Bernese Shepherd

German shepherds are big dogs. Bernese mountain dogs are even larger. Cross these two canine lines, and the result is the Bernese shepherd, a gentle giant of a dog who is intelligent, calm, and extremely good-natured. This hybrid dog is sometimes referred to as the Euro mountain sheparnese. It’s recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and the Dog Registry of America.

The Bernese shepherd has inherited a strong work ethic from its two working dog forbearers. Members of this hybrid mix are happiest when you can give them a job to do, and they have plenty of outdoor space in which to perform the job. They have generous temperaments and a strong desire to please those who have won their affection.

3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

Size and Weight

Bernese shepherds vary in height and weight, depending upon which parent line the dog most resembles. Generally, though, they are bigger than the average German Shepherd but smaller than the average Bernese Mountain Dog. Adult males are noticeably taller and heavier than adult females.

Common Health Issues

Due to their large size and relative degree of inbreeding, German shepherds and Bernese mountain dog breeds are both prone to several health ailments. The average lifespan of the Bernese mountain dog is 6 to 8 years, while the average lifespan of the German shepherd is 7 to 10 years.

Hybrid vigor gives these dogs a longer lifespan than either of their parent lines. Typically, these crossbreeds live 9 to 12 years. However, their genetics predispose them to several health issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems, as is bloat. Bernese shepherds may also be prone to a bleeding disorder called Von Willebrand’s disease, epilepsy, pancreatic insufficiency, certain types of cancers, progressive retinal atrophy, and food allergies. Reputable breeders will make sure that genetic testing is done on all puppies they sell to minimize the risks associated with hereditary disorders.

Temperament

These dogs are highly intelligent and have a boundlessly friendly personality with those they know. They’re suspicious of unfamiliar humans and animals, though, and will check strangers out by barking and sniffing. If strangers pass the test, these dogs snap back to their best behavior again relatively quickly. These canines love to work. Since you probably won’t have a herd of sheep to put at their disposal, you’ll need to satisfy this urge by playing frequent games of fetch and devising other pastimes for them.

Although this canine’s temperament is gentle and loving, its sheer size is a trait that can be intimidating for owners without much prior canine experience; however, for that reason, this crossbreed is not recommended for first-time dog owners. German shepherds can be stubborn, and some Euro mountain sheparnese dogs inherit this behavior. To counteract this tendency toward truculence, training and socialization should be started early.

Care

As a Bernese shepherd owner, you’ll have to take factors like your dog’s size, unique coat, and need for activity into consideration. Bernese shepherd puppies should begin obedience training the moment you introduce them to their new homes.

Best Dog Food

Adults require four to five cups of high-quality food every day. To minimize the threat of bloat, it’s best to divide this into two or three smaller meals and to stick mostly with a premium kibble. Since these crossbreed dogs are prone to developing food allergies, you might want to have your new puppy tested for dietary sensitivities. You’ll definitely want to avoid foods with additives.

Maintenance And Grooming

Shedding can be a major issue with these dogs. German shepherds and Bernese mountain dogs both have thick, fluffy double coats. Small wonder that this breed prefers cooler climates! Although it’s impossible to predict whether your hybrid dog will inherit the German shepherd’s wiry, coarse outer coat or the Bernese Mountain dog’s softer, wavier outer coat, one thing’s for sure: it will need to be brushed thoroughly and regularly to remove loose hair if you don’t want shedding to get out of hand. A heavy bristle brush or a pin brush will work best. The long, feathery hair around this breed’s ears can be a magnet for dirt and debris, so check that area frequently.

These dogs don’t need to be bathed more often than once a month unless they’ve been actively getting into dirt. Lathering and rinsing your pet’s double coat can present a challenge. Brush your pet’s teeth once a day and clip nails as needed.

Training

Your Bernese shepherd has inherited strong pack instincts from its parent lines. Socialization and obedience training are critical to help your new pet understand that it is not the alpha of the pack. Smaller dogs may be able to get away with occasional behaviors like straining at their leashes or jumping up on people, but because of their size, your Bernese shepherd cannot. Forming a bond with your dog is the key to training this crossbreed because this dog is eager to please the humans it loves.

Exercise

These dogs have an intense need for activity and exercise; they won’t be satisfied with just a brisk walk around the block twice a day. Your pet will need at least two hours of vigorous activity every day, but three hours would be even better. These dogs are doers. They like to run, they like to hike, and they like to play. Enforce quiet time after eating, though; exercising your dog too soon after it has eaten can cause the development of bloat.

Puppies

Bernese shepherds are a relatively new breed, so breeders may be difficult to locate. Before you purchase a puppy, learn all you can about the health status of the puppy’s parents to minimize the possibility of adopting a pet with a predisposition toward certain genetic disorders.

Children

These dogs are friendly and, for the most part, gentle, but they aren’t the best dogs for a family with young children. While they’re likely to tolerate a toddler who attempts to ride them, they may also unintentionally knock that toddler down when they’re bounding up to say hello. These canines also have strong herding instincts and may attempt to shepherd your little ones.

Similar Dogs

Rottweilers, Tibetan mastiffs, and akitas all share traits in common with the Bernese shepherd.

• Rottweilers: Some Bernese shepherds look almost exactly like Rottweilers. How can you tell them apart? Rottweilers have shorter legs, squarer faces, and thicker chests than Bernese shepherds.
• Tibetan mastiffs: DNA tests have revealed that Bernese mountain dogs are actually descendants of Tibetan mastiffs. Tibetan mastiffs are one of the most ancient of all canine breeds; they herded the nomads’ flocks and kept guard over the Buddhist monasteries.
• Akitas: Akitas have the same muscular build as Bernese shepherds, but their coats and coloring are very different, plus they have webbed toes and a distinctive tail that curves back over their bodies. Akitas are the national dog of Japan.