Eligible Dogs
- The Berner-Garde Database is for pure bred Bernese Mountain Dogs only. Crosses or mixes are not allowed.
- Dogs do not have to be registered with the AKC or other registry, but must be pure bred Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Bernese Mountain Dogs adopted via a rescue program are eligible.
- Kennel names and websites will not be listed for individuals who breed crosses or mixes.
Who Can Submit Data
- Anyone who owns, co-owns, or has bred or co-bred a Bernese Mountain Dog may add or update data on that dog.
- Breeders can submit data for their own dogs and those they have bred or co-bred.
- Owners or co-owners can submit data only for dogs they currently own.
- Anonymous submissions of data are not accepted.
- For disputes between breeders and owners, the current owner of record where the dog resides is given preference.
- Berner-Garde will not be responsible for resolving disputes among co-owners.
Certification/Test Information (health screening)
In order to maintain the integrity of the database, all certification or test information will be verified before being visible on
the site. Verification will be one of the following methods:
- The information is provided in a file directly by the testing agency.
- The information is publicly visible on the web site of the testing agency (e.g., OFA or national kennel club).
- The owner or breeder will provide us with an un-altered copy of the certificate issued by the testing agency.
- The owner or breeder provides us with an unaltered copy of an examination done at a clinic. "OFA testing clinics" are an example.
- The information is on a certified pedigree from an official internationally recognized registry (e.g., AKC,, CKC, KC or national kennel club).
- Results will not be displayed for tests that are not direct mutation, predictive DNA tests. We will only display the fact that the dog was tested.
- Clear by Parentage is allowed for direct mutation DNA gene tests like DM and vWD for one generation. What this means is:
- Both the sire and the dam must have an actual test result of Clear (not clear by parentage).
- The sire, the dam, AND the pup getting the new clear by parentage must have an AKC DNA Profile number.
- Because of the possibility for gene mutations, clear by parentage is only allowed for one generation.
Health Information
All health/disease information is classified as "anecdotal" until the owner or breeder provides us with an un-altered copy
of a written report (diagnosis or pathology) from a professional in the field. Upon receipt of verified documentation, the
classification will be changed to "diagnosed." This classification system helps users and researchers evaluate the dependability
of the source.
Photos
Submission of photos of individual dogs is encouraged. Up to four photos are permitted per dog. If possible, at least one of the
photos should be a side view of the dog standing. Four photos are allowed so that a dog can be seen through various stages of his/her
life. Like a puppy photo, a show photo (or side view), a work/play photo and a photo as an older dog.
Photos in Berner-Garde are there to provide a photographic history of the breed. Berner-Garde is NOT to be used as a replacement for
social media platforms like Facebook. Frequent replacing of photos may result in suspending photo submission privileges as it unduly
taxes our volunteers.
Arranging for submission of copyrighted photos is your responsibility. Berner-Garde will not be responsible for paying royalty fees
on photos.
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer
Berner-Garde is a publicly accessible database. Members of the public are advised that inclusion of a breeder in this database is not
an endorsement of that breeder, his or her breeding program, or his or her practices.
Although we do our best to ensure accuracy of data, it is always possible that human errors can occur. If you spot an error, please
notify us via email at manager@bernergarde.org and we will research the data in question
and make any corrections to data we find that is incorrect.
One of our goals is to have pedigrees as complete and accurate as possible. We prefer to have owners/breeders send us copies of
certified pedigrees so that our data is as accurate as possible. For those cases where we do not have a certified pedigree, we will
do our best to fill in missing data with information that may be available from unofficial sources. As mentioned above, if you spot
something you believe might be in error, please contact us at manager@bernergarde.org
and we will research the issue.