The Bernese Mountain Dog is fast gaining popularity outside of the Swiss Alps. Currently, they are the 22nd most popular dog breed in America. Similar to Golden Retriever mixes, the Bernese Mountain Dog is becoming a very popular designer dog parent due to their faithfulness and easy-going temperament.
Advertisement
The Purebred Bernese Mountain Dog (also known as the Berner) is an old dog breed that originates from Switzerland, in particular, the area of Bern. He is one of four Swiss Mountain breeds, but certainly the most popular and well-known. The Berner is also a powerful dog, which is why he was the canine of choice for pulling heavily laden carts in the Swiss dairy farms. He first came to America in 1926. Ever since then, his popularity as both a working dog and a family dog has steadily increased.
As his fantastic reputation as a great family dog has been building over the last several decades, so has his parentage in the designer dog movement. People love his big adorable fluffy coat, and strikingly unique coat colors, especially when blended with other breeds. Let’s learn more details about some of the most popular Berner hybrid dogs.
Popular Bernese Mixes
Mixed breeds, or designer dogs as they are also known, are exactly that, a mixture of both parents. This means that they could be half one breed and half the other. They can also be more similar to just one parent with only a hint of the other. Either way, when it comes to mixed-breed dogs, you simply don’t know, or cannot guarantee, what genes to expect.
What you can expect with any Berner mix, though, is that he is going to be a big dog. Typically, they will at least be much bigger than the other smaller parent if they are smaller. Berner hybrids will also always have a touch of sweetness and docility from the Bernese Mountain Dog. He will likely be a strong, yet somewhat shy, character. So, without further ado, let’s look at some of the cutest Bernese Mountain Dog mixes you can find.
If you are not certain of your dog’s genetic makeup, you can use an at-home DNA test kit to find out.
Aussie Bernese: Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
These two breeds are often compared, so it makes sense to see the Aussie Bernese. This mix, just like the Bernsky, is another striking canine with his typical bright blue eyes set against his black, tan, and white colors, often with a mixture of merle. Aussie Berners have a thick coat, just like both parents.
Their coat is one that you can expect to groom almost daily, so you need to make sure that you have the time, and the tools, to tackle his beautiful coat. He will measure between 20 and 25 inches, and he will weigh between 60 and 90 pounds.
He is a seriously intelligent pooch who will run circles around you if you do not adequately entertain him, so he needs to be placed with a family that not only has the time to spend with him but the energy to keep him entertained.
This mix will be much happier with a job to do, and if there isn’t one, he will expect a lot of training and interactive sessions to keep him happy. The Aussie Bernese is a glamorous pooch who will turn heads in the street, but he will be a little shy when it comes to the attention he receives from strangers.
Bergle: Bernese Mountain Dog Beagle Mix
The Bergle is a kind and mellow canine companion who has a gentle and charming demeanor. Watch out for his nose, though, because he might trick you into being the best off-leash dog, but as soon as he gets a whiff of the prey, he’ll be off quicker than you can say Bergle!
He is a happy-go-lucky dude who is content with whatever activity his master chooses for that day. He tends to inherit his Beagle’s howling trait, so expect a noisy chap who might cause trouble if you live in a noise-controlled apartment block!
His coat will be thick but a lot shorter than his Bernese parent, yet you can still expect him to be a moderate shedder throughout the year. Typically, he inherits the white and brown colors of the Beagle, but with a splash of black throughout his coat.
His ears will be very floppy, and he has the cutest dark button eyes. He measures between 15 and 23 inches and weighs between 30 and 70 pounds. This guy is one of the smallest on the list, which makes him a great option if you are seeking a smaller Swiss sidekick.
Bernakita: Bernese Mountain Dog Akita Mix
The Bernakita is one of the most loyal dogs on this list, so if you are seeking a protectively clingy four-legged friend, then look no further than the Bernakita. He will be suspicious of strangers and might get a little uneasy if they approach his master.
