Rule #3 of Breeding:  There is no perfect breeder

All BMD breeders, responsible or irresponsible, have different opinions about what should be addressed when breeding dogs. This can be very confusing to a beginner in the breed.

For instance, breeders all prefer different physical traits in a BMD dog. These traits are often referred to as 'TYPE'.  Some breeders prefer what I deem the European class of BMD, which I believe have lesser bone and look more like a collie-type (typical appearance prior to Newfoundland outcross). Other breeders prefer the stockier, blockier look (sometimes called 'drafty') that I refer to as the 'St Bernard' look (considered one result from the Newfoundland outcross).  These are two very differing physical traits of the same breed. These 'TYPE' attributes are addressed in Breed Standard. For more information on Berner Breed Standard, see webpage: http://www.bmd.org/standard.html.

There are not many agreed upon methods for selecting breeding stock. For instance, some breeders feel OFA, GDC, PennHip, OVC, WCVM, CERF and other clearances are vital factors in the breeding pair. Other breeders are more concerned about these clearances overall in the lineages. Still others feel these clearances are not as accurate as they should be and don't always pay a lot of attention to them.

More differences of opinions focus on something called 'line breeding'. This is where the same dog is used in both sides of a pup's lineage in different generations. 'Line Breeding' is loosely a form of 'in-breeding' in a (hopefully) controlled and educated manner. The breeder's hope here is that the traits of one strong dog will be significantly carried forward in the offspring. Done right, this can be a really good thing. Done wrong, this can cause all sorts of genetic problems. 

Rule #4 of Breeding:  There is no perfect  selection of dam and stud

Responsible breeders do their best to create quality puppies. It's a gamble on blending two dogs and their lineages. As with all gambling, everyone has their own methods for winning.

If you're a beginner BMD lover, and you want to learn more about this breed, then you're in for a potential overload of confusing information. 

I suggest you visit my Dog Links and Books to Read web pages and begin to study. 

FIRST focus on learning about health and temperament issues typical of the BMD breed. Next, study canine structure and learn correct terminology. Don't try to be an expert - just get some working knowledge. Once you've studied a little about BMD temperament, health and structure, find a breeder who can answer your questions on those issues. And if you're interested in finding the right puppy for you, this would be the a very important part of the process.

For People Inquiring About The BMD Breed and for Potential Puppy Owners:

In my view, there are three very important reasons to study the dog breed you want to own BEFORE you make the plunge and purchase a puppy. 

• You have a greater chance of buying a healthier dog suitable for you on a long-term basis

• You will have built good resources to help you and your puppy enjoy a good life together

• If for some reason your puppy doesn't work out for you, then you have good resources for alternative placement (your pup's breeder and other breeders)

Rule #5 of Breeding: A Champion does not always make a great choice for breeding stock

A main purpose for the Show Ring is to select breeding stock. So naturally many people look to Show Winners for best potentials of breeding stock.

However, a Show Judge cannot see a dog's pedigree. They only see the dog and it's handler. 

A lovely dog superbly handled can bowl over Judges to win Best in Show. But what the Judges do NOT see are the invisible health issues contained in the genetic structure of that dog.

I know of a dog who has risen through the ranks, winning many shows and even placing well at the coveted Westminster. However, this dog's genes carry first and second generation cancer. Yet many breeders are flocking to use this stud with their bitches because of the stud's huge winnings. Would you want a puppy from a stud who's father died of cancer at 4 years of age?

To balance the perspective here, you should note that if this stud is bred to a quality bitch with a very low or almost non-existent cancer lineage, then that mating could produce a superb litter with a greatly lowered cancer risk. Wise breeding would be called for in using that stud. Frankly, that cancer gene would give me a serious consideration. But . . . he's a lovely dog, from otherwise nice pedigree and has great conformation to breed standard!

The good thing about buying a pup from a line of champions is that you know you're buying into a line that is proven to maintain a lot of the breed's physical integrity and beauty. So Champions are definitely to be greatly respected in any pedigree.

Rule #6 of Breeding: A non-titled dog does not always make a bad choice for breeding stock

It's only natural that breeders prefer a dog that has been publicly acknowledged as a superior representative of it's breed. Everyone loves a Champion.

But a good breeder will not overlook a sound dog with a sound lineage just because it did not or cannot do well in a Show Ring.

Case in point, I know of a bitch with excellent orthopedics, sound temperament and excellent pedigree but she will never do well in the show ring. Why? She got her foot caught in a fence when she was young and this effects her movement. But everything else about her conformation to breed standard is excellent. Despite the lack of title, a wise breeder took a chance on her genetically with superb results.

