Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs: Raising Healthy and Happy Companions

Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs is a renowned breeder of AKC-registered Bernese Mountain Dogs, known for their commitment to producing healthy, well-socialized, and loving companions. As a prospective Bernese Mountain Dog owner, you can trust that Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs takes great care in ensuring the well-being of their adult breeding dogs and the puppies they bring into the world.

Comprehensive Health Testing for Breeding Adults

Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs understands the importance of responsible breeding practices to maintain the health and longevity of the Bernese Mountain Dog breed. Before any adult dog is considered for breeding, they undergo a comprehensive suite of health tests to ensure they are free from genetic disorders and other health issues.

Orthopedic Evaluations

One of the primary health concerns for Bernese Mountain Dogs is orthopedic health. Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs requires all their breeding adults to undergo thorough orthopedic evaluations, including:

• Hip Dysplasia Screening: All breeding dogs are screened for hip dysplasia, a common joint condition in large breed dogs. This is typically done through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP evaluation.
• Elbow Dysplasia Screening: Breeding dogs are also evaluated for elbow dysplasia, another joint condition that can affect Bernese Mountain Dogs. This is also done through the OFA or PennHIP.

Cardiac Evaluations

Cardiac health is another crucial aspect of Bernese Mountain Dog well-being. Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs ensures that all their breeding adults undergo comprehensive cardiac evaluations, including:

• Echocardiogram: This non-invasive ultrasound examination of the heart allows for the detection of any structural or functional abnormalities.
• Holter Monitoring: Breeding dogs are also fitted with a Holter monitor, which records their heart’s electrical activity over an extended period, helping to identify any arrhythmias or other cardiac issues.

Other Health Screenings

In addition to the orthopedic and cardiac evaluations, Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs also requires their breeding adults to undergo the following health screenings:

• Eye Examination: Breeding dogs are examined by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist to rule out any inherited eye conditions.
• Thyroid Testing: Thyroid function is evaluated to ensure the breeding dogs are not affected by hypothyroidism, a common endocrine disorder in the breed.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease Screening: This bleeding disorder is tested for to ensure breeding dogs are not carriers of the condition.

By implementing these comprehensive health tests, Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs can confidently select only the healthiest adult dogs for their breeding program, ensuring the long-term well-being of the puppies they produce.

Exceptional Puppy Care and Socialization

Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs understands that the care and socialization of their puppies are just as important as the health of their breeding adults. They take great pride in providing their puppies with the best possible start in life.

Vaccination and Deworming Protocol

Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs follows a strict vaccination and deworming protocol to protect their puppies from common infectious diseases and parasitic infections. All puppies receive the following:

• Core Vaccinations: Puppies are vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, and rabies, following the recommended vaccination schedule.
• Deworming: Puppies are dewormed on a regular basis to eliminate any intestinal parasites.

Individualized Veterinary Care

Each Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dog puppy undergoes a thorough veterinary examination before being placed in their new home. This ensures that the puppy is healthy, up-to-date on all necessary medical care, and ready to transition smoothly into their new family.

Socialization and Enrichment

Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs places a strong emphasis on socializing their puppies from a young age. Puppies are exposed to a variety of sights, sounds, and experiences, helping them develop into well-adjusted, confident, and friendly companions. This includes:

• Exposure to Different Surfaces and Textures: Puppies are introduced to various flooring materials, stairs, and other surfaces to help them become comfortable in different environments.
• Interaction with People: Puppies are handled and socialized with a variety of people, including children, to ensure they are comfortable and friendly with humans.
• Exposure to Other Animals: When appropriate, puppies are introduced to other household pets, such as cats or other dogs, to promote positive interspecies interactions.

Microchipping and AKC Registration

To ensure the safety and identification of their puppies, Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs microchips each puppy before they leave for their new homes. Additionally, all puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), providing their new owners with the necessary paperwork and documentation.

By providing exceptional care, socialization, and medical attention to their puppies, Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs sets their puppies up for success in their new homes, helping to create lifelong, loving companions.

Commitment to Responsible Breeding and Ownership

Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs is committed to responsible breeding practices and supporting their puppy owners throughout the lifetime of their Bernese Mountain Dog. This commitment extends beyond the initial sale and includes the following:

Breeder-Buyer Relationship

Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs maintains an open and supportive relationship with their puppy buyers. They are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer assistance to their owners, ensuring a smooth transition and a lifetime of support.

Lifetime Support and Guidance

Should any issues arise with a Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dog, the breeder is committed to providing guidance and support to the owners. This includes advice on training, nutrition, health concerns, and even the potential for rehoming assistance if necessary.

Breed Education and Advocacy

Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs is dedicated to educating prospective and current owners about the Bernese Mountain Dog breed. They provide detailed information about the breed’s characteristics, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and potential health concerns, ensuring that owners are well-informed and prepared to provide the best possible care for their Bernese Mountain Dog.

Participation in Breed Clubs and Events

As an AKC-registered breeder, Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs is actively involved in the Bernese Mountain Dog community. They participate in breed-specific events, such as dog shows and performance events, to showcase the breed and support the overall health and well-being of Bernese Mountain Dogs.

By prioritizing responsible breeding practices, comprehensive health testing, exceptional puppy care, and lifetime support for their owners, Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs is committed to preserving the Bernese Mountain Dog breed and ensuring the long-term well-being of their canine companions.

Conclusion

Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs is a shining example of a responsible and dedicated breeder, committed to producing healthy, well-socialized Bernese Mountain Dog puppies. Their comprehensive health testing, exceptional puppy care, and lifetime support for their owners set them apart as a breeder of choice for those seeking a loving, loyal, and long-lived Bernese Mountain Dog companion.

References:
1. Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs. (2024). Catawba Valley Bernese Mountain Dogs. Retrieved from https://catawbavalleybernese.com
2. American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Catawba Valley Bernese – AKC Marketplace. Retrieved from https://marketplace.akc.org/breeder/catawba-valley-bernese.