We were smitten with our first Berner, Kimaroo, in 1986. Bought just for loving, Kim, has satisfied our every need. In true Berner fashion, we became addicted to this wonderful breed and decided to establish our own kennel. We acquired our foundation bitch, Ch. San Marco's Smokey Quartz (KD), in 1989 and established Kimberlite Kennels (in honour of our first girl) in 1990 and had our first litter in 1992.

Our breeding stock are Canadian Champions and certified free of canine hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, heart disorders (i.e., SAS) and checked for eye disorders. We strive to properly socialize all our dogs with humans and other animals. All of our puppies are lovingly, home raised and each puppy, no matter whether destined for the show ring or family companion, receives the same quality care. Our veterinarian removes front (optional) and rear dew claws, deworms, vaccinates and assess the health of each puppy. We microchip, aptitude test, cuddle and play with each puppy before it goes to its new home. Regardless of whether the puppy is show/breeding potential or for companion purposes only, buyers must agree (in writing) to radiograph the hips and elbows of the puppy before it reaches the age of 25 months. All companion puppies must be spayed/neutered before the age of 1 year.

Here at Kimberlite, you are not only purchasing a life-long companion and friend, but you are embarking on a life-long relationship with me.   

On occasion, I will consider providing a show/breeding potential to interested people.   Breeding/show prospects must obtain or pass the following minimum requirements before breeding rights will be released:

• either their Canadian or American championship

• have their eyes certified by a CERF ophthalmologist

• have their hearts certified by a cardiologist

• have their hips and elbows certified clear of dysplasia

• be at least 2 years of age.

NOTE: We ask nothing of our puppy buyers that we are not prepared to do ourselves.

Companion or Show Quality 

As you may or may not realize, breeders classify their dogs in two categories: companion and show. People often fear that when they ask for "just a pet" they will be acquiring an inferior dog. Bear in mind that all dogs are companions first, show dogs second. After all, a show career will be very short (or should be) compared to their life span. If your dog is not a good companion, then it will more than likely not be a good show dog. A "pet" or companion dog is a healthy, fully functioning, loving animal. A "show" puppy is the puppy that has the best possible chance of exceeding in the show ring. It would be wonderful for the breeder if all the pups were of show quality, but this simply does not work out in the percentages. It is far more likely that more of the pups will be companions. 

What Classifies a Dog as a Companion? 

A companion has the same number of legs as a show puppy. They have the same number of bones, vocal cords that work just as well, a fast licking tongue, and they shed just as much as a show dog. The differences are things like coat texture, length, and markings. A puppy may have ears set just a bit too high or a bit too low and will be classified as a companion even though they are well able to hear the rattle of the milkbone box from a mile away. An overshot or undershot jaw will not make the least bit of difference to the companion owner or to the puppy, but will make a big difference in the show ring. In short, the differences between a companion and show dog are not obvious to the untrained eye. Examples such as flaws in movement, angulation or extension of gait will never be noticed by anyone who has not studied the breed extensively. Companion quality puppies are raised exactly the same as show quality puppies. Health is as very important in the companion puppy, and they all get the same care as their show littermates. The breeder, of course, wants loving homes for all puppies in the litter. The dog show is a breeder's advertising showcase, so of course they want to show those puppies that typify the breed standard. It is important to remember that the puppies do not know the difference and all of them are more than capable of loving and being loved. 

All of my dogs are companions first and show dogs second. My very first, berner, my darling Kimaroo, never saw a conformation ring, never earned a conformation ribbon, was not a show dog - but she gave us more love than we could have dreamed. She gave us 13 years of her wonderful existence and I could have cared less that she was not a show dog. Don't get hung up on a title.