Health testing is the foundation of responsible Bernese Mountain Dog breeding. As a breed known for their gentle temperament, strength, and loyalty, Bernese Mountain Dogs deserve every opportunity for long, healthy lives. Thoughtful health screening allows breeders to make informed decisions that protect the future of the breed, reduce the risk of inherited disease, and give families confidence that their puppy was bred with care, intention, and integrity.
We believe testing AND genetics AND temperament create a “trifecta” on the decision-making process of whether or not to breed a dog. The testing protocol we follow is what is recommended by the OFA and BMDCA for breed appropriate tests. These include OFA Hips, Elbows, Heart, Eyes, and Histiosarcoma.
We are the ONLY breeder in Iowa to utilize Antagene – a lab in France that tests for markers for histiosarcoma and plan our litters accordingly.
animal genetics
Animal Genetics does our genetic testing for Von Willebrand’s and Degenerative Myelopathy, both hereditary diseases are on their way to being eradicated from quality lines by genetically testing and never breeding carriers to carriers.
temperament
In addition to quality genetic lines, temperament is assessed during puppyhood, how a potential breeding dog responds to different stimulus environments and how they handle out-of-comfort-zone situations. An ill-tempered dog is not considered breed-standard and would not have a place in our breeding program.
ofa
The Orthopedic Foundation Association tests for many disorders, most popular in our breed are Hips/Elbows/Heart/Thyroid. Copies of health testing is posted on each pairing. We will be completely transparent on the health testing completed on our breeding pairs. I’m always willing to share copies of genetic results.
pedigree
Pedigree is important, but this part is one piece of the puzzle that we are aiming for. We want well-mannered, top-notch tested for multiple generations to complete the picture for the puppies we bring into this world. Anything we can do to improve the Bernese Mountain Dog breed; we are here for it!
