Deciding on what breed to get is always an interesting adventure. Well, it is not really an adventure as it takes a lot of hours of searching, but it is still interesting and exciting. Picking and getting a dog is something we wish everyone to experience once in their lifetime.
But, what if you get stuck on two breeds and can not decide which one you like the best? We come with some really great news!
Mixed breeds are the way to go. A lot of people are aware that mixing two breeds is super popular these days, and there are many of them that you can choose from.
As we can see, by clicking on this article, you are on the lookout for an Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain dog mix, and we need to say that you have an amazing taste.
This might not be the most common mixed breed… or, as people call them, crossbreed or designer dog. Even though they are not that popular, these pooches are amazing, and there is a lot to say about them.
So, if you are eager to learn more about this mixed breed, then keep on reading.
Let’s Meet The Parents
Mixed breeds are truly amazing dogs, but they are not an exact science as we like to say. This is especially true for pooches that are not that common.
The best way to learn a bit about a mixed breed is to know some things about their purebred parent breeds. It is like playing the lottery – you never know what you will get, and we think that this is the interesting part about these dogs.
Before we start introducing you to the Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix, we would like to say a couple of words about the two breeds so you can get an idea of what to expect from the mix.
The Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are truly mesmerizing dogs. They have it all, and by all, we mean an amazing personality and appearance that will turn heads. The interesting thing is that these dogs are not, in fact, from Australia – they originated from the United States of America.
What is interesting is that these pooches are often confused with Border Collies because they have similar traits and a similar appearance. The main difference is their coat colors.
When it comes to their personality traits, these dogs are the cup of tea for almost everyone. The only thing that might be too much for some people is their energy levels, and we need to warn you… they have a lot of energy.
These dogs were bred to be working dogs, and they are still that to this day. People use them on their farms mostly to gather livestock, but they excel in every possible dog competition there is.
If you are planning on keeping them as family pets, you need to make sure that they get enough exercise throughout the day. The minimum is an hour a day, but if you plan on just taking them on a hike for an hour, that will not be enough.
If you have kids in your home, don’t worry – these pooches are great with kids. The only thing you need to know is that they have a bit of a herding instinct so you may be able to notice them gathering kids in one room.
This is nothing dangerous or bad, but you should always be present when the dog is playing with kids – this is important when it comes to any dog breed, not just the Australian Shepherd.
You need to keep this dog busy, and give it a lot of mental stimulation on a daily basis; otherwise, it might get a bit destructive or even anxious and depressed.
When it comes to their appearance, these dogs take the crown. They come in various different colors and color combinations, and their coat is medium length. Some of their colors are blue merle, red tri color, black, and many more.
They do shed so if you have allergies, you might have a bit of a problem with this dog. They are considered to be medium-sized dogs, but if you want to learn more about this, you can always check out our Australian Shepherd growth chart.
The Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog – or, in other words, the Berner, is a dog that a lot of people know and love. They originate from Bern, Switzerland, and they helped people with many different things.
These pooches are very popular since they were featured in many different movies. But, that is not the only reason why they are popular.
When you hear the name of this breed, the first things that can pop into your mind is their friendliness, and their amazing connection with kids and other animals. These doggies are often called nanny dogs and gentle giants because they make an amazing bond with kids.
Their personalities are amazing, but they can be a bit too much for some people because of their size. These dogs are large dogs, and they take up quite a lot of space; therefore, they will need a lot of food to maintain their energy.
They can be quite active, but also have their periods when they just love to lounge around the house with their owner. Keep in mind that they are working dogs, and that they need some daily tasks to keep them on the go.
If you really like this dog, but their size is the only thing that is keeping you from getting one of them, we have good news. There is a mini Berner. They have the same characteristics, but only in a smaller package.
These pooches can get used to living in an apartment, but a house with a yard is the better option not only because of their size, but because they shed a lot as well.
They are good guard dogs, and they will bark loudly to warn you that something is going on. Their size helps them in this task.
