The Bernese Mountain dog golden retriever mix is shortly called Golden Mountain dog – a name worthy of such beautiful dogs.
Although this crossbreed isn’t yet widespread, it deserves more recognition because of its temperament and intelligence.
Bernese Mountain dogs and golden retrievers have a lot in common, so some temperament and appearance traits of Golden Mountain dog puppies are easy to predict.
However, the parent breeds also have several crucial distinctions that may affect how an individual puppy behaves and looks.
When picking your puppy, interact with the entire litter to determine which one will make you the best companion. Fortunately, every Golden Mountain dog is obedient, loyal, and friendly.
Appearance
Bernese Mountain dog and golden retriever mix can differ in size, but the dog will never be small. Most Bernese Mountain dog golden retriever crossbreed dogs range from 24 to 28 inches in height and weigh 75 to 130 pounds.
Golden Mountain dogs can also differ in coat color, depending on which parents a puppy takes after. Some dogs may be golden, whereas others inherit the black tricolor coat of Bernese Mountain dogs.
The second option is more likely because the golden color comes from a recessive gene. Because both parent breeds have double coats, the puppies are guaranteed to have thick double fur, either long or medium length, typically straight.
Golden retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs share some facial features that will be present in all puppies, including drop ears, longer snout, and round, dark eyes with an intelligent expression.
A golden retriever and Bernese Mountain dog mix can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from a purebred Bernese Mountain dog, but the crossbreed is smaller, usually with a longer coat and narrowed nose.
Temperament
Bernese Mountain dogs and golden retrievers have some temperament traits in common that they are likely to pass on to their puppies. Both parent breeds are eager to please, loyal, attached to their owners, gentle, and affectionate.
However, these breeds also have crucial distinctions, so the golden retriever and Bernese Mountain dog mix temperament can vary. Some puppies may be friendly with strangers, whereas others may be aloof.
Goldens are goofy bundles of energy, but Bernese Mountain dogs are calm and patient, so puppy energy levels may also differ. Either way, a golden retriever Bernese Mountain dog mix puppy is guaranteed to make a perfect family dog.
These dogs won’t hurt a fly. They love kids of all ages and get along well with most animals, including dogs, cats, and smaller pets, because they have a low prey drive.
This crossbreed can also serve as a watchdog because Bernese Mountain dogs often serve as guard dogs. They are equally suitable for assisting impaired people in performing daily tasks.
Intelligence & Trainability
A Bernese Mountain dog and golden retriever mix are among the most intelligent crossbreed dogs because both parent breeds excel in trainability, problem-solving, communication skills, and obedience.
According to canine researcher Stanley Coren who evaluated the intelligence of 138 breeds, golden retrievers are the fourth most intelligent dog breed, and Bernese Mountain dogs are the 27th.
A Bernese Mountain dog and golden retriever crossbreed is bound to be intelligent. These dogs quickly memorize commands, have a high obedience rate, and can act independently when necessary.
These traits make Golden Mountain dogs fantastic service, hunting, and working dogs. Training such an obedient, relatively calm dog is straightforward even for inexperienced owners.
A Golden Mountain dog is unlikely to cause the owner any problems with mischievous behavior or aggression towards strangers.
These dogs effectively communicate their needs and can understand human emotions, making them excellent therapy pets.
Health
Unfortunately, like most purebred dogs, both parent breeds are prone to some chronic, inherited, and potentially lethal medical conditions they can pass on to their puppies.
Golden Mountain dogs are at a high risk of getting cancer because it’s the most common cause of death in both golden retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs.
This crossbreed is also prone to conditions associated with most large dogs, including hip and elbow dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
These diseases can be ruled out with a genetic screening of both parents and avoiding excessive exercise in puppyhood.
Some Golden Mountain dogs may suffer from gastric dilatation-volvulus complex, shortly called bloat. They are also prone to obesity because of their golden retriever heritage and food obsession.
Without proper grooming, a golden retriever and Bernese Mountain dog mix can develop skin conditions.
