Bernese mountain dog for sale wisconsin

Wisconsin is a beautiful place to live, and overall a safe and healthy place for pets. The state polls pretty differently across different studies, mostly because it has room for improvement in its animal welfare laws. Let’s look at a few leading studies to get a clearer picture of Wisconsin's pet scene.

Pawsafe is an animal advocacy group that helps pet-lovers evaluate the best places to live. They released a study ranking every state by several pet-safety and pet-friendly factors, including pet-friendly services and accommodations, animal cruelty laws, and the number of hiking trails and dog parks. 

In their study, Wisconsin is ranked as the 31st most pet-friendly state. The state did not score well for its animal welfare laws related to abuse, neglect, fighting, or pet care standards.

Another site that ranks states according to various safety measures was a bit more positive toward Wisconsin, ranking the state as the 19th most pet-friendly state in the country.

Between these two leading studies, Wisconsin ranks right around the middle of the pack, with strengths and weaknesses for its puppy population. 

Are cities in Wisconsin pet-friendly?

Cities can score quite differently from their parent state in pet-friendly rankings. Wallethub released a thorough study of the 100 largest cities in the country and ranked them by animal-friendly factors.

Madison

Madison is the largest city in Wisconsin, with a population of around a quarter million. In the Wallethub study, Madison ranked 26th out of 100 cities. Way to go, Madison! The city is a little pricier for pet owners than others, ranking 52nd in Pet Budget, but ranked higher at 38th in pet health and wellness, and 30th in outdoor pet-friendliness.  

In an extensive Trust for Public Land (TPL) study, Madison ranked as the 7th best city for dog parks, with 3.9 dog parks per 100,000 people.

A few more facts for dog-lovers in Wisconsin

BringFido lists Wisconsin as a very pet-friendly state to visit with over 2800 pet-friendly hotels and motels! The site also lists Harrington Beach State Park and Mazo Beach as popular dog-friendly attractions in the area.

Thirty-four percent of Wisconsin residents own a dog. This is below the national dog ownership rate of 40%, but not by too much! 

What kinds of dogs do Wisconsinites love? Working dogs! According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the most popular dogs in Wisconsin are Labradors, Bulldog, and German Shepherds. Other popular breeds include Huskies, Beagles, and Retrievers. 

Animal welfare & dog shelters in Wisconsin

Wisconsin saved 56,911 dogs and cats during 2020. Approximately 1,704 animals were killed over this same period. 

Forty-three out of 74 of the animal shelters within Wisconsin are no-kill shelters. The percentage of no-kill shelters is average, but the state has an above-average save rate of 88%. This is short of the 90% mark needed to be considered a no-kill state, but it’s very close! We hope to see them change those last two percentage points soon.

On-Line Breeder Referral Disclaimer

The BMDCSEW does not inspect, monitor or regulate the breeding or business practices of its On-Line Breeder Referral Program participants. Moreover, it does not become involved in resolving disputes between participants and their customers. Accordingly, the BMDCSEW does not endorse, guarantee, recommend or otherwise approve any particular breeder(s) or guarantee or accept any responsibility for the health, temperament or any other aspect of the dogs sold by the participants. All information produced by the On-Line Breeder Referral program has been provided solely by the participants. 

The BMDCSEW strongly encourages all buyers to carefully document, in writing, all representations, promises, statements, warranties and guarantees made by sellers of Bernese Mountain Dogs. The seller should sign such documentation or provide a purchase contract that covers the same provisions. The seller should also proceed to fulfill his/her obligations throughout the life of the dog.

Looking for a puppy? 
If you are new to Bernese...
Realistically assess whether you are well matched with this breed. Please talk with a number of breeders, and be sure arrange to visit them and their dogs at home! Feel confident that a puppy or dog from the breeder's breeding program has the traits you are looking for before you jump into Berner ownership.
For more information on the dogs and tips for buying Bernese puppies see:

The Puppy Buyer's Guide 


Have you made plans to meet breeders and their dogs at a BMDCSEW club event?
Breeders have different objectives in owning and producing puppies. At this time it is possible to obtain a Berner from a wide array of breeders. Please don't hit the panic button. It is not necessarily wise to get a dog from the first breeder you find with a puppy available. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the differences that exist in breeders' policies, their focus and reasons for owning and breeding Bernese. The manner in which breeders transact the business of breeding and selling pups will be important for you to consider. Be clear about breeder services offered before and after the sale.

 

The BMDCSEW offers a Breeder Referral Service for those who are looking for a Berner puppy. Following is a list of BMDCSEW members that have or are planning to breed a litter.


All of the breeders participating in the BMDCSEW's Breeder Referral program are members in good standing. The BMDCSEW does not recommend one breeder over another. It is the responsibility of the buyer to certify that sires/dams have received genetic screening clearances for hips, elbows and eyes and that the breeder supplies the buyer with copies of the certification reports from OFA or PennHip for hips and elbows and CERF for eyes. The BMDCSEW recommends breeding stock be certified.

BMDCSEW Breeder Referral List

Sue Wellenstein, Bugziere Bernese

Oshkosh, WI 

Phone: 920-573-0434
E-mail: 

Deanna Scott, Driftless Bernese

Elkhorn, WI  

Phone: 224-381-6474

E-mail:  

BMDCSEW Educator List

Breed Educators are not current Breeders of Bernese Mountain Dog, but are owners with a wealth of knowledge and experience of Bernese Mountain Dogs.  Please feel free to contact them with breed questions.

Kristi Tursky

Wrightstown, WI 
E-mail:

Ed Laben

Mukwonago, WI 
Phone:  262-441-0628

BMDCSEW Breeder Referral Chair

Sue Wellenstein

Phone: 920-231-2881

E-mail: 

How much is a Bernese Mountain Dog worth?

► Prices for Bernese Mountain Dog puppies range from around one thousand upwards to several thousand dollars. In today's market (2020) expect to pay at a minimum $2000.00 - $3500.00 (US funds) for a well-bred pup.

Is a Bernese Mountain Dog a good house dog?

The Bernese mountain dog is patient, calm, affectionate, and a great pet for families, though they can be somewhat aloof with strangers. If properly socialized when young, Berners get along well with cats and other dogs.

Do Bernese mountain dogs bark a lot?

Dogs of this breed are great watchdogs, but that also means they have a tendency to bark — loudly. They may want to chase smaller animals and play roughly, even though they are quite gentle when fully mature and trained properly.

Do Bernese mountain shed a lot?

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick, moderately long double coat that can be straight or slightly wavy. With so much hair, it shouldn't come as a surprise that this coat sheds heavily, especially during the Spring and Fall. Bernese Mountain Dog shedding can be excessive, especially if the dog isn't groomed frequently.