However, because he is so in tune and obedient, he will let them approach his master if his master allows it. When there are no strangers in sight, he is one of the most loving and affectionate mixes on this list, and he is even known to be a little dopey at times.
He will measure between 23 and 28 inches, and he will weigh between 70 and 130 pounds, so you can expect a big guy who loves to squash you on the sofa. His typical coat colors include black, brown, and white, and he will often sport erect triangular ears with a curly tail. This is one of the more unique Akita mixes out there, but they are an extremely interesting canine blend.
Bernebull: Bernese Mountain Dog American Pitbull Terrier Mix
Bernebulls mix the American Pitbull Terrier and the Berner. This particular mix makes an excellent ranch hand and excels as a working dog. Typically towards the smaller end of the “large breed dog” scale, the Bernebull rarely exceeds 60 pounds in weight. They are leaner and more muscular than their Bernese parent.
If you plan to welcome a Bernebull into your home, you’ll need to have plenty of space. Their Pitbull genes make them more active dogs than their Berner parent. You’ll need plenty of dog toys to keep your Bernebull busy.
They can be slightly more reserved with strangers, as both parent breeds can be cautious with strangers. Bernebulls are quite healthy, living as long as 12 plus years. They are also very intelligent and have a stubborn streak, which can make them challenging to train.
Bernedoodle: Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Mix
The Bernedoodle will typically have the curlier hair of the Poodle but with the colors and markings of the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. His Poodle parent is a hypoallergenic dog, and while the Bernedoodle might inherit the single coat of the Poodle, it is unlikely that he will be a hypoallergenic dog due to his Bernese Mountain Dog influence.
Of course, his size will be dependent on which sized Poodle he is bred from, but he is often bred with a similar-sized Standard Poodle, which means that he will measure between 17 and 25 inches tall and will weigh between 50 and 100 pounds.
He will be energetic and needs at least 60 minutes of intense exercise every day, and with his hunting nose, it is likely that the Bernedoodle will have a keen sense of smell. He is also a sweet pooch who adores his humans very much, and you will always find him sprawling all over you on the sofa. Head over to our Bernedoodle breed profile page for more in-depth information.
Bernefie: Bernese Mountain Dog Newfoundland Mix
The Bernefie is a mixed dog breed from Berner and Newfoundland dog parents who have similar temperaments. These dogs lend their abilities well to work, with the Berner often found on farms and the Newfie rescuing people in the water. Both parent breeds are patient, loyal, intelligent, and affectionate.
As such, you can expect the same thing in their Bernefie offspring, if not more prominent, given the similarities of their parents. This mix tends to be a gentle spirit but can be defensive around strangers. As such, socialize them early on to help them extend their kindness to everyone.
Bernefies need to exercise in order to keep weight gain at bay. These are dogs with high-energy needs and will require around 60 minutes of exercise per day. A fenced-in yard is a great idea for Bernefies, as they need lots of room to stretch their legs and run around.
Bernese Cattle Dog: Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Cattle Dog Mix
A Bernese Cattle Dog inherits the intelligence of both their parents, making them bright enough to do good work on the field. The alertness from the Aussie Cattle Dog side of the family can make this hybrid an efficient watchdog.
As house pets, they are gentle around children and protective of their families. They tend to be easy to train, so take advantage of this by training and socializing them well from an early age.
Your Bernese Cattle Dog will need a moderate amount of exercise. Take them out for walks twice a day at 30 minutes per session. Since they are very intelligent creatures, you will need to attend to their need for mental stimulation as well. If you are lucky enough to have a farm, you can take advantage of their natural herding instincts as extra exercise for both body and mind.
Bernese Dane: Great Dane Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
This hybrid makes a big first impression, and that’s almost certainly because of their giant size. The Bernese Dane has huge parents and, as such, grows up to be very large themselves. Because of their more playful temperaments, you will need to train and socialize them from an early age to prevent any mishaps.
You don’t want them knocking people over when trying to greet them. A well-trained Bernese Dane makes a wonderful, loyal companion that is always happy to be beside you. They can be clingy, so don’t leave these big babies alone!
