Why should I seek a BMDCA or HBMDC breeder when I am looking for a Bernese Moutain Dog puppy?  A responsible breeder has a carefully planned breeding program that selects sires and dams to increase the probability of reproducing the best qualities of the breed, improve health and longevity, preserve temperament. A responsible breeder also works to ensure that the offspring represent good examples of the breed standard. Responsible breeders research and test for health problems and breed to miminimize and eliminate them from their dogs.  This commitment is directly related to the quality of the dogs they produce. This means that you are more likely to get a puppy that will mature into a healthy long lived dog that will grow up with your children. 
What should I expect to pay for a Berner Puppy?  Bernese Mountain Dog puppies from a responsible breeder will cost between $1,000 and $2000.  The difference in price depends on many varied factors such as:  pet vs show or breeding potential; wins of the parents; location of the breeder; health clearances of the pedigree; etc.  There is no set amount, you will need to discuss it with each breeder.
It is so hard to find a responsible breeder with available puppies. Why shouldn't I just buy from a pet store?   When you buy from a reputable breeder  you will get a puppy that has been bred for longevity, health, performance and temperament. Most pet stores do not screen the parents for hips, elbows, eye and other inherited disorders. The puppies have not been socialized and are likely to have behavor issues. Unlike breeders, pet stores are interested in sales and profilts. The relationship with the seller ends when you walk out the door with your puppy.  
What should I expect when I contact a breeder?  A breeder in our program will ask you to fill out a questionaire, will probably request to evaluate your home and will certainly ask you to demonstrate that you have researched the breed and understand the special challenges of living with Bernese Mountain Dogs. The breeder will also ask you to talk about the qualities you want in a Bernese Mountain Dog and what kind of activities you expect to do with your dog. Every breeder has criteria they use to evaluate homes for puppy placement. All responsible breeders make a committment to their pups and the families where they place them. Depending on the breeder, your puppy contract may stipulate exercise, feeding and vaccination programs. All of these are to further the goal of healthy, happy Bernese Mountain Dogs. 
It seems like it is difficult and takes a long time to find a responsible breeder with available puppies. Why should I bother?  Responsible breeders care about the health, longevity and temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dogs. They make extraordinary efforts in their breeding programs to select dogs who will propagate the best qualities of the breed. When you work with responsible breeder you can be assured that the puppy you take home will be more likely to be healthy, happy, well adjusted and embody the qualities that make a Bernese Mountain Dog. Your breeder will help you as you and your dog develop together. Waiting to work with a responsible breeder is your best recipe for success. 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
NEED SOMEONE  LOCAL TO TALK TO?
The people listed below are experienced breeders who will help you any way that they can.
A new On-Line breeder referral program is being developed. 
Please see the contact list below, or contact a member of the HBMDC board with any questions.

While we are currently offline, working to improve our regional breeder referral program, please utilize the BMDCA online referral program at the following webpage:

BMDCA Online Referral Program

 LEGEND:
BG# is the ID number in the BMDCA National Database "Berner Garde" www.BernerGarde.org  A great place to start your research.
Below are some health testing/database sites of particular interest.

DM means this dog was tested with OFA's new DNA test for Degenerative Myelopathy 
If one parent is clear/normal, none of the pups should develop the disease or at least have a very 
unlikely chance of developing this disease.  The research behind this test is still ongoing.

vWD normal or clear means this dog has been tested for Type I Von Wilderbrands Disease (a bleeding disorder) and is a non-carrier/normal.

CERF is the Canine Eye Registry Foundation www.vmdb.org/cerf.html

OFA Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: Registry for Hips & Elbows www.OFFA.org 

OVC Ontario Veterinary College: Registry for Hips & Elbows www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/hip-elbow/about/

A Great Place to Learn about the Berners:   Bernese Mountain Dog Club of American Information Series
HELPFUL LINKS
  • Breed Steward Program  A National network of owners and breeders who will take the time to answer your questions and lend a helping hand. 

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NEW On-Line Breeder Referral Program
NOTE: We are in the process of switching our breeders listing to an On-Line Breeder Referral Program - like the one used by the BMDCA.  Please use this listing below until we get this new program up and running on our website.  Thank you for your patience.   PLEASE READ THE DISCLAIMER BELOW
PLEASE VISIT OUR RESCUE PROGRAM PAGE AS WE CURRENTLY HAVE THREE BERNERS IN NEEDS OF LOVING HOMES!!!

Note:  The HBMDC has adopted the same online Breeder Referral Program as the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America as of July 2009.  OLBR Disclaimer, Terms of Use and other text or documents were copied from the BMDCA On-Line Breeder Referral Program at: http://www.bmdca.org/olbr/ HBMDC was substituted in place of BMDCA as follows:
 
* DISCLAIMER: 
The Heartland Bernese Mountain Dog Club ("HBMDC") On-Line Breeder Referral Program is an opt-in member privilege created to assist potential puppy owners with making contact with HBMDC members who breed. 

HBMDC On-Line Breeder Referral Program participants are HBMDC Members in good standing bound to these TERMS OF USE, which specifies qualifications and expectations. 
The HBMDC does not inspect, monitor or regulate the breeding or business practices of its On-Line Breeder Referral Program participants. Moreover, it does not become involved in resolving disputes between participants and their customers. Accordingly, the HBMDC does not endorse, guarantee, recommend or otherwise approve any particular breeder(s) or guarantee or accept any responsibility for the health, temperament or any other aspect of the dogs sold by the participants. All information produced by the On-Line Breeder Referral program has been provided solely by the participants. 

The HBMDC strongly encourages all buyers to carefully document, in writing, all representations, promises, statements, warranties and guarantees made by sellers of Bernese Mountain Dogs. The seller should sign such documentation or provide a purchase contract that covers the same provisions. The seller should also proceed to fulfill his/her obligations throughout the life of the dog.