FAQs
1) Healthy Genetics and MORE!
Introducing our exclusive Veterinarian Health Report, unrivaled in its comprehensiveness nationwide! As a token of our commitment to your furry family member's well-being, we provide this invaluable resource, absolutely free of charge, to all our beloved puppy parents. Delivered on the very day your puppy's health certificate is issued, our experienced veterinarians meticulously fill out this report alongside a Health Certificate, specifically tailored for interstate travel. It's the crowning achievement of our comprehensive "Well Puppy" exam, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to ensuring your puppy's optimal health and happiness. Trust us to go the extra mile in safeguarding your precious companion's future.
Our exceptional breeding Berners not only hold a special place in our hearts as beloved family pets, they are also part of the prestigious AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program. We understand the vital role that genetics play in choosing the perfect companion, and we take this responsibility seriously.
To review the breed specific health tests results (that qualify us for the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. certification) and all their genetic test results, visit the "OUR DOGS" page of this website and click on the specific dog(s) you are curious about.
Our commitment to responsible breeding practices and the health of our Berners is evident in our Lifetime Genetic Health Guarantee and Puppy Adoption Agreement Document, where the prominent display of our AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Certification can be found. This certification serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to strict health standards and ethical breeding practices. With us, you can have complete confidence in welcoming a healthy and well-cared-for Berner into your family. Explore our website to discover more about our exceptional breeding program and the availability of our outstanding puppies for adoption. Together, let's ensure that you find a loyal and joyful companion that will bring happiness to your life for years to come.
2) Calm Temperament
We promote a calm temperament with frequent and appropriate socialization, advanced training options, and developing the Bernese Mountain Dog trait.
Traditionally, well bred Bernese Mountain Dogs innately have very calm temperaments. They are also less active and quieter than typical backyard breeders, which makes them easier to train and the perfect family dog for any type of family.
At AKC Bernese Mountain Dog Ranch, we are firm believers in socializing our Berner puppies with adults, children, and other animals so that they will grow up to be confident and reliable adults.
3) Genetically True Bernese Mountain Dogs
AKC Bernese Mountain Dog Ranch is dedicated to continuing strong bloodlines for Bernese Mountain Dogs. That’s why each one of our dams and sires is verified by the AKC as a purebred with certified genetics. We have all the appropriate information and genetic paperwork necessary on our dogs, which can be found here on our website, so you know that you are getting true full blood and well bred Berner puppies.
4) Always Tri-Colored
Our name AKC Bernese Mountain Dog Ranch says it all, and we’ve got the proof to show it. Producing gorgeously marked puppies is what we do best, which is what we can always guarantee. You’ll always find our puppies have gorgeous coats with distinguishable black noses.
Sometimes, we might get a puppy from a litter with a with a “Swiss Kiss”. This is a term of endearment used to describe the white hairs sometimes placed across the shoulder blades. That is becoming more and more sought after. So, if you are one of those who prefer a bit of white across the shoulder blades, let us know so we can match you up with the perfect family member today!
Q. Based on your experience, what are the best products to purchase for my Bernese Mountain Dog, that will enhance both their well-being and my enjoyment of being an advocate and responsible owner?
I’ve put together this shopping guide, because Investing in quality products can significantly enhance your experience with your Bernese Mountain Dog. Here are some essentials I've personally found effective, which also improve the efficiency and enjoyment of being a dog owner.
We provide our puppies with Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Beef & Rice Probiotic Dry Puppy Food, and our adult dogs are given Victor Classic Professional. These food choices are highly regarded and favored in the professional show ring community. It's important to ensure that the food you choose for your pets offers balanced nutrition, and there are many good options available. However, it's worth noting that some health concerns have been associated with grain-free diets in larger breed dogs, so it's recommended to be cautious. You can find numerous resources through a simple Google search. We advocate for a well-rounded diet that includes protein, vitamins, and carbohydrates, often derived from grains.
