I'm the breeder behind Gusto Bernese Mountain Dogs located in Crystal Lake, IL. My puppies are bred with the intention of improving the breed. I focus on health and temperament all while breeding to the standard. My dogs are proven in the show ring and performance ring. I believe in overall dogs; my dogs are BMDCA versatility dogs, champions, grand champions, and performance dogs. I look forward to connecting with you!
About Jess
I breed as a hobby. I love this breed and want to improve and provide to it as much as possible. I show all my dogs. We mainly do conformation and agility.
What makes Jess’s program special
I breed with the intention of an overall dog. A Bernese Mountain Dog was originally bred as a working dog. They should be able to do what they where bred to do all while exceeding in the show ring.
Jess is a member of a club
Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, Inc.
Jess 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. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. 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.
Puppy prices range from $4,000.
“Puppies are AKC registered from proven parents, receive their first set of shots, are vet checked, and are raised with top-quality care.”
Jess 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 Jess 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 Jess directly.
Puppies are exposed to many new people, environments, etc. They start enrichment the day they are born, being put on their backs and being put on cool towels for sensory processing. Starting at 4 weeks, they get to go outside and have all kinds of experiences. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Noises, Various Surfaces, Texture Stimulation, Temperament Imprinting Evaluation, Outdoors, e.g. rain, Strangers, Toys, e.g. Ball, Socialized with Cats, Grooming Desensitization, Sound Stimulation, Socialized with Adult Dogs, and Socialized with Children.
Puppies get their first set of shots and are checked by my trusted vet.
Your puppy may come with extra benefits, like a small bag of food or a toy carrying the scent of their littermates. While Gusto Bernese Mountain Dogs hasn’t shared specifics yet, we encourage you to reach out directly to learn what thoughtful extras they may include to help your puppy transition comfortably into their new home.
Jess offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
Why Jess started breeding
I got into breeding through a mentor I found while looking for a puppy.
Jess has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years
Jess was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Gusto Bernese Mountain Dogs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Bernese Mountain Dog
Great level
Gusto Bernese Mountain Dogs 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.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Histiocytic Sarcoma Pre-Test DNA (from Antagene)
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.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1B), Bernese Mountain Dog 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).