About the Club

Potomac Valley Bernese Mountain Dog Club

ABOUT THE CLUB

PVBMDC membership is made up of BERNER LOVERS from all walks of life: breeders, pet owners, dog-show aficionados, obedience trainers, agility competitors, tracking and draft dog owners. While we may differ in our enthusiasm for the many ways to enjoy owning and living with these BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, we share a dedication to protect and preserve the integrity of the breed.

Our constitution states, in part, that our objectives are as follows:

To do all possible to bring the natural qualities of purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs to perfection by selective breeding.
To urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by the AKC as the only standard of excellence by which Bernese Mountain Dogs shall be judged.
To do all in our power to protect and advance the interest of the breed by providing a forum for the dissemination of all information pertaining to the breed.
To conduct dog-related activities, sanctioned and licensed specialty shows, obedience trials, and tracking tests under the rules of the AKC, and draft tests under the rules of the BMDCA.
To encourage sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, obedience trials, tracking tests, carting competitions, herding trails, and other competitions involving dogs.

Most of our members reside in Maryland, D.C., Virginia and Pennsylvania. Our meetings and activities are generally in the greater metropolitan area of Washington, D.C.

In February of each year we hold an Independent Specialty Dog Show which attracts an entry of close to 200 Bernese Mountain Dogs. We also conduct an annual draft test, enabling Berners to demonstrate their carting abilities and obtain drafting titles.

The Board strives to balance the annual activities calendar with something that appeals to all members' interests: tailgate parties at dog shows, fun days at members' homes, and educational presentations to benefit the welfare of our dogs. Our meetings are open to all. See the calendar for upcoming events.

Board of Directors

Officers

President - Carmelita White - carm@pvbmdc.org

Vice President - Beki Gieseke - beki@pvbmdc.org

Treasurer - Jack Crifasi

jack@pvbmdc.org

Secretary - Carol Lingley

3394 Keats Court

Ijamsville, MD 21754

301-607-6321

carol @pvbmdc.org

Directors

Sandy Novocin - sandy@pvbmdc.org

Jennifer Donnelly-Schoffstall - jennifer@pvbmdc.org

Brenda Bernard - bernarb@od.nih.gov

Dotty Foellmer - dotty@pvbmdc.org

Committee Chairs

Draft - Jennifer Donnelly-Schoffstall - jennifer@pvbmdc.org

Membership - Maria Crifasi - maria@pvbmdc.org

Rescue & Sunshine - Sharon Hasenauer - sharon@pvbmdc.org

Berner-Garde & BMDCA Health Committee Liaison - Maria Crifasi - maria@pvbmdc.org

Ways & Means - Debbie Reams - debbie@pvbmdc.org

Newsletter & Web Editor - Carol Lingley - carol@pvbmdc.org

Breeder Referral - Carol Lingley - carol@pvbmdc.org

PVBMDC members list (Yahoo group) - Sharon Hasenauer - sharon@pvbmdc.org,

and Carmelita White - carmelita@pvbmdc.org

2013 Match - Dotty Foellmer & Anita Schweinfurth

2014 PVBMDC Specialty - maria@pvbmdc.org