Puppies Backup Food Product -
https://www.purina.com/dogs/shop/pro-plan-puppy-development-shredded-blend-chicken-rice-probiotics-dry-dog-food
And Adults -
https://victorpetfood.com/products/professional
Adult Backup Food Product -
https://www.purina.com/dogs/shop/pro-plan-sensitive-skin-stomach-large-breed-dry-dog-food
Learn from AKC about the risks associated with grain free diets.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fda-grain-free-diet-alert-dcm/
Discovering the ideal puppy is an utmost priority! While physical appearance certainly plays a part, we emphasize the significance of personality in the selection process. That's why we've curated a comprehensive approach, utilizing your completed family questionnaire, an abundance of puppy pictures and videos, our innovative Best-fit Puppy Matching Program, and puppy personality assessments to enhance the entire experience. Our Best-fit Puppy Matching Program has been meticulously crafted over numerous years. By delving into the specifics outlined in your family questionnaire, we gain a deep understanding of your preferences in a puppy. Based on your personalized Best-Fit Puppy Score, we will expertly pair you with the perfect puppy from our litter. Rest assured, our expertise in observing countless families and puppies over the past decade has solidified our understanding that finding the ideal personality match is the cornerstone of welcoming a new addition into your family. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the years you spend with your Berner are truly extraordinary.
Here is a link to an online article published several years ago: Puppy Personality Matching in Practice
Absolutely! We would be thrilled to have you visit our kennel and witness firsthand the exceptional environment we provide for our dogs. At our facility, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of biosecurity, ensuring the well-being and health of our precious pups. We wholeheartedly invite our depositors to schedule appointments for visits, as we believe transparency is key in establishing trust. We understand the importance of being able to see where your future furry family member comes from, and we take pride in showcasing our property and the wonderful dogs that call it home. Beware of breeders who restrict visitations until pickup time, as we firmly believe in providing resources that allow visitors while simultaneously safeguarding the well-being of our puppies. Your peace of mind and the health of our pups are of utmost importance to us. Please don't hesitate to give us a call to arrange a visit and experience the exceptional care we provide firsthand!
Certainly! We have been finding puppies their way home for decades and most of our puppies do fly to their new home. There are a few great and safe options for us to consider, so let us walk you through the various possibilities:
1. In-Person Pick Up: We warmly welcome you to personally pick up your puppy from our location. It's an opportunity for us to meet you in person and proudly showcase our home. We always cherish the chance to make a personal connection with our new puppy parents.
2. Ground Delivery: If your puppy's destination is within 750 miles of Clark, WY, we offer complimentary ground delivery. For destinations beyond this range, we can still arrange ground delivery for an additional fee. Up to an additional 750 miles can be covered for a reasonable fee of $750. For distances exceeding 1,500 miles, we can still arrange ground delivery, with costs billed at $1 per mile beyond the initial 1,500 miles.
3. Flying your Puppy: We have partnered with American Airlines for flying our puppies, and they provide excellent pet services. Rest assured, we take great care to ensure your puppy's comfort and safety during the flight. They will be transported in a spacious crate, larger than what is required by the airlines, and they will have a frozen tray of clear pedialyte for hydration throughout the journey. We handle all the arrangements, and you can pick up your puppy at the designated airport. The flat fee for flying your puppy to any US National Airport is $750*, regardless of the destination within the US, as long as it falls outside our free delivery range of 750 miles.
4. Puppy Nanny Service: If your schedule doesn't allow you to personally travel to Wyoming, we can arrange for one of our representatives to fly with your puppy in-cabin, depending on the puppy's size. This service is particularly convenient if you prefer a companion for your pup during the journey. You would simply meet us at the destination airport, and we'll take care of everything else. Please note that this service incurs an additional cost of $750, and the exact amount may vary based on the destination airport.
We prioritize the safety and well-being of our puppies throughout the process. We are committed to a smooth and secure journey for your new furry family member.
*Please note: Current 2024 Price. American Airlines fee is at the Airline’s discretion and subject to change without notice. Flight option is only available for markets served by America Airlines Pet Cargo
When it comes to immunizations and wormings, we prioritize the health and safety of our puppies. Here is an overview of our vaccination and deworming protocols:
Immunizations:
We administer two rounds of immunizations to our puppies using a carefully developed schedule in collaboration with the developer of NeoTech Vaccines. This schedule ensures optimal protection for our puppies. Specifically, we provide NeoPar (Parvo Vaccine) at 5 and 7 weeks old, and NeoVac DA2 (Canine Distemper Adenovirus Type 2 Vaccine) at 6 and 8 weeks old. These NeoTech Vaccines are designed to effectively work through maternal antibodies at a younger age and provide long-lasting immunity.
