Mini Bernese Mountain Dog Breed Information & Characteristics

Mini Bernese Mountain Dog Size

A Mini Bernese Mountain Dog typically stands about 16 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs  25 to 50 pounds. These measurements make them smaller than the St Bernese Mountain Dog, which can weigh between 70 to 110 pounds and stand 23 to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder. The smaller version has the same general appearance and temperament as the larger breed but in a more compact size.

If you want to add the Bernese look dog and you do not have enough space at your home then a mini Bernese Mountain dog is the perfect choice for you.

Physical Appearance

Mini Bernese mountain dogs have the same impressive and attractive physical appearance as the St Bernese mountain dog but they are smaller in version. Black, white, and rust colors are combined to make mini Bernese look beautiful. Their tri-color coat is long and thick which requires regular grooming to keep them healthy and shiny.

Mini Bernese mountain dog is known for their tri-color coat along with they have strong muscular build and broad heads with friendly expressions. Their eyes are dark and almond-shaped and they have a black nose. Their ears are large and hang down to their heads. Overall, the Mini Bernese mountain dog is a very attractive and loving dog that is sure to turn heads wherever they go.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Mini Bernese Mountain Dog

Mini Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually quite calm and laid-back, like their parent breeds. We can make small Bernese mountain dogs a great choice for families. They enjoy spending time with their owners and overcoming feelings of loneliness. Due to some inherited traits from both the Berner and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, You may find some differences in things like size, temperament, and health issues.

Important Considerations When Owning a Mini Bernese Mountain Dog

Food and Diet Specifications

Food and healthy diet specifications are necessary for all pets. It is important for their well-being as well as their overall health.

First of all, You have to maintain the health of your dogs by suggesting the right diet plan according to their size, age, and activity levels. Meat protein is the main ingredient of the food which is important for dogs. All the ingredients should have fats like fish oil.

I highly recommend that the bowl should be clean and always have fresh water in it. It is also recommended that you should discuss your dog’s diet plan and overall health issues with your vet.

Exercise

The mini Bernese Mountain dog is an excellent choice for small families who can provide some playtime to their dogs, an occasional hike in the woods, and daily walks for exercise. They require physical and mental stimulation even though they are not highly active dogs. This breed is known for their stamina and they need moderate exercise to keep them healthy and happy.

This breed might not be good at apartments because they like running and have some playtime with their owners. Homes are the best place where they would have a fenced yard to run and play. They like playing French, swimming, and an occasional jog or hike.

It is crucial to tell you that the double coat on this breed makes it hard to withstand extreme cold temperatures. They should have fresh water, especially in the hot summer days.

Mini Berners are also stimulated with some interactive toys and treat puzzles. Refrain from doing the treats because Mini Berner easily becomes overweight. 

Training Tips

Mini Bernese Mountain dogs can easily be trainable because of their intelligence and eagerness to please people. Two types of reinforcements lead to training the mini Bernese. The first one is Positive reinforcement and the second is negative reinforcement. As you know positive reinforcement works best with this breed. While training a mini Bernese dog, consistency and patience are the keys because they can be stubborn at any time. Basic Obedience training and socialization are necessary for this breed which helps them to become well-rounded and well-behaved family members. 

It is important to train your dog as soon as possible and try to start training at the early age of the dog, ideally when they are still puppies. You should arrange social classes to introduce your dog to new people, pets, and experiences in a controlled environment. These steps can help your dog to become more confident and well-adjusted.

While training your mini Bernese mountain dog, It is also crucial to make your dog’s training session short and engaging, so they feel things are interesting. You have to use treats as rewards for good behavior which can be an attractive way to keep your Berner motivated and engaged during training.

Mini Bernese mountain dogs should first learn some basic commands like sit, stand, stay, come and down then move towards the dog support and advanced obedience training. It is important to know that all dogs including mini Bernese mountain dogs, thrive positive reinforcement and love. Negative reinforcement like harsh punishment can cause fear and anxiety in your mini Bernese which leads to behavior problems. Always keep track while training your pup.

Known Medical Issues

The Mini Bernese Mountain Dog can inherit health issues from both the Berner and the Cavalier King. Like all dog breeds, mini Bernese is also prone to some specific health issues some are minor and some are serious issues.

Grooming

The Mini Bernese Mountain Dog requires regular grooming and weekly brushing to keep them cool in the heat and it also helps to prevent their coat from becoming matted. Your mini Bernese needs one or two brushes per week if its coat is double and more often in spring and fall when its coat blows.

In addition to grooming your Berner, they will require regular ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and nail trimming. While doing the brushing, like cleaning ears and eyes, you should also check your pup’s ear infections, tooth decay, and wax buildup.

A regular grooming routine and check-ups in the early age of your dogs can minimize the stress of the process and make it an ideal experience. And remember one important thing is that grooming is not keeping your dog clean and neat, but it also prevents skin infections and irritation.

Male and Female Comparison

The Female Berners are smaller and more mature than male Berners, which means Female Berners learn commands like sit, stand, come, and go faster than males. They are faster learners than male Berners. The Male Berners are less moody, stubborn, and more reliable than the Female Berners.