I'm Jennifer M., the breeder behind Ostara Kennel located in Iowa. I am a small hobby breeder of carefully selected Saint Bernards. I breed to the Saint Bernard standards, and it is my goal to better the breed. My focus is on excellence in every aspect of my breeding program. I produce pups that have the ability to excel in their chosen field, whether that be showing, or as an active companion.
Q. & A. with Jennifer
Why did you start breeding?
Saint Bernards are an incredible breed, and I decided to start my breeding program in order to preserve the wonderful qualities I found in my dogs. They excel both in and out of the show ring. I am dedicated to improving my lines with each generation so that the breed will continue to thrive for a long time to come.
What makes your program special?
I am an experienced breeder, and I take my role seriously. I keep a variety of factors in mind when choosing dogs to breed, including health, temperament, pedigree, and complementary traits, so that puppies can inherit the best of both parents. I strive to help all of my clients find the right fit for their needs and lifestyle.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Jennifer
Jennifer 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 $500 non-refundable deposit and between $3,000 - $4,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The price includes a guarantee, AKC Registration, puppy vaccine/worming regimen and puppy socialization. Deposits hold your place in order for picking a puppy.”
Contract & health guarantee
Jennifer 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 Jennifer 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 Jennifer directly.
Ostara Kennel 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 dogs
Samaria, mom
Saint Bernard
About Samaria
2021 9 All Breed Saint Bernard
Earned Weight Pull Title October 2022
Earned Weight Pull Excellence Title September 2023
Good health testing
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Polyneuropathy 1, Leonberger and Saint Bernard Type.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Good level
Ostara Kennel 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 Saint Bernards.
Polyneuropathy 3, Leonberger and Saint Bernard Type
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Polyneuropathy 2, Leonberger and Saint Bernard Type, Polyneuropathy 1, Leonberger and Saint Bernard 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).
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.