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ABOUT US

Bernese Mountain Dogs have been my passion since 2003 when my mother bought me one in grade school. Since then, I have had my heart filled with their love. My life has truly revolved around them. I am active in multiple clubs: Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, Heartland Bernese Mountain Dog Club, Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northern Illinois, and North County Obedience and Training Club. I have been a Registered Veterinary Technician since 2009 and finished my degree in business management in 2018.  I volunteer to help with research for this amazing breed when I can. I have many dogs entered into studies with multiple universities and continue to provide information to them to help with future research. I have been a member of the BMDCA Health Committee since 2021. I have judged sweeps at BMD regionals. I have also judged an AKC sanctioned B match at a local kennel club. We are located about 15 minutes from Saint Louis, Mo on the Illinois side of the river. My mentor was Fara Bushnell, who passed far too young in 2019 of cancer. She taught me so much and I am forever grateful for her time and knowledge.  

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My Breeding Philosophy:

My dogs are "family" members first, show dogs second. I am looking to make sure the dogs I produce in my kennel are very "typey" and sound not only orthopedically but mentally. I disclose all health information about my dogs in Berner-Garde. My goals are to improve and preserve the breed to the AKC standard.

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What is Bred with H.E.A.R.T?

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HEALTH
Certifying that their breeding stock is health tested in accordance with the recommendations of their breed’s National Breed Club.

EDUCATION
Promising that they will pursue AKC provided or AKC approved continuing breeder education so that they stay educated on the best breeding practices, including advances in canine health.

ACCOUNTABILITY
Agreeing to comply with the AKC Care and Conditions Policy, including inspections by the AKC, and promising to share with AKC health testing and continuing education documentation.

RESPONSIBILITY
Accepting responsibility for the health and well-being of the puppies they produce and for complying with all laws regarding the ownership and maintenance of dogs.

TRADITION
Upholding the AKC’s tradition of breeding purebred dogs that are happy and healthy.

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Interested in getting on our waiting list?

Please email me at valorbmd@gmail.com, I will send you back my questionnaire and we will move forward from there. Email is always the best way to get ahold of me and we can schedule phone calls later.  I will let you know when you are approved and I will add you to my waiting list. I do not go in order of the list; we choose the home that is best for each puppy's personality and temperament. We have puppy visits after puppies are 4 weeks old.  We require a $500 nonrefundable deposit at the end of your puppy visit to hold a puppy for you and your family.   

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How We Place Puppies

You will decide which sex of puppy you prefer.  We decide which puppy best fits your home, family, and lifestyle based on the information you have provided us.  Puppies are evaluated at 8 weeks by myself and another breeder/breeders.  Puppies that are show quality will be placed with priority in show homes or homes that allow us to show the puppy in the future. 

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Taking Home Your Valor Puppy

Puppies go home after 8 weeks usually, between 8-10. They are evaluated and have their first vaccine given by a veterinarian when they get their full exam.  When you pick up your puppy, we will go over and sign our contract and each of us will get an original signed contract. I send in all AKC information on each puppy and enter them into Berner-Garde. 

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Why you should choose a Valor puppy?

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  • Puppies are raised using the “puppy culture” protocols. If you are not familiar with this protocol I do recommend researching it. Puppies raised with "puppy culture are more confident and self-assured. 

  • Puppies are raised in our home.

  • Puppies receive socialization where they are exposed to tons of different surfaces, smells, people, objects, obstacle courses, car rides, and sounds.  

  • Puppies are started on house and crate training before they go home.  They are taught from 3-4 weeks of age to use a “grass turf" or "litter box" in their puppy pen.

  • Puppies come from health-tested parents, and you will receive a copy of their clearances. 

  • The puppies' rear declaws will be removed. We keep front dewclaws, as they use them.

  • Puppies come with lifetime support from their breeder, who is also a registered veterinary technician (RVT).

  • Puppies come from carefully matched and thoroughly researched pedigrees. Finding the right match usually takes months or research and going to dog shows to find the right stud. 

  • All puppies will have a physical exam done by a D.V.M. (veterinarian) and have their first DAP vaccine if needed at that time. 

  • Puppies are already Micro-chipped and registered with Home Again, paid for by the breeder. The breeder uses HomeAgain TempScan microchips so vets can scan them to check a temperature versus getting a rectal temp. 

  • Puppies come from a breeder who is an active member of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, Heartland Bernese Mountain Dog Club, and Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Northeastern Illinois.

  • Puppies come from a breeder in the Bred with H.E.A.R.T program.

  • Puppies come with a written health guarantee.

  • Puppies go home registered with the American Kennel Club,

  • Puppy owners go home with tons of information in a binder. The breeder will email you lots of information prior to you picking up your new puppy.

  • Puppies go home with a blanket that smells like their mother, breeder, and the environment that they grew up in to help with a great transition into your home. 

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