A Bernese Shepherd is a Bernese Mountain Dog mixed with a German Shepherd.
He is also known as the German Mountain or the Euro Mountain Sheparnese.
Every single dog breed is different.
So it’s crucial to take a good look into the parent breeds of this mix.
Let’s dig deeper into the full and detailed explanation of the Bernese Shepherd mix dog.
Bernese Shepherd’s Parents’ Characteristics
- German Shepherd
- Bernese Mountain Dog
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large dogs with noble, diligent, loyal, and highly intelligent personalities.
They have a brown and black coat and a streamlined, athletic build that allows them to be both strong and agile.
German Shepherds are excellent herding dogs.
They are also well suited to work as service animals, such as guide dogs for the blind.
They also work well as working dogs and make excellent guard dogs.
Of course, in the right home, the German Shepherd dog makes an excellent companion.
German Shepherds have a protective and companionable personality.
They are one of the most famous dog breeds in the USA. [1]
Because of their capacity to be great family dogs.
They adore “their people,” but are wary of strangers or newcomers.
They thrive on the care and attention of their family.
German Shepherd dogs require some care, training, and attention.
But they will reward you with many years of loyalty and love in return.
They are well suited to all types of families.
It is best to get them as pets when they are young.
This way, they’ll have enough time to be trained and adapt to life with their humans. [2]
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a working dog from Switzerland’s farmlands.
They were bred to herd cattle and pull carts.
They have served as watchdogs and can be loyal companions.
They are a similar breed to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
The difference is that this type has long hair.
The Bernese Mountain Dog gets its name from the canton of Bern.
They are a large and sturdy dog breed. [3]
They are characterized as friendly and calm demeanors.
They excel at conformation, obedience, tracking, herding, and carting competitions.
A new dog parent may be drawn to this breed’s friendly demeanor and trainability.
However, first-timers should exercise caution.
Because of their size and high energy, Bernese Mountain Dogs can be difficult to handle.
As a result, they dislike being cooped up in apartments all day.
They drool a lot and need to have it wiped off their faces now and then.
This breed’s dogs make excellent watchdogs.
But they also tend to bark — a lot.
They may want to chase smaller animals and play rough. [4]
They can be quite gentle when fully mature and properly trained.
Bernese Shepherd’s Main Characteristics
- Appearance
- Temperament
- Exercising and Living Conditions
- Health and Medical Conditions
- Grooming
Appearance
The German Shepherd is a large breed, and the Bernese Mountain Dog is an extra-large breed.
So, a mix of Bernese Mountain Dog and German Shepherd is expected to be very large.
Males are usually between 25 – 28 inches tall at the withers.
While females are slightly shorter at 23 – 26 inches.
There’s a big weight range within this mix.
It all depends on whether the dog has inherited more of the drafting or the herding body type.
Males’ weight ranges from 80 to 110 pounds.
And females weigh from 75 to 90 pounds.
Bernese Shepherd’s bodies tend to be extremely proportional.
They inherit a long muzzle and ears that can erect like a German Shepherd.
Their ears can also stay floppy, as in the Bernese. [5]
These pups have medium-length thick coats that vary in color.
The coat tends to resemble the Bernese more accurately.
Black, creme, and light tan colors are the most common.
Whitecoat parts are often seen on the chest or their face.
Temperament
This mixed dog is very hardworking.
So, if the owners can, they should always give him a job to do.
It can be herding cattle or protecting the house.
As long as it feels like it is contributing to the family house.
By doing this, it will feel extremely valued and appreciated.
And if it feels valued, its love for the owner will be endless.
They should expect a lot of doggy kisses and snuggles.
Bernese Sheperd’s sociability goes for strangers as well.
Once it has sniffed them check them out for danger.
An initial scary bark will change into a belly scratch offerings and a lot of fetch games fast.
But if any stranger doesn’t pass this initial “danger test”, this pup will change to protective mode. [6]
Bernese Shepherds don’t enjoy staying alone at home.
It may feel scary to leave you alone outside.
But it might also be sad because it will miss you around the house.
Separation anxiety might turn into destructive and aggressive behavior.
So pet owners should make sure not to leave this pet alone for too long.
He can express this aggression by biting and destroying objects in the house.
So it is not recommended for people who are rarely at home and constantly working.
Exercising and Living Conditions
To be mentally and physically healthy, this dog needs an hour of walking a day.
