Hard
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, tricolored Swiss farm breed renowned for its striking black, white, and rust coat and gentle giant temperament. Their long, thick double coat is slightly wavy with a bright, natural sheen, shedding moderately year-round and very heavily during seasonal coat changes. The Berner's majestic coat requires consistent brushing and professional de-shedding to stay manageable.
Coat Type
Long, Thick, Slightly Wavy, Double Coat
Groom Every
Every 4-6 weeks
Styles Available
4 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Natural Berner Look
The full-length coat is maintained in its natural state; only the feet, ear edges, and hocks are lightly tidied. The correct presentation that showcases the breed's signature tricolor pattern.
2
Neatened Tidy
A full groom with light scissoring around the ears, feet, hocks, and tail to create a clean, well-maintained appearance while preserving the natural coat length.
3
De-Shedding Treatment
An intensive undercoat-removal session using de-shedding shampoo, high-velocity blow-out, and extended raking to manage the Berner's heavy shedding. Essential during spring and fall coat blows.
4
Show Coat Preparation
A meticulous groom preparing a Berner for the show ring: the coat is bathed, de-shed, dried naturally or with a low-heat dryer to preserve the natural wave, and the feet and ears are precisely scissored.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- Bernese Mountain Dogs have profusely shedding coats — brush at least 3 times per week with a slicker brush followed by an undercoat rake, and increase to daily brushing during the heavy spring and fall shedding seasons.
- Focus particular brushing attention on the Berner's mane, breeches, and tail where the coat is longest and densest — these areas develop mats faster than the body coat and require daily combing to stay clear.
- Berners are a heat-sensitive breed despite their thick coats; keep grooming sessions in a cool environment, offer water frequently, and watch for panting or distress that signals overheating.
- Bathing a Bernese Mountain Dog requires a thorough, complete blow-dry of the dense undercoat — leaving the undercoat damp can lead to hot spots and an unpleasant sour odor within 24 hours.
- Check paws and between the toes after outdoor activity — the Berner's heavy paw furnishings trap snowballs in winter and debris in summer; trim the inter-digital hair regularly and apply paw balm in dry or cold conditions.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
BrushThe gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
$60 - $75
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake
BrushThe ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.
$40 - $60
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Deep Dives
Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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