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Meet the Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd Mix

Are you thinking about adding a Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix to your household?

Or perhaps you have already adopted one and you are looking for tips on how to take care of it and what to expect in terms of personality and behaviors?

Either way, this article will provide you with more than an introduction to the Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix,

What is a Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd Mix?

This breed is obviously a mix between two very popular breeds: the Bernese Mountain Dog and the German Shepherd Dog.

The Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd Mix is also known as the Euro Mountain Sheparnese.

In addition to those two names, this mix also goes by the names of the Bernese German Shepherd and the German Shepherd Mountain Dog.

We use all of the above names interchangeably throughout this article.

Continue reading to learn more about this interesting crossbreed including information about temperament, training, grooming, shedding and medical care.

Get ready to fall in love with the German Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix!

Traits of the German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd Dog is an active, intelligent herding breed that originated in Germany.

Photo of German Shepherd  Two Sheprards Outside

These dogs have become extremely popular pets in the United States.

In fact, they are the second most popular breed in the U.S. according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

However, German Shepherds need a lot of time, space, attention and training. They are not ideal for novice dog owners.

Sadly, many German Shepherds are given up by their owners because these dogs are more challenging than people expect.

German Shepherds are very smart, and they need a lot of training and mental stimulation. They also require a significant amount of daily exercise.

They are loyal and protective, but their guard dog tendencies can get out of hand without careful training, socialization and management.

If you would like to get more details about the German Shepherd Dog temperament you can check out this article.

Traits of the Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are giant, working dogs that were developed in Switzerland.

Photo of Bernese Mountain Dog Outdoors

Bernese Mountain Dogs, affectionately known as Berners, are huge! They can easily reach 100 lbs. or more.

They have wonderful temperaments. They tend to be sweet, gentle and loyal.

However, they also drool and shed excessively!

Due to their massive size, they are not ideal for apartment living.

To learn more about the Bernese Mountain Dog, check out this article.

As you can imagine, when you combine these two breeds you create a very smart and loyal dog, but also a dog that requires a lot of maintenance. We will discuss their needs further in the sections below!

History

Before we dive into characteristics and care of this breed, let’s talk a little bit about Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix history.

The Euro Mountain Sheparnese is not a purebred dog breed. It is a cross between two well-known breeds— the German Shepherd Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Therefore, there is not a lot of information about the history of the German Shepherd Mountain Dog. It appears to be a fairly recent combination of breeds.

Sometimes these dogs occur naturally from unplanned breeding, and sometimes they are created intentionally as “designer dogs.”

The Euro Mountain Sheparnese is not a very common designer breed, but it is prevalent enough that it is classified in the Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

One of the best ways to learn more about the Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix is to take a closer look at the characteristics of the two beloved breeds that created this blend.

Size and Appearance

How big is a German Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix?

The Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix height and weight can fluctuate, but this is definitely a large dog.

The average Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix weight is between 75 and 110 lbs.

The typical height range for this breed is between 23 and 28 inches at the withers.

German Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix colors are usually a combination of black, tan and sometimes white.

They are generally fluffy—although maybe not quite as fluffy as a purebred Bernese Mountain dog.

Size Affects Costs and Health

If you adopt one, you should be prepared for the special needs and costs that come along with such a large breed of dog.

Giant dog breeds eat a larger quantity of food.

Their medications (such as heartworm preventative) are more expensive because they are dosed by weight.

Large breeds are also prone to certain expensive medical conditions such as bloat and orthopedic issues. These will be discussed at greater length in a latter section.

Staying Healthy: Bernese German Shepherd Health Issues

Providing veterinary care is a very important part of being a responsible dog owner.

Veterinary care can be quite expensive, especially for a large breed dog, so make sure to factor this into your budget when you are thinking about bringing a Euro Mountain Sheparnese into your family.

Like all dogs, the Euro Mountain Sheparnese can be prone to some health conditions.

Luckily, mixed breed dogs tend to suffer from fewer genetic health issues than purebred dogs.

Still, your Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix could encounter the following health problems.

Talk with your vet about what to watch for and what to do if you suspect that your Euro Mountain Sheparnese develops symptoms of any of the following health issues:

You can keep your Bernese German Shepherd as healthy as possible by bringing him to the vet for a wellness check at least once per year.

As your dog gets older, you may want to increase the frequency of the visits and consider doing senior bloodwork at least once every year.

Also make sure to keep your dog on prevention for heartworms, fleas and ticks at all times.

