Brush to the skin
Work in small sections without scraping. Pay attention behind the ears, under the collar, around furnishings and other friction areas.
Coat and body care
Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming Guide
A manageable routine for a dense double coat, seasonal shedding, nails, ears, teeth and comfortable handling.
BrushingBathingNail careCooperative handling
Know the coat
A consistent routine keeps grooming manageable
The Bernese Mountain Dog has an outer coat and a softer insulating undercoat. Regular grooming removes loose hair, catches tangles early and creates an opportunity to notice changes in the skin, ears, feet and general condition.
Start during puppyhood with short, rewarded sessions. Calm practice makes future home grooming and professional appointments safer and less stressful.
The routine
Four foundations of complete grooming
Frequency varies with coat condition, activity, weather and seasonal shedding.
Bathe and dry fully
Use dog-appropriate products, rinse thoroughly and dry the dense coat completely so moisture does not remain against the skin.
Maintain comfortable nails
Trim or grind frequently enough to support natural foot posture. Introduce the tool gradually and reward calm participation.
Check ears and teeth
Use veterinarian-recommended dental care and watch ears for odor, redness, discharge or discomfort requiring attention.
Seasonal shedding
Expect more loose coat at certain times
Berners shed throughout the year and may release substantially more undercoat during seasonal changes. More frequent brushing can collect loose hair before it mats or spreads through the home.
A pin brush, slicker brush, metal comb and appropriate undercoat tool may each be useful. Ask a skilled groomer to demonstrate technique, because aggressive tool use can irritate skin or damage coat.
Comfort first
Teach cooperative care in small steps
Practice touching paws, lifting ears, looking at teeth and standing on a non-slip surface. Reward one easy step at a time. Contact a veterinarian for painful skin, persistent itching, hair loss, ear discharge or other abnormalities.
Prepare early
Build calm care habits from puppyhood
Explore our available puppies or ask us about preparing for take-home day.