The origin of both of his ancestors is pastoral.
Well, if the owner needs it, he can teach the dog to guard cattle in the village.
Normal slow walks do not satisfy the daily need for physical activity.
A brisk run in the park of at least an hour is required.
And even better is climbing hilly-mountainous areas.
Places where there is greater steepness and slopes for running.
This dog mix is recommended for families who are often in the home and will not leave it alone at home.
Large spacious houses with a yard are needed.
For the dog to be constantly physically active.
It is not recommended to be kept by people who live alone in small apartments.
In such an environment, you can rarely find a place where the dog can run and get tired. [7]
It might inherit guarding traits.
But it shouldn’t have any problems growing up in a home with other pets.
Once he is an adult, bringing animals into the home should be OK as long as he has been socialized.
But, before making a final choice, hold a controlled pre-meet.
You should make sure it would welcome the animals into the pack.
Health and Medical Conditions
Mixed-breed dogs indeed have fewer genetically-based health problems.
These might include conditions in which the hip or arm joints do not form properly.
Such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. [8]
Affected animals may have pain, early-onset arthritis, and movement issues.
The ailment of gastric dilatation and volvulus (bloat) is also a risk for both of these breeds.
These conditions necessitate urgent surgery to repair and decompress a twisted stomach.
His parents are more susceptible to Von Willebrand’s disease than most other dogs.
This is a blood clotting disorder, which can be fatal if he sustains an injury because he will bleed to death.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is also predisposed to a variety of cardiac and eye conditions.
So, request copies of his parents’ cardiac and ophthalmologist certificates.
The Bernese Shepherd is a generally healthy dog that lives between 9 and 12 years.
While this may not seem like a long time, both of his parents have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years.
Hybrid vigor means the dog has slightly better health and resistance to illnesses. [9]
Grooming
The Bernese Shepherd has a very fluffy coat, so its grooming needs are intense.
It should get brushed at least 3 times per week, if not most days.
This will ensure that you keep its coat as manageable as possible for the household and yourself.
During shedding season, owners should brush their pets every day.
Daily brushing will help them get rid of all the hair and promote blood circulation in the skin.
This dog should be bath every six to eight weeks.
It’s very important to make sure that you rinse out all the shampoo from its skin.
Bernese Shepard’s undercoat is dense.
Leftover soap and dampness could cause skin irritation or mold. [10]
Pet owners should get this type of dog used to grooming from a young age.
Later on in life, it will be much harder to get it into the bath.
This comes with its size and strength, which are hardly manageable in adult dogs.
German Shepherd – Pyrenean Mountain Dog Mix
- Appearance
- Grooming
- Health Issues
Appearance
The majestic appearance of mixes is inherited from their Pyrenees ancestors.
These dogs have luscious coats that make them look more like lions than dogs.
Combining this breed with the sleek German Shepherd results in a stunning new breed.
Some hybrids have the perky ears of a German Shepherd, while others have the floppy ears of a Great Pyrenees.
These dogs are famous for their luxurious fur and are much harder to find for sale.
Their lovely locks are usually medium length and straight.
They have a wavy or curly texture to the excess fur around their neck (similar to a lion’s mane).
Their coat color is inherited from their Great Pyrenees parent – white, black, and tan.
They are not recommended for people who live in small apartments.
It’s because they can fall, and break objects. [11]
The Germanees are an offspring of a GSH and a Great Pyrenees.
Growing Germanees will also require a lot of space because they will be doing a lot of physical actions.
This breed is best suited to a home with a shaded but open backyard.
They are hyperactive dogs who will require a lot of physical activity.
This will include various types of training.
Exercises include occasional hiking to keep their mind and body healthy.
They must also go for daily walks. [12]
This breed is prone to obesity, so you cannot simply pass on their exercise requirements.
Grooming
If your hybrid has a thick coat, you will need to check its ears regularly.
This is because the fur may block airflow in that area.
Too much moisture and dirt accumulation is a prerequisite for infection.
So brush your dog daily to avoid tangling in their coat.
This can also help to reduce loose fur clumps.
You can use a de-shedding tool if the shedding is particularly heavy at times.
To keep these mix puppies comfortable, you will need to trim excess hair around their eyes, ears, and legs.
A bath now and then is also recommended.
