Find a breeder
Acquiring a dog from a reputable breeder will be key to the kind of experiences you will have with your dog throughout its lifetime. These are a few important things you should look for as well as some things you should avoid:
A reputable breeder’s focus is primarily with the welfare of their dogs, and the breed as a whole. They understand that each dog represents a whole family line and breed with this in mind. Their goal is the ideal in type, temperament, soundness, and health with the aim toward improvement with each generation.
A good breeder will invite you to come out and meet their dogs, share their history, and find out what you’re looking for. They will encourage you to feel free to call them anytime if you have questions about your potential companion.
"Dozer" @ 8 weeks
A conscientious breeder will have a puppy purchase contract designed to protect the dog and the buyer. They will provide you with a copy of the dog’s O.F.A. clearances & full pedigree. They will use a spay/neuter contract when placing their puppies going to "Pet Homes" to protect the breed from “backyard breeders” who’s main focus is monetary gain without regard to the temperament, health, "type" or life longevity of their dogs and future generations.
A reputable breeder’s focus is primarily with the welfare of their dogs, and the breed as a whole. They understand that each dog represents a whole family line and breed with this in mind. Their goal is the ideal in type, temperament, soundness, and health with the aim toward improvement with each generation.
A good breeder will invite you to come out and meet their dogs, share their history, and find out what you’re looking for. They will encourage you to feel free to call them anytime if you have questions about your potential companion.
"Dozer" @ 8 weeks
A conscientious breeder will have a puppy purchase contract designed to protect the dog and the buyer. They will provide you with a copy of the dog’s O.F.A. clearances & full pedigree. They will use a spay/neuter contract when placing their puppies going to "Pet Homes" to protect the breed from “backyard breeders” who’s main focus is monetary gain without regard to the temperament, health, "type" or life longevity of their dogs and future generations.
The" Dance" litter @ 4 Weeks
What to avoid:
A ‘sales approach’ that uses superlatives such as “top lines” and “ excellent orthopedics” without providing proof of these; or makes generalized statements that dogs imported from other countries are “healthier”, “sounder”, or “bred to higher standards” without proof of such claims.
Any breeder who will not invite you to visit their premises and meet their dogs.
Any breeder who uses, or has dog’s using other registries. The following are registries most commonly used by “Puppy Mills”:
A ‘sales approach’ that uses superlatives such as “top lines” and “ excellent orthopedics” without providing proof of these; or makes generalized statements that dogs imported from other countries are “healthier”, “sounder”, or “bred to higher standards” without proof of such claims.
Any breeder who will not invite you to visit their premises and meet their dogs.
Any breeder who uses, or has dog’s using other registries. The following are registries most commonly used by “Puppy Mills”:
F.I.C. (Federation of International Canines) 
C.K.C. (Continental Kennel Club) - not to be confused with Canadian.
A.P.R. (America’s Pet Registry) – the most commonly seen used by “Puppy Mills.”
Do your homework:
Make sure a Bernese is right for you. A good breeder will go out of the way to guide you to an appropriate choice.
" Jackson " @ 8 weeks
Price is NOT an indicator of quality; A reputable breeder’s price will include information of health, temperaments, pedigree, and longevity. A pet store or for- profit breeder may ask up to twice as much- and know only vaccination, and worming records for that pup, or litter.
A.K.C. registration or any other registration alone does not guarantee quality or health.
RiverMountain Bernese Mtn. Dogs encourages anyone who wants to know more about this breed to visit the BMDCA information site
.
8 Week old Litter