Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix: A Guide to the Aussie Bernese

Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix: Info, Pictures, Facts, FAQs & More

March 11, 2024

0 8 minutes read

The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix, also known as the Aussie Bernese, is a hybrid breed that results from crossing the Australian Shepherd with the Bernese Mountain Dog. Both parent breeds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and working ability. Consequently, their mix produces a dog that inherits these traits.

The Aussie Bernese is a friendly, playful, and energetic dog that can make a great companion for active and experienced owners. However, this breed is not for everyone, as it can also be stubborn, independent, and challenging to train. The Aussie Bernese also needs a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization to thrive and be happy.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix, including its history, appearance, temperament, health, and care. We will also answer some common questions that people have about this hybrid. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the Aussie Bernese and whether it is the right dog for you.

Table of Contents

Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix History and Origin: Where Does the Aussie Bernese Come From?

The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix is a relatively new designer dog breed that was likely created in the United States sometime in the late 20th or early 21st century. There is no official record of when or where the first Aussie Bernese was bred, but it is assumed that it was done intentionally to combine the traits of the two parent breeds.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd, also known as the Aussie, is a herding dog breed that originated in the United States in the 19th century. The Australian Shepherd was developed by crossing various breeds, such as the Collie, the Border Collie, the English Shepherd, and the Australian Cattle Dog, to create a dog that could work in the diverse and rugged terrain of the American West.

The Australian Shepherd is known for its intelligence, agility, and versatility. It is also known for its distinctive coat colors and patterns, such as blue merle, red merle, black, red, and tri-color. The Australian Shepherd is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and is ranked as the 17th most popular dog breed in the United States.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog, also known as the Berner, is a working dog breed that originated in Switzerland in the 18th century. The Bernese Mountain Dog was bred as a farm dog, a cart-puller, and a watchdog. It is one of the four types of Swiss Mountain Dogs, along with the Appenzeller, the Entlebucher, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its strength, endurance, and loyalty. It is also known for its striking tri-color coat, which consists of black, white, and tan. The Bernese Mountain Dog is recognized by the AKC and is ranked as the 22nd most popular dog breed in the United States.

Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix Appearance: What Does an Aussie Bernese Look Like?

The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix can vary in appearance, depending on the traits it inherits from its parent breeds. However, some general features that you can expect from an Aussie Bernese are:

Size: The Aussie Bernese is a large-sized dog, with an average height of 23 to 28 inches and an average weight of 70 to 115 pounds.
Coat: The Aussie Bernese has a thick, double, and weather-resistant coat that can come in various colors and patterns, such as black, white, tan, blue merle, red merle, or tri-color. The coat can be straight or wavy, and may have feathering on the legs, chest, and tail.
Head: The Aussie Bernese has a broad and flat head, with a medium-sized muzzle and a black nose. It has almond-shaped eyes that can be brown, blue, or heterochromatic. It has medium-sized ears that can be erect, floppy, or semi-erect.
Body: The Aussie Bernese has a muscular and athletic body, with a strong neck and a deep chest. It has long and sturdy legs, with webbed feet and dewclaws. It has a long and bushy tail that can be straight or curved.

Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix Temperament: What is an Aussie Bernese’s Personality Like?

The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix can have a varied and unpredictable temperament, depending on the traits it inherits from its parent breeds. However, some general characteristics that you can expect from an Aussie Bernese are:

Loyalty: The Aussie Bernese is a loyal and devoted dog that will form a strong bond with its owner and family. It will protect and defend its loved ones from any threat, and will always be by their side.
Friendliness: The Aussie Bernese is a friendly and sociable dog that can get along well with other dogs and people, especially if it is well-socialized from an early age. It can be a great companion for children, as it is playful, gentle, and patient with them.
Energy: The Aussie Bernese is a highly energetic and active dog that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep it fit and happy. It can enjoy various activities, such as running, hiking, swimming, or playing fetch, as long as it is with its owner.
Intelligence: The Aussie Bernese is an intelligent and smart dog that can learn quickly and easily, especially if it is motivated by praise, treats, or toys. It can excel at various tasks, such as agility, obedience, or herding, as long as it is trained with consistency and positive reinforcement.
Stubbornness: The Aussie Bernese is a stubborn and strong-willed dog that can be challenging to train and control, especially if it is not properly trained or socialized. It can also be dominant and assertive, and may try to test its owner’s authority or challenge other dogs. It needs a firm and confident owner who can establish clear rules and boundaries, and enforce them with patience and respect.

Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix Health: What are the Aussie Bernese’s Health Issues?

The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix can inherit some health issues from its parent breeds, such as:

Hip dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint is malformed or dislocated, causing pain, inflammation, and mobility problems. It can be diagnosed by x-rays, and treated by medication, surgery, or physical therapy.
Elbow dysplasia: This is a condition where the elbow joint is malformed or dislocated, causing pain, inflammation, and mobility problems. It can be diagnosed by x-rays, and treated by medication, surgery, or physical therapy.
Eye problems: This is a condition where the dog has various problems with its eyes, such as cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, or entropion, causing vision loss, irritation, or infection. It can be diagnosed by eye exams, and treated by medication, surgery, or eye drops.
Cancer: This is a condition where the dog has abnormal growths of cells that can spread and damage other tissues and organs. It can be diagnosed by biopsies, blood tests, or imaging, and treated by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Bloat: This is a condition where the dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists, causing pain, shock, and death. It can be caused by eating too fast, too much, or too soon after exercise. It can be prevented by feeding smaller and more frequent meals, avoiding exercise after eating, and raising the food bowl. It can be treated by emergency surgery.

To prevent or reduce these health issues, you should provide your Aussie Bernese with regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite control. You should also feed your Aussie Bernese a high-quality and balanced diet, and keep it at a healthy weight. You should also groom your Aussie Bernese regularly, and check its ears, eyes, and skin for any signs of infection or irritation.

Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog Mix Care: How to Take Care of an Aussie Bernese?

The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix is a low-maintenance dog that does not require much grooming or care. However, some basic care tips that you should follow are:

Grooming: The Aussie Bernese has a thick, double, and weather-resistant coat that sheds moderately, and only needs occasional brushing to remove loose hair and dirt. You should also trim its nails, clean its ears, and brush its teeth regularly, to prevent any problems or infections.
Exercise: The Aussie Bernese is a highly energetic and active dog that needs at least an hour of exercise every day, to keep it fit and happy. You should provide your Aussie Bernese with various activities, such as running, hiking, swimming, or playing fetch, as long as it is with you. You should also provide your Aussie Bernese with some mental stimulation, such as puzzles, toys, or training, to keep it challenged and entertained.
Training: The Aussie Bernese is an intelligent and smart dog that can learn quickly and easily, but it can also be stubborn and strong-willed, and may need some guidance and direction. You should start training your Aussie Bernese from an early age, and use positive reinforcement, such as praise, treats, or toys, to motivate and reward it. You should also be consistent and firm, and establish clear rules and boundaries, and enforce them with patience and respect. You should also socialize your Aussie Bernese with other dogs and people, to prevent any aggression or shyness.
Feeding: The Aussie Bernese is a large-sized dog that needs a high-quality and balanced diet, to meet its nutritional and energy needs. You should feed your Aussie Bernese according to its age, weight, and activity level, and avoid overfeeding or underfeeding it. You should also provide your Aussie Bernese with fresh water at all times, and avoid any human foods that can be harmful to it.

How much does an Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix cost?

The cost of an Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix can vary depending on various factors, such as the breeder, the location, the pedigree, and the availability. However, the average price range of an Aussie Bernese puppy is between $800 and $1500. You should also consider the additional costs of owning an Aussie Bernese, such as vet bills, food, grooming, training, and supplies.

Is an Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix a good family dog?

The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix can be a good family dog, as it is loyal, friendly, and playful, and can get along well with children and other dogs, especially if it is well-socialized from an early age. However, the Aussie Bernese is not a suitable dog for everyone, as it can also be stubborn, independent, and challenging to train, and needs a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization to thrive and be happy. The Aussie Bernese also needs a firm and confident owner who can provide it with proper care and guidance, and a spacious and secure environment where it can run and play.

How big does an Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix get?

The Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix can grow to be a large-sized dog, with an average height of 23 to 28 inches and an average weight of 70 to 115 pounds. The size of the Aussie Bernese can vary depending on the traits it inherits from its parent breeds, as well as its diet, exercise, and health.

Conclusion

In this article, we covered everything you need to know about the Australian Shepherd Bernese Mountain Dog mix, including its history, appearance, temperament, health, and care.