It is tough to find a cuter – or fluffier – mix than the Bernese Mountain Australian Shepherd. This isn’t the most common mixed-breed around, though, and you may have plenty of questions about this cuddly pup. Below is some insight into what you can expect with this particular combination of genes. Keep reading to find out.
What are the Key Qualities of the Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd?
- Height: 20 – 26 inches
- Weight: 55 – 90lbs
- Coat: Double coat
- Level of Affection: High
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Dog Friendly: Yes, if socialized properly
- Cat Friendly: Potentially, if socialized properly
- Preferred Climate: Moderate to cold
- Shedding Levels: High
- Trainability: Moderate to high
- Potential to Bark/Howl: Moderate to high
What are the Physical Attributes of the Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd?
You should be aware that with mixed breeds such as the Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd there can be a lot of variation in physical appearances. Even pups born to the same litter can look quite different from one another.
This is because there is no way to know how the combination of genes will present in each pup. A dog may favor either parent or be some mix of the two of them.
What is the Maximum Size a Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Can Grow To?
It is quite likely that this mixed breed will be bigger than an Australian Shepherd, but smaller than a Bernese Mountain Dog. As a result, it may be considered either a medium-sized or large-sized dog breed. This can only be determined once the dog is full-grown.
Will a Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Be as Fluffy as a Bernese Mountain Dog?
As both parent breeds have double coats, the resulting mixed breed puppies will also have double coats. It is difficult to know how fluffy the dog may be, though. This pup can have a woolly undercoat and a longer outer coat.
It is just as likely for this dog to have a medium-length coat. They may also have a thinner or thicker undercoat, depending on what their Aussie Shepherd parent had.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd may have the tricolor coloring of its mountain dog parent. As a result, it may have a patterning of brown, black, and white fur.
This pup can also inherit coat colors from its other parent. In this case, the pup may be any combination of blue merle, red merle, red, and black.
What Kind of Dispositions Do Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherds Have?
These dogs are incredibly loving and affectionate. They are great with families and enjoy being around their humans. Some dogs can turn into shadows, following family members around wherever they go.
In many instances, the Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd can’t be left alone too long alone. At most, they can spend several hours by themselves. After this, they may begin to act out and become destructive. Some dogs may even suffer from separation anxiety if they aren’t trained properly.
These dogs can be good with children – often gentle and tolerant. You should be mindful of the size difference, though. The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd can be playful and energetic. As such, they can push down children without meaning to.
You should also keep a close eye out on children when they are around this dog. It is best to keep babies and toddlers away from them, particularly younger dogs. Also, be aware that these pups may have a slight herding instinct. In this instance, they may try to herd smaller individuals around.
Although they are great with people they know, there is potential for them to be standoffish with strangers. It is important to socialize your dog at a young age due to this. They will find it easier to get along with others.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite attuned to humans and will often try to please you as a result. This may not always be the case, though, as their Aussie Shepherd side may be more dominant. If so, you may notice that your dog has an independent streak.
These dogs get along with other dogs well. It is important to introduce them to other pups at a young age so that they can get used to them. There may be some issues between the larger Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd and smaller dogs, so you should watch out for this.
As for other pets, this mixed breed may get along well with them too. Once again, early socialization is key. Smaller animals may not warm as quickly to this gentle giant, though.
Will Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mixes Be Healthy?
One of the advantages of mixed breeds is that they are often healthier than either parent. This is because there is a lower risk of them inheriting two genes that can cause the same disease. At the same time, these pups aren’t completely safe from the diseases of their parent breeds.
Do Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherds Have Long Lives?
On average, this mixed breed can live anywhere from 9 to 13 years. The exact lifespan can depend on the size of the dog as well as which parent it takes after.
For instance, a larger dog that is more similar to a Bernese Mountain Dog may have a shorter lifespan. On the flip side, a pup that has more dominant Aussie Shepherd genes may live longer. Take these factors into consideration when choosing a dog for your family.
What are the Primary Health Issues Associated with a Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd?
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Cancer
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Deafness
Numerous health issues can be prevented with proper nutrition, exercise, and continuous healthcare. It is important to take your dog to the vet regularly. This will allow your vet to monitor your dog’s health and take note of early symptoms of a variety of diseases.
It is just as important that you are aware of any changes in your dog’s appetite, activity level, or mood. If your dog is exhibiting any unusual behavior, make sure to take them to the vet immediately.
What Kind of Diet Should a Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Follow?
With mixed breeds such as these, it can be tricky to determine what kind of dog food to give your pup. The main thing is that you need to provide your Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd with a high-quality dog that uses quality, well-sourced ingredients for protein, carbs, and fat.
Stay away from commercial brands with fillers, additives, or preservatives. Your vet may be able to recommend the best dog food for your pooch.
