Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

7 Best Shampoos for Bernese Mountain Dogs in 2026 — Reviews & Top Picks

Share

Bernese Mountain Dog scratching itself after bathing in the river

Bernese Mountain Dog scratching itself after bathing in the river Bernese Mountain Dogs make fantastic pets, but they are also working dogs that can get quite dirty on the job, resulting in the need for a bath. However, with so many different brands of dog shampoo available, choosing one that is just right for your pet can be challenging. If you need help, keep reading for a list of the best options. There’s also a buyer’s guide that goes over what you should look for in a dog shampoo so you can make an informed purchase.

divider dog faces oct 2024

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
  • pH-balanced
  • Conditions coat
  • Aloe and cucumber fragrance
  • Second place
    Pet Pleasant Dog Shampoo Pet Pleasant Dog Shampoo
  • Rinses clean
  • Flip-top cap
  • Oatmeal ingredients
  • For Smelly Dogs
    Third place
    Hepper Deep Clean Shampoo Hepper Deep Clean Shampoo
  • No parabens or sulfates
  • Combats unpleasant odors
  • Deep cleans while preserving natural oils
  • PET CARE Sciences Tearless Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner PET CARE Sciences Tearless Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Tearless
  • Many sizes available
  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs
  • Concentrated
  • Allergy friendly
  • Oatmeal formula
  • The 7 Best Shampoos for a Bernese Mountain Dog

    1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo — Best Overall

    Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo with Aloe Vera

    Scent: Aloe and cucumber
    Size: 16 oz

    Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is the best overall shampoo for Bernese Mountain Dogs for its ability to clean and soothe skin. Berners can be prone to skin issues due to those glorious double coats, and colloidal oatmeal is known to soothe irritated skin.

    This shampoo contains oatmeal and is pH-balanced for soothing and moisturizing skin. It also conditions the coat and leaves behind the light fragrance of aloe and cucumber. It’s free from DEA, soap, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic dyes.

    Just be aware that while the scent is light and refreshing, people or dogs sensitive to odors might still find it a bit strong.

    At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

    Pros
    • pH-balanced
    • Conditions coat
    • Aloe and cucumber fragrance
    Cons
    • Potentially strong odor

    2. Pet Pleasant Dog Shampoo

    Pet Pleasant Dog Shampoo

    Scent: Lavender
    Size: 8 ounces

    Pet Pleasant Pet Shampoo is our pick as the best shampoo for Bernese Mountain Dogs for the money. The vegan formula has oatmeal that helps moisturize the skin and soften the fur. The flip-top cap is easy to use and enables you to apply the shampoo without making a mess, and there is less risk of a spill. It also rinses away clean and leaves behind a soft lavender fragrance.

    Unfortunately, Pet Pleasant Shampoo comes in a bottle that runs out quickly when using it on a large dog, like a Bernese, and several users have complained that the fragrance isn’t strong enough.

    Pros
    • Oatmeal ingredients
    • Flip-top cap
    • Vegan
    • Rinses clean
    Cons
    • Small bottle
    • Weak fragrance

    3. Hepper Deep Clean Shampoo — Best for Smelly Dogs

    Hepper Deep Clean Shampoo 2024

    Scent: Neutral
    Size: 8 oz

    The Hepper Deep Clean Shampoo is specifically designed to combat unpleasant odors in dogs and contains odor-repelling and odor-neutralizing properties. It is pH-balanced and does not include soap, parabens, sulfates, DEA, alcohol, or synthetic dyes.

    Despite its deep-cleaning capabilities, this shampoo is gentle on your Berner’s coat, preserving their natural oils and preventing skin dryness. Instead of masking bad smells with fragrance, it helps eliminate them.

    Some owners may find the neutral scent a bit overpowering, but it fades within 24 hours.

    At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

    Pros
    • Combats unpleasant odors
    • No parabens or sulfates
    • Deep cleans while preserving natural oils
    Cons
    • Overpowering neutral scent

    4. PET CARE Shampoo and Conditioner

    PET CARE Sciences Tearless Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner

    Scent: Light, gentle
    Size: 8 or 16 ounces, 1 gallon

    PET CARE Sciences Tearless Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner is our pick as the best shampoo for Bernese Mountain Puppies. This tearless shampoo has a gentle formula that contains oats to help soothe and nourish sensitive skin and coconut to help hydrate the fur, making it easier to manage. It’s also perfect for dogs with sensitive skin and is available in several sizes, so you can get bigger bottles as your pet grows.

