KBMDC ~ Breeder Referral
Fara Bushnell is our Club's Breeder Referral Chair. Fara will be happy to answer questions you might have as you search for a Breeder and a puppy. Several of the Kentuckiana Bernese Mountain Dog Club members are BMD breeders. Fara can let you know if any of the club's breeders have litters planned or puppies available for placement with caring families. E-mail Fara - bernersandbirds@aol.com
The Kentuckiana Bernese Mountain Dog Club hopes we can help you find a Berner puppy that has the best chance to live a long healthy life from a consciencious, supportive, knowledgeable breeder.
The Links below are provided to help you make informed decisions related to ownership of a Berner, and selection of a breeder and puppy.
Please take some time to visit these educational resources to learn about Berners and buying a puppy.
Is A BMD Right For You?
Take the BMDCA Breed Compatibility Profiler
Tips for Buying a Puppy
BMDCSEW BMD Puppy Buyer's Guide
Puppy Buyer Aids
BMD Info.org
Database
Check to see if the breeder you are planning to get your new puppy from conducts genetic tests on dogs used for breeding.
BernerGarde
Nationwide BMDCA Member Breeder listing
BMDCA Breed Steward Program
Breeder Questions
Berner.org ~
Ask the Breeder
Learn about the the goals and focus of the Breeder of your puppy. ASK QUESTIONS!
KBMDC ~ Questions For A Buyer To Ask A Breeder:
1. How long have you owned Bernese Mountain Dogs?
2. How long have you been a member of the KBMDC?
3. How long have you been a member of the BMDCA?
4. Why do you breed Bernese Mountain Dogs?
5. How many years have you been breeding Bernese Mountain Dogs?
6. What are your most important breeding goals?
7. What were your goals and expectations for this particular litter?
8. Can you refer me to buyers from previous litters?
9. How many litters do you breed annually?
10. What whelping problems are in your line?
11. Are the sire and dam on premises? Can they be seen? If not, do you have pictures or videos?
12. Do you have the AKC Bernese Mountain Dog video?
13. Can we see the four generation pedigree?
14. How many dogs in the pedigree are you familiar with?
15. Do you use the database?
16. Do you have information from the database on the sire and dam?
17. What method of screening did you use for the hips and elbows for the sire and dam? May we see documentation?
18. Why did you choose this stud dog?
19. Is this a repeat breeding? If yes, may we see offspring from a previous litter?
20. What is the longevity in your line? May we see documentation?
21. What are the health/genetic problems in your line (ie kidney, heart, cancer, thyroid, OCD, dentition, entropion, ectropion, seizures, etc.)
22. What is the temperament history of your line?
23. At what age may we see the litter?
24. Are the puppies temperament tested?
25. What do you feel are the differences between male and females with regard to personality and living habits?
26. Has the litter been socialized?
27. Do you require a special feeding program?
28. Do you recommend crate training?
29. What is your price and is a deposit required?
30. Is the deposit refundable?
31. What are the sales terms and guarantees and are they in a contract?
32. Is this litter registered with the AKC? Will I receive my copy of the registration with the puppy?
33. What are your criteria for a show prospect vs. a pet puppy?
34. Are your pet puppies sold on AKC limited registration?
35. Do you require pet puppies to be spayed or neutered?
36. What is your replacement policy?
37. Can I pick my own puppy from the litter?
38. What other dog clubs do you belong to? How long have you been a member of these clubs?
39. Do you show your dogs in breed competition and/or obedience?
40. What titles do your dogs have? What titles are in the pedigrees?
