Bernese Mountain Dog grooming: brushing, bathing and shedding
A practical grooming routine for the Bernese Mountain Dog: coat care, baths, nails and ears.
Expect hair everywhere. The coat sheds moderately year round and heavily in spring and autumn. Brush 2 or 3 times a week with a slicker brush and a long-toothed comb, and daily during a shed. Mats form first behind the ears, in the armpits and on the back of the thighs, so work those areas carefully.
Bathe every 6 to 8 weeks or when needed, and make sure the coat dries right down to the skin, since damp undercoat can lead to hot, irritated patches. Trim the hair between the paw pads for better grip on smooth floors, cut nails every 3 to 4 weeks, and look inside the dropped ears weekly. Many owners invest in a high-velocity dryer, which halves drying time and blasts out loose undercoat.
Bernese Mountain Dog grooming in numbers
This is an illustrative schedule based on our editorial grooming score, not a breed-specific care protocol. Coat condition, skin problems and professional advice may call for a different routine.
| Task | Planning example |
|---|---|
| Brushing | 2 to 3 times a week |
| Bathing | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Shedding | Heavy, with seasonal blowouts |
| Nail trim | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Ear check | Weekly |
| Teeth | Daily brushing; introduce gently and ask your vet if the mouth seems painful |
Coat
Thick, moderately long double coat, straight or slightly wavy, with a bright natural shine.
Grooming needs
Shedding
Drooling