Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Mix

The Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bichon Frise. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being affectionate, intelligent, and loyal. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Bichon Frise? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Mix puppies for sale.

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Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Bernese Mountain Dog History

It seems most every dog fanciers’ group gives its hero a nickname, and this dog’s is “Berner.” His full name is Berner Sennenhund, meaning “Bernese Alpine Herdsman’s Dog” in German and “Bernese Mountain Dog” in America. This breed has seen a recent surge in popularity as a family dog in the U.S., but he’s not for everyone. Berner fanciers want to be sure people know what they’re taking on when they bring one home. His long, flowing coat sheds constantly, so with a Berner in the house the amount of time you spend with your vacuum cleaner may rise dramatically. The Berner, as you might have guessed, hails from Bern, Switzerland and is one of several Swiss breeds that have long helped out around the farm by driving cows to and from mountain pastures; pulling milk carts to the dairy; and just generally guarding the property.

The dog began to be exhibited in Germany early in the 20th century. By 1907, a breed club was formed and had written a standard for judging. The Berner first arrived in the U.S. sometime around 1926. He was accepted for AKC registration in 1937.

In addition to their newly-acquired popularity in the U.S., Berners continue to be a favorite in German-speaking countries.

Bichon Frise History

The Bichon Frise (French: “curly lap dog”) is Mediterranean in origin. Her early history can be viewed in certain paintings from the 1400s to the 1700s that show small white dogs nestled in the laps of noble or royal figures across Europe. Her visibility in the U.S. has grown over the years, and a 2013 survey by the American Kennel Club ranked the Bichon Frise at number 40 on its most-popular-dogs list. Many people know the Bichon as one of a small number of dogs that do not shed; this makes her an attractive choice for people allergic to pet dander. There are two reasons Bichons are considered suitable for people allergic to pet dander, the first being the curl of their coat, which prevents the release of allergens, and the second being the dog’s rigorous grooming regimen, which also keeps loose hair and dander from escaping the dog’s coat. When the Bichon is properly cared for, most people with sensitivities to pet allergens can successfully make her a part of the family. The Bichon Frise is one of many dogs descended from the Barbet, or French water dog. The Caniche, Poodle and Maltese share this ancestry. Several early varieties of the Bichon contributed to the evolution of the dog we know today.

She became quite a traveler in her early years, moving from the Mediterranean to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, and later to Italy and the rest of Europe.
For whatever reason, she became less popular with European royalty in the late 1900s and could be found roaming the streets or performing in circuses. But the years after World War I saw a resurgence of interest in the curly white dog, and in 1933 the French approved a breed standard for her.

Some American veterans of World War I brought Bichons back home with them, but their numbers eventually died out. It would be the mid-1950s before they would be seen on our shores again. Credit for their re-introduction goes to a French couple who brought with them six Bichons when they immigrated to the U.S. Other breeders saw their potential as well, and in 1964 the Bichon Frise Club of America was established.

In 1972 the AKC recognized the Bichon as an established breed, leaving them fully eligible for show participation in 1973.

Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Mix Size and Weight

Bernese Mountain Dog
Height: 24 - 28 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 80 - 110 lb.
Lifespan: 6 - 8 years

Bichon Frise
Height: 9 - 12 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 10 - 20 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Mix Personality

The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bichon Frise are both loyal and affectionate. They are also very charming, so watch out! This dog will require a good training regimen as they can get excited. They are very loyal to their family. One of the best things you can do for any breed is to socialize it as much as possible. Please use positive reinforcement, it goes a long way! She should be rather affectionate and love being with you, she can also be stubborn so keep that in mind.

Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Bernese Mountain Dog mixed with the Bichon Frise might be prone to joint dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Bernese Mountain Dog Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in