While it's wise to look for show titles on a breeding dog, remember that not all quality breeding dogs will make it to the show ring.

Rule #7 of Breeding:  There is no perfect PPO (potential puppy owner)

A  good Breeder will seem to be looking for a perfect home to place their pups into. This can intimidate can intimidate PPOs (Potential Puppy Owners) and turn them away toward commercial breeders or BYBs. If you're a PPO, don't get offended. Just realize this is an important part of buying a quality pup you hope to own for 8 to 12 years.

It's a good Breeder's responsibility to ensure the best life possible for their pups. After all, the Breeder spent a lot of time, money and effort into birthing that pup. So naturally a good Breeder wants to be sure that pup is well taken care of. So don't get offended if a Breeder asks you personal questions - they're just trying to determine if you're the best possible placement for their little baby who will become a huge dog very soon.

If you're a PPO, I suggest you Interview at least 2 (or more) different BMD breeders before selecting one to purchase a puppy from. 

A quality breeder will offer a lot of information about their breeding program. They will be able to tell you what they hoped to gain in their litter. They will be able to tell you about the health, temperament and conformation issues they addressed when planning this litter.

And expect to be interviewed, too. A responsible breeder is going to want to know a lot of information about you. Be prepared to tell the breeder what you know about BMDs, how many BMDs you've been exposed to, how you intend to care for the pup (feeding, training, vet, neuter/spay, pet-sitters, etc), and if there's any other pets/people in your home. The breeder will want to hear your concerns and your goals in getting the puppy. And whatever basics you don't know about the BMD breed, you should be prepared to learn prior to purchasing a puppy.

Rule #8 of Breeding:  There are breeders who should not be allowed to breed, but they do

The fact is, you will probably get what you shop for. The wiser your shopping methods, the better chance you have at a wise selection.

For instance, if the breeder is not very concerned with your personal information, chances are good that you're dealing with either a breeder who produces dogs on a commercial level or a backyard breeder (BYB).

 A BYB is typically someone who wants to make a little bit of money and doesn't really know much about health, conformation or lineage issues. Some BYBs take good care of their dogs and some don't.  Their focus is usually to make some money off their litter(s), very often its said to 'help cover the cost of the dog'. Typically, BYBs will not belong to any club, will have little or no information on their dogs' lineages, health issues in the breed and are not interested in getting better educated about the BMD breed. 

A BYB can be easily identified by just a few of the following criteria: 

• Lack of in-depth research into pedigrees involved prior to breeding

• No proper professional health clearances obtained prior to breeding

• Does not protect the Berner gene pool (i.e., they easily sell breedable pups to almost anyone; they don't follow-up to insure pups were neutered/spayed)

• Lack of proper follow-up to insure no health or temperament issues have developed in pups they've bred

• They don't carefully screen puppy buyers

• They don't require written and signed puppy contract to protect the puppy's best interests and the breed's best interests. 

• Several repeat breedings (most responsible breeders don't repeat a breeding more than once but for BYBs and commercial breeders, repeat breedings are a great money maker)

• Lack of participation in a breed club

• Not very concerned for the welfare of the breed

Up until about the late 1980's, there were many large kennels who produced a great number of litters per year and still maintained a high reputation for being a quality kennel. This is something true of many breeds, not just Berners. In some cases, these kennels were owned and operated by wealthy families. Other factors were that these kennels produced some top winning show dogs.

Today, times have changed a great deal. In today's world, Breeders who produce a large number of litters per year are typically labeled with the title of 'commercial breeder'. And among responsible dog lovers, the term 'commercial breeder' has a very derogatory meaning. A 'commercial breeder' is thought to be someone who's making a living via breeding dogs, among other criteria. 

So, does this mean kennels like the large old ones are undesirable to purchase a puppy from?

A wry joke among hobby breeders is that if breeding Berners is done right, you won't make a profit - rather, it's an expensive hobby. 

However, I know of several quality berner breeders who breed on a commercial basis (i.e., they produce several litters per year and actually make a profit off their kennels). And I personally recommend these breeders to PPOs in their areas. Why? They produce quality dogs, they protect the Berner gene pool . . . in short, they breed responsibly.

How does one know if the commercial breeder is breeding responsibly?

Everything depends on the ethics the breeder displays in choices like selecting breeding stock, caring for their stock, how they place puppies, protecting the breed gene pool, etc. 

