The mini Bernese Mountain Dog is a smaller version of the powerful, loyal giant Bernese Mountain Dog breed. Bred by mixing the Bernese with a smaller breed, introducing the dwarfism gene or using small purebred Bernese Mountain Dog parents these dogs are under 25 inches tall and less than 80lbs as adults. They are intended to pack the friendly, affectionate, loyal character into a more manageable body. Today we are going to take a look at whether it’s possible to create a truly micro Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. To turn an active, intelligent, giant dog breed into the perfect lapdog or apartment pet. And share tips to help you decide which type of mini Bernese Mountain Dog is the right fit for your lifestyle, family and home.
Contents
- Giant vs Mini Bernese Mountain Dog
- Mini Bernese Mountain Dog Mixes
- Dwarf Mini Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Purebred Mini Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Mini Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies
The full size Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its affectionate nature and its silky, tri-colored coat. One factor that may stop some from adopting one of these loyal companions into their home, however, is their size. Standing at around 26 inches at the shoulder, these are very large dogs. As a result, we have seen a spike in interest in the mini Bernese Mountain Dog. There are factors that need to be weighed before deciding whether a mini Bernese Mountain Dog is the right choice for you.
Standard Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese Mountain dogs are huge. So it’s understandable that some owners are a bit intimidated by his size, if not his lovely personality. The Bernese Mountain Dog has its origins in the Swiss Alps, where it was used as a working dog on the farms in the area. Not only was it prized for its work ethic, but also its amazing strength.
These dogs are capable of pulling many times their weight, thanks to their strong hind quarters. Despite its great strength, as a pet, these dogs are happy living inside as long as they get a good half hour of exercise, at least, each day.
The standard sized giant Bernese Mountain Dog can be 27.5 inches tall and weigh up to 115lbs.Which is a lot to handle, even with their lovely temperament.
Bernese Mountain Dog Temperaments
Being affectionate and loyal, it is most important that they get the chance to spend plenty of time with their family. Often, behavioral issues in Bernese Mountain Dogs are a result of a pooch that is left alone for long periods.
These dogs are usually easy to train thanks to their eagerness to please their human companions.
Despite their size, they are known to be gentle with children. And if you have the right equipment, they might even agree to give the kids a mini cart ride in the backyard!
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a beautiful thick tri-colored double coat, but such luscious locks require maintenance. This will need daily brushing while the dogs are shedding and will need weekly brushes at other times.
Breeding a Mini Bernese Mountain Dog Breed
As we can see, the full size Bernese Mountain Dog makes a gentle and affectionate addition to the family. They also have a beautiful, distinctive coat and a handsome face. For that reason, they have become increasingly popular.
However, their size can be a drawback for those who do not have the room or the budget to house. And feed a dog that averages 26 or 27 inches at the shoulder.
Three Ways To Make A Mini Bernese Mountain Dog.
There are generally three ways in which miniaturization is achieved in the dog breeding world. Crossbreeding, dwarfism and breeding from runts.
Mini Bernese Mountain Dog Mixes
In the case of the Bernese Mountain Dog, miniaturization is usually achieved through crossing it with a smaller dog that looks similar.
While there are many breeds that can be crossed to produce a smaller dog which resembles a Bernese, two breeds that are commonly crossed with the Bernese Mountain Dog are the Cavalier King Charles and the miniature or toy Poodle.
Cavalier King Charles can have very similar coloring to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Thus, the resulting cross breed looks very much like the full-size dog, only smaller.
Bernedoodle Dogs
When the Bernese Mountain Dog is crossed with a miniature Poodle, the result is a Bernedoodle. This has become quite a popular crossbreed.
Because the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle share many personality traits in common, the temperament of these dogs is fairly predictable. And much like that of the Bernese Mountain Dog as we discussed above.
Dwarf Mini Bernese Mountain Dog Breeds
Miniaturization of dogs can also be a result of dwarfism, scientifically known as chondrodysplasia. Dwarfism is in fact a genetic condition which not only results in shortened limbs, but other health problems as well.
