Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever Mix: Must Know

If you’ve ever imagined the ideal family dog, one that’s playful, affectionate, and super friendly. you’d be thinking of a Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever mix, also known as the Golden Mountain Dog. These lovable dogs combine the best of both breeds, bringing the Golden Retriever’s gentle nature and the Bernese Mountain Dog’s loyalty into one delightful package.

Imagine a big, fluffy dog who loves everyone and is always up for some fun. That’s the Golden Mountain Dog!

A Little About the Golden Mountain Dog’s Background

The Golden Mountain Dog is a mix of two beloved breeds: the Golden Retriever and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly nature, love of water, and endless loyalty. Bernese Mountain Dogs, originally from Switzerland, were bred to help with farm work and are famous for their strength, calm nature, and gentle attitude.

Combining these two breeds brings out the best in both, making the Golden Mountain Dog a great choice for families, especially if you want a big, cuddly dog that loves to be with people.

What Do Golden Mountain Dogs Look Like?

If you picture a big, fluffy dog with a heart warming expression, you’re on the right track! Golden Mountain Dogs usually have a large build, often standing between 24 to 28 inches tall and weighing anywhere from 70 to 110 pounds. Their coats are typically thick and soft, coming in shades of brown, black, and golden. They often have a friendly face with eyes that seem to say, “Let’s play!” or “I’m here to snuggle.”

Because of their thick coat, they do shed quite a bit, especially in the spring and fall. I remember brushing out clumps of fur one morning only to turn around and find even more by the evening! Regular brushing is key to keeping their fur looking good and your floors fur-free.

Personality of Golden Mountain Dog

Golden Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle, friendly personality. They are the kind of dog who wants to be around people all the time. Whether you’re reading a book, watching TV, or cooking in the kitchen, they’ll be there, sometimes sitting on your feet just to be close to you. And they are fantastic with kids! This breed is patient and gentle, making them an ideal choice if you have children in the family.

One day, a friend brought her toddler over, and our Golden Mountain Dog, simba, was as calm as could be, letting the little one pet him and even pull his ears a bit. simba just wagged his tail and looked happy to be the center of attention. These dogs have a special way of knowing when to be calm and when it’s playtime.

Health and Lifespan of Golden Mountain

Golden Mountain Dogs tend to live around 9 to 12 years, which is quite common for larger breeds. Like many big dogs, they can face certain health issues. Some common concerns include hip dysplasia, a joint issue often found in large breeds, and bloat, which can happen if they eat too quickly. It’s essential to keep an eye on their health and have regular vet checkups to catch any issues early.

One way to keep them healthy is by controlling their diet. If you notice your Golden Mountain Dog is packing on the pounds, it’s a sign to adjust their food or increase exercise. Feeding them in smaller meals rather than one large meal can help prevent bloat. And trust me, when these dogs are hungry, they will let you know with those puppy eyes that make it hard to resist giving extra treats!

Related Post: Best Foods for Golden Retrievers

Grooming of Golden Mountain Dog

Golden Mountain Dogs have a coat that sheds seasonally, which means you’ll need to do regular grooming to keep their fur under control. Brushing them a couple of times a week helps manage the shedding and keeps their coat looking shiny. I learned the hard way when I missed a week of brushing, and soon enough, our house looked like it was carpeted with fur!

Bathing isn’t needed too often, once every few months is usually enough unless they get muddy. And those ears! Because of their floppy ears, Golden Mountain Dogs are prone to ear infections, so it’s a good idea to clean their ears gently every couple of weeks.

Exercise and Play for Golden Bernese

These dogs love to play, run, and go on adventures. Daily exercise is a must for a Golden Mountain Dog. They enjoy a good walk or jog, and they’re always up for a game of fetch. If you’ve got a backyard, they’ll happily roam around or chase after a ball. Without enough exercise, they can become bored, which sometimes leads to chewing or other mischievous behaviors.

On rainy days, when we couldn’t go out, simba would bring me his toy and give me that “puppy look.” We’d end up playing tug-of-war in the living room to get some of that energy out. Keeping them active is the key to a happy Golden Mountain Dog!

Training Tips

Golden Mountain Dogs are incredibly intelligent, and they respond well to training. They enjoy learning new things and love the mental challenge of obedience training. Start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” and use positive reinforcement, these dogs thrive on praise and treats!

One thing to watch out for is their tendency to follow their nose. If they catch an interesting scent, they might wander off, so training them to respond to recall commands is essential. If you’re consistent with training, you’ll have a dog that listens well and is a joy to have around. We trained simba with treats, and to this day, if he sees me holding one, he’ll sit down without me even asking!

Family Compatibility: A Perfect Fit?

Golden Mountain Dogs are known to be incredibly family-friendly. They’re patient, loving, and protective, making them a great choice for families with kids. They get along well with other pets too, as long as they’re socialized from a young age.

In my experience, simba became an instant hit with our neighbors’ dogs. We had a little “doggy friend group” that would play together whenever we’d meet at the park. They’d run around, and simba was always the peacemaker, calming down any excitement.

Where to Find/Buy a Golden Mountain Dog

If you’re considering bringing one home, you can check local shelters, breed-specific rescues, or reputable breeders. Some people prefer to adopt, while others choose to get a puppy from a breeder. Either way, ensure you’re working with ethical breeders or well-maintained shelters that care for their animals properly.

In Short

The Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever mix brings together all the best traits: they’re loyal, friendly, and playful, and they love being with people. Whether you’re looking for a companion for yourself or a gentle friend for your kids, the Golden Mountain Dog is a wonderful choice.

With regular exercise, basic grooming, and lots of love, a Golden Mountain Dog will become a beloved part of the family. And if you ever find yourself needing a fluffy friend to snuggle with, they’ll be more than happy to curl up beside you.