What to watch for with online and facebook advertising from breeders.
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Watch out for breeders using wording so you think they are good breeders, but they are hiding behind a registration form. Here are a few more things that you ought to look out for: "Champion lines" -- look instead for Champion sired or Champion parents. All Champion Lines means is that there is a dog somewhere in your puppy's family that was a champion - it says nothing about the quality of the parents at all. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. The puppy may have been sold as a pet (since it had some problems that prevented it from being shown) and an unethical person did not have the dog desexed and is still breeding this puppy.
"AKC Registration" or "AKC Papers" -- So what? AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car - papers are issued on the junked chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar.
AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee soundness.
For genetic diseases ask for OFA certifications. HD, ED OCD, vWD, Heart, DM to name the most prominent, are all OFA or Penn Hip Certified?
Unfortunately, in the hands of some unethical breeders, it doesn't even guarantee that the dog is purebred. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder - they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. It is not a selling point, and shouldn't be treated as one.
The puppies do not have AKC registration Certificates yet when the dogs are sold but you should get a copy of the litter registration with the dam and sire and numbers named on it and the names of all puppies in that litter. Be wary of other "registrations", as well. There are several groups that are registering dogs, occasionally even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you.
Not that AKC papers really mean much either without the back up of health certificates and the reputability of a breeder.
An easy way to see if your dog is really purebred if registered with other kennel clubs then AKC or CKC is too look for the FCI emblem! All reputable breed clubs are registered with the FCI.
Check out all breeders on bernergarde. Reputable breeders put their dogs, all certificates and all litters on Bernergarde. Are open about their address and are updating bernergarde regularly. Here you can check age of dog, number of litters, all health testing, Pedigrees and sometimes even longevity and COI = coefficient of Inbreeding (good breeder can tell you all about it, because all our BMD's have a COI) . If one is missing ask why. If dogs seem to be deleted ask why, If you know there was another litter why wasn't it registered etc.. ASK questions. http://www.bernergarde.org/home/
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Another good place to check if health testing has been done is the OFA website https://www.ofa.org/advanced-search?search=advanced
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Please check your nearest bernese mountain dog club to find out who has litters coming up. Go to shows and club events, a great way to meet breeders and ask questions.
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Now you found a breeder you like, visit them, meet the parents, ask questions. You would like pups that are socialized , friendly parents . A breeder that is trying to better the breed, that is open to show you health testing that has been done, that does not let her pups go before they are 8 weeks old, that matches a pup up with your family, that is fine with showing you where the pups sleep and play, that is there for you, for the life of the pup for questions and support. Follow your gut! When it doesn't feel right walk away.
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All puppies are cute! Don't fall for the cute puppy and the great sales pitch!
And yes there is no guarantee that a dog doesn't get cancer or other health issues, but when you start off with the right breeder, that breeds for the right reasons then you are starting off the best you can, all you can do and your breeder can do is their best. They breed to improve the breed and they will go above and beyond for their dogs and their off spring.
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When you are looking for your club in your country, here is a great link
http://www.bmdinfo.org/pages/Bernese_Mountain_Dog_Clubs_Wordwide.php
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The breeders check list , to give you an idea what to ask etc.
http://www.bmdinfo.org/newpages/Breeder_Checklist.php
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