Wormings:
To address the potential presence of worms, we follow a comprehensive worming protocol for our puppies. At 2 and 3 weeks old, we administer Pyrantel, a worming treatment. Pyrantel pamoate is active against hookworms and ascarids. It acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, causing sudden contraction followed by paralysis in these parasites. As a result, the hookworm loses its grip on the intestinal wall and is removed from your pet's system through the natural process.
At 4 and 6 weeks, we continue the worming series using SafeGuard. Additionally, at 8 weeks old, we provide a final worming using All PPO Allwormer, which contains praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel as active ingredients. Praziquantel works by damaging the parasite's skin internally, leading to the disintegration of the parasite. The parasite is then removed by your pet's immune system. Febantel, on the other hand, is active against nematode parasites, including whipworms.
While we provide these initial immunizations and wormings, it's important to note that your veterinarian will continue the vaccination schedule based on their professional assessment. They will likely administer a 5-in-1 vaccine during the next scheduled immunization to ensure your puppy's ongoing protection.
The health and well-being of our puppies is of utmost importance, and we take pride in implementing a comprehensive immunization and worming protocol to ensure their optimal health.
When it comes to payment for your puppy, we have established a straightforward process to ensure convenience and security. Here's a breakdown of how the payment process works:
1. Start your adoption process, by completing the document packet at this link to a secure and convenient online signature platform:
AKC Bernese Mountain Dog Ranch 21 Page Puppy Adoption Document Packet
2. After receiving and approving your puppy adoption document packet, we will initiate a conversation with you about payments.
3. Once we have discussed the details and you are ready to proceed, we will send you an email & text invitation to reserve a puppy with a refundable $500 deposit. This message will provide a secure transaction link through our Godaddy.com payment portal. Alternatively, we also accept money orders drawn from the United States Postal Service.
4. It's important not to send a deposit unless you have received the official email or text message from us providing the necessary instructions and links for payment.
5. After the initial deposit, you will be placed on our waiting list based on your preferred placement date or your position on the list. The waiting period can vary from several months to several days, depending on availability and your specific preferences.
6. Once we have identified the ideal puppy for you, we will request another payment of $1,000, referred to as the "Good Faith Installment." Similar to the deposit, this payment will be conveniently and securely processed through a Godaddy payment portal link that we will email & text to you. This payment solidifies your commitment and guarantees your puppy's delivery or pickup from the current litter.
7. When we have obtained the puppy's health certificate and can confirm the delivery or pickup time and date, the final balance of the adoption fee will be due. We will send you a Paypal invoice that includes a breakdown of all the transactions to date, along with relevant documents. The balance typically amounts to around $2,250, plus any additional travel fees if the destination exceeds our 750-mile free delivery range.
We prioritize the security and transparency of the payment process, and we provide detailed documentation of all transactions. Should you have any further questions or concerns about the payment process, please don't hesitate to reach out.
A microchip is a small electronic device that we implant on top of your puppy's back, between the shoulder blades. It serves as a permanent form of identification for your puppy. When you receive your puppy, it is crucial to register this microchip with the AKC Home Again program immediately.
The microchip contains a unique identification number that is associated with your contact information. If your puppy ever goes missing or is found outside of your care, animal shelters, veterinarians, or other authorized individuals can scan the microchip using a handheld scanner. This scanner reads the identification number stored in the microchip.
Once the identification number is obtained, it can be cross-referenced with a database that contains your contact information. This allows the person who found your puppy to quickly and easily reach out to you and reunite you with your furry friend.
Registering the microchip with the AKC Home Again program ensures that your contact information is up to date and readily accessible. It is a vital step in ensuring a swift and successful reunion if your puppy ever becomes lost or separated from you.
We strongly emphasize the importance of registering the microchip with the AKC Home Again program immediately upon receiving your puppy. This small action can provide invaluable peace of mind and significantly increase the chances of a happy reunion in the event that your puppy goes missing.
