Southeastern Wisconsin

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Breeder Referral

   Please contact Mark Milligan  

We have put together some information which should help you decide if our breed is right for you, and if so, get you started in finding a good puppy. Our club's events are great places to meet breeders, owners and dogs.

Bernese Mountain Dogs have developed their wonderful qualities due to years of careful, selective breeding by dedicated, knowledgeable breeders. You should also do your homework in selecting a puppy from one of the breeders in our breeder referral listings. All of the breeders participating in the BMDCSEW's Breeder Referral program are members in good standing. The BMDCSEW does not recommend one breeder over another. It is the responsibility of the buyer to certify that sires/dams have received genetic screening clearances for hips, elbows and eyes and that the breeder supplies the buyer with copies of the certification reports from OFA or PennHip for hips and elbows and CERF for eyes.
The BMDCSEW recommends breeding stock be certified.

Before deciding on a Bernese Mountain Dog ...
Research the breed. Know the breed characteristics; will they fit into your home situation? Consider size, training needs, breed personality, health problems, grooming, cost of care and feeding. Ask yourself if a puppy is right for you or consider rescuing a Berner.

Know the genetic heritage of the puppy; see the pedigree, see the dam if possible, the sire also. Observe temperament, size, general physical condition of the parents. Parents should have their hips and elbows x-rayed, clear of hip and elbow dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) and be issued certification numbers.

Observe the conditions under which the puppies are raised. Inquire about the puppies' early experiences, what type of early handling and socialization did they receive? Never accept a puppy less than seven weeks old; 10-12 weeks is a better age for a puppy to make the transfer to a new home.

Thoroughly understand all the terms of the sales contract offered by the breeder. Contracts with strings attached such as co-ownership, breeding rights, or puppies back from a future breeding, are not necessary or usual.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. Feel comfortable with the breeder...you may need his/her help or advice at a later date.

Do not be in a hurry. If you truly want the right puppy, it may be a while before one is available.

Once you share your life with one of these wonderful dogs, you will understand and share our concern for their welfare and for the future of the breed.

Breeder Referral List