Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy Price & Breeder Health Checks
Bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy into your life is a joyful experience, but it’s crucial to understand the costs involved and the importance of thorough health checks performed by reputable breeders. This helps ensure you’re welcoming a healthy and happy companion into your home.
Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy Price
The price of a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:
- Breeder Reputation and Experience: Established and reputable breeders with extensive experience typically charge more due to their commitment to health testing, quality breeding practices, and socialization.
- Pedigree and Lineage: Puppies from champion bloodlines or with proven pedigrees often command higher prices.
- Location: Prices can fluctuate based on geographic location, with puppies in high-demand areas generally costing more.
- Health Testing and Guarantees: Breeders who conduct comprehensive health screenings and offer health guarantees for their puppies often charge a premium, reflecting their dedication to producing healthy dogs.
- Show Potential vs. Companion Animal: Puppies deemed to have show potential based on conformation standards may be priced higher than those intended as companion animals.
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 or more for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy from a responsible breeder. Be wary of significantly lower prices, as this could indicate a lack of proper health testing, poor breeding practices, or even involvement in puppy mills.
Essential Health Checks by Breeders
A responsible Bernese Mountain Dog breeder prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. They will conduct various health checks on the breeding parents to minimize the risk of passing on hereditary conditions to their puppies. Here are some crucial health checks to look for:
- Hip Dysplasia Evaluation: Hip dysplasia is a common concern in Bernese Mountain Dogs. Breeders should provide documentation from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP showing that the parents have been evaluated and have good hip scores.
- Elbow Dysplasia Evaluation: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia can affect the quality of life. Look for OFA certifications for elbow evaluations.
- Eye Examination: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and other eye conditions can affect Bernese Mountain Dogs. Breeders should have the parents’ eyes examined and certified by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
- Heart Examination: Heart conditions, such as subaortic stenosis (SAS), can occur. Breeders should have the parents’ hearts examined by a cardiologist and certified by OFA.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease Testing: This is a bleeding disorder that can be tested for genetically. Responsible breeders will know the Von Willebrand’s status of their breeding dogs.
In addition to these specific tests, a responsible breeder will also provide:
- Veterinarian records: Showing vaccinations and deworming treatments.
- A health guarantee: Offering some form of protection against hereditary diseases.
- A contract: Outlining the breeder’s responsibilities and yours as the puppy’s new owner.
Red Flags to Watch Out For: Be cautious of breeders who cannot provide health certifications, are unwilling to answer questions about their breeding practices, or allow you to visit the puppies and their parents in their home environment.
Investing in a Bernese Mountain Dog from a reputable breeder who prioritizes health is an investment in the long-term well-being of your future companion. Remember to do your research, ask questions, and choose a breeder who is committed to producing healthy, well-socialized puppies.
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