About Our Organization & What We Do

The Bernese Mountain Dog Vitality Project is an organized corporation with 501c3 non-profit status. Our mission is to increase the genetic diversity of the Bernese Mountain Dog by out-crossing the breed with non-Bernese Mountain Dogs to produce Bernese Mountain Dogs in type and temperament with high genetic diversity, increased longevity, improved vitality, and overall improved health over multiple generations.

What does the organization do?

The Bernese Mountain Dog Vitality Project is already under way. Various breeds have been selected to breed out to and then bring back to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Each parent is selected for health and temperament, and health screenings such as hips and elbow, etc. are done. Every puppy from every litter is tracked its entire life, no exceptions. That means that every single puppy will minimally have hip and elbow x-rays and eyes examined. Overall health will be monitored and longevity tracked. A Bernese Mountain Dog Vitality Project database has been started and every dog and pup is entered into it. Each breeder that has a litter under the Vitality Project agrees to the stipulations of the project.

Other than outcrossing and gathering health data, we have many other functions of our organization such as assisting the puppy homes with training and care, raising funds to continue our mission, and using our knowledge and resources to educate others about the Bernese Mountain Dog breed.

Interested in contributing to the Outcross Project?

If you have a potential Bernese Mountain Dog sire or dam or a dog of another breed you would like us to consider, please contact us. We are seeking breeds that have a similar shape and size to the Bernese Mountain Dog that have statistically long lifespans. The more options we have for healthy long-lived dogs, the more positive strides we can take.

Interested in contributing to the Project? Let us know! →

Interested in a puppy from the Outcross Project?

Not surprisingly, there are many people who love the Bernese Mountain Dog but not the short lifespan. They would like to have a dog with a chance for a longer life. Early generations of dogs from the Vitality Project may vary in looks and temperament; however, we hope to have improved longevity in the first generation. Considering that the average Bernese Mountain Dog lives only 7 years, we feel there is a good chance that the majority of Vitality Project pups will live at least that long. This is why we track each and every puppy: so we can see if we are making progress in improving longevity. We may have puppies available to appropriate homes. Please keep in mind that, by adopting a puppy from the Vitality Project, you are agreeing to support our goal of tracking your puppy for its entire life. 

Interested in a puppy from the Project? Read about our litters→

Want to learn more about canine genetic diversity?

We have put together a collection of scientific articles and information that will help you learn more about issues facing Bernese Mountain Dogs and other breeds. Check out our Further Reading page to learn more!