Bernese Mountain Australian Shepherd Mix
Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix: A Unique and Loyal Companion
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix is a striking combination of intelligence, agility, and loyalty. This hybrid breed of dog brings together the best qualities of its parent breeds—the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Shepherd. Known for their strong work ethic and affectionate nature, these dogs are ideal for families and individuals who love active lifestyles. They inherit the Bernese Mountain Dog’s gentle temperament and the Australian Shepherd’s energetic and intelligent personality. With their medium-to-large build and beautiful thick coat, they make excellent working dogs, herding dogs, or loving family pets. If you are looking for a smart, loyal, and active canine companion, the Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix might be the perfect addition to your home.
Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix puppies are irresistibly cute with their fluffy coats and bright eyes. These puppies are highly energetic and require early training to help them develop good behavior. Since both parent breeds are intelligent and hardworking, their puppies learn commands quickly and excel in obedience training. Socialization from an early age is crucial to help them become friendly and well-behaved adult dogs. If you’re adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd mix puppy, be prepared for a highly active and affectionate pet that will need regular attention, exercise, and mental stimulation.
Breed Traits
Loyal and affectionate Highly intelligent and trainable Energetic and requires daily exercise Great with families and children Protective and alert, making a good watchdog
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd mix has an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years when provided with proper care, nutrition, and regular exercise.
A full-grown Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix stands between 21 to 27 inches at the shoulder.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd mix typically weighs between 50 to 90 pounds, depending on genetics and diet.
This mix thrives in active households with large yards. They require plenty of space to move around and exercise. Since they inherit herding instincts, they do best in rural or suburban settings where they can play, run, and engage in outdoor activities.
Breed Characteristics
Coat Type: Thick, double coat; requires regular grooming Colors: A mix of black, brown, white, and merle patterns Shedding: Moderate to heavy, especially during seasonal changes Energy Level: High; needs daily physical activity Trainability: Very intelligent, responds well to positive reinforcement
This mix is affectionate and protective, making them excellent family pets. They get along well with children and other pets if socialized early. Their loyal nature and friendly demeanor make them a great addition to any household.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd mix inherits a muscular and sturdy build from both parents. They have floppy ears, expressive eyes, and a long bushy tail. Their coat is medium to long, thick, and fluffy, which helps them adapt to colder climates.
This hybrid dog is social and outgoing. They enjoy playing with family members, meeting new people, and interacting with other pets. Due to their herding instincts, they may try to herd children or smaller animals.
- Intelligent and eager to learn
- Friendly but protective of family
- Highly energetic and requires daily activities
- Loyal and affectionate towards owners
- Alert and makes a great watchdog
Training a Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd mix is relatively easy due to their intelligence. However, they need consistent training, socialization, and mental stimulation. Positive reinforcement works best for this breed. Training should include:
- Obedience training (sit, stay, come, etc.)
- Leash training to prevent pulling
- Agility training to keep them mentally engaged
- Early socialization to prevent shyness or aggression
Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd mix History & Facts
The Bernese Mountain Dog originates from Switzerland, where it was used for herding and pulling carts. The Australian Shepherd, despite its name, was developed in America for cattle herding. The mix of these two breeds results in a versatile, intelligent, and hardworking dog that excels in herding, agility, and companionship.
They are highly intelligent and trainable, making them ideal working dogs.
This mix inherits a strong herding instinct, so they may try to herd other animals and people.
Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their fur healthy.
They thrive in active households, needing at least 60–90 minutes of exercise daily.
They are incredibly loyal and bond closely with their families, making them great watchdogs.
If you love the Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd mix, you may also be interested in other popular Australian dog mixes, such as:
- Australian Shepherd Husky Mix
- Blue Heeler Australian Shepherd Mix
- Australian Cattle Dog Border Collie Mix
- Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd Mix
- Labrador Australian Shepherd Mix
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix requires a nutrient-dense, high-protein diet to support its active lifestyle and muscular build. Lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, beef, and fish provide essential amino acids, while brown rice and sweet potatoes supply energy. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseeds and fish oil promote joint health and coat shine. Fresh vegetables and fruits like blueberries, carrots, and spinach enhance digestion and immunity. Avoid artificial fillers, preservatives, and excessive grains. Feeding premium kibble, raw food, or a mix of both ensures optimal health. Always provide fresh water, adjusting portions based on weight, age, and activity level.
🐶 Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix Behavior: Energetic and Loyal
The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix is highly energetic, intelligent, and affectionate. They inherit the herding instincts of the Australian Shepherd and the gentle nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog. They form strong bonds with their owners and thrive in active households where they can engage in daily physical and mental activities.
Alertness
The Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd Mix is highly alert, always scanning its surroundings. Their keen observation skills make them excellent at detecting movement, recognizing patterns, and responding to environmental changes.
Protectiveness
The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog is moderately protective, barking at unfamiliar people or unusual noises. While friendly, their natural guarding instincts make them excellent watchdogs for families and property.
Prey drive
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix has a moderate to high prey drive, especially if they inherit more traits from the Australian Shepherd. Proper training and recall exercises help manage their natural instincts.
Aggressiveness
The Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd Mix is not naturally aggressive, but they can be protective and territorial. With proper socialization and training, they grow into friendly, confident, and well-mannered companions.
