Family walking with a Bernese Mountain Dog in a park

About Willow Pond

A small, family-run kennel with a big commitment to the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Our Story

A Dream Years in the Making

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of raising and breeding Bernese Mountain dogs. It was a dream that lived in my heart for many years, but for a long time, it simply wasn't possible. Living in town meant limited space and restrictions that made the vision of having a breeding program feel like something I would have to keep dreaming about. During that time I stayed busy learning, researching and working at an animal hospital and then an animal shelter to obtain any knowledge I could.

Life eventually brought an exciting new chapter. I met and married my husband, and together we began building the life we had always envisioned. I relocated to the country and we  built our home on 42 beautiful acres, finally giving us the space and freedom to turn a lifelong dream into reality.

Having the room for our dogs to run, explore, play, and simply enjoy being dogs was incredibly important to me. More than just having land, though, our move gave me the opportunity to pursue something I had dreamed about for years — becoming a breeder.

What started as a longtime dream has grown into something I am incredibly passionate about. I believe breeding is about so much more than producing puppies. It is about preserving the qualities that make these breeds so special, carefully choosing pairings, raising puppies with love and intention, and giving every dog the best possible foundation for a happy, healthy life.

Our 42-acre home is where my dream finally found its place. Every day, I am grateful that life gave me the opportunity to go from simply wishing I could breed Bernese to actually living that dream.

This program is a reflection of years of patience, love, dedication, and a dream that I never gave up on. I am proud to call this beautiful piece of the country home, and even more proud to share it with the dogs who have made this journey possible.

Willow Pond breeder with her Bernese Mountain Dog

Our Philosophy

What We Believe

Health above all

We will never breed a dog without complete health clearances. Period. The Bernese Mountain Dog faces real health challenges — we take our responsibility to the breed seriously.

Temperament is everything

A beautiful dog with a difficult temperament is not a good companion. We select for the calm, affectionate, confident character that makes Berners so beloved.

Small and intentional

We raise one or two litters per year. This is not a volume business. Every puppy we place is a relationship we intend to maintain for the life of that dog.

Transparency always

We share all health results — the good and the complicated. We believe families deserve complete information to make the best decision for their home.

Affiliations & Standards

Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA)Member in good standing · Code of Ethics signatory
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)All parent dogs registered and publicly searchable
Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CAER)Annual eye exams performed by board-certified ophthalmologist

Ready to meet your puppy?

Browse our current litter or join the waitlist for a future one.