Bernese Mountain Dog Shedding: The Complete Guide for Owners
- Riverview Grooming
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant with a stunning tri-colored coat that turns heads wherever they go. But with that beautiful coat comes one of the breed’s biggest challenges: shedding. Many of our salon clients come to us surprised by just how much hair their Bernese leaves behind on floors, clothes, and furniture.
In this guide, we’ll share what we’ve learned from working with Bernese Mountain Dogs every week in our grooming salon. We'll cover why they shed the way they do, how much to expect, and the proven grooming routines, diet tips, and home care tricks we recommend to owners. Whether you’re welcoming your first Bernese or already love life with one, this guide will help you stay ahead of the fur.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs shed, and in our salon we see firsthand just how much. Their thick double coat sheds steadily throughout the year. During spring and fall, many Bernese “blow their coat,” filling our brushes (and sometimes our floors) with large amounts of undercoat fur.
Compared to other breeds we groom, Bernese are among the heaviest shedders. Owners often tell us that no matter how much brushing they do, hair still shows up daily on clothes, furniture, and floors. While this can feel overwhelming, shedding is a natural and healthy process for the breed that can be managed with the right routine.
In our salon, we have found that regular brushing, seasonal de-shedding treatments, and the right tools make a big difference in keeping shedding under control and in keeping Bernese coats shiny, healthy, and free of mats.
Understanding the Bernese Mountain Dog Coat
One of the most striking features of the Bernese Mountain Dog is its thick, tri-colored double coat. This coat has two layers that work together to protect the dog from the elements:
Outer coat: Long, straight, and slightly coarse, designed to block dirt, snow, and rain.
Undercoat: Dense, soft, and insulating, keeping the dog warm in winter and cooler in summer.
Most of the shedding you’ll notice comes from that undercoat. As the seasons shift, Bernese Mountain Dogs naturally shed to adjust their insulation:
Spring: They shed their heavy winter undercoat to stay cooler.
Fall: They shed their lighter coat so a fresh, warmer layer can grow for the cold months ahead.
Because of this cycle, regular coat care is essential:
Brushing often removes loose undercoat before it spreads around your home.
Consistent grooming keeps the outer coat sleek and shiny.
Skipping care can lead to mats, which trap dirt, moisture, and can cause skin irritation.
Understanding how this coat works is the first step to managing shedding and keeping your Bernese comfortable and healthy.
Normal vs. Excessive Shedding
Shedding is completely normal for Bernese Mountain Dogs, but there are times when hair loss can point to something more serious. In our salon, we often remind owners to look for patterns in their dog’s coat. A steady flow of fur or heavier shedding during spring and fall is expected. That is simply the double coat doing its job.
Excessive shedding, however, may show up as bald spots, thinning patches, or skin that looks irritated. Common causes include allergies, parasites such as fleas, poor diet, or underlying health conditions like thyroid imbalances. Stress can also trigger more shedding than usual.
If you notice sudden changes in your Bernese’s coat, it is always best to speak with your veterinarian. Grooming can only do so much if a medical issue is at the root of the problem. Catching these signs early helps keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy while preventing discomfort.
How Much Shedding Should You Expect?
Living with a Bernese Mountain Dog means living with hair. Owners should expect to see loose fur on clothes, furniture, and floors every day of the year. Even with regular grooming, some shedding is unavoidable.
The heaviest shedding happens during the spring and fall when Bernese “blow” their undercoat. At our salon, we often fill entire grooming bags with fur from a single session during these times. Brushing daily at home can help reduce the amount of hair around your house, but seasonal shedding will still be noticeable.
Outside of these coat blows, most Bernese shed at a steady, moderate rate. Puppies and young dogs may shed less until their adult coat grows in, while older dogs sometimes experience more noticeable shedding as their skin and coat health changes. Climate, diet, and overall health also play a role in how much fur an individual dog loses.
Everyday shedding: Expect fur on clothes, furniture, and floors year-round, even with regular grooming.
Seasonal coat blows: Spring and fall bring the heaviest shedding. At our salon, we often fill entire grooming bags in a single session during these times.
Brushing helps but won’t stop it: Daily brushing reduces loose hair around the house, but seasonal shedding will still be very noticeable.
Steady shedding the rest of the year: Outside of coat blows, most Bernese shed at a moderate, consistent rate.
Age makes a difference: Puppies shed less until their adult coat grows in, while older dogs may shed more as their skin and coat change.
Other factors matter too: Climate, nutrition, and overall health all affect how much fur your Bernese will lose.
Grooming Strategies to Control Shedding
Regular grooming is the best way to stay ahead of Bernese Mountain Dog shedding. At our salon, we’ve found that owners who use the right tools and stick to a routine see a huge difference in coat health and in how much fur ends up around the house.
If you’d like to know exactly which tools make this process easier, check out our detailed guide: 5 Brushes to Minimize Bernese Mountain Dog Shedding: A Groomer’s Top Picks.
1. Brushing Routine
Brush 3–4 times per week, and daily during spring and fall coat blows.
Short sessions (5–10 minutes) are easier on both you and your dog.
Always brush down to the undercoat to remove loose hair before it mats.
👉 Recommended brushes we use and love in our salon:
Miracle Care Slicker Dog Brush – great for pulling out loose undercoat and preventing mats.
Maxpower De-Shed Rake – perfect for thick double coats like the Bernese.
Furminator Deshedding Tool – reduces heavy shedding when used weekly.
KONG Zoom Groom – gentle rubber brush that doubles as a massage tool.
2. Bathing and De-shedding Treatments
Bathe every 6–8 weeks using a de-shedding shampoo and conditioner.
Products like Furminator De-shedding Shampoo & Conditioner help loosen undercoat and make brushing more effective.
For heavy shedding seasons, consider scheduling a professional de-shedding treatment to remove large amounts of undercoat in one session.
3. Professional Grooming Services
A salon visit every 6–8 weeks helps keep coats healthy and manageable.
Professional blow-dryers and undercoat rakes remove far more fur than brushing at home.
Groomers also check skin, ears, and nails, which all contribute to coat health.
Diet & Health for a Healthy Coat
A healthy coat starts on the inside. At our salon, we notice Bernese Mountain Dogs on balanced diets with the right nutrients shed more normally and have shinier, softer coats. Nutrition, hydration, and overall health all play a part.
Prioritize balanced nutrition
High-quality protein supports strong hair growth.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help reduce dryness and flaking.
Vitamins A, E, and B-complex strengthen the coat and improve shine.
👉 We recommend Furminator® Deshedding Shampoo & Conditioner since it’s fortified with omega fatty acids that support skin and coat health.
Hydration matters
Always provide clean, fresh water.
Dehydrated dogs often have dry, flaky skin, which increases shedding.
Supplements can help
Omega-3 fish oil capsules or skin-and-coat chews can support coat condition.
A gentle tool like the KONG Zoom Groom also stimulates natural oil production during brushing.
Always check with your veterinarian before adding supplements.
Watch for health issues
Bald spots, thinning hair, or irritated skin may signal allergies, parasites, or thyroid problems.
If your Bernese suddenly starts shedding more than usual, schedule a vet exam.
Good nutrition and vet care won’t stop shedding completely, but they make the coat much easier to manage while keeping your Bernese healthier overall.
