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Varners Berners
Meet the breeder
I'm Sarah V., the breeder behind Varners Berners located in Mcalisterville, PA.
Q. & A. with Sarah
Why did you start breeding?
After doing some research into what breed of dog my husband & I wanted some day, we stumbled across the Bernese Mountain Dogs. After some research of the breed, we fell in love. We discovered a fellow church family also had a Berner, which we agreed to babysit while they went on vacation. After 5 minutes of having a Berner in the house, we were hooked. One year later we got our first Berner, Ember.What makes your program special?
We live at the base of the mountain, with a creek behind our house, that our dogs love to explore with us! Since we homeschool, we are always home, and they all get constant attention. These dogs are truely apart of our family. We're dedicated to breeding high quality healthy dogs with exceptional bloodlines. All dogs are genetically tested and OFA of hips and elbows done &listed on BernerGarde.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Sarah
Sarah 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 $1,500 - $2,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“This price includes limited AKC registration, deworming at 2,4,6&8 weeks, first vaccinations, introduced to crate and leash training, livestock and other adult dogs, and litterbox trained. Deposits are accepted at 2wks old. Deposit guarantees a spot on our waiting list. Puppy selections will occur in order received. Updates are sent out 1-2 times/week. Pictures are taken 1 time/week.”
Contract & health guarantee
Sarah 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 Sarah 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 Sarah 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
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Microchip
- Vet records
Extras
- Basic obedience & manners
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Registration
- Food & treats
- Puppy starter kit
- Initial potty training
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Sarah.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Mcalisterville, PA
3987 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Harrisburg Airport
3987 miles away
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Flexible meeting point
Sarah can meet at a location that works for both of you
More about Sarah
Sarah has been a member of Good Dog for about 1 year
Sarah was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2024.
Sarah is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Varners Berners 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
Ember, mom
Bernese Mountain Dog
About Ember
Ember is our first Berner, and my heart dog. She is a stage 5 clinger, always beside me and under my feet. She is very gentle and loving. She is always up for an adventure, whether it be a car ride, a trail ride up the mountain with my horse, or a trip to the local ice cream shop for a treat, or to browse Tractor Supply! She loves our kids, and tolerates all the noise and craziness with ease. Bacon is her favorite treat!
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Good level
Varners Berners 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.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1B), Bernese Mountain Dog Type, von Willebrand Disease I (vWD I)
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).