There are different syndromes associated with dwarfism. The degree to which the bones are affected can vary, as can the other health problems associated with dwarfism.
Some of these other health issues include eyesight problems, joint problems, and mobility issues. Dwarfism can also result from a tumour or other problems with the pituitary gland. In these cases of dwarfism, growth can be stunted while the dog remains in proportion. This tends to affect some breeds, such as the German Shepherd, more than others.
Dwarf Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues
Dogs that are born with dwarfism still deserve to live out full and enriching lives. They can do so with proper care. However, the ethics of deliberately breeding dogs with the condition is seriously questionable. Especially when the dog stands to suffer as a result.
A responsible owner of a dog with such a condition also takes on any extra costs. The owner may need to make adjustments to their living arrangements to accommodate a dog with special health care needs.
Thankfully, the Bernese Mountain Dog is not known to be prone to dwarfism. It is rare to see dogs suffering with dwarfism being sold as micro or toy Bernese.
A Mini Bernese Mountain Dog from Smaller Puppies
Just like us, dogs come in all shapes and sizes, even within their breed types. Therefore, even though Bernese Mountain Dogs are big dogs, some will just be smaller.
A smaller mother and father can be bred to produce smaller offspring. A responsible breeder would be careful to ensure that the smaller stature of the parents is not the result of a genetic condition or malnourishment.
Naturally small dogs will not suffer the same health issues that dogs with dwarfism experience. But they will also not be hugely different in size to an average dog of that breed. It cannot be expected that these dogs will be toy size for example.
Breeding Mini Bernese Mountain Dogs From Runts
The biggest difference comes when breeding with smaller dogs that were in fact runts of the litter. These much smaller than average puppies will often grow into smaller adult dogs, but come with numerous health issues as a result of their stunted growth.
These dogs are often reffered to as teacup Bernese Mountain Dogs. But they are still not even near to teacup sized as adults, and have a full sized load of health issues too!
Mini Bernese Mountain Dogs As Pets
It is important to make sure any dogs advertised as such are not dogs that are suffering. Either with a health condition or malnourishment.
In most cases, if you have found a mini Bernese Mountain Dog for sale, it is likely a crossbreed. We have touched on the most common breeds that are crossed to produce mini Bernese Mountain Dogs.
But bear in mind that in truth these are not a miniature Bernese Mountain Dog breed. Such a breed does not exist. These are crossbred dogs.
Mini Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies
Most mini Bernese Mountain dog puppies are actually a Bernese Mountain Dog mix. As such, there will be a level of unpredictability in the outcome of such a combination. This is especially true in first generation crosses. Make sure you know what the Bernese Mountain Dog has been crossed with, and do some research into the two original breeds. This will give you some insight into what to expect as far as size, personality and potential health problems.
Miniature Mountain Dogs
Given the appealing personality (and good looks) of the Bernese Mountain Dog, it was inevitable that there would be a demand for a miniature Bernese.
The way in which these dogs are bred to make them smaller does not generally involve questionable breeding techniques. It does involve crossbreeding, however, so you will not be getting a purebred dog.
If you decide you would like a mini Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, it is still important to make sure the breeder you buy your pup from cares for their dogs properly.
They should be happy for you to meet the mother dog at the very least. And you should be allowed to see where the puppies are housed.
Share Your Thoughts!
Have you ever met a mini Bernese Mountain Dog? Or have you taken one into your home? Let us know your thoughts and insights into these canine companions in the comments section below.
Readers Also Liked
References
- Verheijen, J., Bouw, J. “Canine intervertebral disc disease: A review of etiologic and predisposing factors” The Veterinary Quarterly, 1982
- Everts, R.E., Hazewinkel, H.A.W., Rothuizen, J., van Oost, B.A “Bone disorders in the dog: A review of modern genetic strategies to find the underlying causes” The Veterinary Quarterly, 2000
- Kooistraa, H.S., Voorhoutb, G., Mola, J.A., Rijnberka, A. “Combined pituitary hormone deficiency in German shepherd dogs with dwarfism” Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 2000
- American Kennel Club
Dog Lover says
No dogs were born “purebred” dogs. All breads were created by cross breading and selecting traits that were desirable and useful. I see nothing wrong with cross breeding so long as it is not harmful to the animal. Just saying.