The Bernese Dane being so large, will require a spacious home with a big yard they can run around in. They need ample exercise of at least 60 minutes per day. Their energy requirements may make them high-maintenance, but they will make up for it by letting you know how pleased they are that you’re hanging out with them, and that makes it all worth it.
Bernese Rottie: Bernese Mountain Dog Rottweiler Mix
The Bernese Rottie is a big handsome pooch, who will be very protective of his family and estate, so if you are after a hefty hound that can protect you and your family, then look no further than this guy.
Even once his master has welcomed friends onto his estate, he will be slightly aloof, and it may take a while for him to warm up enough to be petted. He is, however, a big dopey dog who loves nothing more than a belly scratch.
Both of his parents are almost the same size, so the Bernese Rottie will measure between 23 and 27 inches, and he will weigh between 75 and 125 pounds. So just like many other mixed pups on this list, you need a lot of room for this big guy.
He will have a fluffy coat just like Berner but in the dark black and brown colors of the Rottweiler. He is a moderate to heavy shedder who will need a brush every other day at the very least.
Bernese Shepherd: Bernese Mountain Dog German Shepherd Mix
The Bernese Shepherd is a very loyal pooch and one who will idolize his master and never leave his side. He is very protective of his family and will let you know if there is anything, or anyone, untoward around the perimeter of your home.
Intelligence and an eagerness to please his master means that you have a super obedient dog by your side, but you need to satisfy his energy levels. Otherwise, he will become restless, bored, and destructive.
The Bernese Shepherd’s appearance will be similar to the German Shepherd, but much bigger. His coat will be fluffy and thick, and it is not known what colorings he will take, but it will likely be a mixture of the black, tan, and white of both parents.
He will measure anywhere between 23 and 28 inches, and he will weigh between 75 and 110 pounds. So, as long as you have got the room and the right de-shedding tools, then this affectionate boy would be perfectly suited to you. Check out our breed overview on the Bernese Shepherd for further information.
Bernsky: Bernese Mountain Dog Siberian Husky Mix
The Bernsky is a handsome dog, and he sure knows it! With a big fluffy coat, the bright blue eyes of the husky but the dark black and browns of the Berner, he is one striking pup. Often, he’ll inherit facial markings, either the brown eyebrows of the Bernese Mountain Dog or the mask of the Siberian Husky.
He will inherit large triangular ears. However, they could be floppy, or they could be erect, or sometimes one of each! He will measure between 21 and 26 inches, and he will weigh between 45 and 90 pounds.
The Bernsky is the most energetic dog on this list, so he needs to be placed with an active family who can guarantee him at least 90 minutes of exercise a day. Not only will he inherit the need for speed, but he will also inherit the muscular build to pull carts, so sledding would be the perfect family day out with this guy.
He is a talkative fellow who loves the company of his family, and for this reason, he hates to be left alone, so be on alert for signs of separation anxiety. Often he is intelligent but lacks concentration, so be sure to keep training sessions short and sweet and expect a comical canine who loves to be the center of attention but also knows when to calm down for snuggle time.
Bordernese: Border Collie Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
Typically, the Bordernese will look much like the Border Collie parent but slightly bigger with the tri-colors and markings of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Both of his parents have a thick, medium-length coat, so you can expect the same fluffy pooch in the Bordernese.
He will have large floppy ears and big brown eyes. He will measure between 20 and 25 inches, and he will weigh between 45 and 85 pounds. Depending on which parent this mix takes after, you can typically expect a large-sized dog, although it’s possible to have a more medium-sized Bordernese as well.
The Bordernese is very affectionate and gentle with his family. However, if he inherits the herding instincts of the Border Collie, then you may find him circling the younger family members. He is often aloof with strangers, but he will warm up to them after a while. Both of his parents are intelligent, and if he inherits his Border Collie’s number 1 intelligence, then you’ll have a seriously clever brainbox on your hands that will need a lot of entertaining.
