As part of our mission to improve the health and longevity of our Berners, the Berner-Garde Foundation (BGF) and Michigan State University (MSU), with support from the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA), have established a Repository that collects, stores and maintains DNA and tumor tissue samples from Bernese Mountain Dogs. The goal of the Repository is to facilitate research on serious genetic diseases affecting the breed. The samples collected, along with the health and pedigree information in the Berner-Garde Data Base, will assist researchers who have been hampered in the past by the lack of samples as well as insufficient medical and pedigree information.

Everyone who has a Berner can help, as we need DNA samples from both healthy and affected dogs. Frozen tumor tissue is the most valuable submission we can get, but it is obviously only available from dogs with a diagnosed illness. There is no charge for submitting samples to the Repository as that cost is being covered by BGF and BMDCA. However, the owner is responsible for obtaining Pathology results from affected Berners.

Please note it is critical that frozen tissue samples have an exact diagnosis. This is done by submitting a fixed tissue sample to your veterinarian's choice of laboratory or to the Diagnostic Center for Poplulation and Animal Health (DCPAH) at Michigan State University. We highly recommend DCPAH as they are well known for being an outstanding laboratory. These pathology results should be forwarded to Berner-Garde either through our File Manager, Pat Long, or to Sharon or Marlee at the Repository. Note that laboratory diagnostic charges are the responsibility of the owner and are not covered by the Repository.

Additionally, please remember that #3, updating your health records in the BGF Database, including whether the dog is still living is extremely important information to researchers. This is most important for those of you who have submitted blood or cheek swabs when your dog was healthy. You can update your dog's health information at any time by clicking here on the Dog Submission Form or by contacting any of our Berner-Garde Data Operators.