See the above criteria for a BYB. Any breeder who meets any of that criteria is one I wouldn't recommend if you're looking to purchase a quality puppy of ANY breed.

The irresponsible commercial breeder looks at their efforts much like a middle-of-the-road cattle/sheep rancher would. There are irresponsible commercial breeders who take good care of their 'stock' and ones who don't. The best way to tell if a breeder is an irresponsible commercial breeder is to ask some of the items listed above for BYBs and get honest replies. A responsible breeder, commercial or not, should be able to answer a series of questions is with specific knowledge of professional clearances, health, conformation and temperament issues in both dogs' lineages. It's very typical that an irresponsible commercial breeders will have only vague information to give you, and not many specifics.

Irresponsible commercial breeders and BYBs are a real danger to the BMD breed. Both of these types of breeders create a deluge of poorly bred dogs and/or genetically ungoverned dogs into the BMD gene pool. 

Neither of these breeders see anything wrong with their breeding program. 

When I search for a puppy from a breeder, my bottom-line question is: 'What are you doing to protect the breed you're involved with?' A correct response should include puppy contract with stringent requirements on spay/neuter. But the most important part of the response should be to explain the very strict requirements they have for selling breeding stock (and no, asking a higher dollar fee is NOT a stricter requirement). I expect a responsible breeder to be very hesitant to sell breeding stock, to not be very motivated to sell breeding stock, to be very protective of their kennel name and to never sell breeding stock to someone who a) is not an experienced, proven responsible Berner breeder or b) is not someone they fully believe will breed responsibly and c) they will personally mentor into the breed and carefully monitor the breeding program their pup is used in.

There are 2 major dangers to the BMD breed from commercial breeders and BYBs.  

(1) They easily sell breeding rights that do not include strict supervision of who's breeding their dogs. This gives opening to another commercial breeder getting hold of their dog and continuing the negative breeding process of not screening for health, lineage, or temperament. PLUS, it creates a flood of pups into a market that is not geared to handle a large breed dog with problems.

(2) Dogs they produce exhibit a higher chance of genetic disease and temperament problems. Since they do little screening for health and temperament, it's a foregone conclusion that their pups have a MUCH higher risk to exhibit problems in both health and/or temperament. Knowing the 2 dogs being bred is simply not enough. Their genes came from other dogs who may have had problems that will get passed onto the new generation. For instance, BMDs today are well known for their easy-going, non-aggressive temperament. That's due to a lot of hard work on the part of responsible BMD breeders. And just one commercial breeder could ruin that reputation with a few litters from one BMD who does have a temperament problem and passes it on.

When selecting a breeder, avoid anyone you feel you:

• 1. Do not trust

• 2. Do not communicate with very well

• 3. Do not want a long-term relationship with

• 4. Are fairly certain meets the criteria for a commercial breeder or a BYB

When selecting a good breeder, a few things to look for are:

• A quality interview into your life and goals for puppy ownership

• Good, detailed insight into the breeding pair's lineage, health, temperament, structure and what was hoped from the litter

• A compatible personality with yours

• A good level of trustworthiness built on their knowledge, commitment and guarantees

• A request for long-term contact with you and your puppy

• A signed contract for ownership of responsibility

• Breeder produces less than 2 or 3 litters per year

• Breeder belongs to BMD club(s) (this could be optional if breeder lives remotely)

• Optional: Breeder may or may not show their dogs. There are good breeders who choose to not show their dogs for whatever reason. Also, just because a dog won it's champion title does not mean that dog should be bred.

Rule #9 of Breeding:  There are many responsible breeders, but not all agree

A responsible breeder's ultimate goal is to protect and improve the gene pool of the breed. 

It would be impossible to list here all the various methods that responsible breeders use to achieve this goal. Some breeders feel temperament is the most important item to breed for. Others feel breed 'type' is the paramount consideration in choosing a breeding pair. Yet others feel 'health' is absolutely the primary consideration for breeding selections.

Additionally, breeders will naturally have other goals in mind as well, and these vary from breeder to breeder. 

Breeding dogs is a tough labor of love with lots of risks, losses and challenges to navigate. So it's common for a responsible breeder to be passionate about their breeding program.  Because there are so many considerations and choices to make, it's common for responsible breeders to disagree with each other regarding the merits of choices.

 Hopefully, though, each breeder's choices are valid methods of obtaining the goal of improving and protecting the breed's gene pool.