In the earlier stages of your dog’s life, give them high-quality puppy food. It is only once they are adults that you will be able to determine if they fall into a medium-sized or large-sized dog breed. You can then choose dog food accordingly.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when feeding your dogs. Depending on their activity level, this pup tends to gain weight. Due to this, you should also keep snacks and treats to a minimum.
Are Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherds an Energetic Breed?
These dogs are incredibly energetic. They come from working and herding dog breeds and, as such, are used to being on the go for most of the day. If they don’t get enough exercise, they will get bored and may even be destructive.
This is one of the reasons that they aren’t recommended for first-time owners. These dogs need to get a moderate to significant amount of physical activity each day. They need about an hour of vigorous exercise.
It is best to split this activity up into two sessions. This can prevent your Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd from getting bored with the same kinds of exercise.
A long walk can be enough to give your dog a workout, but make sure that it is a brisk one. These dogs love mental stimulation as well so don’t be afraid to play fetch or Frisbee with them.
If the Aussie Shepherd genes are strong enough and if your pup is on the smaller side, don’t be surprised if they enjoy and are good at various dog sports as well.
Do Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherds Require Extensive Grooming?
The main thing to know about owning a Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd is that these dogs can shed a great deal. This is something that you need to prepare for as it can get rather overwhelming at times. With proper grooming, you can manage the issue better, though.
This mixed breed sheds all year long, but it is moderate for the most part. During the spring and fall, however, your dog may enter the shedding season. The shedding then intensifies.
The easiest way to cut down on the shedding is to brush your dog often. During the regular season, try to brush your dog twice or thrice a week, depending on how much they shed. You may also want to try a de-shedding tool.
With dogs who are such heavy shedders, you may require the assistance of professional groomers. These individuals have better tools and techniques, cutting down on the amount of shedding that your dog will do.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd shouldn’t be bathed too often. A bath every two to four months will suffice. You should only skip this schedule if your dog is very dirty.
Bathing your dog too often will strip their skin and coat of healthy oils. It can also cause their skin to overproduce necessary moisturizing oils, leading to various skin issues and an oily coat.
What is the Best Environment for a Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd to Grow Up In?
Due to their thick, fluffy fur, these pups do best in cooler environments. If the dog has a coat that’s similar to an Australian Shepherd’s, they can live in moderate to cold climates. These dogs will not be able to spend too much time in the extreme cold, however.
If your pup has a coat that is more like that of a Bernese Mountain Dog, they may be able to withstand even colder temperatures. Your dog should be able to stay outside when the temperature is down to single digits and it is snowing.
Once it begins to drop below freezing, however, you need to be careful. At this point, you should not let your dog stay outside for more than 30 minutes to an hour. You should also know that wind and a wet coat can make your dog feel a lot colder.
In warm climates, make sure that your dog stays indoors during most of the day as they may overheat easily. It’s also important to give them access to fresh, cool water and keep them near a fan or air conditioning. Only take them out for walks earlier in the morning or later on in the evening.
It is unlikely that these dogs will adapt well to apartments, due to their size. This is especially true if your pup turns out to be on the larger side. A mid-sized home with a yard in which your dog can play is probably the best option for a high-energy mixed breed such as this.
Does A Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Adapt to Training Well?
This pup is a mix of a working and herding dog. As such, they are bred to be trained and take to training well.
It is still important to start at a very young age as your dog will be most receptive to training techniques at this point. Always use positive reinforcement and never punish your dog. Remember to re-teach important commands at regular intervals so that your dog doesn’t forget.
Are Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherds an Easy Breed to Find?
No, this is a relatively rare mix, which means that finding a breeder can be tricky. It is best to look online and search out-of-state to improve your odds.
When you’re looking for a breeder, always choose a reputable individual. A good breeder needs to do genetic testing and map out the health of both parent dogs for several generations. This reduces the risk of puppies being born with genetic problems.
How Common are Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherds in Shelters?
As they are considered designer dogs, it won’t be easy to find this kind of pup in a shelter. You may want to check out online shelters or look for ones that will specifically house Bernese Mountain dogs or Australian Shepherds.
Most Asked Questions On Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix Breed
Here are some commonly asked questions about this mixed breed:
1. Are Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherds a Good Family Dog?
This affectionate mixed breed can be a great family dog, but you need to watch them around very small children.
2. Will the Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Have Similar Traits to Their Parents?
Both parent breeds are intelligent, hardworking, and affectionate. As such, their pups are likely to share such traits as well.
3. Are Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherds an Easy Breed to Have?
These dogs aren’t great for first-time owners as they are quite energetic and can often have strong personalities.
This is all you need to know about the Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd. The mixed breed is a wonderful combination of genes and personality but they are not always a good fit for every family. With the right details, you can now determine if this is the best pup for you.
