How to Groom a Bernese Mountain Dog

Breeders believe the Bernese mountain dog originated when the Romans brought mastiff type dogs with them to Switzerland approximately 2,000 years ago. The dogs were almost extinct around the end of the 19th century, but Swiss dog enthusiasts worked towards redeveloping the breed. They've gained massive popularity since then and are the stalwart companions of many owners. These dogs require a weekly general grooming and a full grooming every 6 to 10 weeks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large slicker and pin brushes
• Steel combs
• Natural bristle brush
• Matt splitter
• Scissors
• Thinning shears

1. Remove shed hair from the undercoat by thoroughly brushing the dog's hair. Most of the hair you can't remove by combing remains in the undercoat until it becomes entangled in the outer coat.

2. Bathe the dog with a shampoo your groomer or veterinarian recommends.

3. Dry the dog with a high velocity power dryer.

4. Hand fluff dry the dog with a pin brush or a slicker brush after the bath. Bernese mountain dogs tend to shed even more hair after bathing.

5. Give the dog a final comb out.

Tips & Warnings

• Excessive matting of the undercoat can lead to severe discomfort or skin problems for the animal.
• The show coat of a Bernese mountain dog should be trimmed only slightly. You should brush your dog's coat weekly or even daily, especially when they are shedding.
• Bernese mountain dogs are gentle and good with children.
• Bernese mountain dogs are easily trainable and highly intelligent.
• Make sure you brush the undercoat well. A quick, superficial brush to the outer coat leaves tangles and shed hair in the undercoat and the matting worsens when you bathe your dog.
• Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in this breed. They are also largely affected by cancer, bloat and eyelid problems.