Dogs that love swimming may have chronic ear infections because of their ear anatomy – all drop-ear dogs are susceptible to this problem.
Grooming
Golden Mountain dog grooming is time-consuming yet straightforward. Like all dogs with a double coat, a golden retriever and Bernese Mountain dog mix shed a lot, year-round, with intense shedding phases in fall and spring.
Golden Mountain dogs need daily brushing with a slicker brush to prevent tangling and matting. Brushing also helps to spot parasites hiding in the fur.
Golden Mountain dogs must be brushed with a de-shedding tool during seasonal shedding periods.
How often to bathe a golden retriever and Bernese Mountain dog mix depends on the dog’s lifestyle.
A dog spending most of its time in the backyard may not need baths as often as a dog frequently swimming in stagnant water and running in the wild.
Golden retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs should never be shaved, and neither should Golden Mountain dogs. Shaving can intervene in their thermoregulation and damage their coat, making it grow in clumps.
Golden Mountain dogs don’t need haircuts but will benefit from feather trimming to prevent longer fur from dragging on the ground and tangling.
Exercise Needs
The Golden Mountain dog’s exercise needs depend on a particular puppy’s energy levels, which may differ because Bernese Mountain dogs are calmer than golden retrievers.
On average, expect to walk with a golden retriever and Golden Mountain dog mix for an hour daily. The exercise duration also depends on a dog’s age, health state, and exercise type.
Vigorous exercise that consumes more energy doesn’t need to be as long. Fifteen minutes of swimming replace an hour of walking. Golden Mountain dogs will also appreciate hiking, playing fetch, and running wild.
Puppies need about five minutes of exercise for every month of their life. Too much physical activity can put a strain on a puppy’s joints, leading to hip dysplasia and other condition development.
Senior dogs, too, should exercise to the degree they are physically capable of. Many old dogs suffer from arthritis, heart problems, and other conditions preventing them from being active.
Life Expectancy
Golden retrievers live for 10-12 years on average, and the Bernese Mountain dog’s life expectancy is even shorter, ranging from six to eight years.
Fortunately, crossbreed dogs tend to be healthier than purebred, so Golden Mountain dogs live for 10-12 years on average. Like parent breeds, most Golden Mountain dogs die of cancer.
For this reason, owners should be aware of the symptoms and seek veterinary help as soon as they notice any abnormalities. With timely veterinary help, cancer has a relatively high recovery rate.
Sufficient exercise and a healthy diet are other factors affecting how long a Golden Mountain dog will live.
Behavior Problems
Because both golden retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs are attached to their owners and social, Golden Mountain dogs are prone to separation anxiety. This problem manifests with destructive behavior, whining, and potty accidents.
Some Golden Mountain dogs may pull on the leash because of their exuberance and curiosity. Jumping on people out of excitement is another widespread problem, although not as common as in purebred golden retrievers.
Bernese Mountain dogs are guard dogs, so some Golden Mountain dogs may have an excessive barking problem. Fortunately, owners can train their dogs not to bark unless necessary.
Aggression is rare in this crossbreed because both parent breeds are gentle and friendly, but some Golden Mountain dogs may have phobias.
Rarity
Although golden retrievers and Golden Mountain dogs are in the top 40 of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., a golden retriever Bernese Mountain dog crossbreed isn’t as widespread.
Golden Mountain dogs aren’t the most popular crossbreed dogs, but they aren’t particularly rare either, compared to other mixes.
Breeding a golden retriever and Bernese Mountain dog is relatively easy, unlike crossing a large dog with a small one.
Still, you might have to spend some time searching for a puppy because they may not be available in your area. The crossbreed has just begun to gain recognition, so the selection is limited.
Price
The Golden Mountain dog price ranges from $800 to $1,200, although some puppies may cost more or less than the average. The price depends on the breeder’s reputation, location, puppy traits, and lineage.
Although crossbreed dogs aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club and cannot get a pedigree, the lineage plays a crucial role. For example, a puppy whose parents are obedience champions is more likely to be easy to train.