Affiliate disclosure: Dog Product Picker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in.
The German Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix is a large-sized dog that comes with a working background. This great dog comes with the calmness of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the superior intelligence of the German Shepherd while having a loyal and good nature. In this article, we share how you can care for a Bernese Mountain German Shepherd mix in your own home and how they can be a great family dog for you.
What is the Bernese Mountain German Shepherd Mix?
Also known as the Euro Mountain Sheparnese, the Bernese Mountain German Shepherd mix is a combination of the German Shepherd and the Bernese Mountain Dog. These designer dogs are known for their easygoing demeanor, high intelligence, and striking looks. Both parent breeds of this mix are beloved and well-known breeds with huge personalities, so potential owners should have experience before getting one.
Even so, these lovable dogs can work for first-time dog owners as long as they’re given the effort and time to ensure they’re well-trained and socialized.
History of the Bernese Mountain German Shepherd Mix
Because these mixed-breed dogs are relatively new, not much is known about their origins, although their parents come with a rich history which we discuss below.
Bernese Mountain Dog History
As one of the four Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a versatile breed that was originally bred for all kinds of work. Able to pull carts, herd cattle, and serve as watchdogs, these dog breeds come with thick long fur that allows them to survive the harsh conditions of the Swiss Alps. The purebred Bernese Mountain Dog is the 22nd most popular dog breed according to the American Kennel Club and has been a registered breed since 1981.
German Shepherd History
The German Shepherd comes with a well-known history; German Shepherds were first developed during the late 19th century by Captain Max von Stephanitz who set out to create the perfect herding dog. After World War II, these dogs were used for military and police purposes — breeding programs were created to help ensure healthier dogs that don’t come with genetic health issues. Today, they are among the most popular dogs in the United States and are among the most recognizable breeds in the world.
Bernese Mountain German Shepherd Mix Appearance
Both the German Shepherd and the Berner parent are big dogs so you can expect their kids to be just as big, if not more. Males and females will come between 23 to 28 inches tall and can weigh anything between 75 and 110 pounds. Their appearance may vary wildly and there’s no guarantee as to which parent they will look like; generally they will look 50/50 so they will look wilder than the Berner and fluffier than the German Shepherd.
However, you can expect them to always have a large size and sturdy build, which is typical of both parents. They will generally come with the erect, triangular ears of the GSD along with a fleshy and square nose as well as big, dark eyes. Usually, Bernese Shepherds are mistaken for Rottweilers since they’re around the same size and have a similar coat color.
Both parents come with thick coats of medium to long length; this double coat consists of an undercoat that protects them from cold weather and a top coat that makes them so fluffy! While it’s not known which colors will be inherited from their parents, the Bernese Mountain Dog parent will usually come in tan, white, or a solid black color while the German Shepherd also comes in a wide array of colors, including:
- Black and tan
- White
- Blue
- Blue and tan
If you’re looking for a certain color or a particular marking, you may want to speak to professional breeders to take your pick from the litter of puppies they have. But no matter which colors or markings it has, they are all adorable and are deserving of your love and care.
Bernese Mountain German Shepherd Mix Temperament
Luckily, the Berness Shepherd’s parents come with similar temperaments so their offspring will surely be hardworking dogs that are sure to find work as guard dogs or herding dogs. As long as they feel that they’re contributing to the home, they can become a valued family member who will provide unconditional love in the form of cuddles and kisses. These friendly dogs are sweet to their immediate family and their sociability extends to strangers after meeting them and determining that they’re no threat.
Because they’re such social creatures, they shouldn’t be left alone if you don’t want them to develop separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior. When given the right training and socialization, these big dogs can be suitable for homes with young children and seniors. Because they have such great personality traits, they can provide their families with hours of entertainment, but they also have a serious side that makes them such good workers.
Bernese Mountain German Shepherd Mix Care
If you’re serious about caring for these dogs and want to add them to your family, then be sure to follow this quick guide on their caring requirements.
Nutrition
Your Bernese Shepherd will need around 4 to 5 cups of dry kibble each day to help it keep up with its energy levels and growth as it matures but this will also depend on factors such as size, sex, age, and physical activity. As such, a smaller and more static dog will need less food compared to a larger and more energetic Bernese Shepherd. Unfortunately, German Shepherds are prone to allergies and have sensitive stomachs.
