How to Buy a Healthy Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs continue to increase in popularity. They combine beauty with brains and a wonderful temperament that makes them an ideal addition to many families.

Bernese Mountain Dogs as a breed do suffer from a variety of genetic health issues that the smart buyer will take into consideration before bringing home that cute puppy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Research genetic health problems in the Bernese Mountain Dog.
   
   The most common genetic health problems in the Bernese Mountain Dog are hip and elbow problems that can be screened against and certain cancers and bloat that cannot be effectively screened against at this time.

2. Buy from a breeder who tests for genetic health problems.
   
   A sure sign that you are dealing with a competent and caring breeder is that he or she screens all breeding animals for genetic health problems.
   
   At the very least, both parents should have been cleared of genetic health issues, and ideally the breeder will be able to also provide certifications for other canine relatives in the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy’s family tree.

3. Ask for a guarantee against genetic health problems.
   
   Even with excellent screening and the best of care, the genetic throw of the dice will sometimes mean a well-bred puppy ends up with a genetic health problem.
   
   A guarantee will typically be for one to three years and offer replacement or refund if your puppy is one of the unlucky ones.