Their Amazing Temperament And Personality Traits
Being precise about the temperament and personality traits of a hybrid dog… or, in other words, a mixed breed, is really hard. One of the reasons why it is always good to know about both parent breeds is to have a clue about what to expect.
Generally speaking, there are some traits that are common within this mixed breed, and we decided to list them. Not every dog will be the same even among purebred dogs so there might be even more differences among dogs that are mixed breeds.
We made a list of traits that are pretty true when it comes to the Berner Aussie mix.
These Dogs Are Good With Small Children
This is one of those things that is very important for a lot of people that are thinking about getting a dog. A lot of dog breeds can be taught by socialization to live and be good with kids, but with some dogs, this instinct comes naturally.
The Berner Aussie mix is one of those dogs that loves to be around children, and it is quite good with them. This is nothing shocking since both of the parents are very good with kids.
Keep in mind that without proper socialization while they are puppies, you can expect this dog not to be good with kids. If you are bringing a dog into a home that already has small children, you can expect it to get used to them.
If you have had a dog for a couple of years that did not have any contact with kids, and you all of a sudden bring home a child, there can be some issues.
This Dog Will Be An Amazing Protector
These dogs are great companions in many different ways, but when it comes to protecting their owner and their home, they will do anything that is needed. They might not have the ˝scary˝ appearance like a Pitbull, for example, but the attitude is there.
Their Bernese parent is known to be quite the barker, and that is something that they inherited. They are not the type of dog to attack immediately.
They love to assess the situation and see if there is any need to react, and if they sense that there is, they will most certainly do so.
This does not make them aggressive dogs, which sometimes people tend to mistake.
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These Dogs Are Full Of Energy
Both parents are active dogs, and you can not expect anything less from this mixed breed. They need a lot of exercise, and if you do not give them that, you can have a lot of problems and a dog that is not satisfied.
These pooches are for active families, and as a dog owner, you need to know that your dog depends on you in every way, including how much they will be active.
An hour can be enough, but it will not be easy, and they need something more intense than long walks. This is one of the reasons, just like with an Aussie, why they are too much for some people, and that the energy level is something that will make them go to another dog breed.
RELATED: 24 Medium-Energy Dog Breeds That Might Be Suitable For You
This Dog Is Beyond Intelligent
Having both smart parents can be a bit nerve-wracking, but luckily, for these dogs, intelligence is inherited. Training sessions with these pooches are a breeze, and they love to learn new things. One of the traits that they have is showing off everything that they learned to their owner.
They can also be considered as farm dogs just like their Aussie parents because they are mostly used on farms to help people out. When it comes to teaching them all the tasks that they need to fulfill no matter where you live, including on a farm, they will figure it all out in no time.
With a bit of positive reinforcement and a bit of treats, you will have no problem with teaching these dogs anything.
These Pooches Are Super Friendly
The Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd mix puppy is one of the friendliest puppies you will ever see. It is a known fact that puppies in general are super friendly, but when you get one of these, you will see the true definition of friendliness.
They get along with everything and anything. Of course, you need to make sure that they have proper socialization, but right from the start, you will see their will to meet a lot of different people, kids, and dogs.
Sometimes, this part of them can be a bit difficult when it comes to them being guard dogs. Yes, they are super protective, but they might have a slip where they can become friends with an intruder.
This is not the best thing, but when you think about it, it can be seen as super adorable and naive.
There are rare occasions when dogs can turn aggressive if they are not socialized properly, and trust us… it is hard to socialize an aggressive dog. But, this is something you do not need to worry about because their friendly side truly shines.
They Are Adaptable
This can mean a lot of things, but when it comes to these dogs, they are adaptable to any situation just as long as you are with them. Living in a small apartment? No problem for this dog. Even though they are big, the only thing they care about is you.
They are good with any climate. Of course, no dog will be comfortable in a very hot or very cold climate, but they will manage it because you are by their side.
Even though they love to receive all the attention from their owner, they can also get used to being surrounded by other dogs. What does this mean?
They will have no problem with connecting to a new dog that you bring home.
