Welcome to Southpaw Bernese Mountain Dogs

Southpaw Bernese Mountain Dogs is a San Francisco Bay Area breeder of AKC-registered Bernese Mountain Dogs, run by Jeff Smith since 1999. We raise puppies for health, temperament, and longevity, with every dog living in our home and never kenneled outside.

We focus on responsible breeding: health-screened parents, careful socialization, and lifetime support for adoptive families. Our dogs have earned AKC Championship titles and live as cherished companions throughout California.

Explore our site to learn more about our dogs, available puppies, and our breeding philosophy. Feel free to reach out—we’d love to help you find your perfect Bernese Mountain Dog!

Bernese Mountain Dog puppy

Our Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their affectionate nature, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty. At Southpaw, we take pride in raising dogs that are not only beautiful and well-structured but also loving and steady in temperament.

Each of our dogs is raised as part of our home, never kenneled outside, and surrounded by daily life. They grow up in an environment where they receive constant socialization, companionship, and the kind of care that fosters confidence and a strong bond with people.

While every Southpaw dog has its own unique personality, one thing remains constant—they all bring warmth, companionship, and that signature Berner charm into our lives. Meet our sires and dams →

Southpaw Bernese Mountain Dogs

Life with a Berner

Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is a unique and deeply rewarding experience. These dogs are more than just companions—they are devoted family members, happiest when they are by your side.

Berners thrive on human connection. They are known for their gentle nature, eagerness to please, and an uncanny ability to sense emotions, making them wonderful therapy dogs, adventure partners, and loyal protectors. However, they are also a working breed, meaning they need structure, engagement, and a purpose to truly flourish.

We understand what it means to share life with a Berner because we live it every day. Whether you’re looking for a dog to join you on hikes, be a steady presence in your home, or simply rest their head on your lap after a long day, a Bernese Mountain Dog will fill your life with joy, devotion, and companionship. Read our Berner health & care tips →

Gabby puppy

About the Breeder

Southpaw Bernese is run by Jeff Smith, who brought home his first Bernese Mountain Dog—Kelsey—after the 1999 Golden Gate Kennel Club show at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California. What began as a "life-changing event" became more than two decades of breeding, exhibiting at AKC shows, and partnering with respected breeding programs in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Every Southpaw dog is family. They live in Jeff’s home, are never kenneled outside, and are bred for temperament and longevity. Read Jeff’s full story →

Happy Owners

"We couldn’t have asked for a better experience with Jeff from Southpaw Bernese. He is very thorough with detailed notes, communication and he makes the best decisions for his puppies. He truly cares. We adore our new puppy and look forward to many fun adventures with him."

- Aaron & Susan

(San Jose, CA)

"Adopting a Bernese puppy from Jeff was a dream. We were encouraged to visit weekly and in doing so got to know Jeff and bond with our puppy before taking her home. The puppy already has an amazing temperament, is healthy, and is shaping up to be the perfect companion we were hoping for."

- Alex & Margaret

(San Francisco, CA)

"From day one it’s clear that Jeff cares about the dogs and wants to find them a great home. Weekly visits to our puppy and the others in the litter made the transition home very smooth. I feel that I have an expert in my corner to raise our dog. The ability to get advice from Jeff is a major benefit. Plus his dogs are healthy and gorgeous."

- Jason & Family

(Walnut Creek, CA)

"Jeff was very easy to work with. He has a great process and is thoughtful in his care of his dogs and in working with his clients. We enjoyed being involved in the process of selecting our puppy all the way through to the day that we took him home. We are happy Berner owners!"

- Marc & Beth

(Pleasanton, CA)