25 Questions to Ask a Bernese Breeder (Printable Checklist)

By the Riverside Berner Guide editorial team
Last updated November 7, 2026

The best questions to ask a Bernese breeder cover five things: health testing, the parents, the contract, how the puppies are raised and what support you’ll get later. Below are 25 of them, each with a short note on what a good answer sounds like. Print the page, take it to your calls and visits, and write notes beside each question.

We’re an independent guide, so we don’t sell puppies or recommend breeders. This checklist works with any breeder you’re considering.

How to use these questions to ask a Bernese breeder

Ask most of these in a first call, then confirm the rest when you visit. The BMDCA’s buying tips say a good breeder encourages questions and gives clear, specific answers. The same sheet warns about anyone who avoids your questions or takes offense at them.

Expect questions in return. AKC says a good breeder will ask about your past dogs, household, schedule, home and training plans. If you haven’t found breeders to call yet, start with our guide to finding a reputable Bernese breeder.

Use one printed copy for each breeder you talk to. Writing the answers down makes it easier to compare breeders later, and to notice if an answer changes between the call and the visit.

Health testing and family health

1. Which health tests were done on both parents, and can I see the results? A good breeder names each test and offers copies. The BMDCA’s recommended testing covers hips, elbows, eyes, heart and degenerative myelopathy (DM), plus one of von Willebrand disease, thyroid or a histiocytic sarcoma risk test.
2. What are the parents’ registered names, so I can look them up? Expect the names without hesitation. Results can be kept in the Berner-Garde database, which is free and public, and a gold star there means all recommended testing was recorded.
3. What did the results show, and what do they mean for this litter? Listen for a real explanation, not “they passed everything.” The BMDCA’s testing page says its program only requires tests to be done and shared, and the OFA says a CHIC number doesn’t imply normal results. See which health clearances to ask for.
4. What health problems have shown up in the parents’ relatives? A good breeder talks openly about problems. The BMDCA’s FAQ lists cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, eye diseases, autoimmune diseases, hypothyroidism and DM among the breed’s issues, and its tips warn about “no health problems” claims made without proof.
5. How long did the grandparents and other relatives live, and what did they die of? Responsible breeders know the lifespan and cause of death of most dogs in their pedigrees. The club’s FAQ gives a typical lifespan of 7 to 8 years, with cancer the most common cause of early death. Read more about Bernese lifespan.

The parents

6. Can I meet the mother, and where does the father live? The answer should be yes to the mother. AKC says she should be with her puppies and seem calm, while the father often lives elsewhere, which is normal. Humane World for Animals warns that a mother who seems fearful, sluggish or aggressive may have lived in poor conditions.
7. How old are the parents, and how many litters has the mother had? The BMDCA’s code of conduct says females shouldn’t be bred before 18 months or males before 12 months, and recommends a first breeding after 24 months. A female should have no more than two litters in three seasons, and a good breeder can give you exact ages and dates.
8. What are the parents like to live with, and how did earlier litters turn out? A good breeder invites you to meet their dogs and tells you the family’s temperament history. The same sheet warns about a breeder who can’t share results from the mother’s earlier litters.
9. What titles or work have the parents done? Expect proof, not just praise. The BMDCA says responsible breeders earn titles on their breeding dogs in conformation or working events, as evidence that the dogs meet the breed standard. Ask which titles each parent holds and where you can see them listed.
10. Why did you choose this pairing? Listen for specific goals for health, temperament and type. The BMDCA’s tips say breeders should explain both their long-term goals and their goals for this litter. A vague reply about wanting nice puppies for nice people isn’t enough.

The contract and price

11. Can I read the contract before I pay a deposit? The only good answer is yes. The BMDCA advises never paying a deposit without a written contract, a multi-generation pedigree and a detailed family health history. See deposits, contracts and waitlists explained.
12. What does the health guarantee cover, and what must I do to keep it valid? A good breeder spells out the conditions in writing and makes sure you understand them. The club’s FAQ notes that a small refund may barely cover diagnosis, so the family health history may matter more.
13. Will my puppy have full or limited registration, and is there a spay or neuter clause? The code of conduct encourages limited registration and a non-breeding contract for dogs not suited to breeding. Timing is a medical choice, so ask your vet and see when to spay or neuter a Bernese.
14. Does the contract require me to breed, show or keep my dog intact? For a pet home, a good answer is no. The BMDCA’s tips warn about contracts with any of these demands. The sheet asks whether you really understand the work and commitment that breeding or managing a stud dog involves.
15. What is the price, and what does it include? The BMDCA’s 2024 FAQ puts the typical price at $3,000 to $5,000. It flags higher prices for females and extra charges for a “lifetime guarantee,” and the club’s tips flag different prices for full and limited registration. See what a Bernese puppy really costs.

How the puppies are raised

16. Where are the puppies raised, and can I visit? A good breeder invites you to see their dogs and facilities and is open about how many dogs they keep. If you’re far away, AKC suggests a video call. Humane World for Animals adds that the space should be clean and roomy, not stacked cages.
17. How do you socialize the puppies? Expect a clear plan for meeting new people, places and sounds. The BMDCA’s FAQ says exposure to many people, places and animals is very important, especially in the first year. Ask what the breeder has done so far and what you should continue.
18. What vet care will my puppy have before coming home? The code of conduct calls for age-appropriate care and a vet exam before placement. Humane World for Animals says to expect records on vet letterhead with vaccine dates and lot numbers, a wellness exam and deworming. See the puppy vaccine and vet schedule.
19. When do puppies go home, and how do you match them to families? Not before 8 weeks, says AKC. A good breeder tries to match each puppy’s temperament to your family. Our guide to picking the right puppy can help.
20. What paperwork comes home with my puppy? The code of conduct lists AKC papers, a health and vet history, health certifications for the puppy and parents, a four-generation pedigree, and care and training advice. AKC advises getting the papers before you leave, and being cautious if a breeder charges extra for them or promises to mail them later.

Lifetime support

21. What happens if I can’t keep the dog, at any age? The answer should be “bring the dog back” or “I’ll help rehome it.” AKC says the contract should include a return-to-breeder clause for any age and any reason, and the BMDCA’s code asks members to help rehome dogs they bred. Check that the promise is written into the contract, not just spoken.
22. Can I call you with questions after my puppy comes home? Expect a warm yes. The code of conduct asks breeders to stay available for advice for the dog’s whole life. AKC suggests asking yourself whether you’d feel comfortable calling this person in a late-night emergency.
23. Do you want updates and health results as my dog grows? A good breeder wants to stay in touch and uses health results to improve their breeding. They may also ask you to add your dog’s health details to Berner-Garde over its life. Ask how often they like to hear from owners, and how.
24. Can I talk to people who bought puppies from you? Responsible breeders provide references on request, and the club’s FAQ suggests talking to past buyers. Ask those families how the breeder handled problems, and whether they would buy from the same person again.
25. Which dog clubs do you belong to, and who mentors you? The BMDCA’s tips say responsible breeders belong to recognized clubs, and newer breeders should name their mentors. AKC notes that parent club members often sign a code of ethics. Find your nearest club through regional clubs and breeder referral by state.

When the answers don’t add up

Trust the pattern more than any single answer. The BMDCA says that if you feel uncomfortable at any point, listen to your gut and look elsewhere.

Vague answers, pressure to decide or a request for a deposit first are reasons to walk away. Read our 12 red flags before you send a deposit, and go back to the main guide on finding a healthy Bernese puppy safely. If you’re open to an adult dog, Bernese rescue and adoption is worth a look too.