These Dogs Are Generally Happy Dogs
The main thing that you will be able to notice with these pooches is that they appear like they are smiling all the time. And, this is something that can describe their general mood at all times.
These dogs are just happy to be alive, especially when you provide them with a lot of love, exercise, mental stimulation, and some cuddle sessions.
They will take anything that you give them, meaning even when you just give them a short pet, they will have a full heart, and will feel general joy.
They Can Be Stubborn
Both parent breeds are working dogs, and when you focus more on the Aussie parent and their sheep-herding skills, you’ll need to admit that you need to be quite firm to fulfill this task successfully.
This is the same with these dogs since they inherited this trait from the Australian Shepherd. This can be both positive and negative, depending on which path they take.
When it comes to training sessions, they can be focused in a way that they will learn everything quickly because they want to impress you. But, it can also take a turn where they refuse to learn anything, and they just want to play.
Don’t worry – this can easily be corrected since they are truly intelligent and love to please their owner. Bribe them with some treats and you will have their full attention.
If you have an extreme case and you don’t have a lot of experience, you will need to think about hiring a professional dog trainer.
Berner Aussie Mix Appearance
Both of the purebred parent breeds have their specific appearance, which is also registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). Mixed breeds don’t have an AKC-approved appearance since it is very difficult to know what these types of dogs will look like.
There are some breeds that have their general appearance, and some of these pooches are the Goldendoodle, and even the Labradoodle.
This mixed breed that we are speaking about today is really tricky.
We will briefly try to describe this dog and what you can expect, but you need to know that there are a lot of possible varieties.
General Appearance
These dogs come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. They can look almost identical to a Bernese Mountain dog… just smaller – like an Australian Shepherd… just bigger, or they can be the perfect mix between the two.
When they are a mix, you never know what traits they will have. The most common that they will have is the Aussie’s small tail, the Bernese’s ears, and a medium-length coat.
The main thing that almost all of these mixed-breed dogs have is size. They will be a bit smaller than a Berner, and a bit bigger than an Aussie. They can grow to be 52 to 64 cm., and weigh 26 to 40 kg.
Their body will be elongated, as well as their legs. They will have a strong body, but this will not be that noticeable because of their coat.
An interesting combination is when they inherit the Aussie’s Heterochromia (eyes with different colors), but they have the general appearance of the Bernese.
Coat Colors And Texture
These doggies can have a medium-length coat or even a medium to short coat. It depends on which side they inherit more. In most cases, they will have a double coat that protects them from many different things.
This is great for dogs that will spend a lot of time in nature.
When it comes to colors, there are endless possibilities. It is known that Australian Shepherds come in many different colors and color combinations. Bernese Mountain dogs have their specific color combinations of black, white, and tan.
These dogs can inherit everything. They can come in Berner colors, but look like an Aussie. They can also have a twist of Aussie patterns while looking like a Berner. And, they can be a mix of both.
It is a real lottery when it comes to coat colors. While they are puppies, they might have a certain color that can change as they grow up.
Let’s Talk About Grooming These Beauties
When it comes to grooming, they are not that demanding. You do not need to do a lot, especially when it comes to haircuts. Since they have a double coat, it is never advised to shave them completely.
You might think that you are doing them a favor, but in fact, you might be doing more damage than good. Their coat is a type of protection, and if you shave them, they will lose it. You can also damage their coat.
A trim every half a year is enough for these pooches. When they have a shorter coat, you might even need to trim them every 7 to 8 months.
There are a lot of things that go into the grooming category, and a good thing is that you can all do it by yourself in the comfort of your own home. This will save you some money and time as well.
Here is a list of things that you can do by yourself to keep your dog nice, clean, and neat.
Brushing
This is one of the main things and most common things that you can do to maintain your dog’s hygiene. These dogs shed a lot so brushing their thick coat is a must, especially during the shedding season.
The best advice we can give you is to brush them every day, but you can also brush them three to four times a week. This way, you can control the shedding and the amount of hair floating around your home.