A PPO's goal in acquiring a dog through a responsible breeder should be for known health and temperament. Hopefully, that lowers the risk of acquiring a potentially unhealthy or poor temperament puppy. But there are many side benefits a PPO can get from choosing a certain breeder. For instance, distance may or may not be a factor in a PPO's decision to work with a breeder. I'd personally go to a different state if I preferred that breeder and/or their dogs over another one closer to my home. But not everyone shares this view. 

Most importantly, since every breeder will have a different views, a PPO should find a breeder whose philosophy about dogs is one they can agree with. Also, make certain this is a person they want a long-term relationship with. After all, a PPO hopes to have their berner from 8 to 12 years, so it's probable that's at least how long the PPO will want to keep in contact with the dog's breeder.

Rule #10 of Breeding:  Responsible breeders are careful about who gets their breeding stock

Responsible breeders evaluate their litter, or have it evaluated, to differentiate between 'Show/Breeding' pups and 'Pet' pups. They determine which pups will be kept intact as potential gene pool participants and which pups will never participate in the gene pool.

Generally speaking, 'Show/Breeding' pups are commonly better representatives of their breed. So they're probably physically more attractive to look at than their 'Pet' siblings.

It's important to remember a breeder's goal in producing a litter is to protect and improve the gene pool. So if that breeder governed the litter's genetics correctly, then every pup in the litter should have good potential to be a quality pup. But, as the law of genetics dictates, some pups will have stronger quality than others.

Most PPOs want a puppy that's a good representative of the breed. And many PPOs put an emphasis on physical beauty. So it's common for an uninformed PPO to ask for a 'Show' pup, as they know this is a better quality pup than its littermates. But the PPO's goal is just to get a nicely marked, quality pup.

What most PPOs don't know is that asking a responsible breeder for a 'Show' pup is the same thing as asking for a 'Breeding' potential pup. 

No responsible breeder will sell a 'Breeding Potential' pup (or 'Show Pup') to someone who is not an established responsible breeder. Perhaps the breeder would make the sale if the PPO is someone the breeder has agreed to mentor . . . but no responsible breeder allows an unknown, unproven person to have a puppy's breeding rights and ability because that endangers the Berner gene pool.

So if a PPO wants a 'Show' quality pup but has no intentions to become a breeder, that PPO should probably communicate instead that they want a 'Nicely Marked Pup'...or whatever specific trait they're looking for.

Rule #11 of Breeding:  A responsible breeder usually reserves the right to choose the placements for each puppy

A responsible breeder spends eons of time with the litter of puppies and their mother. Whelping a litter is an incredibly time consuming event. During that course of time, a breeder becomes intimately acquainted with each pup in the litter. And every pup is completely unique: personality, markings, health, etc.

A responsible breeder marks down growth rates, markings, personalities, health and all sorts of intimate notes on each pup in the litter as they mature. This is all part of how the breeder learns to improve breeding methods and choices. And its part of how a breeder selects breeding stock. So by the time the puppies are ready to go to their new homes, a breeder has accumulated an exhaustive array of information on each puppy.

Many PPOs want the joy of feeling in control of their puppy 'purchase'. So they want to be the ones to 'choose' their puppy. PPOs often make the journey to visit the litter and make their 'pick'. Or, thanks to modern technology, a breeder can send them pictures to allow the PPO to see the litter.

Its my thought that many PPOs do not see much difference between selecting a puppy in a Pet Shop versus from a breeder. Shopping is shopping, right? But there's a world of difference between buying a Pet Shop puppy and a puppy bred by a responsible breeder. See my Pet Shop web page for more info about buying from a place like that.

IMPORTANT: A wise PPO will have chosen a breeder who is experienced enough to choose the best puppy for their home - and the wise PPO will accept the puppy that the breeder deemed best suited for their placement. After all, it's the responsible breeder's job to make sure each puppy ends up in a home completely suitable for it.

So far as I see it, a PPO puts in their puppy request with goals for how that puppy will blend with their lifestyle in adulthood. In my experience, not many PPOs know what they really need in a puppy - just what they want. A good breeder blends knowledge of the PPO with what is found in the litter and selects a pup who will compliment both the PPO's lifestyle and personality. Of course, in Berners, this is a LOT easier than in some other breeds I've worked with.

As a breeder, this is one thing I wish more PPOs understood. It's not a matter of 'control' over who gets to choose the puppy. It's a matter of who's best qualified to make the choice. 