Helpful Dog Health Resource:

Note: Our Health is #1 Priority. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Help your friend make it to 14 yrs+ without pain and suffering.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Euro Mountain Sheparnese?

The Euro Mountain Sheparnese lifespan is sadly not that long. Giant breeds simply do not live as long as smaller breeds.

With good care, the lifespan of your Euro Mountain Sheparnese could reach 10 or ever 12 years, but that would be quite old for this breed. Many pass away around 8 or 9 years old.

Grooming and Shedding: Get Ready for Fur!

Shedding

Does the Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix shed? The answer to that question is definitely yes! If you cannot handle dog fur, this is probably not the right dog for you.

Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and German Shepherds are major shedders!

When you combine the two breeds into a Euro Mountain Sheparnese you are definitely going to get a designer dog that sheds profusely!

You are going to need to stock up on a heavy duty vacuum cleaner as well as a variety of brushes and combs.

Grooming

The good news is that you can do most of your dog’s grooming at home.

You should brush your dog’s coat a few times per week. You should give your dog a bath as needed, but approximately once every month or two.

If your dog has very long fur, you might want to take him to a professional groomer a few times per year for a haircut, or at least a sanitary trim.

Do not forget to trim your dog’s toenails and brush his teeth on a regular basis. You should also clean his ears frequently to prevent infection.

Is the Euro Mountain Sheparnese Hypoallergenic?

The Euro Mountain Sheparnese is not hypoallergenic unfortunately. If you are allergic to dog dander, this mixed breed will not work for you.

Check out this article for other breeds that are hypoallergenic and may be a better fit.

Exercise

The Euor Mountain Sheparnese is a big, athletic dog that needs plenty of daily exercise.

You will not be able to keep this dog cooped up in the yard or in a small apartment all day.

These dogs need vigorous exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming, hiking, or playing with other dogs.

After they burn some energy, they are happy to relax by your side, but you should be prepared to provide at least an hour of daily activity if you adopt a German Shepherd Mountain Dog.

How to Train a Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd Mix?

Likewise, the German Shepherd Mountain Dog needs a lot of training and mental stimulation to keep him from becoming bored and destructive. A bored German Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix is bound to get into mischief.

The best way to train a Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix is through positive reinforcement training.

If possible sign up for a basic obedience class or a puppy socialization class with a positive reinforcement trainer.

Avoid trainers that use punishment or “dominance” based training. Never use painful tools such as pinch collars or shock collars on your German Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix. Such tactics will damage the fragile trust between you and your new dog.

Your dog will learn best through positive, pain-free methods.

If you think your Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix would enjoy even more mental enrichment, you can sign up for a canine sport such as nosework, agility, weight pull, or herding trials.

Finding a Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd Mix for Sale or for Adoption

How can you find a German Shepherd Mountain Dog to add to your family?

The best route is probably through rescue or adoption.

Since the Euro Mountain Sheparnese is a mixed breed dog, there are not too many breeders out there creating Euro Mountain Sheparnese puppies. Although there might be a few.

If you do end up working with a breeder, make sure you do a lot of research to make sure it is a responsible breeder.

Definitely do not buy a Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix puppy from a pet store or over the internet.

Make sure you visit the breeder’s premises in person to make sure that you are not accidentally getting a puppy from a puppy mill or backyard breeder.

Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix Rescue and Adoption

The best way to find a Euro Mountain Sheparnese is by working with an animal shelter, humane society or rescue group.

Visit your local animal shelter and let them know that you are looking for a German Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix.

Even if they do not have one at that time, you can fill out an application and leave your name and number on file for the future. That way they can let you know if they receive a dog that might be a good match for you.

The shelter can also refer you to other rescue groups that specialize in certain breeds and mixes such as a local German Shepherd rescue, a Bernese Mountain Dog rescue, or a rescue that specializes in giant mixes.

The internet is another useful tool for finding a Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix for adoption.

Check out websites such as Petfinder.com, Adoptapet.com and Getyourpet.com.

How Much is a Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix?

The price will depend on where you purchase or adopt your dog.

If you adopt from an animal shelter or rescue group, the adoption fee is generally fairly affordable.

Adoption fees range between $75 and $300 depending on the organization.

As a bonus, the adoption fee usually includes basic veterinary services such as spay/neuter, first vaccines, microchip and heartworm test.

This significantly less than you would pay if you purchased a purebred dog from a breeder.

We hope that this article has answered some of your questions about the lovable Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd mix! Thank you for reading!