FAQ

Dakota's Legacy was born from our love for one extraordinary Bernese Mountain Dog named Dakota. After losing him to Histiocytic Sarcoma at just five years old, we committed ourselves to learning everything we could about responsible breeding, health testing, and preservation of this incredible breed. Our goal is simple: to honor Dakota by producing healthy, well-socialized Bernese Mountain Dogs that families will cherish for years to come.

We are located in Pennsylvania and raise our Bernese Mountain Dogs in our home as members of our family.

Yes. Our puppies are eligible for American Kennel Club (AKC) registration.

Yes! Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle, affectionate personalities. They thrive as family companions and generally do very well with children when properly trained and socialized.

Yes! Berners have a beautiful double coat and shed year-round, with heavier seasonal shedding in the spring and fall. Regular brushing helps keep their coat healthy and minimizes loose hair.

Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy daily walks, playtime, and opportunities to explore. While they aren't high-energy dogs, they do need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

Because of their thick double coat, Berners are much more comfortable in cooler temperatures.

During warm weather, they should always have access to fresh water, shade, and cool places to rest. Many Berners also love cooling off in ponds, streams, or kiddie pools.

Absolutely. Every breeding dog undergoes comprehensive health testing before being considered for our breeding program. This includes orthopedic evaluations, cardiac screening, eye examinations, DNA testing, and Histiocytic Sarcoma (HS) risk screening.

Health is our foundation—not an afterthought.

Health testing helps responsible breeders make informed breeding decisions and reduce the risk of inherited diseases. While no breeder can guarantee a perfectly healthy puppy, careful health testing significantly improves the chances of producing healthy dogs.

Yes. We utilize the ANTAGENE SH genetic screening test as one of many tools in our breeding program. While it does not predict whether an individual dog will develop Histiocytic Sarcoma, it helps evaluate genetic risk when combined with pedigree research and family health history.

Our puppies are raised inside our home—not in kennels.

From birth, they are surrounded by everyday household sounds, people, and new experiences. As they grow, they receive age-appropriate enrichment, socialization, and exposure to help build confident, well-adjusted companions.

Puppies typically go home between 8 and 10 weeks of age, depending on their individual development.

Yes. Every puppy receives a complete veterinary examination, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and a health record before going home.

Yes. Every Dakota's Legacy puppy goes home with a written health guarantee and lifetime breeder support.

Families begin by completing our Puppy Application.

Once approved, we'll get to know you, discuss your goals, and determine whether a Dakota's Legacy puppy is the right fit for your family.

Yes. Approved families may reserve a puppy with a non-refundable reservation fee that is applied toward the purchase price.

We work closely with each family to match puppies based on temperament, activity level, and lifestyle. Our goal is to create successful lifelong matches—not simply allow families to choose based on color or markings.

Absolutely. Once puppies are old enough and it is safe for them, we welcome scheduled visits.

Protecting young puppies from unnecessary disease exposure is always our first priority.

Every Dakota's Legacy puppy has a home with us for life. If circumstances ever change, we ask that you contact us immediately. We will always help ensure one of our dogs has a safe place to go. Under no circumstances should a Dakota's Legacy dog ever go to a shelter!

Yes! Our relationship doesn't end on pickup day. We're here to answer questions, celebrate milestones, and provide guidance throughout your dog's life.

Because we're committed to doing things the right way. We may be planning our first litter, but every decision we make is guided by research, mentorship, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to the health and future of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Dakota inspired this journey.

Every puppy we raise honors his legacy.