If your pup is suffering from the food you feed it, make sure to switch it over to kibble that’s specifically made for big dogs with sensitive stomachs. The best dry dog food for these dogs will be high in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also important to look out for signs of weight gain in these dogs since they can easily put on weight — if you have any doubts, be sure to speak to your vet for the right options for your pup.
Grooming
Because these dogs have such fluffy coats, their grooming needs will be pretty intense and should be brushed 3 times a week if not every day to keep their coat manageable. During shedding season, this will need to be done daily to prompt blood circulation and to remove any loose hair. Having a pin brush and a de-shedding tool for daily brushings can be a great help — they will need to be bathed once every 6 weeks or more depending on how dirty they get.
It’s also important to note that they’re washed with dog-friendly products and that they’re washed and dried properly to avoid skin irritation and coat damage. It’s also a good idea to keep up with their nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing to ensure their overall health.
Exercise
A Bernese Shepherd will need 60 minutes of regular exercise every day since they’re such high-energy dogs; this should keep it physically and mentally stimulated. Because both parents are herders, it can become a wonderful herding dog if you’re looking for one — if you don’t have work for it to do, be sure to give it rigorous exercise to help it spend energy. Playing games of fetch or taking long walks around the block can help to release their excitement; other activities you can do include doggy agility courses.
They’re also big dogs so they will need plenty of moving space, so they will do well inside a large home where they have freedom to move around. It will also help if you have a big, reinforced backyard that it can play in until they’re content. Unfortunately, they won’t thrive in smaller homes without much space and aren’t suitable for apartment living.
Training
We’ve established that the Bernese Shepherd is an intelligent and trainable dog that’s not just naturally smart but is also able to pick up on commands quickly since they’re eager to please their owners. While they have the makings to be excellent family dogs, they will need early socialization since they have guarding tendencies. As such, it’s important to introduce them to a wide range of people, animals, places, and situations to help them understand that they don’t always need to have their guard up.
Because of their high prey drive, they should be leash trained as puppies to make sure they don’t develop habits such as pulling on their leash when out on walks. You can try to train them yourself or you can get help from a professional trainer to help them become well-behaved and balanced dogs. Your Bernese Shepherd will likely be motivated through a mix of praise and treats; reward-based training is the best way to get through to these pups to be sure to give them lots of verbal appreciation but keep food to a minimum to prevent obesity.
Bernese Mountain German Shepherd Mix Health Problems
Because they’re generally healthy canines, the Bernese Shepherd can enjoy an average lifespan between 9 to 12 years. While this might not sound like a long time, both parents actually only live up to 10 years of age, but the combination of their genes provides them with hybrid rigor, which means they can enjoy slightly better health and protection against certain illnesses. Even so, these dogs are still prone to a few diseases, much like any dog.
Both parent breeds suffer from similar health conditions which include the following:
- Hip Dysplasia: This abnormality occurs when the joints don’t fit the sockets properly, which can lead to lameness, pain, and fatigue.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this occurs when the elbow joints don’t develop properly which also results in discomfort and pain.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: This inherited bleeding disorder can make it hard for blood to clot and can be seen frequently in particular breeds. Both parents are more prone to this disease so pups should be tested through a DNA test.
- Cardiac Issues: Your pup may begin to breathe rapidly while some dogs may stand with their legs far apart while their neck is stretched out. Dogs with heart disease can sometimes find it difficult to breathe when lying down, so they may often stand or sit for a long time.
- Eye Conditions: If you notice that your puppy’s eyes are constantly weeping or if the fur around its eyes is stained, it may be suffering from eye conditions. A responsible breeder should be able to provide you with ophthalmologist certificates to ensure that their pups are safe from related conditions.
Giving your dogs adequate exercise and high-quality nutrition is often the easiest and best way to ensure that your Bernese Shepherd can stay as healthy as possible. Taking them on regular veterinarian visits can also help keep conditions or issues at bay while helping to diagnose, treat, and manage their symptoms effectively.
Finding Your Bernese Mountain German Shepherd Mix
No matter how you look for your new puppy, always be sure to look for a reputable breeder who will help you find a perfect and healthy dog that will fit right into your home. However, it’s up to you to do research on the best breeders around your area and to ensure that they have all the relevant certificates that prove their dog’s pedigree and overall health. Both parents should come with purebred recognition and pass all the relevant health checks.
