- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
What’s not to love about beautiful Bernese Mountain Dogs? These large, affectionate, and self-assured dogs have as much personality as they have hair. Because they originated in the Swiss Alps, they come clothed in a thick, tri-colored double coat. Also, because of their herding origins, they can be active—and those thick locks can pick up all kinds of passengers. It’s easy to imagine a Burnese Mountain Dog’s coat would be a nightmare to brush.
But fear not, Berner people! Your pup’s glorious coat is actually less high-maintenance than you might think. Thanks to that active herding heritage, the thick coat of a Bernese Mountain Dog easily sheds dirt, meaning they actually require less grooming than other double-coated breeds. A collection of the best brushes for Bernese Mountain Dogs will help you maintain your Berner’s glorious coat.
Regular brushing, once a week at least and more often if possible, is recommended to keep your pup’s coat shiny and healthy. Bathing can be even less frequent, every few months or so—or a tad bit more often if your Berner is especially active.
Here are the basics you’ll need for setting up your Bernese Mountain Dog’s brushing routine.
GoPets Professional Double-Sided Pin and Bristle Brush
A double-sided pin brush is essential for any Bernese Mountain Dog caretaker because it’s a double-duty tool. The side with the pin bristles gets a bit deeper into the coat, detangling and removing hair. The soft bristle side smooths the coat, distributing healthy, naturally occurring oils that keep fur nice and shiny.
The great thing about this brush is its no-slip grip handle, which makes it more comfortable on your end. Daily brushing is a good maintenance plan as Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round; it also sets you up for success when prime shedding seasons (spring and fall) come around.
Buy on AmazonShiny Pet Dog Comb Grooming Tool with Stainless Steel Teeth and Ergonomic Grip Handle
A mere comb seems no match for the wealth of dog hair encasing your Bernese Mountain Dog, but a sturdy comb is actually a super useful preventive tool. Regular combing removes burrs and other detritus your Bernese Mountain Dog may have picked up while galavanting about. Getting these out of the coat before they can mat will make your grooming job much easier.
A large stainless steel comb will work best, and this one from Shiny Pet also has a rubber side that will help you keep a good grip on the comb—great for when you do run into a snag here or there.
Buy on AmazonGoPets Dematting Comb with Two-Sided Professional Grooming Rake
Mat rakes are another must-have for double-coated dog breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog. Mat rakes safely remove loose undercoat with short blades hidden within the longer “rake” tongs. Rest easy—these blades are set deep within the comb itself, so they can’t get to your dog’s sensitive skin. A mat rake is especially helpful during prime shedding seasons, removing large amounts of loose hair and preventing potentially painful mats from forming.
Buy on AmazonShelandy 3.2HP Stepless Adjustable Speed Dryer Dog Grooming Blower with Heater
Because of those thick coats and the generally large size of Bernese Mountain Dogs, the task that can take the longest is getting your Berner dry. It’s important to make sure that Bernese Mountain Dog coats get fully dried, since even slightly damp undercoats will attract detritus or form into mats—meaning all your hard brushing work has been for naught. Extended periods of damp hair against a dog’s skin can also result in dreaded hot spots.
This Shelandy dryer has multiple heads to help you focus on thicker fur areas, plus a long, flexible hose to reach all the places you need to. Because it only requires one hand, you can easily use this dryer while brushing to ensure that tangles don’t develop. The dryer is also quiet—an important feature for dogs who are more sensitive to loud noises.
A blow dryer is a huge time saver for the parents of any furry Bernese Mountain Dog, but it’s important to spend a little time up front getting your pup used to it. If your dog is frightened of it, start slow. Use a lower dryer setting and provide your dog with periods of rest time—and some treats—to help him acclimate to the sounds and sensations. A Rover test pup gives the Shelandy dryer two paws up.
Buy on AmazonRegular Ear Care
Last, one thing to be careful of while grooming your Bernese Mountain Dog is ear issues. Because they are big, floppy, and furry, Bernese ears can trap liquid, dirt, and bacteria, which can cause ear infections. If your veterinarian hasn’t already suggested a cleanser for regular ear cleanings, consider asking them about one.
Ear conditions can be painful and cause permanent damage if they go unnoticed. You’ll have much less risk of this if you clean your Berner’s ears weekly—get them started as a puppy, if possible, and make it fun with treats and toys as rewards. Even ear cleaning can be a bonding experience!
Further Reading
Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies: The Ultimate Guide for New Dog Owners
10 Best Dog Foods for Bernese Mountain Dogs
8 Perfect Bernese Mountain Dog Gifts for Berner Fans and Owners