a Bernese?2023-12-27T08:57:29-07:00

Dog shows are a good place to start when you are determining what type of dog your family prefers. Once you have narrowed down the selection to a couple of breeds, contact breeders and owners in your area. You can get a listing of breeders in the Canadian Dogs Annual magazine or through the breed clubs. See as many dogs as you possibly can. Even if the breeders are not planning a litter, go and see their dogs anyway. The more information and experience that you can gather on the breed the better informed you will be when you do get a chance at purchasing a family companion.

How long should I expect to wait for a Bernese puppy?2023-12-27T08:49:45-07:00

Up to a year wait is not unusual. With the COVID pandemic, many breeders delayed their breeding plans and now have a 1-2 year waiting list. It will depend mostly on the type of home you can provide and what interests you have in the breed. Expect to wait longer for show/breeding potential pups since they are fewer in numbers than pet quality. Likewise if you wish to purchase from a particular breeder. Most breeders will want to meet you if possible and then put you on a waiting list if you are both in agreement of you getting a puppy from that particular breeder.

It is considered quite common to ship a puppy from one part of the country to another part or even to another country – do not be afraid to contact breeders outside of your area. However there are a few drawbacks: you will not likely be able to see both parents of the litter or meet the breeder in person. You can request a list of references of previous puppy buyers and a video tape or pictures of the parents of the litter and possibly littermates as well. You should expect to pay for any shipping fees and the cost of a shipping crate. Although buying a puppy sight unseen can be a bit more risky, it is done successfully time after time. As long as you are dealing with a reputable breeder, you will likely be very happy. It is common courtesy to advise all the people with whom you have left your name that you have found your companion.

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