    The only downside is that it doesn’t produce much of a fragrance.

    Pros
    • Tearless
    • Contains oats and coconut
    • Good for sensitive skin
    • Two sizes available
    Cons
    • Little fragrance

    5. Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs

    Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs

    Scent: Coconut, lime, verbena
    Size: 24 ounces

    Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs uses a high concentration of coconut-derived sodding agent to create a concentrated shampoo that enables you to use less than you might with other brands. The coconut ingredients in the shampoo make it a good choice for pets with sensitive or dry skin. It’s made in the U.S.A. by a company that’s been in business for more than 50 years.

    The primary downside is that many people complain that it smells bad.

    Pros
    • Oatmeal formula
    • Concentrated
    • Allergy-friendly
    • Company in business for more than 50 years
    Cons
    • Smells bad

    6. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Shed Control Shampoo

    Burt’s Bees for Dogs Shed Control Shampoo

    Scent: Unscented
    Size: 16 ounces

    Burt’s Bees is a popular brand that makes many products for pets and humans. One of the best for Bernese Mountain Dogs is Burt’s Bees for Dogs Shed Control Shampoo. It contains vitamin E and omega-3, which help strengthen your pet’s fur and reduce breakage. It’s pH balanced for dogs and can help reduce the amount of shedding. Many people also like the fact that it doesn’t contain any chemicals or fragrances.

    The downside to Burt’s Bees shampoo is that the bottle opens too easily and often results in spills, especially during shipping.

    Pros
    • Strengthens fur to reduce breakage
    • No fragrances or chemicals
    • pH balanced for dogs
    Cons
    • Bottle opens too easily

    7. Healthy Breeds Bernese Mountain Dog Shampoo

    Healthy Breeds Bernese Mountain Dog Chamomile Soothing Dog Shampoo

    Scent: Chamomile
    Size: 8 ounces

    Healthy Breeds Bernese Mountain Dog Chamomile Soothing Dog Shampoo provides owners and pets with chamomile’s fresh and relaxing fragrance. It also contains colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera to help condition and moisturize your dog’s skin and fur so these will look better and be easier to manage.

    Unfortunately, there are a few downsides to Healthy Breeds pet shampoo, including a leaky bottle that leaves behind a sticky mess that’s hard to clean up. Many users also complain there is nothing breed-specific about it that warrants the name.

    Pros
    • Contains colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera
    • Conditions and moisturizes
    • Safe for use with flea-control products
    Cons
    • Sticky
    • Not actually breed specific
    • Leaky bottle

    divider dog faces oct 2024

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Shampoos for Bernese Mountain Dogs

    Bernese Mountain Dog with shower cap and accessories
    Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

    Bottle Size

    When choosing a pet shampoo for your Bernese Mountain Dog, one of the first things that you are likely to look at is the bottle size. Since these dogs are so large, you likely want to purchase something containing at least 16 ounces of shampoo, or else consider buying more than one bottle.

    Ingredients

    Your dog’s skin can be sensitive to the harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances found in many commercial shampoos, which can leave your pet with a dull coat and itchy skin. Choosing a brand that uses all-natural ingredients will help keep the skin and fur healthier, which might also result in less shedding. Key ingredients to look for are colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, omega-3 fats, and vitamins A, D, E, and B12.

    If you’re unsure of which dog shampoo to use, please contact your vet or a reputable groomer for a recommendation.

    If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your dog — all at an affordable price!

    PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

    Fragrance

    Another thing to consider when choosing a shampoo for your Bernese Mountain is the fragrance. Many pet owners prefer a nice smell after a bath, while others prefer to leave out the scent. We recommend reading the reviews of any shampoo products that you are interested in to see if other users praise or condemn the smell.

    divider dog faces oct 2024

    Conclusion

    When choosing your next pet shampoo for a Bernese Mountain Dog, we highly recommend our pick as the best overall, as Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo contains colloidal oatmeal which is known to soothe irritated skin. It also helps moisturize and produces a bright shiny coat. Another great choice is our premium pick: Hepper Deep Clean Shampoo, which gets your Bernese clean without stripping their natural skin oils.


