Are you considering adding a new furry member to your family? Do you know the Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix? It's a unique combination of two popular dog breeds Australian Shepherd and the Bernese Mountain dog. Thus, it's important to understand their characteristics and temperament before making a decision.
This article explores the history and origin of this breed, its physical appearance and personality traits, grooming needs, and what you can expect as an owner of the Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix. So, let's dive in!
So, What Is the Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix?
The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix (Aussie Bernese or Bernese Australian Shepherd) is a hybrid breed resulting from crossing the Australian Shepherd with a Bernese Mountain Dog. Both parent breeds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and working ability. Consequently, their mix gives a dog inheriting these traits mentioned.
The dog breed mix is relatively new, and it is vital to note that most hybrid breeds don't have an established breed standard. As a result, the appearance and temperament of an Aussie Bernese can vary greatly, depending on the dominance of each parent breed's genes. However, there are some general characteristics most of these dog mixes share.
The Origin and History of Aussie Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
This breed is a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Bernese Mountain canine. The Australian Shepherd originated in Australia in the late 19th century and was originally bred to herd livestock on ranches and farms. The breed is highly intelligent, trainable, and excels in a variety of activities.
The Bernese Mountain Dog, on the other hand, is a working breed that originated in Switzerland. They were used as draft animals to pull carts (transport goods) and as watchdogs as well. The breed is known for its excellent hearing, intelligence, and gentle disposition.
The earliest Bernese Mountain Dog was brought to the US by a Kansas farmer in 1926. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1937. Similarly, the Australian Shepherd was recognized by the AKC in 1993.
They are highly active dogs that require both physical and mental exercise on a daily basis in order to thrive. They are known for their love of playing fetch and chasing balls, and they make excellent family pets.
The Mix Appearance
The appearance of the Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix can vary depending on the traits inherited from each parent breed. However, they have a medium to large build and a thick, medium-length coat that is straight or slightly wavy.
This breed has various colors, for instance, black, brown, and white, as well as shades of gray and red. They may have patches of different colors or be predominantly one color with some white markings.
The head of the Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix is broad and slightly rounded. The ears are medium to large, flopping down or standing erect. They have round, dark eyes that convey an intelligent expression, as well as a strong, straight muzzle.
Size and Weight: Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
The size and weight of the Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix can vary. However, they are a medium to large-sized breed with a muscular and well-proportioned body type.
On average, the dog mix can weigh between 55 and 100 pounds, with males weighing more than females. Their height can range from 20 to 25 inches, with males being taller than females.
This breed tends to grow quickly in the first few months of life and can reach its full size by the age of 1 year. However, they continue to mature and develop physically and mentally until around the age of 2 years.
Temperament and Personality: Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix has a friendly and affectionate personality. They are known as being loyal and devoted to their owners (forming strong bonds with the family). They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train and teach new tricks.
This breed is also energetic and requires plenty of exercises to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy walks, runs, and hikes and even dog sports like agility.
The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix is protective of their family and can be wary of strangers. They are also known to be vocal and may bark to alert their owners of potential dangers.
Lifespan and Health Problems Affecting Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd Mix
The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix is between 12 and 16 years. This is fairly average for a breed of this size. However, proper care and nutrition can help extend their lifespan. The illnesses are:
1. Dysplasia
It's a condition in which the bones don't develop properly. This causes joint problems for your dog throughout its life.
There are several types of dysplasia, but they all involve bones not growing correctly or fusing together. It's very common in large-breed dogs because they tend to grow so quickly while still growing their skeletons. This makes them more susceptible to this condition than smaller dogs, who don't grow as fast.
2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
This disease affects the retina of the eye and leads to blindness. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner unless one parent carries the gene for it. This would then make it dominant in nature.
The gene can be tested for in both parents to find out if they carry it or not. Suppose one carries this gene, then there will be a 25% chance of passing it on to their pup.
There are different types of PRA that affect different parts of the retina. Thus, it is important to know what type your pup could have so you can monitor the vision closely from birth onward.
3. Bloat
Bloat occurs when a dog's stomach twists on itself. This causes the stomach to fill with air or fluids. It can lead to blood poisoning (peritonitis) and death if not treated.
To prevent bloat, feed your dog small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. Also, don't exercise your dog for at least an hour after eating, and avoid giving him water immediately before or after eating.
