Designer dog breeds have been becoming extremely popular in recent years. The ability to mix two well-loved breeds to produce something new and exciting has captured the attention of pet breeders across the world. Many people think that designer dogs will be the same as their parents, but they actually can have unique personalities and characteristics.
One designer breed that has taken on extreme popularity recently is the mini Bernese mountain dog. This breed is a lovable mix between a Cavelier King Charles Spaniel and a Bernese mountain dog. As a designer breed, there is some variability within the appearance and temperament of mini Bernese mountain dogs.
One thing is certain: people have fallen head over heels for their adorable appearance, loving personalities, and miniature appearance!
Origin History of the Mini Bernese Mountain Dog:
Online, there is a little bit of mystery and confusion regarding the true origins of the mini Bernese breed. It is agreed that the first cross done to make this breed was done with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bernese mountain dog. Originally, Bernese mountain dogs were bred in Switzerland for farm work more than 2000 years ago, whereas Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred in England around the 1600s.
Due to the lack of standardization that comes with designer breeds, there has been a lot of gray area in terms of history and breeding. For instance, in addition to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mixes, the Bernese mountain dog has also been bred with other smaller breeds, such as poodles, to produce “mini Bernese” mixes. Over time, many of these mixes were referred to interchangeably, even though there were drastic differences in their appearance and temperament.
Regardless of how mini Bernese mountain dogs were first bred, it is generally understood now that a typical mix for this breed is between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bernese mountain dog. Other mix types have now taken on different names, such as “bernedoodles,” which makes distinguishing them slightly easier!
Mini Bernese Mountain Dog Appearance:
Mini Bernese mountain dogs are quite a bit smaller than the original breed. Compared to the 100-pound average of regular Berneses, mini-varieties typically range from around 35-55 pounds. Likewise, they are also a tiny bit shorter, standing in at around 16-19 inches tall.
Mini Bernese mountain dogs look very similar to regular Berneses in appearance. They have an overall black coat with white and reddish patches near the belly, snout, eyebrows, and paws. Since designer breeds are a little more variable, your mini Bernese mountain dog may look a little different than others. Many breeders have non-standardized methods that can produce puppies that look more like berneses, more like King Cavaliers, or more like an intermediate of the two.
Diet and Nutrition:
Mini Bernese mountain dogs are still a relatively large breed as compared to lap dogs. Thus, they are still prone to certain issues such as hip dysplasia and arthritis. It’s recommended to give them food rich in nutrients such as collagen, phosphorus, and calcium, all of which are important in bone/joint growth and maintenance.
For breeds such as this, it is also recommended to get them a special large-breed puppy food mix during their first year or two of growth. After they have reached maturity, they can be switched to a traditional breed dog food mix.
High-quality dog food mixes that include natural proteins, healthy carbohydrates, and ample nutrients are the best options. Many mini Bernese dog owners also swear by including some healthy fats, such as fish oil, and fruits and vegetables.
Common Health Issues Affecting Mini Bernese Mountain Dogs:
Most designer breeds face health issues that both of their parent breeds face. In the case of mini Bernese mountain dogs, this means they will likely face issues that both Bernese mountain dogs and cavalier King Charles spaniels face.
As a medium-large sized dog, mini Berneses are prone to bone and joint issues. Specifically, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common in dogs such as this. These two dysplasias are characterized by a wearing down of the joint (with age or activity) to a point where the bones can freely dislocate. Additionally, due to the size of mini Berneses, they may also be prone to issues such as arthritis due to regular joint wear and tear.
Bernese dogs are also prone to some digestive issues, specifically bloat and gastric torsion. In most cases, these issues arise from dogs eating too fast or eating inflammatory food. Luckily, most owners find that slowing down their dog’s eating patterns and giving them a good food mix can address these problems.
Mini Berneses are also prone to issues such as cancer and tumor growth. Many owners find that these issues increase with age, so it is important to get your dog regularly checked to monitor for problems like this.
Interesting Facts About Mini Bernese Mountain Dogs:
- Each mini Bernese you encounter may likely be a little different. As discussed earlier, designer breeds such as the mini Bernese aren’t tightly regulated by breeding organizations. Thus, each specific breeder may do unique crosses to produce their mini Berneses.
- Mini-berns are easygoing. One thing that surprises many people about mini Berneses is their energy levels. While they love to play and work, these dogs can also sit around all day and sleep. Again, it depends on your specific dog, but many people are living in small houses or apartments and can take care of mini Berneses with ease!
- Mini Bernese mountain dogs are fairly easy to train. As a breed, these dogs are incredibly intelligent and love to please their owners. With this in mind, they love mental stimulation, which can come in the form of training. Many people find that these traits make training a breeze with mini Bernese mountain dogs.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Mini Bernese Mountain Dog:
For the most part, mini Bernese mountain dogs are bred by private breeders across the country. Thus, if you are looking to directly purchase a puppy from a breeder, you likely have to do a local search for people within your area. Due to their popularity, the number of breeders around the world is increasing, which can make your search easier than you may think. Due to the unregulated nature of mini Bernese breeding, it is incredibly important to do your homework and research your breeder to ensure that your puppy is bred well through a healthy line of parents.
Due to their newfound popularity, mini Berneses are harder to find in shelters. Regardless, you may also want to do a look in your local area to see if adopting a puppy is the right choice for you!
FAQs
Do mini Bernese mountain dogs shed?
A: Just like regular Berneses, mini Berneses do shed regularly. They also have a double coat that will shed at specific times throughout the year in larger amounts. Compared to a regular-sized Bernese, they shed less on average. It is important to brush your Bernese to keep shedding regularly and hair loss under control!
Are mini Bernese mountain dogs good with kids?
A: Mini Bernese mountain dogs are great with kids and families. They are a very affectionate and gentle breed that loves to interact with people.
How much do mini Bernese mountain dogs cost?
A: Each breeder will likely have a different range of prices, however, most people cite that their mini Berneses ran for around $1000-5000 dollars on average, with some being more or less.
