Breed Guides

Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming Guide: Costs, Cuts & Care Tips (2026)

Complete guide to Bernese Mountain Dog grooming including costs, popular cuts, grooming frequency, and professional care tips.

Updated January 202610 min read
Bernese Mountain Dog at grooming salon

Bernese Mountain Dogs have beautiful tricolor coats that require regular grooming attention

Quick Answer:

Bernese Mountain Dog grooming costs $80-$140 every 6-8 weeks. Their long, thick double coat sheds heavily, especially seasonally. Regular brushing (3-4 times weekly) and professional de-shedding treatments are essential.

Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming Costs

Here's what to expect for professional Bernese Mountain Dog grooming based on size and service type:

SizeWeightBasic GroomFull Groom
Bernese Mountain Dog70-115 lbs$80-$100$100-$140

Annual grooming costs: $640-$1,120 (based on grooming every 6-8 weeks).

For comparison with other breeds, see our complete dog grooming cost guide.

Bernese Mountain Dog Coat Type & Care

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a long, thick double coat with a moderately long, wavy outer coat and a dense undercoat. Their distinctive tricolor pattern requires coat maintenance to look its best.

Coat TypeDouble/Long
SheddingHeavy
Grooming FrequencyEvery 6-8 weeks
Brushing3-4 times weekly (daily during shedding)
Grooming DifficultyMedium-High

Popular Bernese Mountain Dog Haircuts

Here are the most popular grooming styles for Bernese Mountain Dogs:

De-Shedding Treatment

Best for: Managing shedding

Thorough bath and extensive brush-out.

Maintenance: Regular brushing at home

Natural Trim

Best for: Tidy appearance

Light trimming of feathering and feet.

Maintenance: Medium - regular brushing

Full Groom

Best for: Complete maintenance

Bath, blow dry, de-shedding, nail trim.

Maintenance: Regular home brushing

Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming Schedule

Follow this schedule to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog looking and feeling their best:

  • Professional grooming: Every 6-8 weeks
  • Brushing: 3-4 times weekly
  • Bathing: Every 6-8 weeks
  • Nail trimming: Every 3-4 weeks
  • Ear cleaning: Weekly

Puppy Grooming

Start grooming early. Berners grow quickly - establish routine while manageable.

Senior Dog Grooming

Older Berners may have joint issues. Gentle handling and supportive surfaces important.

Find a Bernese Mountain Dog-experienced groomer

Search our directory for professional groomers experienced with Bernese Mountain Dogs and similar breeds.

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Common Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming Problems

Heavy Shedding

Berners shed heavily, especially during seasonal coat changes.

Prevention: Regular brushing and de-shedding treatments.

Matting

Long coat can mat, especially behind ears and feathering.

Prevention: Regular brushing of longer areas.

Hot Spots

Dense coat can trap moisture.

Prevention: Keep coat clean and dry. Watch for scratching.

At-Home Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming

Between professional grooms, here's what you need and how to maintain your Bernese Mountain Dog's coat at home.

Essential Tools

  • Slicker brush
  • Undercoat rake
  • Pin brush
  • Metal comb
  • De-shedding tool

Grooming Tips

  • Brush 3-4 times weekly
  • Use undercoat rake during shedding
  • Never shave a Berner
  • Pay attention to feathered areas

Finding a Bernese Mountain Dog-Experienced Groomer

Not all groomers are equally experienced with every breed. Here's what to look for when choosing a groomer for your Bernese Mountain Dog:

  • Look for experience with large, double-coated breeds
  • Ask about de-shedding methods
  • Ensure appropriate facilities for large dogs
  • Check they won't recommend shaving

For more tips, see our Signs of a Good Dog Groomer guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Bernese Mountain Dog grooming cost?

$80-$140 per session.

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot?

Yes, they shed heavily, especially during seasonal coat changes.

Should you shave a Bernese Mountain Dog?

No, never shave a Berner. Their coat protects them.

How often should a Berner be groomed?

Every 6-8 weeks professionally with regular brushing at home.

How do I reduce Berner shedding?

Regular brushing, de-shedding treatments, and quality diet help manage shedding.

What grooming tools do I need for a Berner?

Slicker brush, undercoat rake, pin brush, and de-shedding tool.

The Bottom Line

Bernese Mountain Dog grooming requires professional appointments every 6-8 weeks, with costs ranging based on size and service level. Regular at-home maintenance between appointments keeps your Bernese Mountain Dog looking and feeling their best.

Find a groomer experienced with Bernese Mountain Dogs, establish a consistent grooming schedule, and maintain regular brushing at home. Your Bernese Mountain Dog will thank you with a healthy, beautiful coat.

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