Temperament, Health, Longevity, Soundness, and Type
Our goal is to preserve the Bernese Mountain Dog by breeding healthy balanced dogs with great temperaments that meet the AKC breed standard. Each litter is carefully researched and planned with the intention of improving health span and maintaining the beloved Bernese temperament with each generation. We strive to show our Bernese to their AKC Championships to be sure they conform to the breed standard. Our dogs also compete in a variety of sports so that they can be engaged in activities that challenge their working dog abilities. Our Berners live in our home and are our family companions first.
All of our Bernese are health tested for hips, elbows, eyes, heart (echocardiograms), vWD, Histio Pre-Test, and DM. All health testing and histories are updated in the Bernergarde Database. We are active members of the Blue Ridge Bernese Mountain Dog Club and the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.
The temperament is self-confident, alert and good-natured, never sharp or shy. The Bernese Mountain Dog should stand steady, though may remain aloof to the attentions of strangers.
Meet Our Bernese
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BPIS CH Basia Mille's Then Another Hundred RN NFP OAP FDC THDN CGC ATT VHMP NDD BNDD DD VD (Rhodes)
Calm and gentle, Rhodes is our keeper from River’s first litter. He has already had success in the show ring winning a Best Puppy In Show at his very first show and recently finished his championship with an Owner Handler group placement. He also became a therapy dog with Alliance of Therapy Dogs at 15 months old. Rhodes is now a BMDCA Versatility Dog!
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CH October's River Song CD BN RA NAP NJP NDD CGC TKI (River)
River is our foundation bitch from Sharon C Smith of October Bernese. River is sweet, biddable, and smart. She is a BMDCA Top Producer of Champions, Versatility Dog, and Working Dog. As a veteran, she continues to love to learn and train for new things. River loves raising puppies and still mothers the puppies who stayed with us. She is now retired after having two beautiful litters. Sweet River is always by my side, a constant companion.
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CH Basia Mille's One Hundred Ways V October RN CGC (Quinn)
Quinn is from our second litter (River X Bronson). Bronson was Best of Winners at the BMDCA National Specialty in 2018. Quinn is as sweet as they come with a true Berner temperament. He finished his championship easily and recently sired two beautiful litters. We are very excited about how he is maturing!
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CH Basia Mille's Both Sides Now RN CGC (Joni)
Joni is from our second litter (River X Bronson). We call her Joni Bologna Macaroni! She has a fun sweet personality and is so much like her mother. Joni finished her AKC championship in August of 2025 and we are planning her first litter for 2026. Bernergarde