As a dog groomer, I’ve had the pleasure of working with all kinds of breeds—from tiny teacup Yorkies to energetic doodles—but few make an impression quite like the Bernese Mountain Dog. With their majestic size, gentle eyes, and thick tri-colored coats, Berners are one of the most striking dogs to walk into the salon. And when they do, it’s grooming time… in capital letters.
These dogs were bred for cold weather and hard work in the Swiss Alps, and their coats reflect that. They have a double coat—a soft undercoat for insulation and a longer, coarse outer coat that protects against the elements. Beautiful? Absolutely. Low-maintenance? Not quite.
Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming is a Full-Body Workout (for Everyone)
When a Bernese comes in, we set aside extra time. That thick coat is prone to matting, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail where friction and moisture can create perfect tangle zones. Without regular brushing, those mats can become tight and painful.
Our grooming routine typically includes:
- A deep brush-out to remove loose undercoat and prevent mats
- A gentle de-shedding bath with coat-friendly shampoo
- Blow-drying with a high-velocity dryer to fully dry and release shedding fur
- Trimming feet, sanitary areas, and feathering for cleanliness and shape
- Ear cleaning and nail trims, of course!
During heavy shedding seasons—especially spring and fall—we recommend more frequent visits. These seasonal coat blowouts can fill an entire trash bag with undercoat. (No joke—we’ve done it.)
The Secret to a Happy Berner? Routine & Praise
Most Berners are sweet, patient, and eager to please, but their size can make grooming tricky if they’re not used to the process. That’s why early introduction is key. A puppy Berner who gets used to the dryer and nail clippers will be a dream to groom as an adult.
At Four-Legged Fun Zone, we always take our time with larger breeds like these. We offer plenty of praise, treats, and breaks to make grooming a positive experience. A relaxed dog means a better groom—and a happier pet parent.
Final Thoughts
If you’re lucky enough to live with a Bernese Mountain Dog, you already know they’re loyal, loving, and downright majestic. Keeping that gorgeous coat healthy takes effort, but it’s worth every brushstroke. With regular grooming, your Berner will not only look like royalty—but feel amazing, too.
Ready to book a grooming session for your gentle giant? Click here to schedule your appointment.
Written By Your Friendly Neighborhood Groomer at Four-Legged Fun Zone
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