Please know that those who decide they want to start breeding should first follow the breeding code of ethics set by the BMDCA and AKC and should seek experienced breeders as "mentors" to educate you on genetics, pedigree research and how to select the optimal mates for your dog as well as understand your responsibilities as a breeder.

Anything short of this makes you a "backyard breeder" and unethical and not a label you want to stumble into unknowingly and be labeled with - so many are already there who are not doing the required health certifications, ensuring they are only breeding those that meet the breed standard and will ideally improve the breed, and are offering contracts that ensure they are there for the lifetime of every dog they produce.

The first challenge is to get objective input on whether your Berner is even breeding "quality" and should be bred. The second is to evaluate - with a critical eye - your dogs pedigree to ensure there are not health issues or structural issues that you don't want to pass on.

Please know that it is never ethical to breed a large breed dog before they are full grown and mature - and their growth plates are closed and orthopedics can be certified through the OFA - this is 2 years old in Berners and outlined in the code of ethics. PennHip can also be done slightly earlier.

If you are interested in breeding, the BMDCA offers a "Breeders Education" group to match those interested in getting into this without the knowledge, with experienced judges/breeders as mentors. Mentors are assigned and will show you the way.

Also, note that many of these same people are on the Yahoo group called New Berner Breeders - let me know if you are interested in joining this group and I can give you the link if you don't find it. It is a discussion group for those wanting to get into this as well and need guidance.

Hope this helps!

Great info BernerRescue... Glad you are on the boards

Excellent advice and post BernerRescue.

BernerRescue, I would love to join the group on yahoo. My husband and I want to make sure we do this right.

Here is the site:

New-BMD-Breeders : Novice BMD Breeders

You can post pictures of your boy in the photos section of the website once you join and likely get evaluation of your boy with specific shots - they will guide you on how to photograph his front angulation and rear angulation and movement.

Also, you can look for a Sieger Show at a Bernese event near you - here you show you dog to a judge you will evaluate your dog and give you the feedback on everything about him. These are very informative!

I don't know.... I can't help it but I guess I am not of the belief that you have to have a "show quality perfect dog" to breed . Maybe I'm wrong maybe I'm right. It's just my opinion.
THAT SAID..... I do belive you should "looks wise" have a nice representation of the breed.... But not necessarily perfection.

I DO HOWEVER.... strongly believe you should be extremely diligent in making sure you have healthy happy good temper dogs and follow all steps in doing all recommended testing BEFORE breeding, and be working with a vet.
The truth is if you do it the RIGHT way you should be pretty much broke in the end and if you even make a penny.... You probably skimped somewhere!

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Used to known as LYNN but now Forum doesn't recognize my sign in
LMAO... nevermind..... I WAS LIZA... no wonder I couldn't log in

I agree with Liza. the only input I can give is please make sure you know the genetics of the line if possible. I have a guy with a genetic disease and wish I had known more. I would not give him up, but wish he didn't have to go through this.

Ditto Frissell..... But wouldn't trade him for the world !