I'm the breeder behind Willow Wood Bernese located in Holland, MI. My goal as a breeder is to raise healthy puppies with amazing temperaments that will thrive in their forever homes. My dogs work hard, play hard, love hard, and are part of the family. The puppies are raised in the house and receive all the attention they need to feel secure and loved.
About Rachel
I love being a breeder. My dogs are such an important part of my life, and I am so grateful to be able to help each of my puppies' families experience the same level of joy that my dogs bring me. I am always working to further my education so that I can continue to improve my breeding program as well as share my knowledge with others. I can't wait to help you welcome one of my pups into your home!
What makes Rachel’s program special
I am dedicated to preparing my puppies to thrive as their best selves, and I work with integrity with everything that I set my mind to. My dogs and puppies are considered members of my family, and they get the best care I can possibly provide. My breeding program stands out amongst others because of the personal attention I give to every detail of the journey.
Girl 1
Female • Went Home Dec. 16, 2024
Bernese Mountain Dog
Boy 1
Male • Went Home Dec. 16, 2024
Bernese Mountain Dog
Boy 1-Blue
Male • Went Home Dec. 9, 2023
Bernese Mountain Dog
Girl 2-Pink
Female • Went Home Dec. 9, 2023
Bernese Mountain Dog
Girl 3-Orange
Female • Went Home Dec. 9, 2023
Bernese Mountain Dog
Girl 1-Yellow
Female • Went Home Dec. 9, 2023
Bernese Mountain Dog
Girl 5-Purple
Female • Went Home Dec. 9, 2023
Bernese Mountain Dog
Girl 4-Teal
Female • Went Home Dec. 9, 2023
Bernese Mountain Dog
Purple Girl
Female • Went Home Apr. 2, 2022
Bernese Mountain Dog
Red Girl
Female • Went Home Apr. 2, 2022
Bernese Mountain Dog
Yellow Girl
Female • Went Home Apr. 2, 2022
Bernese Mountain Dog
Blue Boy
Male • Went Home Apr. 2, 2022
Bernese Mountain Dog
Orange Girl
Female • Went Home Apr. 2, 2022
Bernese Mountain Dog
Green Boy
Male • Went Home Apr. 2, 2022
Bernese Mountain Dog
Pink Girl
Female • Went Home Apr. 2, 2022
Bernese Mountain Dog
Brown Boy
Male • Went Home Apr. 2, 2022
Bernese Mountain Dog
Black Boy
Male • Went Home Apr. 2, 2022
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rachel V.
Ruby and Max at 6 weeks- striking a fluffy pose
Hondo and Geneva's litter
Rachel 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 $2,200 - $4,000 and include a non-refundable deposit of $500.
“Price includes dew claw removal, deworming, micro chipping, first set of vaccines and all initial vet care. Puppies are socialized per Puppy Culture principles and are raised in our home by family. Each puppy will get a Willow Wood puppy bag with all vet records, microchip information, food starter, training treats, blanket with litter scent, and AKC folder. New owner families will register their puppy with limited AKC registration at adoption day. Deposit is part of total price.”
Rachel 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 Rachel 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 Rachel directly.
I do everything I can to socialize my puppies. I want them to be easily trainable and have a smooth transition to their new homes. We use Puppy Culture principles. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Socialized with other animals, Scent introduction, Introduced to people of different ages and appearances, Socialized with other dogs, Daily handling, Surface & tactile stimulation, Various sounds, Socialized with children, Car rides, Various Surfaces , Structures, e.g. Climbing, Toys, e.g. Ball, Early Neurological Stimulation, Sound Stimulation, Grooming Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Socialized with Adult Dogs, Socialized with Children, Basic Manners, and Initial House Training.
All of my puppies are vet checked and have their dew claws removed. They are dewormed and vaccinated and are microchipped before going to their new homes.
We send our puppies home with Initial potty training, Toys, Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent, Microchip, Vet records, Food & treats, and Microchip.
Rachel 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.
“I prefer to have families and individuals pick up locally. It's important to me that I'm able to form connections with my puppies' parents.”
Why Rachel started breeding
I had my own Bernese Mountain Dog and fell in love with the breed. I wanted to do my part as a responsible breeder and produce healthy, well-rounded pups. The fulfillment of seeing new puppies born and helping shape them in preparation for their new homes is the most rewarding experience ever! Each puppy is bred, raised, and loved indoors to ensure health and happiness at the start of its life.
Rachel has been a member of Good Dog for almost 4 years
Rachel was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Rachel’s links
Willow Wood Bernese meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog
About Geneva
Perfect markings, normal coat color, normal bite. Alert and intelligent.
Good health testing
von Willebrand Disease II (vWD II), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), +4 more
Bernese Mountain Dog
About Willow
Willow is a female Bernese Mountain Dog almost 9 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Rachel decided to make her part of their program. Rachel has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Good health testing
DNA Profile, von Willebrand Disease I (vWD I), +5 more
Bernese Mountain Dog
Great level
Willow Wood Bernese 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.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1B), Bernese Mountain Dog Type, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), von Willebrand Disease I (vWD I), DNA Profile
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).
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.