It’s important to read reviews on a particular breeder and to visit their facilities to check on the condition of their puppies to ensure that they follow ethical practices. On average, the price of Bernese Shepherds will range between $700 to $1,000. Dog breeders that ask for anything over or under this price should indicate that their standards and their practices may not be the best.
On the other hand, if you feel that you don’t have that kind of money to splurge, you may want to look into rescues and shelters. While these dogs are a rare breed and it’s unlikely that you’ll find one inside a shelter, there’s still a chance that you may encounter one so be sure to visit as many places as you can.
Other Mixes of These Dogs
Both the Bernese Mountain Dogs and the German Shepherd can be mixed with many different breeds, all of which result in a wonderful hybrid dog.
Golden Shepherd
This is the perfect combination of the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd, making a pet that’s intelligent, obedient, and lovable. These dogs love spending lots of one-on-one time with their family and will get along well with kids. At the same time, they’re always ready to go out on adventures, whether it’s tracking, hunting, or just going for a walk through the park.
Siberian Shepherd
When you combine the German Shepherd with the Siberian Husky, you get this unique breed that comes with one blue eye and one brown eye. This dog is known for its attractive appearance and athletic build, so you’ll get the best of both worlds. These dogs are very hard-working and will always love to play, so you’ll never have a problem with them.
Aussie Bernese
Mixing the Bernese Mountain Dog with the Australian Shepherd results in puppies that have excellent traits. They know how to get along with people, especially when you give them early socialization and they won’t have any temper issues. However, Aussie Bernese pups will need constant attention and affection, so they won’t do well when left alone for long periods.
Spaniel Bernese
Spaniel Bernese pups are created when you mix the Bernese Mountain Dog with the Cocker Spaniel, a dog that won’t shed as much as their parents. They have low drool levels but may come with a high potential for weight gain. Providing them with daily brushing and a weekly grooming routine will help to maintain their coat’s quality and appearance.
Alaskan Shepherd
Similar to the Siberian Shepherd, the Alaskan Shepherd is a mix of the Alaskan Malamute and the German Shepherd, resulting in an incredibly gorgeous coat. These dogs are highly friendly, loyal, strong, and relatively easy to train.
Bernese Collie
This Border Collie Bernese Mountain Dog mix is an active breed that needs plenty of exercise and playtime every week. Also known as the Bordernese, they come with an agreeable and charming personality that lets them get along well with kids and other pets. Energetic and alert, they can become great watchdogs for your home.
Corman Shepherd
When you mix the Corgi with a German Shepherd, you get the Corman Shepherd, an adorable ball of fur. Full of energy, this dog is known for its high exercise requirements, and with the right training they can be fun to have around.
German Ridgeback
The mix between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the German Shepherd results in the German Ridgeback. They’re highly hardworking and loyal, but you must give them lots of attention and exercise to ensure they won’t develop destructive habits to keep themselves entertained.
Shepherd Pit
The combination of the Pitbull and the German Shepherd results in a strong, energetic, and intelligent dog that needs a loving but firm owner who can raise this dog correctly. With the right guidance, these dogs can be incredibly loyal and will always protect their families.
Conclusion
When you want the right companion dog, the best way to get one is to meet it in person or to visit a reputable breeder who can provide you with the necessary information and certification to ensure the health of a particular puppy. The Bernese Mountain German Shepherd mix can be a wonderful addition to any family, as long as they’re given the right training and socialization early in their life.
Sources
Additional Recommended Reading:
About the author
The Best Service Dog Breeds
Throughout history, dogs have worked alongside humans, with evidence of domestication dating back nearly 30,000 years. Over time, that partnership has evolved into countless roles, from hunting and herding to companionship and protection. Today, many breeds are trained for specialized service work, using their loyalty, intelligence, and focus to support people who need extra assistance. In this article, we break down the most popular service dog breeds in the United States, what makes each one effective, and the unique ways they can help their handlers live safer, more independent lives. What are Service Dogs? At its most basic definition, service dogs are canines trained to perform tasks that can assist their owner or handler with a disability. They can help to remind people with mental illness to take their medication, alert deaf people, and protect those suffering from seizures. Moreover, […]
Can Dogs Have Allergies?
