Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed? Frequency & Control Explained
When choosing a dog, some people consider the type of coat they have because there are short-haired, long-haired, and double-coated to name a few. For some potential dog owners, the coat maintenance requirements can be a determining factor in their choice of breed.
For those of you who love Bernese Mountain Dogs and are considering welcoming one into your home, be prepared to deal with dog hair. Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs are shedders, but how much do they shed?
What Is “Blowing the Coat”?
Coat blow in dogs is ridding themselves of their winter fur and making way for the summer coat and vice versa. When the dog sheds the old hair, it makes way for the new thinner coat.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the double-coated breeds, like German Shepherds and Akitas. The double coat is long and coarse on the top with a soft undercoat. The undercoat is necessary for helping the breed to stay warm in the frigid winter months.
Unlike the normal shedding of a single-coated dog, the undercoat of a double-coated dog comes out in massive clumps and can make your dog look like an ungroomed wild animal no matter how often you brush it.
To add to the horror, there will be countless attempts to keep up with the sweeping and vacuuming, trying to keep up with the clumps of fur and dust bunnies. Although keeping up with the hair may be a losing battle, don’t fret; clumps of dog hair are part of being a pet parent.
What Does Coat Blow Look Like?
Coat blow has a distinct appearance. Your dog will have a wild and scruffy look. The patches of loose hair will have a wooly appearance. The tufts of hair can easily be pulled from the coat, and there will be more in its place. As you brush your canine, the large quantity of fuzzy fur is never-ending. The more you brush, the more it comes out.
Shedding Frequency
You can expect your Bernese Mountain Dog to shed all year long. The shedding of the undercoat (blowing the coat) will increase during the winter and summer months, however. Unlike other double-coated breeds, they have longer fur, so you will definitely know when they are shedding their undercoats for the up-and-coming season. The coat will get thinner to keep them cool in the summer months and thicker for warmth in colder temperatures.
Obviously, most pet owners expect their dogs to shed some extra fur during the change of the seasons. The coat blow severity varies, however. Things like breed, environment, and season, along with the sex of the animal and whether it has been spayed or neutered, can also affect the frequency and severity of the process.
If you need guidance on keeping your dog's coat healthy, we suggest you speak to a vet.
Final Thoughts
One thing is for sure: dealing with the fur, dander, and dust bunnies from a shedding Bernese Mountain Dog can be a challenge. Just remember that heavy shedding happens in the spring and fall, and it is temporary, and regular brushing can help minimize the amount of hair in your home. So, if your heart is set on a Bernese Mountain Dog, do not let the dog hair deter you from enjoying the love and companionship this breed has to offer.
See also:
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
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Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
