Puppies
Is a Bernese Mountain Dog right for you?
Our club is committed to improving and protecting the Bernese Mountain Dog now and in the future. We are fighting to keep our dogs out of puppy mills and pet stores. To that end we provide a list of the breeders in our club below who follow an approved code of ethics. And we point you to information about the true cost and commitment of being owned by a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA) Info Series about cost, common health concerns, Berners in the family, breed-appropriate activities and more.
Chat with a BMDCA Breed Ambassador about whether a Berner is a fit for your lifestyle.
Review American Kennel Club's About Buying a Dog.
Are you thinking about paying money for a cross-breed? Please read this first...
News flash: Bernerdoodles do shed.
Because the genetic makeup is diverse from the Poodle genes and the Bernese Mountain Dog genes, the resultant first generation (F1) offspring is a complete genetic gamble. Such cross-bred dogs can wind up any size, color, coat texture and temperament. Behavior varies with the dog and within a litter with some puppies more poodle-like in attitude and others somewhat like the Bernese Mountain Dog. Finally, crossbred dogs are prone to all the genetic disease of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog has to offer.
For more information, please visit the BMDCA discussion of cross-breeding and Bernerdoodles.
Recommended research
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA) offers comprehensive information about Bernese Mountain Dogs online. The BMD Info Series covers a range of topics in some depth:
- About the breed
- Buying a Bernese.
- Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue
- Health and Care
- Activities with Berners
Actively Looking for a puppy?
Becoming an Informed Puppy Buyer
We offer tools to help you become a confident, informed buyer and to guide you toward conscientious, ethical breeders. Our free Puppy Packet (PDF) equips you to:
- Interview a breeder about the health, temperament, and quality of their puppies
- Spot red flags in a breeder’s answers — including signs of puppy mills or backyard breeders
Finding an Ethical Breeder
The BMDCO Breeder List is designed to help potential puppy owners connect with BMDCA/BMDCO members who breed Bernese Mountain Dogs. Breeders on this list have met the following requirements:
- Current BMDCO member in good standing (Code of Conduct signed)
- Current BMDCA member in good standing (Code of Conduct signed)
- Have bred at least one litter
- Participate in AKC/BMDCA conformation and/or performance events
Important: The BMDCO does not inspect, monitor, or regulate the breeding or business practices of Breeder List participants. We do not mediate disputes between breeders and buyers, nor do we endorse, guarantee, recommend, or approve any specific breeder. We cannot guarantee the health, temperament, or quality of any dog sold by breeders on this list.
We strongly encourage all puppy buyers to conduct thorough due diligence. Please review our Breeder Red Flags page and download the Puppy Packet, which includes a health checklist, warning signs to watch for, and key questions to ask any breeder.
Breeders
Oregon
- Debby Jones (Oregon) - lazyjbernese@msn.com
- Michelle and Angela Merfeld (Oregon) - coburghillsbmd@gmail.com
- Sherry Schoorl (Oregon) - schurlike@comcast.net
- Anne Summers (Oregon) – summersbmds@gmail.com
- Cindy Switzler (Oregon) - werlwindbmd1986@gmail.com
Washington
- Fred and Karon Thomas (Washington) - 4ts-bmd@charter.net
- Lori Jacobson (Washington) - lorigjacobson@gmail.com
- Kelly Tierney (Washington) - bernerfarm79@gmail.com
It is important to know that we do not endorse, inspect, guarantee or otherwise approve any particular breeder(s). This list is offered to you as an additional tool to help you get the quality puppy you desire.
Important Warnings for Puppy Buyers
Always insist on seeing the mother with the litter. Puppies sold without the dam present are often imported by brokers from Eastern Europe, where puppies are purchased cheaply and resold in the U.S. for profit. These puppies are frequently:
- Unhealthy
- Improperly cared for
- Shipped before being fully weaned
- Stressed, neglected, and transported in inhumane conditions
Additionally, use caution with puppies advertised in newspapers, online listings, or dog‑sale websites. While reputable breeders occasionally use these platforms for education or future‑litter interest, puppies available “on demand” without screening are often from puppy mills or backyard breeders.
Watch for missing AKC registration. Lack of documentation can indicate an imported puppy. (Note: AKC registration alone does not guarantee quality — always research the breeder.)
BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG HEALTH
Research the Health of a Puppy's Family Line
The Berner Garde Foundation maintains an online database where breeders and owners record health information about their dogs. Before buying a puppy, double-check to confirm that the breeder you've chosen does genetic testing on their breeding dogs. While you’re at it, verify that their breeding dogs have good hips and elbows.
Ask the breeder for the registered names of the parents of the puppy you are considering. You can then research them and their family lines for free. If you don’t find them on Berner Garde, you can bet you are dealing with a disreputable breeder.