Unfortunately, allergies in canines are more common than we think. Understanding the signs and symptoms will help ensure that your canine companion enjoys a comfortable and allergy-free life. In this article, we share an in-depth guide that addresses the question, “Can dogs have allergies,” while covering other topics such as diagnosing and treatment options for allergies. What are Allergies? Allergies occur when a dog’s immune system negatively reacts to substances that are normally harmless. Also known as allergens, these substances can often result in an allergic response when ingested, inhaled, or make contact with your dog’s skin. When this happens, the canine body will mistake these environmental items as a threat, which can result in many different physical symptoms. These reactions can significantly vary in severity, which will range from mild discomfort to a severe reaction, and in serious cases […]
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
What you might not know is that pet allergies are common; in fact, around 10% to 20% of people around the world are allergic to cats and dogs. The good thing is that even people with allergies can own a furry friend — while there’s no such thing as an entirely allergy-friendly breed, some dogs can be easier on allergy symptoms. In this article, we share all you need to know about the best hypoallergenic dog breeds. What are Hypoallergenic Dogs? There are many misconceptions about what this means, so we need to clear things up; there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. However, there are a few breeds that create fewer allergens compared to others, which makes them better suited for allergy sufferers. These canines will generally come with low-shedding coats, which produce less dander and will […]
Schnauzer Poodle Mix 101
If you’re looking to add a new member to the family, but aren’t in the market for a purebred dog then consider poodle crosses such as the Schnauzer Poodle mix. The teddy bear Schnoodle is beloved for their high levels of intelligence, calm demeanor, and hypoallergenic coats. These designer dogs are some of the fluffiest breeds out there; here, we share all you need to know about them including their appearance, temperament, history, and how you can care for them. What is the Schnauzer Poodle Mix? The Schnauzer-Poodle mix is a loving, smart, and level-headed companion. While there are no dogs that can truly be called hypoallergenic, both Poodles and Schnauzers can be a good fit for those with allergies, which means their offspring will be too. This gorgeous mix of Schnauzers and Poodles produces a curly-haired hybrid that comes […]
Husky Samoyed Mix 101
Maybe you’ve heard of the Siberian Samoyed, a gorgeous, mixed breed canine that’s known for its boisterous personality and striking appearance. This designer dog is a large ball of fluff that can bring happiness and energy into your home but before you get one, there are a few things you need to consider first. In this article, we share all you need to know about the Husky Samoyed mix, including their appearance, temperament, history, and how to care for them in your home. What is the Husky Samoyed Mix? The Husky Samoyed mix is also known as the Samhusky, Siberian Samoyed, and Samusky and is a beautiful mix of the Siberian Husky and the Samoyed. Because both have bright eyes and fluffy coats, you can expect their offspring to be just as impressive-looking as their parents. These dogs are becoming […]
Papillon Dog Breed 101
Papillon dogs are known for their petite, yet sturdy bodies that come with an active, alert, and friendly nature — they are among the smartest breeds in the world and can make wonderful companions. Dog owners looking for a gorgeous toy dog will be more than pleased to add one of these playful pups to their family. In this article, we share all you need to know about how to care for these dogs in your home while discussing their temperament, history, and where you can find one. What is the Papillon Dog? Papillons are playful, spirited, and small dogs that come from Spaniels and toy breeds. These cute dogs come with high energy levels and will excel in obedience and agility competitions. They have sparkling personalities that endear them to anyone who owns them and despite their appearance, they […]
Related
Emotional Support Dog vs Service Dog Explained
Emotional support dogs and service dogs are not the same. This guide breaks down the real-world differences that matter in housing, travel, and everyday life.
Best DIY Guides for Building a Dog House
Ready to build a cozy dog house this year? Here are six DIY guides you can trust, from recycled pallet builds to insulated plans for colder climates.
What is a Dapple Dachshund?
Discover what sets the dapple dachshund apart, including coat patterns, temperament, and key health considerations for responsible ownership.
Most Presidents Had Dogs. Here’s Who Didn’t — and Why It Matters
Most U.S. presidents kept a loyal dog at their side. This guide explores famous presidential pets, standout breeds, and the surprising presidents who skipped having a White House pup entirely.
Funny Dog Breeds: Goofy, Dorky, and Downright Lovable
Looking for a pup that makes you laugh? Our guide to funny dog breeds highlights pugs, corgis, dachshunds, and more — plus care tips and gear suggestions to match each breed’s playful personality.
Is Trump the Only President to not Have a Dog?
Curious why Donald Trump never had a dog in the White House? This quick, factual guide explains the history, context, and how his choice compares to long-standing presidential pet traditions.
