I'm Liz R., the breeder behind Lira Bernese Mountain Dogs located in Ionia, MI. Lira Bernese Mountain Dogs are only bred when we desire to keep a puppy from the litter. Doing this, you can be assured, we are breeding for optimum soundness in body, mind, and health. No short cuts are taken. All puppies are from parents who have passed health clearances and are raised in my home.
Q. & A. with Liz
Why did you start breeding?
I grew up in a home where my parents bred and showed AKC dogs. After getting my first Bernese, a rescue, I decided the breed was for me. Later I purchased a quality female and began participating in a variety of sports. Ultimately, I ended up breeding to help preserve the breed and improve breed health.
What makes your program special?
I breed when I want a pup out of the litter. This prevents me from taking short cuts. I spend hours delving through pedigrees looking at structure, health, and longevity. There is a good deal of longevity behind my dogs. I only breed dogs who have passed their health clearances. I raise the pups inside my home, in the middle of every day normal house life. I work on early training and socializing.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Liz
Liz 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
Connect with Liz to learn more details about pricing.
Contract & health guarantee
Liz 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 Liz 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 Liz directly.
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Liz.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Ionia, MI
480 miles away
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More about Liz
Club memberships
Liz is a member of Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Club and Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, Inc..
Certifications & recognitions
AKC Breeder of Merit.
Liz has been a member of Good Dog for about 5 years
Liz was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Liz is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Lira Bernese Mountain Dogs 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
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
Lira Bernese Mountain Dogs 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.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
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), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1B), Bernese Mountain Dog Type, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Histiocytic Sarcoma Pre-test DNA (from Antagene)
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).