YouTube video > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01z6wDUOgAw
PUPPY IMPRINTING
We begin this technique when our puppies are 3 days old. We share video/pictures of the process with those who have deposits on puppies and post a few on our YouTube channel too..
The ‘Bio Sensor’ program was developed by the US military to improve the performance of dogs used for their purposes. This program is now known to the public as the ‘Super Dog’ program. The military learned from years of research that early neurological stimulation could have lasting and important effects upon the dog as a puppy and adult. There are specific time periods early in the puppy’s life when neurological stimulation has greater results. This time period begins at the third day and lasts to the sixteenth day of life. During this time frame it is believed that the puppy is growing rapidly neurologically. The exercises listed below are designed to stimulate the neurological system and give a great advantage to the puppy and the adult that it will mature to be. The daily workout requires handling each puppy and performing a series of five exercises. The handler completes the entire series of exercises on one puppy before starting with the next. The total time of stimulation per exercise is between 3-5 seconds.
1. Tactile Stimulation- While the puppy is held in one hand the handler will gently touch /tickle the puppy between the toes on one foot using a Q-tip. It’s not necessary to see the puppy feel the tickle.
2. Upward Position- Hold the puppy with both hands with it’s head straight up, so that the head is directly above the tail.
3. Downward Position- Hold the puppy with both hands in a firm grip, and reverse the head so it’s pointing down (to the ground).
4. Supine Position- Hold the puppy on it’s back in the palms of both hands, making sure it’s muzzle is facing up towards the sky. The puppy is allowed to sleep, cooperate or struggle.
5. Thermal Stimulation- Place the puppy (feet down) on a damp towel that has been refrigerated for 5 minutes. Do not restrain the puppy from moving and do not let the puppy stay on the towel over 5 seconds.
Do not repeat these exercises more than once a day and do not extend the stimulation time, over stimulation can have adverse results.
The result of this early neurological stimulation is a puppy who is better able to handle the stress of life, both mental and physical. It also makes for an outgoing puppy who is more eager to please its owner. This program makes a real difference in the personality of the puppy.
BENEFITS OF STIMULATION
These five benefits listed below were observed in dogs that were exposed to the stimulation exercises.
- Improved Cardio Performance
- Stronger Heart Beats
- Stronger Adrenal Glands
- More Tolerance to Stress (being calmer and less whining)
- Greater Resistance to Diseases and Certain Forms of Cancer
To read the full article on the ‘Super Dog’ stimulation go to, www.breedingbetterdogs.com, by Carmen Battaglia, PhD
At our facility, we take great pride in providing a unique and comprehensive socialization experience for our puppies. Our goal is to ensure that they are familiar with and eager for human interaction before they go to their forever homes. We achieve this through our AKC Bernese Mountain Dog Ranch Well Trained Puppy Program, which includes various home modules.
During this program, our puppies receive extensive socialization and exposure to different environments, sounds, and experiences. We believe that early and positive interactions play a crucial role in shaping a puppy's behavior and adaptability. By the time they are ready to join their new families, our puppies have already been introduced to the sights and sounds of a home environment.
To learn more about the specific details and benefits of our AKC Bernese Mountain Dog Ranch Well Trained Puppy Program, please click here. We are confident that this program will give you a deeper understanding of how we prioritize socialization and provide the best possible start for our puppies.
We genuinely believe that the first time your puppy goes home should not be the first time they have experienced a home environment. Our commitment to socialization ensures that our puppies are well-prepared to transition into their new homes and thrive in their new surroundings.
Discover the revolutionary approach we've developed to nurture your beloved puppy's social skills like never before! Prepare to be amazed by our cutting-edge puppy socialization program, hailed as the pinnacle of excellence across the entire United States. Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to unlock your puppy's full potential! Click here to embark on an extraordinary journey.
Thank you for considering our puppies, and we are here to answer any further questions you may have.
For a 12 minute video glimpse of our children/families/other large dogs socialization events, click here.
Our Puppy Desensitizing Playlist is part of our early intervention program that we know helps prevent anxiety from developing in our puppies because of changing noises around them. Here is our list.