You are also preventing their coat from getting mats, which is very important. When your dog gets a lot of matts, there is a big chance that you will need to shave them, and that is something that you need to avoid at all costs.
Cleaning Their Ears
The Aussie Berner mix will mostly have long and droopy ears, and a lot of things can get stuck in there. A lot of wax, black gunk, parasites, etc. can get in there, and sometimes it can be hard to notice if you don’t check their ears regularly.
If these things stay in there for a long time, your dog will most likely get an ear infection that is painful for your pooch, and can be a struggle to heal.
You just need to take a cotton pad, put some ear cleanser on it, and go through their ears. Sometimes, you will need to repeat the process a couple of times, but try not to go too deep because you can do some damage.
Cleaning Their Teeth
This is something that we, as dog owners, often tend to forget, but it is as equally important as other grooming aspects. If you do not do this frequently, they can develop some other problems that can turn into serious health conditions.
It can be frustrating at first, and because of this, try to do this while they are still puppies. This way, they will get used to the process, and you won’t have any problems later on.
There are many options when it comes to choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush for your dog, and you can’t go wrong by picking any of these options.
Do not use toothpaste that we use because it can be harmful for the dog if used for a long time. It is also strong for them.
RELATED: 8 Puppy Teething Symptoms Every Dog Owner Should Know
Cleaning Their Eyes And Snout
Dogs also have rudder around their eyes, and if you don’t clean that from time to time, it can leave a permanent mark. You need to take special care of that part if they have white around their eyes. If you leave the rudder for a long time, then that part will most likely turn brown, and there is no way to clean that out.
The part around their eyes can also turn red, not just brown, but the biggest problem is that their eyes can turn red as well.
These dogs can drool a lot, just like their Berner parents, so you will need to control that. It will not leave a mark on the dog, but it will most definitely leave a mark all over your furniture.
If the snout is white, you will need to clean it daily. As they eat and sniff around, their snout gets dirty. The same as with the eye area – the snout can also change color if you do not clean it regularly.
Clipping Their Nails
This is the part of grooming that a lot of people do not like to do on their own, and we understand why. The tricky thing is that you can accidentally injure your dog. It will not hurt them as much as it can look scary.
You can always ask your friend or a family member to help you out. They can keep the dog calm while you are clipping its nails. If you start doing this when it is a puppy, you will have a lot fewer problems when they grow up, and it will become a part of their routine.
If you do not feel comfortable doing it on your own, you can always go to the vet or groomer to do it for you.
Health Issues
Every dog breed has some potential health problems that they are more prone to than others, but mixed breeds can be tricky when it comes to this. They can inherit health problems from both sides.
You need to know that these are not conditions that your dog will get for sure, but we made a list just to make you aware and for you to know what to keep an eye on.
Here are some health issues that this mixed breed can be more prone to:
– Bloat
– Elbow and hip dysplasia
– Allergies
– Eye problems
– Cancer
As you can see, they do not have a lot of issues, and they are generally healthy dogs. Their lifespan can vary from 8 to 11 years. This, of course, depends on the health of the dog.
You need to find a reputable breeder who will do all the necessary health tests, and make sure that your puppy and its parents are healthy.
To Sum It All Up
Getting a mixed breed is an adventure within itself. You never know what you will be getting for sure. There are some things like certain personality traits and appearance traits that can be the same among the dogs, but it is never 100% for sure.
The main thing that you need to know is that you need to give your dog love, discipline, exercise, high-quality dog food, mental stimulation, and a place to sleep. When they get all of that, you will have the happiest dog.
The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain dog mix can be tricky to find. There are not a lot of reputable breeders, but this should not be the reason to go to a puppy mill and find one. These places are extremely unethical.
For example, Berners have a Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue group, and this is amazing for people who would like to rescue a dog, but a mixed breed, especially the rare ones, do not have a rescue organization.
You can always look in your local shelter, but there is not a big chance that you will find one of these beauties.
All in all, we wish you all the luck in finding your puppy, and that you will live many, many happy years together that are filled with love and unforgettable moments.