Bernese Mountain Dog Health Certifications

Did you know the price of a puppy varies and often is no indication of quality? The typical range is $2,000-$3,000 or higher, both from health-conscious breeders and from those who simply produce puppies for profit.  Here's how to tell the difference – and pay for appropriate quality.

 

THE BEST ODDS OF A HEALTHY BERNESE IS ONE WHOSE PEDIGREE OF ANCESTORS WERE HEALTHY AND SOUND AND LONG LIVED FOR MULTIPLE GENERATIONS.  Breeding dogs without pedigree research increases the odds of producing inherited genetic diseases, which can be both costly and heart-breaking.

 

HEALTH CERTIFICATIONS are the answer.  Conscientious breeders are committed to protecting and promoting the interests and quality of the breed.  It is critical that breeders collect health information on whole families of dogs, share that information through the open database called Berner Garde, and use that information to make wise breeding decisions to improve health and longevity.  Such a breeder will be happy to give a multi-generation pedigree and explain the puppy’s family health history, temperament, and longevity.  A pet store, for-profit breeder, and others may ask the same purchase price or more, but know only the pup’s vaccination and worming records.  (note that AKC registration alone does not guarantee health or quality.)

 

The best news is that YOU can research breeders and verify those health clearances using www.bernergarde.org where all health screenings are listed only after being certified.  Your chosen companion will be with you for many years to come. Time spent now will save heartbreak in the future.  Keep in mind your dog’s breeder should be someone whom you will feel comfortable discussing health questions, they should encourage questions or concerns about your Berner.

 

Canine Health Information Center  (CHIC) - CHIC and the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America have specified necessary health tests for breeding Bernese Mountain Dogs:  CHIC works with parent breed clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds.

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• AKC DNA Profile  used to verify parentage of AKC dogs

• Hip Dysplasia (One of the following)
  OFA Evaluation ➚
  PennHIP Evaluation

• Elbow Dysplasia
  OFA Evaluation ➚

• Eye Examination
  Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist ➚

• Cardiac Evaluation (One of the following)
  Congenital Cardiac Exam with exam by cardiologist ➚
  Advanced Cardiac Exam ➚
  Basic Cardiac Exam with exam by cardiologist ➚

• Degeneratative Mylopathy (DM) DNA results for both SOD1-A and SOD1-B, or an at-risk result for either SOD1-A or SOD1-B registered with the OFA.
  DNA based DM SOD1-A test results from an approved lab. ➚
  DNA based DM SOD1-B test results from an approved lab.

• (One of the following)
  DNA-based vWD (von Willebrand clotting disorder) result registered with the OFA.
  Autoimmune Thyroiditis OFA evaluation from an approved lab. ➚
  Histiocytic Sarcoma Pre-test DNA test results from Antagene, recorded with the OFA.

 

 

 

For more information:

http://bernergarde.org/db/

https://www.ofa.org/recommended-tests?breed=BMD

https://www.bmdca.org/breed_education/pdf/03_bernese_basics_faq.pdf

https://www.bmdca.org/breed_education/pdf/12_bernese_basics_buying_tips.pdf

https://www.bmdca.org/breed_education/pdf/16_bernese_health_information_sources.pdf

https://www.bmdca.org/breed_education/pdf/20_bernese_dogcare_responsible_breeding.pdf