Begin Playing From birth until "Go Home Day"
15 HOURS of Deep Sleep Relaxing Dog Music! https://youtu.be/o0vLxHQ1NEY?si=ikHjYrRDwU7kVKjv
Begin Playing From Day 13 until "Go Home Day"
Miscellaneous sounds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryNlmw8745U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le7e4w2jQ94&t=4s
Traffic - Urban Road Sounds
https://youtu.be/EfcKAB21D2E?si=8Z-03MytLrHgHivP
Storm, Thunder & Rain Sound
https://youtu.be/s9hJ6fsYLsA?si=_wPLYLxtexvfKMSV
Thunder & Rain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSCXzCem2Ig&t=2984s
Begin Playing From Day 15 until "Go Home Day"
Airport Sounds
https://youtu.be/zQG5OdBnYfA?si=HBtYjwoFXkQOEik0
Atlanta Airport Terminal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlnPa4eU3gk
More Airport Sound
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQG5OdBnYfA
Begin Playing From Day 20 until "Go Home Day"
Animal Sounds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exb1y_X7gOI
More Animal Sounds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm-K2tD6U_M
Begin Playing From Day 21 until "Go Home Day"
Crying Baby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7hIz5khVPA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKICfcn8Ydw
Playground
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHsjHPKuU0I
Begin Playing From Day 22 until "Go Home Day"
City Sounds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDWZkXjDYsc&t=2894s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L8mhi4Y3aM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP5Jkprr9V0
Day 23 until "Go Home Day"
Construction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB4Ov9t4aq4&t=6170s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDmvQVB8mZY
Power Tools 12 Hours
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNu4cNgJ-Hs
Begin Playing From Day 24 until "Go Home Day"
Yappy Dog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmO8jy7sHeY
Barking Dogs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOkANpLTqvc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeRaDiSPb2c
Dogs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6OBIbMtv40
Begin Playing From Day 25 until "Go Home Day"
Crowd Clapping
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FLgShtdxQ8
Crowd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqtzdbHp_AQ
Crowd Noise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKB3Qiglyro
Crowd Chatter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tFpb-1sA9g
Begin Playing From Day 26 until "Go Home Day"
Door Knocking
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRHBXfvHS4w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deJDIfS0Psk
Door Bells
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpBixjOJkQw
Begin Playing From Day 27 until "Go Home Day"
Fireworks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaSpszSWvUM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryNlmw8745U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMjLt0YLJ5o&t=24s
Begin Playing From Day 28 until "Go Home Day"
Firearms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn3pb8mMQ_M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QVm2WfUjOY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmeP-ficnGw
Begin Playing From Day 30 until "Go Home Day"
More Misc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeRaDiSPb2c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ves2SnmMc34
Day 31 until "Go Home Day"
Household Sounds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L817UV5Iocc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBBsryg8u4I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA_Q5Flzxmk
Nature Sounds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOVYEXhGj_E
For a Downloadable copy of our playlist click here.
The adult size of a Bernese Mountain Dog can vary based on various factors, including genetics and individual growth patterns. On average, Bernese Mountain Dogs typically reach a height of 23 to 27 inches (58 to 69 cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 70 to 115 pounds (32 to 52 kg).
It's important to note that the growth rate of Bernese Mountain Dogs is relatively slow compared to some other breeds. They are considered a large breed, and their growth and development may continue for up to 18 to 24 months or even longer in some cases. During this time, they will go through different growth stages, with their size gradually increasing.
To get a more accurate estimate of your specific Bernese Mountain Dog puppy's adult size, it can be helpful to consider the size of their parents and other adult relatives: Our sire is 115 lbs and our females range from 75-90 lbs. However, it's important to remember that individual puppies within a litter can vary in size, and there are no guarantees when it comes to exact size predictions.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet tailored to their specific needs are essential for promoting healthy growth and development in your Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. Your veterinarian can provide guidance and monitor your puppy's growth progress to ensure they are on track.
Remember, the most important aspect of raising a Bernese Mountain Dog is providing them with love, care, and a nurturing environment to help them thrive, regardless of their ultimate size.
Here’s a link to an article published a number of years ago by the AKC Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America
