Bernese mountain dogs are a beloved breed known for their intelligence, loyalty and beautiful coats. While grooming is an important part of caring for your Bernese mountain dog, it is important to understand their specific needs when it comes to their grooming routine. Many owners want to know if they can shave their Bernese mountain dog and the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of shaving your Bernese mountain dog and provide some professional advice on how to determine the best grooming routine for your pet. We will focus on the best ways to maintain your pet’s coat while keeping them healthy and happy. Ultimately, the decision whether to shave your Bernese mountain dog is something to be discussed with a professional groomer or veterinarian who understands the nuances of this unique breed, so be sure to seek their advice.
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Shave Bernese Mountain Dogs
Let’s expand on what we just said and discuss why it is not advised to shave.
The topcoat, also referred to as “guard hairs,” is more robust and coarse than the undercoat. These hairs shield your Berner from the sun’s damaging UV rays and direct heat.
These essential hairs are immediately removed by shaving, exposing your Berner’s skin to the sun. This could lead to sunburn and make heatstroke easier.
The outer coat will reduce some heat from direct sunlight in a manner similar to shielding your Berner from UV rays.
Although it may appear that your Berner will feel hotter due to the thick hair’s absorption of heat, this is not the case; rather, the thick hair will reflect more heat than it absorbs.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Be Shaved?
At the dog park and on online message boards, people debate whether or not they should shave their Bernese Mountain Dogs and what will happen if they do.
The short answer is simple: Unless it’s absolutely necessary for medical reasons, you should never shave your Bernese Mountain Dog.
A light trim with scissors around problematic areas can be helpful in some circumstances. But never shaving. I’ll explain this further below.
Although it makes sense to believe shaving might benefit your Berner, it almost always has the opposite effect.
How often should Bernese mountain dogs be bathed?
How Often to Bathe – If you’re unsure how frequently to bathe your Berner, you should know that heavy coated dog breeds like a Bernese Mountain Dog should be bathed once every two to three months. As a result of your Berner’s coat’s natural oiliness and repellency
FAQ
Do Bernese mountain dogs get shaved?
Your Berner’s coat should never be shaved or trimmed, with the exception of a light trim around the ears and paws for a smooth, clean look (via BMDCA). Keeping up with your brushing routine will help keep their coat clean, too — until bath time!
What dog breeds should you not shave?
Golden retrievers, German shepherds, Siberian huskies, and other dogs that shed large clumps of fur (part of their undercoat) on a seasonal basis shouldn’t ever be shaved. The idea that shaving will keep a dog cool on hot days is untrue.
Is it OK to shave a double-coated dog?
In fact, shaving a double-coated dog may make it more difficult for him to cool off. To prevent sunburn and bug bites, coats shouldn’t be shortened to less than one inch. Regular brushing improves air circulation and cooling.
Can Bernese mountain dogs be groomed?
The Bernese Mountain dog is a large working breed with a double coat in which the guard coat is longer than the undercoat. This breed sheds more frequently in the spring and fall when their coats change, so they require grooming every 4 to 8 weeks.