Bernese Bunker

Esther A.

Breeder of Bernese Mountain Dogs

  • Rural Retreat, VA
  • Responds within a day

Meet the breeder

I'm Esther A., the breeder behind Bernese Bunker located in Rural Retreat, VA. Our dogs are our passion, and we can't imagine spending our lives without them. We are dedicated to achieving excellence and healthy family pets, and we love to raise puppies and prepare them for their forever homes.

Q. & A. with Esther

  • Why did you start breeding?

    My Brother and Family, gave me a puppy! Best gift ever ♥️ I have been in love with Bernese every sense!

  • What makes your program special?

    My Dogs each have such different personality ! I have so much love for them as they do for me 🥰

  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies are tri-color. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Esther

Esther has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.

Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.

Price

Puppy prices include a $200 deposit and between $2,300 - $3,300 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“$200 refund depends on how long puppy is held for new family , once the puppy turns 6 weeks old there will be no refunds of deposit and this could be situational !”

Contract & health guarantee

Esther may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Esther offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Esther directly.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What’s included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Enrichment & socialization
      • Various sounds
      • Car rides
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • Socialized in new places
      • Scent introduction
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
      • Socialized with other animals
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Microchip
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • Initial potty training
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • Basic obedience & manners

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Esther.

Breeder’s location

Meet in Rural Retreat, VA

4321 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Roanoke–Blacksburg Airport (Woodrum Field)

4248 miles away

·

Meet in Charlotte, NC

4383 miles away

·

More about Esther

  • Esther has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years

    Esther was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.

  • Esther’s links

Esther is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Bernese Bunker meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

  • Responsible breeding practices
  • Health of breeding dogs and puppies
  • Puppy environment and enrichment
  • Buyer education and policies

Litter and program updates

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Great level

Bernese Bunker reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Bernese Mountain Dogs.

  • Hip Dysplasia

    Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.

  • Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)

    Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.

  • Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)

    Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.

  • von Willebrand Disease I (vWD I), DNA Profile, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1B), Bernese Mountain Dog Type, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A)

    Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).

Verified owner stories

Hear what other owners say about working with Esther to bring home their puppies.

  • Justin V.

    Verified owner · Dec. 2025

      • +6

    Esther was great, she was very responsive and provided many updates about the pups.

    Sahil P.

    Verified owner · Dec. 2025

    Esther was a FANTASTIC breeder. From day 1 when we decided on cheesecake (now Lucy) she was super responsive, gave frequent updates and was in constant communication with us regarding Lucy with multiple pictures and updates. She is extremely thorough and knowledgeable regarding best practices, very transparent (mom and dad’s genetic information is available along with the AKC pedigree). On pick up day, she met us approx 2 hours away from her home since we were driving 6 hours. From the get go, Lucy was well socialized, was extremely friendly and was a ball of energy. It was extremely apparent that Esther loved these pups like they were her own children. Lucy is settling in at our home now and is learning commands and potty training like a champ! We are berners for life and would absolutely recommend her for anybody looking!

    Cindy O.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2025

    Esther is amazing. She kept in constant contact with us almost daily and still checks in with us. She shared her recommendations (all of which I will follow faithfully) to help have happy healthy dogs who will live long full lives. Her love for these dogs shows by how happy they are and how much they loved her. I will recommend Esther and Bernese Bunker to anyone looking for a Bernese Mountain dog.

  • Josh S.

    Verified owner · Dec. 2025

    Esther was amazing. She was so nice and really made me feel better with the decision of getting this puppy. She takes very very good care of her pups and is really adamant about what you should do when you get yours. It helps a lot. This puppy was a gift to my parents who have had dogs their entire lives and I couldn’t be happier with the process of everything. My parents were so happy getting this puppy and Esther continuously sending more and more pictures and videos overtime really made it so much better. Thank you so much, Esther.

    JC

    Jack C.

    Verified owner · Dec. 2025

    Esther was wonderful to work with throughout our search for a Bernese Mountain Dog. She was incredibly responsive from the moment we first reached out and took the time to answer all of our questions. It's clear she is extremely knowledgeable about the breed and genuinely cares about the puppies she places in forever homes. Even after we brought our puppy home, Esther continued to check in to make sure everything was going well and even set aside time for in-depth conversations to help with our puppy’s transition. Her support has meant so much to us. I highly recommend Esther and cannot thank her enough for the time, guidance, and care she has provided throughout our Bernese Mountain Dog journey.

    KD

    Kailey D.

    Verified owner · Sept. 2025

    Working with Esther was an absolute pleasure. She handled the entire process with professionalism and patience, always quick to respond and so knowledgeable. My puppy is healthy, happy, and such a joy — it’s clear she was raised in a loving environment. I would highly recommend Esther to anyone.<3

Photos

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Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

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