Bernese Mountain Dog Leonberger Mix

The Bernese Mountain Dog Leonberger Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Leonberger. 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 Leonberger? 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Bernese Mountain Dog Leonberger Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Bernese Mountain Dog Leonberger 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.

Leonberger History

Leonberger—also known as Leo, Gentle Lion or Gentle Giant—is a giant dog breed. The name comes from the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Leonbergers are loving, loyal and dedicated companions, but due to their size not everyone wants to take home a 100-pound plus pet. For those that do, they will enjoy a rambunctious puppy until they are a harder working adults who loves to spend time with each member of the family.

Leonbergers are not aggressive animals and are proud, strong and powerful. Great with kids and other pets as a friendly, gentle and playful animal, Leonbergers may take up all the room in an owner’s heart as much as their side of the couch.

Originally the Leonberger were kept as farm dogs. They pulled carts and did other tasks as needed. In the 20th Century, they became water rescue dogs, and they still continue to live in that role today.

In the 1830s a dog breeder named Heinrich Essig claims to have created the Leonberger by crossing a male dog that would later create the Saint Bernard breed along with a female Landseer Newfoundland. Later down the line, Essig claims to have added a Pyrenean Mountain dog to the mix, which created the large dog with long white coats.

This may just be a story since the claim is still disputed. The reason for this is due to a description that claims animals the looked like Leonbergers were owned by Austrian Prince Franz Metternich, of Wolfberg in 1585.

The more modern look of a Leonberger, which includes darker coats and black masks, came later in the 20th century. This happened when other breeds, such as the Newfoundland, were reintroduced to the genetic pool. The reintroduction was due to the loss of Leonbergers during World War I, and even though the breed started to thrive again, it was lost once more during World War II. Leonbergers were used to pull ammunition carts during these wars.

Interestingly, all Leonberger today can be traced back to the only eight survivors of World War II.

Bernese Mountain Dog Leonberger Mix Size and Weight

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

Leonberger
Height: 26 - 31 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 90 - 160 lb.
Lifespan: 8 - 9 years

Bernese Mountain Dog Leonberger Mix Personality

The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Leonberger might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Bernese Mountain Dog Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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