After twenty years of involvement in the breed, I have formed opinions
regarding what I feel should be "required" to become a conscientious breeder
of Bernese. It is my hope that, especially, our fine breeders
will contribute to this thread.
Since just about anyone can become a dog breeder, I shall assume the
inquirer wishes to, as a fancier, evolve in the direction of becoming a
conscientious one. Unless you are well known in the Berner community or,
perhaps, a devoted "dog person," deeply involved in raising, breeding and
showing another breed, a Berner breeder of good reputation might not trust
you, initially, with a potential show puppy.
Spend your initial years in the breed reading, studying pedigrees, attending
local all breed shows and Bernese club related events. Too, with becoming a
breeder in mind and to "get the total picture," you will want to attend
shows, meetings, seminars and almost all National Specialties in the USA and
Canada, at the very least. Also, plan to join both clubs. And, include
Europe in your travels, particularly Switzerland. Only one of my four
Berners, since 1983, would have been a "candidate" for breeding and
Daphane's breeder, God bless her, decided that it would be best for me if
Daphane did not become a Berner Mom. You see, a bitch's health can suffer
in the process and Eileen did not think that I could bear it if anything
happened to Daphane.
Lisa Allen
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