    Featured Image Credit: Kristesoro, Shutterstock

    Want content like this delivered to you?

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

    * By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Ask Dr. Paola- I Need Help With My Dogs Anxiety! (March 16, 2026)

    Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

    The Cleaning Mistakes That Ruin Wool Rugs (And What to Do Instead)

    The instinct when something lands on your rug is often to scrub it out fast. For wool, that instinct will make things significantly...

    Marigold Shocks Her Owner By Delivering 17 Irish Doodle Puppies in a Single Day

    The one question vets hate hearing as they ultrasound expectant canine mothers is “how many puppies are there?” The reason is that, on...

    Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Out Adventuring (March 12, 2026)

    Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

    More related

    How to Save Money on Dog Food in 4 Ways (2026 Guide)

    I am a dog sitter, which means I’m surrounded by happy pups 24/7. Things get wild at mealtime — something my dog, Riggins,...

    8 Best Shampoos for Miniature Schnauzers – 2026 Reviews & Top Picks

    Miniature Schnauzers are fun dogs that are well-suited to large and small homes. While they are expert groomers that do a good job...

    10 Health Benefits of Owning a Pet: Vet-Approved Facts

    Whether you have a cat, dog, bird, gerbil, chameleon, or hedgehog as a pet, you already know all the joy and comfort that...

    Meet Dr. Diarra Blue, Co-Star of Animal Planet’s ‘The Vet Life’

    Being a veterinarian can be a stressful job, but for Dr. Diarra Blue, the vocation is the realization of a lifelong dream, and...

    Keep reading

    Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs? Vet-Verified Benefits, Risks & Safety

    Ask your dog how he likes his eggs, and he’ll probably answer, “Yes, please!” Most dogs enjoy eating eggs, whether it’s over-easy, sunny-side up, scrambled, or any other way you can think of preparing them. But how about raw eggs?...

    Can Dogs Eat_raw eggs

    Can Dogs Eat Rye Bread? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

    Sharing food comes naturally to us. It doesn’t matter if it’s our family or a friend; it’s a bonding experience. Therefore, it’s not a stretch if the things we want to give our dog extends to many tasty morsels we...

    Can Dogs Eat Rye Bread

    10 Best Dental Treats for Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Dental treats aren’t meant as a replacement for regular brushing, but your dog will love them, and they work as a good backup. They help remove plaque and tartar buildup, thanks to their abrasive surface, and sometimes the ingredients they...

    siberian husky given a dental treat

    Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

    If you have a dog, you know they love meat, which isn’t surprising since they were once predators that hunted other animals to survive. What is surprising is how many other foods the average dog loves, from bananas and cheese...

    Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers

    Diamond Puppy Formula Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Diamond Pet Foods is a private company based out of Meta, Missouri. It began as a family-owned business in 1970 with brothers-in-law Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter at the helm. It prides itself on its nutritional integrity and quality assurance....

    Dogster_Diamond Puppy Formula Dog Food Review

    Can Dogs With Pancreatitis Eat Eggs? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

    Pancreatitis is one illness you want to take seriously, as mismanaging this disease can quickly become fatal. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, the part of your dog’s body that creates hormones such as insulin and digestive enzymes. The...

    Can Dogs With Pancreatitis Eat Eggs

    Is Glycerin in Dog Food & Treats Bad for Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Safety Guide

    We all know that one key to a healthy dog’s life is high-quality dog food. You look for ingredients such as whole meats and grains and ensure the diet is complete and balanced. You may not be looking for glycerin,...

    dry dog food in bowl

    Can Dogs Eat Brown Sugar? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Considerations

    Many people have a seemingly insatiable sweet tooth. However a taste for sugar may have some benefits, as it supplies energy and is quickly metabolized by the human body with a decent return. Dogs aren’t different from people in our...

    Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Brown Sugar

    Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

    Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




    Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter