Buying a Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A Good Breeder Will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smelling of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC scheme for hip dysplasia (HD)
- abnormal formation of the hip joint – pain and lameness
- BVA/KC scheme for elbow dysplasia (ED)
- abnormal formation of the elbow joint – pain and lameness
- BVA/KC screening for eye disease; full
ophthalmological testing before breeding
(includes checks for multiple inherited diseases)
Other Diseases
No current health scheme or DNA test available.
- Cancers
- various
- GDV – Gastro dilatation/volvulus (‘bloat’)
- stomach fills with air and twists, can be fatal
Short lifespan – ask about life expectancy in the puppy’s relatives.
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- DM – degenerative myelopathy
- progressive weakness and paralysis of back legs
- Histiocytic sarcoma complex (risk grading test)
- aggressive cancer of immune system