Bernese Mountain Dog Shedding: Tips To Help You And Your Puppy

Undoubtedly, Bernese mountain dogs are beautiful and make great companions for some people. Before we talk about Bernese mountain dog shedding, let's briefly examine the cute four-legged companion.

Bernese mountain dogs, sometimes known as BMDs or Berners, are medium-sized working dogs with long coats. The Bernese mountain dog is a medium-energy dog with a calm and good-natured personality, and is certainly a favorite among many fur parents!

The breed is generally happier with a somewhat active family, and where someone is usually at home. They don't do as well if they are left alone at home most of the time.

All About Bernese Mountain Dog Shedding Season

Everyone knows about the Berner's thick double coat. While this is very important for them is it helps regulate their inner temperature, it's also followed by some rather major shedding. Especially during the spring and fall, you'll be seeing tufts of fur everywhere!

Your Bernese will blow out their undercoat twice a year, leaving piles of loose hair behind. This usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks. To help make shedding more manageable, follow some of the tips we've listed below.

Shedding is just part of life with a Bernese Mountain Dog. While frequent grooming, bathing, and vacuuming can't stop it completely, using these tips will help make the furry tumbleweeds more manageable for you and your pup during the shedding season. Stay on top of it, and you'll both be happier!

Why Does Berners Shed So Much Fur?

Berners shed a lot of fur for a few reasons. First, their coat is designed to keep them warm in the Swiss Alps, where the breed originated. The thick undercoat provides insulation, while the longer outer coat protects from wind and rain.

• Berners shed their undercoat in the spring and summer to adapt to warmer weather. This seasonal shedding, known as “blowing coat,” results in tufts of loose fur that seem to come out constantly. Regular brushing can help minimize the mess, but there’s no way around the seasonal shed.

• Berners shed year-round, just at a lower level, as loose hairs fall out and new growth emerges. Frequent brushing, bathing, and grooming will reduce excess shedding and keep your Berner’s coat clean and tangle-free.

• Diet and genetics also play a role. High-quality dog food with essential fatty acids promotes a healthy coat and may reduce shedding. Genetics may also have a hand as to why your pup is shedding too much. If your Berner seems to shed excessively, it’s a good idea to rule out any underlying medical causes with your vet.

While shedding can be annoying, it’s just part of life with a Bernese. Regular grooming, vacuuming, and lint rollers will become your best friends. The good news is that with time and consistency, you'll better manage the fur. And, of course, the unconditional love of your gentle giant makes it all worthwhile!

How To Reduce Shedding On A Berner

Many types of dog brush do a decent job when it comes to tidying up the surface of their furs, but to minimize shedding among this breed, you got to get yourself access to the right tools. Breeds with double coats need extra attention, or the rugs and coach will start to look like dogs by mid-summer.

If you're unaware to what these are, they're exactly what they sound like. It's just like a human brush except that it has blunt ends or pins on it at the end as opposed to plastic ends. You can buy one for as little as $5 or $6.

You can also buy a combination pin brush and slicker for $13 or $14 online or at big pet supply stores. There are even "self-cleaning" slicker brushes. The pins can be retracted to push the hair off.

Other slicker brushes have fixed pins, but they work perfectly well. Whatever brush you get, something that can reach your Bernese Mountain dog's undercoat is vital. Otherwise, you only get half the hair.

Bathing is a must. You shouldn't cheap out on cleaning equipments and buy your dog some good shampoo. Giving them a bath weekly is also important, especially for the Berner breed as it helps control dirt and all the other stuff that gets into their coat. Just think of it as a rag, soaking up all the stuff your pup rolls himself into, get what I'm saying?

The tri-color coat and long hair on a Bernese Mountain dog are beautiful but demand regular grooming. Bernese mountain dog shedding shouldn't be much of an issue with proper grooming.

Regular and thorough brushing is also very important. Most Bernese Mountain dogs enjoy a good brushing, so this exercise should go well for the both of you and not consume much time.

Why You Should Groom And Brush Your Pup's Coat

Regular grooming is key.