A breeder has many factors to consider when placing a litter. One consideration is the puppy's physical health. For instance, a smart breeder probably does NOT want to put a puppy without extremely solid structure into a family that is very physically active. This would spell certain disaster for that puppy's orthopedics. But most PPOs simply don't have the expertise to determine structure flaws - or even know to look for them.

Temperament is another extremely important consideration in placing a puppy. Let's say a family owns an adult Corgi and wants to add a BMD puppy to their family. Corgi's usually want to be the dominate dog. So, for a good placement, the BMD pup will need to be a confident but non-aggressive pup who doesn't mind being #2 in the pack order. No one will know puppy temperaments better than the responsible breeder (unless, perhaps, its the professional puppy temperament evaluator).

Rule #12 of Breeding:  Reputable breeders with an available litter are not often found

So you've decided you're ready for the BMD puppy. But now you can't seem to find a breeder with a litter that's not already spoken for. 

An established responsible BMD breeder will often have a waiting list for their puppies. This is because (1) the breeder doesn't breed more than a litter or two per year and (2) they're already known to have quality dogs and so their pups are in demand.

Don't give up your search and be content to be on a waiting list unless you have found the ONLY breeder you will buy a pup from.

Not all responsible breeders keep a waiting list. 

For many, it's a pain in the rump to keep a list of people who are wanting to know 'when their pup will get born'. Personally, I don't keep a waiting list because I don't want the pressure to create a litter just to fill peoples' homes with Berners. I want to breed because it's a wise breeding without outside pressure to produce.

Find one of these breeders who don't maintain lists - or find a new breeder wanting to get established and who has good breeding ethics - and see about getting a pup from them.

Shopping breeders is a great way to find good information that will help you make a wise puppy purchase. But don't get frustrated if a Berner pup from a responsible breeder isn't easy to find because that's a compliment to our breed. 

Rule #13 of Breeding:  Even Responsible breeders can produce problem puppies

A PPO hopes that by going to an ethical breeder that the result will be a healthy, temperamentally sound puppy.

The fact is, by going to an ethical breeder, a PPO has only an increased chance for a healthy, temperamentally sound puppy.

Problematic puppies happen to EVERY breeder, even in the best planned breedings!

So...the question is WHY GO TO AN ETHICAL BREEDER if a PPO still runs the risk of buying a problematic puppy?

Chances of buying a problematic puppy should be greatly lowered

In the event the PPO buys a puppy that becomes problematic, the ethical breeder will be supportive and help work solutions. A non-ethical breeder feels responsibility for the puppy ends with the exchange of payment for puppy.

Also, by going to a breeder who is actively trying to improve the Berner breed in every breeding, YOU are also helping to improve the breed, too, by buying their puppy and thereby supporting their breeding program.

 Note: Its important to remember that some puppy buyers can be an incredible pain-in-the-buttocks to a breeder. Puppy buyers are often demanding, don't follow breeder suggestions which result in puppy issues, lose or ignore paperwork, etc. If I had to say what my biggest problem in breeding dogs is - it would probably be the Puppy Buyers. So if you're a puppy buyer, give your breeder a break: follow breed instructions, communicate w/your pup's breeder and follow-through on your agreements.

Final Notes

A responsible breeder should be a support to help a puppy owner enjoy and train their puppy and also help solve any problems that dog may encounter as the years progress. PPOs should keep this firmly in mind when interviewing breeders.

Decide BEFORE the purchase if this is a Breeder whose input you are able to employ regarding the care of your puppy. If not, find another Breeder to buy from.

Once you've chosen a Breeder to work with, that means you've put FAITH in that person's wisdom and integrity. So when this Breeder counsels you, the Puppy Owner, about dog care items like what to feed, how to manage health issues, what kinds of play are appropriate, etc - have the courage to have the same kind of faith in what that Breeder tells you to do. That responsible Breeder will have lots of experience to draw from, plus, very importantly, that Breeder knows the pedigree involved. Different pedigrees present different challenges. After all, this is the Breeder you trusted enough to purchase a puppy from. 

To all PPOs: Good luck on your research!!

It's certainly going to be worth your effort when you hold that cuddly lovely pup in your arms!

Here's my Shali as a VERY pregnant lady in Spring 2002.

She delivered her first litter at 8:10pm on March 28, 2002 by cesearan section.

Today, Shalimar is playing on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. We miss her terribly. Gone, missed horribly and never forgotten.

Important Note: 

I do not breed to supply the public with BMDs. I breed because I found two BMDs I believe will greatly compliment each other and I want to produce ONE puppy to keep that may ultimately improve the BMD gene pool overall.