Barking level
The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix is a vocal breed, barking when excited, alerting their owners, or herding. Early training helps prevent excessive barking and encourages appropriate vocalization.
Trainability
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix is highly trainable, excelling in obedience, agility, and herding skills. Their intelligence and eagerness to learn make them ideal for structured training programs.
Mental stimulation needs
This breed requires daily mental challenges, advanced training, and problem-solving activities. Without stimulation, they may develop boredom-related behaviors such as excessive chewing, digging, or barking.
Intelligence
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix is highly intelligent, excelling in problem-solving, herding, and obedience training. Their ability to quickly learn and adapt makes them ideal for active and experienced owners.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix is highly intelligent, excelling in problem-solving, herding, and obedience training. Their ability to quickly learn and adapt makes them ideal for active and experienced owners.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix is a highly sought-after designer breed with intelligence, loyalty, and agility. Other popular Bernese Dog Cross Breeds include:
- Bernese Mountain Dog Labrador Mix (Labernese) – A loyal, friendly, and active breed.
- Bernese Mountain Dog Golden Retriever Mix (Golden Bernese) – A social and affectionate companion.
- Bernese Mountain Dog Husky Mix (Bernsky) – A strong, energetic, and independent hybrid.
- Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix (Bernedoodle) – A hypoallergenic, playful, and intelligent mix.
These mixes retain the gentle and affectionate personality of the Bernese Mountain Dog, making them perfect for families and active individuals.
Physical Attributes: What Makes the Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix Unique?
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix is a large, well-muscled breed with a strong, athletic build. They inherit the fluffy coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the agility of the Australian Shepherd. With expressive eyes, a broad chest, and a bushy tail, they exude strength, intelligence, and charm.
Breed Size
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix weighs 50-90 pounds and stands 22-27 inches tall. Their muscular, agile frame makes them ideal for working, herding, and outdoor adventures.
Colours
They come in black, white, tan, blue merle, and red merle, often with distinctive tricolor patterns. Their unique coat variations make each dog visually striking and one-of-a-kind.
Coat
This breed has a long, thick double coat that sheds year-round, with heavy shedding in spring and fall. Weekly brushing (3-4 times per week) is essential to manage loose fur and prevent matting.
Drooling
This breed is a moderate drooler, particularly after eating or drinking. Regular mouth cleaning, hydration control, and oral hygiene help minimize drool and keep their face clean.
Snoring
They are not heavy snorers unless they develop breathing problems or obesity. Their well-developed nasal passages allow for quiet, uninterrupted sleep, making them peaceful indoor companions.
Exercise Needs
This high-energy breed requires 90-120 minutes of daily exercise, including hiking, herding, and agility training. They thrive in active homes with outdoor space.
Grooming Needs
Brushing 3-4 times per week prevents matting and excessive shedding. Regular bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning help maintain their healthy coat and overall hygiene.
Aggressiveness
No, this breed is not aggressive. They are friendly, loyal, and intelligent, making them excellent family companions when properly trained and socialized.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix is generally healthy, but they may develop hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and bloat. Their lifespan ranges from 10-13 years, and regular vet checkups, a high-protein diet, and joint supplements help ensure longevity. Their thick coat requires regular grooming to prevent skin infections. Their deep chest makes them prone to bloat, so feeding them smaller, frequent meals is advisable. Regular exercise and weight control prevent joint problems as they age.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix is classified as a large breed, weighing 50-90 pounds and standing 22-27 inches tall. Their muscular frame and strong legs make them ideal for herding, guarding, and agility training. They require ample space and regular exercise to maintain their mental and physical health. Their loyal, hardworking nature makes them perfect for active families, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts. While they can adapt to city living with enough exercise, they thrive best in homes with large yards, open spaces, or farm environments.
Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix faq
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix hypoallergenic?
No, they shed heavily, requiring frequent brushing to control loose fur.
Do Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mixes bark a lot?
They are moderate barkers, mainly barking when alert or excited.
How much exercise does a Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix need?
They need 90-120 minutes of daily activity, including hiking, running, and obedience training.
Are Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mixes good with kids?
Yes, they are gentle, affectionate, and playful, making them excellent family dogs.
What is the lifespan of a Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix?
With proper care, they live 10-13 years.
Are Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mixes easy to train?
Yes, they are highly intelligent and eager to learn, making training enjoyable.
Do Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mixes need professional grooming?
Not necessarily, but frequent brushing and maintenance are required for their long, thick coat.
Can a Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix live in an apartment?
They prefer homes with yards, but can adapt if exercised regularly.
A Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix starts their day with an early walk or training session, followed by interactive play or obedience training. They enjoy physical activities like hiking, running, and herding. Throughout the day, they need mental stimulation and social interaction to remain happy. In the evening, they unwind with their family, enjoying companionship and affection. Their playful personality and intelligent nature make them loyal and fun companions for active households.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix is a loving, intelligent, and active breed, ideal for families, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts. They require daily exercise, training, and companionship to thrive. Their friendly and hardworking nature makes them loyal companions and skilled working dogs. If you’re looking for a trainable, affectionate, and energetic dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix is an excellent choice.