As a Bernese Mountain Dog owner, you need to commit to frequent grooming to keep your pup’s coat clean and tangle-free. Their long, thick coat is prone to matting and knots, especially behind the ears, in the armpits, and around the tail.

Set aside time each week to brush and comb your Bernese. Start getting them used to regular grooming as early as possible.

Brush frequently

Aim for brushing 3-4 times a week, especially when they’re blowing their coat. Use a slicker brush and undercoat rake to loosen dead hair and distribute oils.

Pay extra attention to mat-prone areas. Brushing frequently, even for just 10-15 minutes at a time, will make a big difference in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy.

Consider professional grooming

Professional grooming a few times a year is worth the investment for some owners. A groomer can thoroughly brush, bathe, and trim your Bernese to remove excess dead hair and mats you may have missed.

They have the proper tools, training, and experience to handle a Bernese’s thick coat. Ask your vet or breeder for a recommendation for a groomer experienced with Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Regular grooming and brushing are essential to the health and comfort of your Bernese Mountain Dog. While it requires a serious time commitment, keeping their coat clean and mat-free will reduce shedding in your home and keep your pup happy and tangle-free.

With consistency and patience, grooming can become an enjoyable bonding experience for you both.

Vacuuming and Dusting Regularly

Vacuuming and dusting regularly are key to managing Bernese Mountain Dog shedding. As much as you love your furry friend, no one wants their home covered in dog hair! By making quick cleaning a habit, you'll keep shedding hair under control and your place looking tidy.

Vacuum Often

Aim for vacuuming 2-3 times a week, especially in high-traffic areas where your Bernese spends a lot of time, like the living room or bedroom. Use a vacuum with strong suction and a hose or brush attachment to pick up hair from upholstery, carpets, bare floors, and tight spaces.

For carpets, go slowly over the entire surface to lift embedded hair from the fibers. Vacuuming frequently will prevent shed hair from building up and matting into the carpet.

Dust and Swiffer

In addition to vacuuming, dust and Swiffer hard surfaces like wood or tile floors, baseboards, windowsills, and shelves at least once a week. Bernese hair tends to float and stick to everything!

Use a microfiber duster, dusting wand, or Swiffer Duster to trap hair and wipe surfaces clean. For stuck-on hair, you may need to use a slightly damp cloth or multi-surface cleaner to loosen the hold before wiping it away.

Storing a lint remover is also a great dog hack, both for its versatility and relatively small size. You won't have to worry about those loose fur strands on your cute dog shirts when picking up your pup!

Clean Furniture and Bedding

Your Bernese's favorite spots, like the couch, bed, and dog bed, will require frequent cleaning too. Aim for wiping down or lint-rolling furniture 2-3 times a week to pick up hair before it has a chance to embed into the upholstery.

Wash your Bernese's bedding weekly in hot, soapy water to remove shed hair and odors. For your own bedding, wash sheets, blankets, and bedspreads every 1-2 weeks to minimize hair transfer and keep your bed fresh.

FAQ

Do Bernese Mountain dogs shed more than golden retrievers?

In short, yes. Bernese Mountain dogs shed significantly more than golden retrievers. Bernese Mountain dogs have a thick undercoat and longer outer coat.

This double coat is designed to keep them warm in the Swiss Alps, but it also means they shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes in the spring and fall. Golden retrievers also have a double coat, but their fur is generally shorter, and they shed moderately in comparison.

When do Bernese Mountain dogs start shedding?

Bernese Mountain dog puppies will start shedding around 3 to 4 months of age as their adult coat starts to come in. Their shedding will increase during growth spurts and seasonal changes.

You'll really notice the shedding pick up around 6 to 8 months of age as their adult coat fully develops. Be prepared for lots of brushing and vacuuming during this time!

When do Bernese Mountain dogs shed the most?

Bernese Mountain dogs shed the most during seasonal changes in the spring and fall. In the spring, they shed their thick winter undercoat. They shed their wonderful summer coat during fall to prepare for the winter months.

During these peak shedding seasons, you may need to brush your Bernese Mountain dog 2-3 times a week to keep up with loose hair. Bathing them before brushing can also help loosen the dead undercoat and make brushing more effective.