Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue is a vital component to the overall well-being of the breed across the United States. Unfortunately, the number of Berners coming into rescue is currently growing. Through a vast network of regional breed clubs and specialty organizations, Bernese in need of rescue or rehoming are placed in suitable foster homes, provided necessary veterinary care, and matched to new forever families. Adopting a Berner into your family can be a highly rewarding experience for you and the dog.

In this article, we will explore why Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue is growing, considerations for adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog, where to find a Bernese Mountain Dog in need, and resources for rescued and rehomed dogs.

Why Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue is Growing

Popularity of the Breed

The incidence of Bernese Mountain Dogs coming into rescue is sadly on the rise as the breed gains popularity in the United States. According to the American Kennel Club’s annual breed popularity rankings, Bernese have moved from #54 in 2001 to #22 in 2022. As the number of dogs increases, so do the incidences of dogs needing rescuing or rehoming.

Mismatch Between Breed and Owner

Many well-intentioned pet lovers are drawn to their stunning appearance and proclaimed “sweet, family dog temperament” but do not always conduct proper research about the breed and the potential reasons why a Bernese may not be a good fit for their lifestyle and family.

Many factors make Bernese a poor fit for specific owners, homes, and lifestyles. It is vitally important to assess whether this breed is the right breed for you before ever considering welcoming one into your family. A rescue or rehome situation can often be avoided if the potential owner performs proper due diligence before obtaining a Bernese Mountain Dog. The reasons Berners come into rescue are many and can include ongoing care costs, family member allergies, health or temperament issues, inability to meet physical and mental stimulation needs, owner health or lifestyle changes, etc. 

Not Buying from Reputable Breeders

If purchasing a puppy is your preference, the importance of only buying dogs from ethical and reputable breeders cannot be overstated. Ethical breeders will always assist in rehoming their dogs if the need arises, keeping them out of rescue and foster homes, and allowing the space and resources for other dogs in need. In cases where breeder rehoming is not an option, local BMD Clubs will step in to assist with the intake, foster, and adoption. 

Exploitative and Abusive Breeding Practices

Beyond owner surrenders, hundreds of Berners are rescued every year from abusive and exploitative puppy mills, dog brokers, dog auctions, and pet stores. Support of puppy mills, pet stores, or backyard breeders only perpetuates this problem by financially supporting unethical, abusive, and dangerous breeding practices and contributing to the continued health problems associated with the breed. Rescuing and rehoming dogs from these deplorable situations is vital, but ensuring you are not contributing to their continued existence is paramount. Specific rescue organizations exist for dogs coming from these situations.

Considerations for Adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog

Needs of the Dog

The reason a Bernese Mountain Dog comes into rescue and the source of the dog coming into rescue can create a variety of unknowns – health, genetics, temperament, training, and life experience. Rescue organizations diligently match dogs to the best possible adoptees for their particular needs to give the dog the best chance of success in a new home. 

One dog may come from a loving and fulfilling home that can no longer care for the dog due to a job relocation overseas. However, many dogs come from deplorable puppy mills where they have been locked up in cages their entire lives and forced to reproduce for profit endlessly. The rehabilitation needs of these dogs can vary wildly.

Evaluation of the Adoptive Home by the Rescue Organization

Due to the varying needs of rescued Berners, rescue organizations will carefully screen all applicants and consider all of the following criteria and more when evaluating a potential adoptive home:

• Why do you want to adopt a Bernese Mountain Dog?
• Have you ever owned a Bernese?
• Have you ever adopted or fostered a rescue dog?
• How many dogs have you owned, raised, or rehabilitated?
• Do you currently own dogs, cats, or other animals?
• Do you have children living in the home?
• Does anyone in your home have allergies to animals?
• What kind of home do you live in, and do you have a fenced yard?
• Do you own or rent your home?
• Is your home and yard safe for a rescue dog that may be a high-flight risk?
• What is your job, and how many hours a day are you at home?
• How often do you travel, and who will care for the dog while you are away?
• Will your lifestyle be able to accommodate the needs of a rescue dog?
• How much knowledge do you have about dog behavior and training?
• Do you have the time, patience, and understanding to work with and rehabilitate an abused or neglected rescue dog?
• Do you have the financial means to provide adequate food, supplies, veterinary care, and training required of a Bernese Mountain Dog?
• Do you have several references who will speak highly of how you care for your dogs, including your veterinarian?

