Bernese Mountain Dogs are big, gentle and covered in a thick tricolor coat. That coat was made for Swiss winters, so in warmer places it needs regular brushing to keep shedding down and your Berner comfortable.
- Coat type: Double coat
- Routine: Bathe every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Key tools: Undercoat rake, slicker brush, wide-tooth metal comb
What kind of coat does a Bernese Mountain Dog have?
Berners have a long, thick double coat that can be straight or slightly wavy. They shed moderately year-round and heavily seasonally. Feathering and the hair behind the ears tangle easily.
Coat type, more than breed name, is what decides how often a dog needs a bath, a brush or a haircut. Mixes and individual dogs vary, so treat the schedule below as a starting point and adjust it to your dog's lifestyle, skin and how quickly the coat gets dirty or tangled.
How often should you groom a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Bathe every 6 to 8 weeks. Brush 2 to 3 times a week, daily during heavy shedding. Trim nails every 3 to 4 weeks. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks makes drying such a big coat much easier.
How to bathe a Bernese Mountain Dog at home
- Brush and rake thoroughly before the bath. Water tightens loose undercoat into clumps that are hard to remove later.
- Use lukewarm water and soak all the way to the skin. Double coats repel water, so this takes longer than you expect.
- Lather with a dog shampoo, working it in with your fingers against the direction of growth so it reaches the skin.
- Rinse until the water runs completely clear, then rinse once more. Leftover shampoo trapped in the undercoat is a common cause of itchy skin.
- Apply a light conditioner if you use one and rinse again.
- Dry completely, down to the skin. A damp undercoat can lead to hot spots and odor. Finish with a final rake once dry.
Always use a shampoo made for dogs; human shampoo is formulated for a different skin pH. Keep water out of the ears, and give a treat at the end so bath time stays positive.
Brushing routine
Rake the undercoat, slicker the feathering and comb behind the ears, the pants and the tail.
Short, frequent sessions beat one long struggle. Two to ten minutes, a few times a week, keeps most coats in good shape and gives you a chance to spot skin problems, lumps, ticks or sore spots early.
Fitting the routine into your week
Pick two or three set days for brushing, for example Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, and add a quick daily rake during heavy shedding. Book baths and professional deshedding at the start of each seasonal coat change. In hot, humid weather, keep the undercoat brushed out, offer shade and water, and walk during cooler hours rather than cutting the coat short.
Tools you'll need
- Undercoat rake for loosening the dense underlayer
- Slicker brush for the outer coat and feathering
- Wide-tooth metal comb to check for hidden tangles behind the ears and on the "pants"
- Dog shampoo and a light conditioner made for dogs
- High-velocity or cool blow dryer (or a lot of towels and patience)
- Nail clippers or a grinder
Common Bernese Mountain Dog grooming mistakes
- Shaving the coat. A double coat insulates against both cold and heat and helps protect the skin from sun. Shaving can damage how the coat grows back. Trim feet, sanitary areas and feathering instead.
- Only brushing the top layer. The surface looks neat while mats form underneath. Use a rake and finish with a comb that reaches the skin.
- Letting the coat air-dry. Trapped moisture in a thick coat is a recipe for hot spots, especially in humid climates like Florida.
- Incomplete drying. A big, thick coat takes a long time to dry. Damp undercoat can cause hot spots.
Bernese Mountain Dog grooming FAQ
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed?
Yes, moderately all year and heavily seasonally.
Can I shave my Bernese?
Not recommended; trim feet and sanitary areas instead.
How often should I bathe a Berner?
Every 6 to 8 weeks.
How do I keep my Berner cool?
Keep the coat brushed out, provide shade and water and avoid exercise in the heat.
How often should I bathe a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy?
Puppies usually need fewer baths than adults: bathe only when dirty, with a gentle shampoo made for dogs, and keep them warm until fully dry. Use short, positive sessions to get them used to water, brushing, nail trims and the dryer. Ask your vet when your puppy is ready for a professional groom.
Can I groom a Bernese Mountain Dog at home?
Yes, most of the routine can be done at home: brushing, baths, ear checks and nail trims. A professional deshed during coat blows removes far more undercoat than most home sessions.
This guide offers general grooming information. For skin, ear or coat problems that don't improve, talk to your veterinarian. More Pawfile breed guides.