Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

How do I get placed on your waitlist?

When I have confirmation of a pregnancy I will open my waitlist, at that time I will take names of people and a small deposit to be on the contact list. When pups are born I will then contact you for the remainder of the deposit to hold your puppy.

When can we meet and pick our puppy?

Pick day will be scheduled when the puppies are 6 weeks old, in the order of deposits received. For the safety of the puppies, visits are not allowed before this time, but I will regularly share photos on our Facebook page. After pick day, puppies will remain here for two more weeks and go home at 8 weeks old.

Can I meet the parents?

Yes, you can meet the parents when you come for pick day. Not all our studs live here with us, so I will do my best to have dad available to meet.

Can we remain in contact after we take our puppy home?

Yes, I am always here for questions and concerns or even just updates - we love it!

Health & Care

Are the parents health tested?

Yes, our parents are health and genetic tested, including OFA and PennHIP screened. We do our best to provide the healthiest puppies we can.

What preventative treatments has the puppy had?

Puppies will be dewormed about 4 times before they go home, They will have their first round of vaccines and also be microchipped.

Do you provide a health guarantee?

Yes, we provide a 1 year health guarantee. If your puppy were to pass away or require euthanasia due to a congenital condition, we will offer a replacement puppy from our next available litter. A veterinary necropsy will be required to confirm the diagnosis.

Because parents are health tested, does that mean my puppy will never have any issues?

Genetic testing ensures that your puppy will never develop any of the hereditary diseases known to affect Golden Retrievers or Bernese Mountain Dogs. In addition, our parent dogs undergo thorough health screenings for hips, elbows, heart, and eyes to promote the healthiest litters possible. However, while we do everything we can to breed strong, healthy puppies, we cannot predict the future - certain health issues can arise due to factors beyond genetics. For peace of mind, I strongly recommend pet insurance or setting aside an emergency fund for unexpected veterinary needs.

Puppy Care & Ownership

What are the puppies eating?

After the puppies are weaned from mom, they eat Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy food, about a cup 3 times a day.

Do you recommend training classes?

Yes, I highly recommend training classes. They help you teach your puppy essential skills, just like raising a baby. Proper training and socialization are key to a well-adjusted, happy dog, making life better for both of you.

Policies & Regulations

Do we follow state regulations?

Yes, I am inspected by the New York State Department of Agriculture. My license number is 1145.

Is my deposit refundable if I change my mind?

No, deposits are non-refundable, so please be sure you’re ready for the commitment of a puppy before placing one. However, I understand that unexpected life events can happen. If you are unable to get a puppy from your reserved litter, I can transfer your deposit to a future litter.

Do you ever give breeding rights?

Normally all puppies are sold with limited AKC registration. On occasion I will grant full breeding rights if we have discussed it and you agree to do health testing before breeding. Full AKC would be an additional cost.

How many litters do moms have?

There is no single answer to this question, as it depends on each individual female. Some mothers have only one or two litters, while others recover exceptionally well from pregnancy and may have more. However, I always work closely with my veterinarian and consult them before making any breeding decisions. Our moms typically retire around 6-7 years of age and spend the rest of their lives here with us as our family companions.

Logistics & Travel

Do you ship puppies?

No, I do not ship puppies alone, as I don’t feel comfortable with the idea. However, airlines do allow puppies to travel as a carry-on for an additional fee. If you are out of state, I can meet you at the Buffalo airport so you can fly back with your new puppy. I also have contacts with a trusted courier who can transport your puppy to you if needed. If you're interested in this option, I can provide pricing details.