Question 1

How do I purchase a puppy? Can I put my name on your Puppy List?

Accepted Answer

The first step in adopting a Sweet Bernese puppy is to complete the puppy application form found here.

Selected applicants will be contacted and will have the opportunity to place a deposit and reserve their spot in line for an upcoming litter/available puppy.  When you place your deposit, we will give you an estimated time frame of when we expect to have a puppy for you. Estimated wait times can occasionally vary due to circumstances beyond our control.

We generally have litters scheduled for Spring, Summer & Early Fall as this makes it easier for puppy toilet training.

Question 2

Can I visit the kennel and see the puppies and their parents?

Accepted Answer

We only allow visitors to see the puppies and their parents on the day of pick up.  Our first priority is protecting the health and safety of our dogs and we cannot risk introducing disease.  Many breeders have been devastated by viral infections such as Parvo and Leptospirosis that are unknowingly carried in by visitors.  We understand that everyone wants firsthand knowledge about the parents and us before they purchase a puppy and this is why we are happy to provide references from previous clients.

We are very proud to also show off our adult Bernese and Puppies through video on our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/sweetbernese/

Question 3

Can we bring our current pet with us at the time of pick up to ensure they get along with the puppy we choose?

Accepted Answer

We understand how our pets become a large part of our families and that we all want to ensure that everyone will get along, however bringing another animal to the time of pick up is not permitted.  Our first priority is for the safety of all of our puppies and adult dogs.  Outside animals have the potential to carry in illnesses and parasites that can be passed along unknowingly.  We want to make sure that you are able to provide your full attention to the puppies, get to know them and ask any questions you may have before you select your puppy.

Question 4

Why are deposits non-refundable?

Accepted Answer

We view a deposit as a sign of a client’s commitment to purchasing a puppy from us.  Making deposits non-refundable encourages people to think long and hard about whether getting a puppy is the right choice for them and their life.

Question 5

Can I have my puppy shipped?

Accepted Answer

While we know shipping is commonly done by other breeders we feel it is too much stress to place on a small puppy at just 8 weeks of age and do not offer to ship our puppies.  We ask that all clients be present for their puppy pick up to help ease the transition from our family to yours.

Question 6

If I pay for a puppy can you keep it for me for weeks/months until I feel ready for my puppy or get back from vacation?

Accepted Answer

We actually get this question quite frequently, especially during the summer months.
As a dog breeder we do not have a licensed municipal dog boarding facility to keep and train puppies beyond a certain age, as this is a completely different job in itself and we must adhere to municipal and provincial bylaws. As a licensed Canadian Kennel Club Breeder we must follow all Provincial regulations for our licensing. 
We do feel it is best for new puppy owners to start the bonding process closest to eight weeks old. Puppies are highly influenced by their new surroundings and the people they are with and start making a bond at a very young age.

✅ We are a Canadian Kennel Club Registered Dog Kennel
❌  We are NOT a Municipal Licensed Dog Boarding Kennel Facility
​❌  We are NOT a Certified Canine/Service Dog Trainer, but we have a great wealth of knowledge when it comes to puppy training and what works for our Bernese.

Question 7

Do you have your dogs health checked prior to breeding?

Accepted Answer

All of our adults dogs that we breed with have been screened by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.  They are all current on all vaccinations and have regular check ups with the veterinarian.

Prenatal and postpartum check ups are done on all of our females to ensure the health of mom and puppies.

Question 8

Do you test the puppies personalities?

Accepted Answer

A puppies personality begins to show around the ages of 5-8 weeks.  We screen our puppies using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) and watch for their individual traits to emerge.  This allows us to recommend a puppy that best suits your lifestyle if you are looking to select a puppy based on personality.

Question 9

Would you consider selling us a puppy Without a Breeding Contract?

Accepted Answer

All of our puppies are sold with a Sweet Bernese and Canadian Kennel Club Non-Breeding Contract.

Occasionally our Kennel will make an acceptation with the following guidelines with no other acceptations being made.
1. The new puppy owner MUST be a current and in good standing Canadian Kennel Club member and present their
membership number to us for cross reference. 
2. All current & future breeding stock must be Canadian Kennel Club Registered Bernese Mountain Dogs.
3. All current & future breeding stock must be OFA tested (with passing grades) and of two years of age prior to breeding.

​*Any puppy being sold without a breeding contact is presumed to become a breeding dam/sire. An individual Kennel specific contract will be created.
*We do not under any circumstance ship our puppies as their health and well being is the utmost importance to us.
The new owner will be expected to pick up their puppy.
*Our puppies are sold upon availability.

Question 10

Do you offer stud service?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer stud services with our males as we do not want to risk Canine Brucellosis being brought into our Registered Kennel. We do not make any acceptations.
​
Do you offer collected Semen Specimen?
Occasionally our Kennel will make an acceptation with the following guidelines with no other acceptations being made.
1. The owner of the presenting Dam  MUST be a current and in good standing Canadian Kennel Club member and present their membership number to us for cross reference. 
2. All current & future breeding stock must be Canadian Kennel Club Registered Bernese Mountain Dogs.
3. All current & future breeding stock must be OFA tested (with passing grades) and of two years of age prior to breeding.
*An individual Kennel specific contract will be created.
*The purchaser will incur all costs for this service.
*This service is upon availability.

Frequently Asked Questions