Internet Bernese Mountain Dog Consortium's PandaSite @ BerneseBreeders.org

IBMDC Potential Puppy Owner Form

Here is a form you can submit to us and we'll send the email to a breeder near you.

So, you've decided you want a BMD puppy? Great! What kind of puppy do you want?

Huh, you say? No, your decision to get a Berner isn't the end. There are many things you get to choose, to try to match up what you want in a berner and what breeders try to produce. The following series of questions tries to help you in this selection process. Enjoy it, and think carefully — your decision should lead to a long and happy relationship!

Please only submit this form once. Multiple submissions by changing small bits of information (such as your location) will hinder your process — it will be considered an abuse of this service. If you do not put in your proper email address, we have absolutely no way of providing you with a breeder referral.

Your Name:	(Required)
Email address:	(Required)

Please make sure that you have entered your full email address (AOL users please note that you should not use spaces and you MUST put @aol.com at the end of your screen name.)

Many puppy buyers, particularly first — time ones, want to find a breeder geographically near to them. Please select your state or province (US and Canada) or continent. If you are outside the US and Canada, please indicate your city and country in the comments field.

(Required)

Your first choice is whether you prefer a male or a female (bitch). There are distinct differences between them, click here for a listing of characteristics associated with each:

Male or Female

While all dogs are bred to produce companions, some will be selected by breeders to perpetuate the breed. Because the future of the BMD is determined by each mating, a dog must be evaluated for health and conformation to the breed standard before it is used for breeding. Conformation is usually assessed by exhibiting the dog at shows where judges and other breeders can evaluate it.

A number of health aspects which have a genetic basis are evaluated by veterinary experts to insure that the puppies produced have the odds stacked in their favor. Breeding to perpetuate good genetic qualities and try to eliminate poor traits is an intensive (and expensive) endeavor — not something most dog owners are willing to do. Dogs which are not selected for breeding are reared and trained to be physically and mentally sound pets. They are treasured members of the family and active participants in ones life. A part of this equation is to neuter the dog, click here on why this is important and of benefit to your dog. With all that said, your choice here is:

Do you want a Show dog or a Companion dog?

BMD owners often enjoy a fuller relation with their pets when they both participate in various activities. Some of the more popular activities are listed below; the links give descriptions of the named activities. Please check any that are of interest to you (or you would like to find more information).

Agility Conformation

Drafting and Carting Tracking

Hiking and Camping Obedience

Search and Rescue Therapy Work

Temperment is something both you and the breeder should consider. That is, different dogs have different personality traits, or temperaments. These traits need to fit you and your lifestyle. For example; do you want a very outgoing dog, one that wants to be in the thick of things and garner the attention of everyone he meets or would you prefer a more laid-back, 'quiet' personality? Do you have the knowledge, patience, and commitment to work with an especially shy puppy? General temperament traits of the puppy, his sire and dam, and relatives (most people feel that temperment is in part inherited) can and should be evaluated. Some breeders do this formally while others use an established procedure called a Puppy Apptitude Test (PAT).

Would you prefer a Submissive dog, an Outgoing dog, an Adaptable dog,
a Dominant dog, a Self-assured dog, or an Independent dog.

Add any comments here. If you are not in the US or Canada, please include your city country.

You should hear from an IBMDC representative shortly; while this service is partly automated — your response will be mammalian!

Congratulations on making your choices.
Click here to send the form to IBMDC and we'll search our database to show you the names of breeders that match your choices!

Best wishes, remember there are no guarantees, but the more you know about what you want, the better your chances of being happy!

Please note, you may also want to contact the BMD club nearest you. Most regional and national Bernese Mountain Dog clubs have websites.