Costs of Adopting and Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog

The cost to adopt a BMD from rescue varies from $500 to $1200 depending on the age, health status, and particular circumstances surrounding the dog. However, this is only a tiny portion of the overall cost of owning a Berner.

Due to their size and propensity toward health issues, the financial investment required to own the breed can be significant. With many rescue dogs, their health history and genetics are unknown, which means they can be at higher risk for common inherited health conditions in the breed.  For a complete breakdown of the costs of owning a Bernese, check out “How Much Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Cost?”    

Where to Find a Bernese Mountain Dog in Need

U.S. Regional Bernese Mountain Dog Clubs & Rescues

In the United States, each regional Bernese Mountain Dog Club manages rescue work within their region. To find the appropriate club for your area, go to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America’s Regional Club page. Fill out the rescue application for your respective club, contact the local rescue coordinator, and attend a club meeting. Get to know the club’s members and express your interest in adopting a rescue.

National Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Network

The National Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue Network is a new organization dedicated to helping Berners in need. Beyond rescue work, they also educate about and work towards eliminating exploitative breeding facilities. The founders have many years of experience with breed rescue in other organizations. 

Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition (BARC, Inc.)

BARC, Inc. is a U.S.-based non-profit that rescues and rehabilitates purebred Bernese from all situations. While they are headquartered in the mid-west, they operate nationwide and in Canada. Most of their dogs come from “breeder releases,” which involve dogs used by puppy mills, brokers, and auctions solely to produce offspring for sale. These dogs are extremely shy and fearful and do not understand life as pets. Therefore, a dog adopted from these abusive situations has unique needs and considerations. But, with the proper care and training, it can become a wonderful, loving companion.  

BFW Rescue Inc.

BFW Rescue Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to help Bernese Mountain Dogs in need. Volunteers across the United States ensure that all Bernese receive medical care, professional training, general care, and placement into foster homes. They receive rescues from various situations, and their primary goal is to find each dog placement in a loving, happy home.

Bernese Mountain Dog Breeders

Ethical breeders assist in rehoming any bred dogs who can no longer remain with their original owners. Contact reputable breeders in your area to let them know you are interested in a rehoming situation. To find ethical breeders, please read How to Find Bernese Mountain Dog Breeders: A Complete Guide (2024).

Local Shelters and Rescues

Not all purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs end up in breed rescue. Therefore, monitoring your local shelters and all-breed rescues for potentially adoptable dogs is a good idea. Occasionally, Bernese Mountain Dogs that end up in local shelters are posted in Bernese Mountain Dog Facebook Groups. Members work quickly to find someone who can pull the dog from the shelter and get them into breed-specific rescue.

• Pet Finder
• Adopt a Pet

Resources for Rescued and Rehomed Dogs

Bernese-Specific Resources

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America offers an info sheet about BMD Rescue and Rehoming. It is a great place to start if you are considering applying to adopt a Berner from rescue. Their info series contains valuable information about all aspects of owning the breed, including health, grooming, training, activities, and more. 

General Adoption Resources

Welcoming an adult dog into a new home can present different challenges than welcoming home an 8-week-old puppy. PetFinder features a comprehensive guide to adopting a pet, which covers a range of topics related to adopted dogs and cats. 

Puppy Mill Dog Resources

Puppy mill dogs come with a particular set of challenges and require additional support to rehabilitate from the abuse and exploitation they have experienced. “Help for Specific Issues with Adopted Puppy Mill Dogs” is an excellent resource to learn more about the specific needs of these dogs.

Adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog rescue dog requires careful consideration, thoughtful due diligence, and an honest evaluation of your lifestyle. It can also be one of the best experiences of your life. We hope this guide provides the necessary resources to assist in your search for a rescue Berner. If adoption is not right for you, other ways to get involved in your local rescue organization include transport, fostering, volunteering, and donation.