Sydney says
Just brought home our mini Bernese a few weeks ago! He has a Cavalier King Charles father and a Bernese mother. We couldn’t be happier with him. He is very easy to train and so affectionate! He is wonderful with our three young children, and very intelligent.
He is also lazy, which we love because he doesn’t require too much exercise or stimulation. He doesn’t shed or drool. He is mostly happy to chill out as long as he’s by our side. He is as low maintenance as a puppy could be. The only issue is that he seems to have some slight separation anxiety, but that has decreased since crate training him and as he has grown more comfortable with his surroundings. He also tends to be a bit dramatic with his whining at times. We joke that those qualities are his Cavalier side coming out.
We carefully selected this breed and the breeder to ensure the qualities we wanted in a pet, thereby decreasing the likelihood of another shelter statistic.
Dallas Jackson says
Hi
I am looking at a mine bener. Where is your breeder
Amanda says
Hi, wondering what your pup looks like fully grown. I can’t seem to find pictures of them fully grown online.
Cathy says
There is no such thing as a Miniature Bernese Mountain Dog. These dogs, and all crosses are not a “breed”. They are simply cross-breeds, mutts. There is no way to guarantee temperament, personality, coat type, or health.
Dan says
There’s no way to guarantee that in a pure bred either. OFAs are subjective, temperament varies by the dog. Coats vary by the dog. Some are curly since aren’t. I breed pure bred Bernese.
Dog Lover says
Agree, though there is a fairly good chance that characteristics, both physical and others will be similar.
Susan Parr says
There is no such thing as a mini Bernese Mountain Dog – there are mutts – very expensive mutts. I am sure they are sweet because of the Bernese nature in them, but in no way shape or form are they going to be like the real thing. Please leave Bernese Mountain Dogs alone. If you want a smaller dog get a cavalier which have their own set of health issues, I certainly couldn’t imagine breeding the two what a genetic nightmare that is, unless of course you like to give your vet a lot of money.
Carol Ronca says
Please keep breeding designer dogs.we need more in the rescues and shelters!
They are never what they say they end up to be.Also have health issues.Breeders never will take them back!
Cristal says
Leave the breed alone! They are mountain dogs for a reason! Watering the breed down and making it a mini is stupid
Get a legit small breed dog that was meant for small breed.
Sue says
I don’t understand the cross breeding industry. You pay sometimes twice as much for a mutt than you would from the purebread. Why pay double when you can adopt, sometimes a purebred from your local shelter? I have a 10 year old Berner and he is great! Having some issues with hind legs, but other that that, he has been very healthy and one the long end of a typical lifespan of 7-8 yrs old. That is the only drawback to owning one of these beautiful animals is their short life span.
CeCe says
We have had our mini Bernedoodle, Quincy,
for 2 weeks. She’s sweet and the most loving puppy we’ve ever had! She learned to use the dog door the second day and likes to take her toys outside and bring them back in. She seems very proud of herself whenever she does it.
Her fur is silky soft but it’s getting long. I am going to be sorry to have it cut!
Our Bassetdoodle, Pawlee, didn’t like her at first but due to Quincy’s efforts to play with her they now are side by side most of the time.
We live on a fenced acre and Quincy runs from one end to the other full speed several times a day. But afterward she’s content to sit with me.
We think we made a perfect choice!
Colleen says
Our mini Bernedoodle, Dilly, is the sweetest dog ever!!! Loves people as well as other dogs. He is very chill and easy to train. I am 65 years old and never had a dog in my life, I couldn’t have chosen a better breed for my first dog. He doesn’t shed, doesn’t drool!! I wish I could upload a picture of him!
Kathy says
Where did you find him and did you have to promise to neuter him!?
Kathy says
Where did you find him and did you have to have him neutered?