4. Deafness
Some types of deafness are genetic; however, most are caused by injury or infection. If your dog is going deaf, it may become easily startled by loud noises because it can't hear them coming.
Look for signs like tilting their head to one side or turning their ears toward you when speaking loudly. Suppose you notice these behaviors consistently; it could mean your pet is having trouble hearing.
5. Obesity
Obesity is common among all dog breeds; however, it becomes a serious health concern when it begins to affect their mobility and quality of life. Dogs who are overweight are more likely to develop joint problems and other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. It's vital to keep your Aussie-Bernese at an appropriate weight throughout their lives. Thus, the dog stays fit and healthy as it ages.
6. Histiocytosis (Cancer)
Histiocytosis is a type of cancer affecting dogs' skin, lymph nodes, and other tissues. The disease begins as small bumps on the skin that may or may not be painful or itchy.
The bumps can grow larger over time or go away without treatment. Suppose left untreated; histiocytosis can spread to other parts of the bo dy and become life-threatening within weeks.
Grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd Mix
Grooming your dog is an essential part of keeping them healthy and happy. It helps to keep their fur clean, reduces shedding, and keeps their skin and ears healthy.
In addition, grooming creates a bond between you and your dog. There are many ways to groom your dog, but these five basic steps will help you get started.
1. Brushing
Brushing is used to remove dead hair from your dog's coat. It also helps loosen dirt or debris that may have accumulated in their fur during walks or playtime.
You can brush your dog once a week or less if they have short coats. Long-haired breeds will need brushing more frequently to prevent mats from forming in the fur around the neck or stomach area, where the hair tends to tangle together more easily when it gets longer.
2. Bathing
You should only bathe your dog when he needs it; don't bathe him just because other dogs in the park look dirty! Most Bernese need bathing only a couple of times per year because their coats are low-maintenance. However, some canines do need regular baths throughout the year if they get into something stinky or if they have skin problems such as allergies that require medication.
3. Nail Care
The nails on a dog's paw grow continuously, so it is important that you keep them trimmed at all times. If left untrimmed, they can break off or curl under the paw pad, causing pain for your pet and making walking uncomfortable for him or her. They can also become ingrown if left un-cared for, which can lead to infections if not treated promptly by a vet.
4. Ear Cleaning
The ears of your Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd mix should be cleaned weekly to remove any excess wax or debris that may have accumulated inside. Use a cotton swab to gently clean the inside edges of the ear, being careful not to push too far into the ear canal.
If there is excessive wax buildup, you can use an enzymatic cleaner made specifically for dogs (don't use human products). This cleaner breaks down the wax so it can be rinsed out with water. Suppose your dog has long hair in his ear canal; make sure to trim it first prior to attempting to clean the ears.
5. Dental care
Brushing your dog's teeth once a week will help prevent dental problems later in life. The best time to brush your dog's teeth is after he eats because it will reduce the amount of plaque that forms on his teeth during this time period. You can use a special toothpaste made for dogs or just use a soft toothbrush designed for children with fluoride added to it.
Meet the Parents
The Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd Mix is a unique breed combining the best traits of its parents. Thus, to understand the breed better, it's vital to familiarize yourself with the Australian Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Australian Shepherd
This breed is intelligent and energetic. They are highly trainable and excel at tasks such as agility, obedience, and herding. Australian Shepherds are loyal and affectionate with their families; however, they can be wary of strangers.
They require exercise and mental stimulation. This breed has a thick double coat that sheds seasonally, and regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling.
Bernese Mountain Dog
This breed is gentle in nature and loyal to its family. They are affectionate and spend time with their owners. In addition, they are great for children. The dog has a thick, long coat that requires regular brushing and grooming.
Therefore, by combining these two breeds, you get a mix that is intelligent, loyal, and affectionate. The Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd Mix is a great family pet that loves spending time with its humans.
Suppose you are considering bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd Mix into your home; it's vital to research the breed thoroughly and understand their needs. This mix breed is not ideal for apartment living, as they require plenty of space to run and play. They also require plenty of attention and socialization to prevent separation anxiety and destructive behavior.
Final Thoughts
The Australian Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog Mix is a wonderful and unique breed, combining the best traits of both parents. This mixed breed is intelligent, loyal, and affectionate, making it a great family pet.
However, pet owners should understand their pets' needs and provide them with the best care. For instance, regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep your dog healthy and happy.
For additional pet-parenting tips, head over to TryFi.com's Off Leash blog.
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