And it is not just internet breeders who might be less than scrupulous.
Just because someone talks a good line on the berner-l, for example, does
not mean that s/he is an informed/ethical breeder. Check clearances! Ask for
copies of certificates and run fast in the opposite direction if you hear
excuses for no clearances, including my orthopedic vet said the elbows are
clear (so who cares what OFA says) kind of stuff. There are wonderful
breeders who would breed a bitch with a grade one elbow, but they have done
their homework and should be able to tell you exactly why it is worth the
chance of breeding without an elbow clearance based on lots of information
about siblings and other close relatives, as well as info about the selected
male.
Absence of information about the close relatives of a dog is a big red flag
that should send PPO's running. Absence of clearances is another red flag,
and so is a breeder who is disconnected from the rest of the berner
community. Ask if the breeder is a member of the BMDCA -- and get a yes or
no answer -- and think hard about whether you want a puppy from someone who
isn't part of the national breed club. If the breeder talks about how she
doesn't show because it is too political and does not get involved with
other berner people because they are all snobby and political consider
whether you want a dog from someone who might have a problem getting along
with others, might make excuses for other aspects of their dogs
(orthopedics), might not be informed about current health issues in the
breed, and/or might have breeding practices that do not allow him/her to be
accepted by the very diverse mainstream berner community.
I know it can be very hard to get a berner puppy but please do not be in
such a hurry that you wind up regretting your haste later -- and consider
that buying from a backyard breeder or person with poor breeding practices
is a vote for that person to continue. PPO's can help the breed
tremendously by buying with thought, care, and integrity, and insisting on
the same from breeders.
Mary-Ann Bowman
Utah
