Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we perform the AKC-recommended health tests on our dogs. You can see the results of all of our tests on this page.

Current scientific data shows that it is healthier for dogs to breed every heat cycle so that is what we’ve chosen to do, with consideration to each dam’s health of course. A dog’s reproductive cycle and healing is comparable to a human having a baby every two years or so. By breeding at each heat we reduce the risks of pyometra, mammary cancer and endometriosis. If you would like to know more about this, here is a great article.

We offer a limited amount of breeder spots per litter. If you are interested in adding one of our puppies to your breeding program, please review our Breeder Package. All other puppies will be sold as pets only with limited registration and a strict spay/neuter contract.

In order to protect our puppies from fatal diseases that can be tracked in on something as innocent as shoes, we have opted to deny visits to our facility. Adoptions are completed in our home.

With four kids running around, adding a litter or two of puppies would be complete chaos, haha! So we remodeled our garage so the puppies could have their own temperature-controlled space.

If you cannot pick up your puppy from our home, we will arrange a private nanny to bring your little one to you. We do not work with any outside nannies, but will only entrust our puppies into the hands of people we personally know and have vetted.

We understand that some families have their hearts set on a specific gender. However, we encourage everyone to make their final decision based on temperament to ensure the best fit. Temperament is not gender-specific and can vary quite a bit.

We think there is something very empowering about choosing your own dog and so we leave the selection up to each family. We do however evaluate each puppy and send these results to all of the families on the list. This allows you to choose the puppy that will suit you best. We also offer guidance and advice when needed or desired.

You will choose your puppy on Adoption Day. Prior to this, you will receive a temperament evaluation of each puppy in the litter so you have a better idea of each puppy’s personality. Each family on the list will have a 30-minute spot on Adoption Day to choose an available puppy. Spots are scheduled in order of rank on the waitlist.

This really depends on your own preference and lifestyle. If you can handle raising two puppies at the same time, go for it! You could also consider spacing them out a bit to make training a little easier. Puppies raised together do tend to be more attached to each other (sometimes called “litter mate syndrome”), but they will still love their families wholeheartedly.

The final size of your dog will vary based on his or her parents, but final weight will likely be somewhere in the 80-120 lb range.

Berners particularly thrive in colder climates, but they can handle some heat too, as long as they get frequent breaks. We don’t recommend them for those who live only in hot climates.

A LOT!! Berners have a double coat, which means they shed year-long. As a bonus, they shed both white and black hair. Loving a Berner means putting up with dog hair on just about everything, but robot vacuums and frequent brushings are lifesavers.