Kennels
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The Maroyke kennel in Belgium that produced Arrkan, the sire of the D litter, J litter, and Maija.
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The 'Helvetiern am Erbach' kennel in Germany, that produced Bogie, sire of the T litter, and Freya, Gus and Pippi |
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The Swisskiss kennel in Victoria, BC, Canada, that produced Baker, sire of the A litter. |
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The Gangsterluvans kennel in Sweden that produced Keno, sire of the E litter |
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The Stokerybos kennel in Belgium that produced Rocky, sire of the H litter. |
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The Mullers Grund kennel in Germany, that produced Saxon. |
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The Sunshine kennel in Redding, CA. Their sires are Teddy of the FF and V litters, and Viggo of the Q litter |
Health & General Information
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BernerGarde, an international, open health database for all Bernese. ALL RavenRidge dogs are included in this website, with extensive health information. Not sure how to use it? Try this link for a great tutorial: http://bmdinfo.org/bernerpedia/sheets/BernerGarde-Database_Overview.pdf. It's free and crucial to improving health in the future! |
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BMD Info--a great source for all information relating to berners. Many thanks to Pat Long and Ann Milligan! |
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BMDCA Info Series--concise information on most berner topics. |
| Bernese Mt Dog DNA and Tissue Repository |
Bernese Mt Dog DNA and Tissue Repository, collects blood and tissue samples from berners affected with cancer and all types of suspected genetic disease. Also needed, are blood samples from healthy berners, to be used as 'control' dogs in research. The samples collected, along with the health and pedigree information in the Berner-Garde Database, will assist researchers who have been hampered in the past by the lack of samples. Many RavenRidge puppies submitted a DNA cheek swab (totally painless) before they go to their homes, and at 6 months, the owners were asked to submit a blood sample. Here's how to submit blood or tumor samples: http://cvm.msu.edu/research/the-bernese-mountain-dog-dna-and-tissue-repository-at-michigan-state-university/how-to-submit-samples . A huge thanks to our owners that have submitted! 2022 Update! The Repository has stored enough samples for current research needs. Samples from healthy dogs are not currently needed. HOWEVER, we do have the alternative storage option of the OFA repository, for a nominal charge, here: https://ofa.org/about/dna-repository/ |
| OFA xray techniques | An excellent video on understanding good quality xrays for evaluating hip dysplasia. All RavenRidge pups are xrayed and submitted to OFA for full litter data. |
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Merck Vet Manual--a great reference! |
| 2 genetic tests for degenerative myeolopathy (DM) |
This is a reference chart for the 2 DM tests available for berners, and the compound heterozygous state. Currently, the only source to purchase the SOD1B test is GenSol. However, OFA just announced they will offer the SOD1B test for dogs that had previously submitted a SOD1A test through OFA. Use this form to process the request. For another excellent explanation of these tests, here's from GenSol's website: SOD1A and SOD1B DM tests explained Chart for breeding decisions, to prevent ‘at risk’ puppies: /files/1214306/Madeline K DM chart |
| 2014 DM Research Paper | From University of Missouri, discusses a new DM mutation, SOD1B, found only in berners. This paper also has allelic frequency for SOD1A mutation by breed. In Bernese, 20% are carriers or at risk for SOD1B; and 38% are carriers or at risk for SOD1A. |
| Doxy treatment for Histio | Doxycycline may inhibit early cancer growth, and can be given prophylactically to reduce incidence of some cancers. Research in 2016 showed inflammation may be a modifiable risk factor for the development of Histiocytic Sarcoma (HS) in Bernese, and dogs receiving prescription anti-inflammatory treatment may benefit. The protocol is once a year for 2 weeks treatment, 400 mg/2/day (for 100 lb. dog), starting at age 2. See this paper: Doxi research |
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This may be the most important genetic testing tool for breeders, to reduce histiocytic sarcoma cancer (HS) in the future. One in six bernese will die from this cancer, and is believed to be, in part, inherited. Antagene, in partnership with Drs. Catherine Andre and Benoit Hedan, of the Institute of Genetics & Development of the CNRS at the University of Rennes, France, since 2005, have studied 3000+ European and American bernese, to develop this risk factor test. The RavenRidge breeding dogs that have completed this test, have their results on this website and BernerGarde. Doing the histiocytic sarcoma risk test, openly sharing the results, and ultimately sharing the cause of death with our berners that pass, will best support further research to improve the accuracy. 2023 UPDATE!: Research samples needed for dogs diagnosed mast cell cancer and Lymphoma. Here's details: /files/1207913/2023 HS risk test update. For the recent publication, see here: New english version of Antagene website and using HSIMS here. How to purchase new test online : /files/1216161/How to order a test And for the Antagene free research sample submission form. |
| Hormones after spay/neuter; how to mitigate to reduce impact of loss of hormones |
This video by Dr. Michelle Kutzler, DVM, PhD, DACT is forward looking, with the impact of spay/neutering your dog, and possible solutions! A quick summary: High Luteinizing hormone (LH) can affect Inflammatory conditions, i.e., osteoarthritis, joint issues, ACL issues (50% will get ACL rupture within a year of spay/neuter), skin and ear allergies, hypothyroidism (is diagnosed in younger dogs when spayed/neutered), and urinary incontinence, to name just a few issues. LH increases when a dog is spayed/neutered. The normal LH level for female ovulating, is the highest normal LH level, and is just 1ng/ml. In comparison, mature spayed/neutered dog can have LH over 90! Deslorelin is a gnrh analogue, (Virbac brand name Suprelorin), in a 6 month implant available in Canada, Europe, Australia, or with USDA special approval. Comes in box of 5, 4.7mg implants. Potential health risks were studied and not found. A short term change in behavior were noted in some neutered males, with increased male behavior, i.e., marking, for 2-3 days. In the US is approved for use in ferrets, https://us.virbac.com/home/our-products/pagecontent/product-selector/suprelorin-f-implant.html After spay/neuter, most common behavior change is increased fear, based on studies. If the dog has aggression issues, then aggression increases after spay/neuter. But when using Suprelorin, fear and aggression is reduced. |
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Susan and Paul Archer, owners of Bailey and Yooki from Ravenridge are the Co-Founders of SUPA Naturals CBD company.
Caring for your pet the natural way has never been easier with Bailey's Best by SUPA Naturals; named after our sweet Berner, Bailey, from RavenRidge! We offer an assortment of organic, PETA and Leaping Bunny certified pet products you can offer your furry friend for real pain relief and to help reduce inflammation. CBD is also effective at reducing anxiety in pets and resolving behavioral problems such as separation anxiety and aggression. Learn more about us our pet line here. Buy CBD Pet Tinctures and CBD Pet Products | SUPA Naturals
Coupon code is "RavenRidge20" for 20% off your purchase!
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For New Puppy Owners
BMD Clubs
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Bernese Mt Dog Club of America. Be sure to check out the 'Info Series'. |
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Bernese Mt Dog Club of Greater Seattle. Fun events every month, and list of breeders in the area. |
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Swedish Mountain Dogs Club (in Sweden) |
| Berner-IWG | Berner International Working Group is a collaboration of Bernese Mt Dog Clubs worldwide, in the pursuit of improving the health and lifespan of the Breed. Check out the 'events' tab for a list of some of the past speakers at the international symposiums since 2001. |
| Bernese Mt Dog Club of Canada |
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Bernese Mt Dog Club of Oregon. |