Frequently Asked Questions

Faithful Hearts Berners is a small family breeding program for Bernese Mountain Dogs and Bernedoodles. We have raised puppies since 2017, and our dogs and puppies live with us as part of our household. You can read more on our About Us page.

Yes. Our puppies are raised at home around our family, including our children and other family members. This introduces them to caring hands, household activity, voices, play and the everyday routine of family life.

We generally breed only once in about two years. Keeping our program small allows us to dedicate time and personal attention to our dogs, the mother and each puppy in the litter.

We want every puppy to enter a safe, loving and permanent home. We ask families about their household, schedule, experience with dogs, other pets, veterinarian plans and expectations. This information helps us decide whether one of our puppies is a suitable match.

A Bernese Mountain Dog is a purebred working breed known for its tri-colour coat, affectionate temperament and large build. A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. Bernedoodle appearance, coat, size and temperament can vary according to the parents and generation.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are often loving, loyal and gentle with their families. They are large dogs that need companionship, training, regular grooming, suitable exercise and enough space. Every puppy is an individual, so thoughtful matching and continued training remain important.

Bernedoodles are often affectionate, intelligent and playful. Many enjoy being closely involved with their families and respond well to positive training. Their energy, coat and adult size can differ, so families should consider the puppy's parents, generation and individual personality.

No breeder can honestly guarantee that a Bernedoodle will be completely hypoallergenic or non-shedding. Coat type and shedding can vary, even within the same litter. Anyone with serious allergies should speak with a medical professional and spend time around similar dogs before making a decision.

Adult size depends on breed, sex, parents, Bernedoodle generation and individual development. We can provide information about the parents and an estimated range, but no breeder can promise an exact adult weight or height.

Our puppies receive age-appropriate veterinary care before going to their new homes. The care completed for a particular puppy and the available records will be explained to the family before pickup or delivery.

Puppies receive age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming based on their age and veterinary schedule. New families must continue the vaccination, parasite-prevention and wellness schedule with their own licensed veterinarian.

Yes. Families receive the health and vaccination information available for their puppy, including the care completed before departure. We recommend taking these records to the family's veterinarian at the first wellness appointment.

Yes, our puppies are placed with a written health guarantee. The coverage, family responsibilities and claim requirements are provided for review in writing. Please read our complete Health Guarantee before reserving a puppy.

Microchip status will be listed or confirmed for each puppy before homecoming. When a puppy is microchipped, the new family is responsible for registering and maintaining current contact information with the applicable microchip registry.

Arrange a wellness examination with your licensed veterinarian promptly after homecoming and within the period required by the health guarantee. Your veterinarian can review the puppy's records and establish the next vaccination, deworming and preventive-care schedule.

Our puppies receive gentle, age-appropriate exposure to children, adults, handling, household sounds, different surfaces, play and simple routines. We observe each puppy's comfort and avoid forcing overwhelming experiences. Learn more on our Early Socialization and Potty Training page.

No young puppy should be described as completely potty trained. We begin consistent potty-training foundations, but the new family must continue the routine patiently. Accidents are normal while a puppy adjusts to a new home, schedule and environment.

We may begin gentle, positive crate familiarization when appropriate. Crate training must continue gradually in the new home, and a puppy should never be left confined for excessive periods.

Our focus is on early confidence, handling, routine and introductory training rather than finished obedience. A young puppy still needs daily positive-reinforcement training, consistency and patience from the new family.

Begin by viewing our available Bernese Mountain Dog puppies or Bernedoodle puppies. Then complete our contact form with your contact details, location, preferred puppy and information about the home you can provide.

We ask about your household, children, other pets, dog experience, daily schedule, housing, yard or exercise plan, veterinarian access and plans for training and companionship. Honest answers help us make a responsible placement decision.

Our standard reservation deposit is $500 and is applied toward the puppy's total price. Before any payment is made, approved families receive the applicable written reservation terms, including payment and cancellation conditions.

No. An application helps us learn about your family but does not guarantee approval, a specific puppy or placement. A puppy is considered reserved only after the family is approved, the written terms are accepted and the reservation deposit is confirmed.

You may tell us your preferences, but we encourage families to consider temperament, expected size, grooming, energy and lifestyle compatibility as well. Our goal is a lasting match, not simply a choice based on appearance.

Visits may be available by confirmed appointment, depending on the litter's age, health precautions and our family schedule. Please do not arrive without an appointment. We may limit early visits to protect young puppies from infectious disease exposure.

A puppy leaves only after reaching the appropriate age, completing the required preparation and receiving clearance for homecoming. The exact date is confirmed with the approved family and may change if the puppy needs additional time or veterinary care.

Yes. Approved families may arrange pickup by appointment. We confirm the date, time, balance, documents and items needed before the scheduled homecoming.

We can help eligible families explore carefully planned delivery options within Canada. Availability depends on the destination, route, puppy's age, weather and current carrier or transport requirements. Visit our Puppy Delivery and Pickup page for more information.

Delivery is normally separate from the puppy price. The available method, schedule and complete delivery cost are provided for approval before arrangements are finalized. Families may also choose pickup when practical.

Prepare a correctly sized crate, secure sleeping area, food and water bowls, suitable puppy food, collar or harness, leash, safe toys, grooming supplies and an appointment with your veterinarian. Puppy-proof the home and establish a simple feeding, potty, rest and training schedule.

Yes. We are committed to ongoing breeder support and enjoy receiving updates as our puppies grow. Families can contact us with questions about the transition, early routine, socialization, potty training and the puppy's known history. Medical concerns should always be directed promptly to a licensed veterinarian.