Boxnese: Boxer Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
The Boxnese is one of the dopiest and clumsiest canine clowns on this list, so if you are seeking a comical four-legged entertainer, then look no further than the Boxnese. He is sweet and affectionate and always looking for the next game to play.
You’ll need to expect an energetic dog that needs at least 60 minutes of intense exercise every day, as well as several additional hours of interactive games in the backyard. Because he is always looking for the next game to play, he is not the easiest dog to train, so he needs a consistent and patient master.
The Boxnese will measure between 22 and 26 inches, and he will weigh between 60 and 100 pounds. He will look much like the Boxer but with a thicker body. Typically, he has the black, brown, and white markings shared by both of his parents, but it is anyone’s guess as to what markings or pattern he will take.
His coat is of medium length, so slightly longer than the Boxer but a lot shorter than the Bernese, but his coat is always soft and silky smooth.
Chownese: Chow Chow Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
The Chownese is one of the most unlikely pairings on this list, but one that actually works quite well. His parent’s temperaments are quite similar in that they are eternally loyal and loving to their human pack.
They are also aloof and suspicious of strangers, so don’t expect them to jump all over your visitors! He can be quite a serious pooch, and with his charmingly arrogant demeanor, you might never catch him being as silly as the Boxnese!
The Chownese has a fluffy coat with a mane similar to his Chow Chow parent, and he will often take the brown and tan colors of both parents with a splash or sheen of black. Despite his hairy coat, he is known to take pride in his appearance. You will rarely catch him with a hair out of place, and you will often find him cleaning himself just as felines do. He will measure between 20 and 25 inches and will weigh between 55 and 90 pounds.
Golden Mountain Dog: Bernese Mountain Dog Golden Retriever Mix
The Golden Mountain Dog, thanks to his friendly Golden Retriever parent, is one of the sweetest and friendliest pooches around. He is very affectionate with his family, and once he has warmed up to strangers, he is affectionate with them, also.
Golden Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone. They need to be with a family that can be with them for most of the day. Because he is so gentle, he is the perfect family pet for those with smaller children, as well as other family pets.
He will weigh between 70 and 110 pounds and measure between 23 and 27 inches from paw to shoulder. This means he will be quite large and should be placed in a home with plenty of room. He will do best with an active family who can guarantee around 60 minutes of exercise every day.
He will inherit either color of coat or a mixture of the golden or tricolors, but either way, his coat will be medium length that is soft and silky smooth. For further information on this mix, check out our Golden Mountain breed profile.
Great Bernese: Great Pyrenees Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
The Great Bernese is one of the larger boys on this list, so if you have room at your farm, then he might be the perfect pooch for you! He will measure between 24 and 30 inches tall, and he will weigh 90 pounds and upwards.
He has a thick and fluffy coat that is going to shed heavily all year round, so you best invest in a good vacuum cleaner and a lot of lint rolls! His coat will be white and brown in color, with black markings on the rare occasion. With both parents hailing from the snowy European mountains, this pooch would do well in a colder climate and not very well in a hot one.
He is friendly and affectionate with his family and shy with strangers. Despite his brute strength, he is relatively docile and calm at home. However, he needs to be exercised for at least one hour a day to burn off that energy of his. Giving him a cart to pull or a flock of sheep to protect will make him the happiest of dogs.
Labernese: Labrador Retriever Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
The Labernese is a very popular mix considering that his Labrador parent is the most popular canine in America. With his friendly demeanor, active lifestyle, and intelligence, he makes a well-balanced family companion who loves to go jogging or swimming with the most active family members. He is also a very obedient dog who is quite the dream to train.
The Labernese has a short to medium-length coat which will shed heavily during shedding season and moderately throughout the year, so expect to commit to daily brushing sessions with this guy. He can inherit any color of either parent, but it is likely that he will be either solid black in color or black and white.
