Finding Your Berner
As you navigate the internet in search of Berner puppies please exercise caution and look with a discerning eye. You will discover a couple of things. First, in some parts of the country - most actually - Bernese puppies from reputable breeders can be difficult to locate, and when you do there may be extensive wait lists.
On the other hand..... you will also discover some breeders that seem to alwways have puppies available,,,, Here are signs to be aware of: 1) there are mulitple steps to "connect" to the family or breeder; 2) puppy pictures on the website are all with different locations/backgrounds and there are no pictures of the puppies together in the litter; 3) the puppy visit is arranged at a location other than the location of the litter; 4) they have puppies at a lower cost that are over 8 - 9 weeks old; 4) they have pups available to take that are less than 8 weeks old. A good rule of thumb: if some of the criteria above apply, and you can get a BMD puppy from them on the same day you inquire....it's a puppy mill.
A note: reputable breeders will never allow a pup to leave the litter prior to about 8 weeks of age. Also, they will tell you that 8 - 9 weeks is developmentally the optimum time for your puppy to connect socially to its new family and begin learning proper behaviors and independence from its siblings. They will also allow visits at the litter location, and will probably not routinely ship puppies all over the country to unknown families.
Please exercise extreme caution in adopting your puppy. As tempting as it may appear, and as diligent their efforts to make it look like a "family" operation, it simply is not. These are what are commonly called "puppy mills" and your risk of a very bad experience, especially with the Berner breed, is way, way too likely. Same cautions for pet stores - where do you think they get their pups? Your Berner is destined to be a family member, and we want that part of your family to be around as long as possible, in as healthy a way as possible.. Yes, our pups too may develop issues that are unforeseeable; rest assured however, that we are here to support and work with your family in every way possible as needs or questions arise. Our order of business, and our primary purpose is to first promote and improve this incredible breed of dog, and second to place pups in wonderful and loving homes. In fact, reputable high integrity operations routinely refer families to other breeders - because it's about you, your family, the breed, and the significance of adding a special member to your family. A Berner is an amazing companion, friend, and loved family member - just ask anyone who has owned one. So, be patient, try to wait for a pup from a reputable breeder, and before you know it you'll have that wonderfully special puppy in your arms. Time flies......right?
As you navigate the internet in search of Berner puppies please exercise caution and look with a discerning eye. You will discover a couple of things. First, in some parts of the country - most actually - Bernese puppies from reputable breeders can be difficult to locate, and when you do there may be extensive wait lists.
On the other hand..... you will also discover some breeders that seem to alwways have puppies available,,,, Here are signs to be aware of: 1) there are mulitple steps to "connect" to the family or breeder; 2) puppy pictures on the website are all with different locations/backgrounds and there are no pictures of the puppies together in the litter; 3) the puppy visit is arranged at a location other than the location of the litter; 4) they have puppies at a lower cost that are over 8 - 9 weeks old; 4) they have pups available to take that are less than 8 weeks old. A good rule of thumb: if some of the criteria above apply, and you can get a BMD puppy from them on the same day you inquire....it's a puppy mill.
A note: reputable breeders will never allow a pup to leave the litter prior to about 8 weeks of age. Also, they will tell you that 8 - 9 weeks is developmentally the optimum time for your puppy to connect socially to its new family and begin learning proper behaviors and independence from its siblings. They will also allow visits at the litter location, and will probably not routinely ship puppies all over the country to unknown families.
Please exercise extreme caution in adopting your puppy. As tempting as it may appear, and as diligent their efforts to make it look like a "family" operation, it simply is not. These are what are commonly called "puppy mills" and your risk of a very bad experience, especially with the Berner breed, is way, way too likely. Same cautions for pet stores - where do you think they get their pups? Your Berner is destined to be a family member, and we want that part of your family to be around as long as possible, in as healthy a way as possible.. Yes, our pups too may develop issues that are unforeseeable; rest assured however, that we are here to support and work with your family in every way possible as needs or questions arise. Our order of business, and our primary purpose is to first promote and improve this incredible breed of dog, and second to place pups in wonderful and loving homes. In fact, reputable high integrity operations routinely refer families to other breeders - because it's about you, your family, the breed, and the significance of adding a special member to your family. A Berner is an amazing companion, friend, and loved family member - just ask anyone who has owned one. So, be patient, try to wait for a pup from a reputable breeder, and before you know it you'll have that wonderfully special puppy in your arms. Time flies......right?
Adopting a Puppy at Sycamore Valley
The wait list and application link (above) allows you to place yourself on a litter wait list and also tell us about yourself, your family, and reasons for your interest in a Berner pup. There is no deposit required to be on our wait list - but it does determine adoption order! We want the fit to be right for you and the Bernese breed. Additionally, we can help you with puppy selection questions and temperament assessments. Families may select pups at about 5 - 6 weeks of age; selection sequence is based on your place on the wait list.
Puppy adoption requires a completed adoption application, a signed purchase contract (click links above), and a non-refundable deposit. Deposits for future litter pups are typically required about three months prior to whelping. Purchase balance due at puppy pick-up. We will also provide a final printed contract for you to sign at pick-up. (Contract link at top of page)
Your puppy is ready for its new family and home at 8 weeks old. He or she will have its dew claws removed, be vet-checked and up-to-date on all shots and treatments, be properly socialized, and microchipped for identification purposes. Your puppy adoption includes a new owner's kit with registration information, details on registering your puppy's microchip, complete health record, breed / puppy resources, a starter bag of dog food, other "goodies", and a "comfort towel" all infused with the smells of mommy and litter-mates for your puppy to sleep with.
The purchase contract includes a two year limited health guarantee. Our dogs have been very carefully selected to minimize genetically linked health issues and to maximize longevity and quality of life.
We want your dog to be a faithful companion and family member for many years to come.
Farm pick-up of puppies is required, as we want to meet your family and have a personal time for exchange of information and education regarding your new pup....the future homes of our puppies is important to us! All puppies are sold with limited AKC registration status, meaning your puppy may be fully AKC registered but not used for breeding purposes. We require that your puppy be neutered / spade per your veterinarian’s recommended timeline. We also require first notification in the event you are ever unable to keep your Berner.
We would love to partner with you in adoption of your beautiful Berner pup!
Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or for more information!