But owners must proceed with caution if a parent has a history of skin problems.
Its nails will be hard and strong, but they must be checked regularly to ensure that they do not grow too long.
The nails should be examined for breakage and brittleness regularly.
They will need to brush their teeth several times per week. [13]
Health Issues
One of the problems that this cross may face is elbow and hip dysplasia.
This might be prevented by having frequent trips to the vet for early detection.
Another issue this breed may face is obesity.
Owners should occupy their dogs to meet their daily needed exercise.
Consulting a veterinarian for the best food choice may help your dog prevent obesity as well.
Other concerns also include:
- Deafness
- Heart murmur
- Atopy
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Ectropion
- Cataract
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
They should undergo certain tests like:
- X-rays
- Eye examination
- Fecal examination
- Urinalysis
- Complete blood count
- Skin biopsy
- Buccal mucosal bleeding time
- Skin scrape [14]
German Shepherd – Pyrenean Mountain Dog Mix Facts
| Height: | 23-28 inches |
| Weight: | 75-110 pounds |
| Life Span: | 9-12 years |
| Colors: | Black, brown, crème, sable, blue, grey |
| Sustainable for: | Companionship, guard dog, watchdog |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, intelligent, energetic |
Other Bernese Mountain Dog Crossbreeds
- Golden Mountain Dog
- Bernedoodle
- Bordernese
- Bernsky
Golden Mountain Dog
A Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog mix create this fantastic breed.
The Golden Mountain Dogs are one of the sweetest and friendliest dogs on the planet.
They are very affectionate with their families.
They will weigh between 70 and 110 pounds and be 23 to 27 inches long from paw to shoulder.
As a result, they are quite large and should be placed in a home with plenty of space.
This breed thrives in a busy family that can commit to at least 60 minutes of exercise per day.
Golden Mountain Dogs inherit either a color coat or a mix of golden and tricolors.
But their coats are usually medium length, soft, and silky smooth. [15]
Bernedoodle
Bernese Mountain dogs are frequently bred with the similarly sized standard poodle.
It stands between 17 and 25 inches tall.
And it is between 50 and 100 pounds in weight.
This lively dog mix requires at least 60 minutes of vigorous activity every day.
The Bernedoodle is likely to have a great sense of smell due to its hunting nose.
This puppy is likewise a nice pup who enjoys his humans.
It will constantly be sprawled all over you on the sofa.
Bordernese
The Bordernese look much like the Border Collie parent.
They are slightly bigger and have tri-colors and famous markings of the Bernese Dog.
Both of their parents have medium-length and thick coats.
So one can expect a similar fluffy pooch in this mixed breed.
This dog is characterized by large floppy ears and big brown eyes.
Its height is between 20 and 25 inches, and the weight is between 45 – 85 pounds.
The size depends on the inherited genes.
So owners can expect a large dog like the Bernese Mountain Dog. [16]
It can also take more on the other side and be a middle-sized doggo like the Poodle.
The Bordernese are gentle and affectionate with their family.
You might see them circling around young family members.
This means they inherited the herding instinct from their Border Collie parent.
With strangers, they are often aloof at the beginning.
But they warm up after a lot of sniffing.
Both their parents are intelligent.
So you’ll end up with “Mr. Smarty Pants” who need constant entertainment.
Bernsky
Bernese Mountain Dog and Siberian Husky can create a handsome dog called Bernsky.
It is born with huge triangular ears.
They could be floppy, erect, or a combination of the two.
These dogs are between 21 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 45 and 90 pounds.
Because the Bernskys are the most hyperactive dogs on the list.
They should be placed with an active family who can provide them with at least 90 minutes of activity every day.
They inherit the muscular frame required to pull carts.
This makes sledding the ideal family outing for this person.
Bernsky dogs are chatty individuals.
They enjoy the company of their family and, despite being left alone.
Other mixture breeds with three different genes are on trial.
Scientists confirm that new species may appear soon.
One of them is a bernese mountain dog and golden retriever german shepherd mix. [17]
What Is a German Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix?
A German Shepherd– Bernese Mountain dog mix is a mixed breed.
It’s a combination of a German Sheperd and a Bernese Mountain Dog parents.
It’s a large dog with middle-length fur.
It can be a great family dog, but also an excellent guard dog.
To choose the best dog breed for your needs, you should consult a vet or an experienced breeder.
References