The Labernese will have floppy ears, dark brown or black eyes, and a square fleshy nose. He will measure between 22 and 26 inches and weigh between 55 and 80 pounds. This means most Labernese will end up as large dogs, so make sure you have enough room to handle them.
Mountain Bulldog: Bernese Mountain Dog American Bulldog Mix
Don’t be fooled by their intimidating appearance; Mountain Bulldogs are some of the nicest dogs around. A Mountain Bulldog is outgoing and friendly, making them great family pets even for families who have other animals living with them.
This doesn’t mean that you should skimp on their training, though, as they benefit most from having their master teaching them how to behave. Proper socialization from a young age will bring out the best in your Mountain Bulldog, and you will see firsthand how deeply loving and affectionate they can be.
Your Mountain Bulldog has a dense coat that is best suited to cooler temperatures. As such, you’ll find that they’re more active during the wintertime. They need moderate levels of activity, so you should take them on walks twice a day for 30 minutes each session. Just make sure to keep them hydrated so they do not overheat.
Mountain Mastiff: Bernese Mountain Dog English Mastiff Mix
The Mountain Mastiff is the largest of the Mountain mixes here, and he weighs between 100 and 200 pounds and measures 25 inches plus. If you are thinking about welcoming one of these guys into your home, then you need to have a large home with a large backyard.
He is longer than he is tall, and he has a barrel chest, but he has a fluffy coat similar to the Berner, with brown and black coat colors. This breed may look like a long-haired mastiff, just with more prominent black coloring.
He is a majestic and dignified canine, who will protect his family in the face of danger, but he does expect a lot of belly rubs and petting in return for the favor. He is calm and docile in the home but would enjoy a good romp in the backyard.
Despite his protests to stay on the sofa all day long, he needs to be exercised daily to keep his big body healthy. He is another drooler, so don’t expect your clothes or sofa to stay dry for long, but it is totally worth all the love this big bear has to offer!
Saint Bernese: Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
Thanks to his combination of Swiss Alp genes, the Saint Bernese might just be the king of Swiss Mountain dogs. Standing between 24 and 29 inches and weighing between 90 and 140 pounds, he is another one of the bigger dudes on this list and therefore needs to be placed in a large home with plenty of room to roam. As with any Saint Bernard mix, this pup is a large one.
He is intelligent, with a real devotion to his human family. He will never be far from you, so you best get used to his company. This guy will be very protective and cuddly with the little humans and makes a great nanny dog.
The Saint Bernese has a thick and lustrous coat that will be enough to keep anyone warm, so expect the best canine hot water bottle around. He will sport the white, brown, and black markings of either Swiss breed, and you can be certain that this guy will share his doggy drool with everyone and everything. He is quite the charmer and very playful with his family, so expect a lot of fun with this big lump.
Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Bernese Mix
These breeds are often compared to one another, so it only makes sense that these two breeds would meet to make a very unique hybrid pup. The Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog may seem like a redundant mix to have, but trust us, once you meet these little guys, you’ll always want to be around them. They are some of the sweetest dogs to be around, given their parents’ gentle, loving nature.
You’ll find that they are mellow companions who are keen to explore with you, as well as meet other people and animals. These dogs excel at training as they are eager to please their masters. You’ll find that your Swiss Bernese is a very intelligent creature but without much arrogance.
These dogs tend to be more laid-back than others on this list, and because of this will only need around 30 minutes of exercise per day. You will have plenty of fun going to the park with this mix since they are very friendly dogs who love socializing– without being hyper and hard to handle.
Final Thoughts
The Bernese Mountain Dog has not only graced us with his beautiful self but also with his wonderful mixed puppies. They all have their own distinctive quirks thanks to their other parents, but thanks to the Bernese Mountain Dog, you can always expect a lovingly affectionate pooch, who is fun with his family, and a little shy with strangers.
While his size can be a lot to handle for some people, this breed is fast becoming one of the favorite parents of the designer dog trend that’s become very popular in recent years. As long as you have the time to spend with him, the room to give him, and the energy to exercise him, there is something for everyone on this list!
