Also known as Berners, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their long, thick, and luxurious coats. It is no secret that these dogs produce a lot of hair and often get covered in a blanket of it. If you are wondering how often does a Berner sheds, you should know that they shed twice a year – once in the spring and again in the fall.

This article provides information on how often the Belgian Malinois sheds and what you can do to minimize their shedding in your home.

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed a Lot?

The Bernese Mountain Dog is well-known for their massive size and shaggy, thick coat. Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs do shed a lot. These dogs need to be brushed every day and during their shedding seasons, you need to use a de-shedding brush to remove the excess hair in the undercoat.

When Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed?

Bernese Mountain Dogs usually shed year-round, but they can be difficult to see because they are a large breed. These Swiss dogs may appear to be less hairy during the summer months when their coats are thinner. Although there are many factors that influence when Berners shed, it is safe to say that they shed twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall.

The climate where you live also affects the shedding of your dog. For instance, in the colder region where your dog requires more warmth, the shedding can happen only once a year- meaning your Berner sheds less often when the environmental conditions are cold. If you live in a warm region, you may have to get used to their shedding constantly. When dogs are born and raised in warm climates, they don’t need to shed as much as they do when they live in colder climates. This is because their coats insulate them from the cold weather so they don’t need to sweat as much to keep themselves warm.

You might also be interested in How to groom a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Hypoallergenic?

One of the most common misconceptions people have about Bernese Mountain dogs is that they are hypoallergenic. Bernese mountain dogs are not hypoallergenic as they have double-layer coats. Their sheds a lot, and there is also a chance they may have fleas or ticks. This makes them not good for people with allergies or asthma.

5 Reasons Why Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed a Lot

There are many reasons behind the huge shedding of bigger dog breeds like the Bernese. We have listed a few reasons why Bernese Mountain Dogs shed extensively:

1. Berners can shed a lot if they have an unhealthy diet.
2. When dogs are stressed or are suffering from anxiety, they tend to shed more.
3. Some dogs can also shed relatively more during their pregnancy when the hormones are continuously changing.
4. When your Berner is infested with fleas and mites, they tend to scratch excessively, which will ultimately lead to more shedding.
5. Sometimes fungal or bacterial infections such as salmonella infection can also lead to shedding problems in Bernese Mountain Dogs.

5 Tips on Managing Bernese Mountain Dogs Shedding at Home 

Many people struggle with their Bernese Mountain Dog shedding at home, and it can be frustrating. But what if there is too much shedding? How do you manage the shedding at home? Here are six tips to help you manage your Bernese Mountain Dog’s shedding at home:

1. Keep your dog on a consistent grooming schedule of 10-15 minutes brushing each day during the main shedding seasons and two times per week other times of the year
2. Use the right brushes: undercoat rake, a slicker brush, and a de-shedding tool
3. Consider using an anti-shedding shampoo that is free from chemicals, parabens, and even alcohol
4. Avoid overbathing- vets often recommend bathing your Berner once every 2-3 months or as needed because frequent bathing can strip away the essential oils from their coat
5. Maintain a healthy diet for your pup with added nutrition. It can contribute to your dog’s shiny coat as well as to their overall health.

How Much Do Bernese Mountain Puppies Shed?

Bernese Mountain puppies come in just one coat until they are about 1 year old when they’ll develop a second layer of fur. They will shed sufficient amounts of hair to get rid of a “puppy-coat” around the age of 7 to 9 months. This means the puppies will shed less than an adult Berner until they develop the second layer.

Conclusion

Bernese Mountain dogs shed their coat all-year-round but relatively more during the shedding seasons: the first time in the spring and the second time in the winter. The frequency of shedding depends on the dog’s age and the climate they live in. The excessive shedding problem of the breed can be minimized by providing them with proper fur care, a healthy diet, and using the right tools to groom them.

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To explore more, check out other articles on the Bernese Mountain Dog that you might be interested in.

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