Mixed Breeds

Bernese Mountain Dog Golden Retriever Mix: Golden Mountain Dog Breed Information

Have you ever seen a Bernese Mountain Dog Golden Retriever mix? These are some of the friendliest and fluffiest dog breeds around. The Golden Mountain dog, as this designer mix is called, is one adorable and loyal pup. Let's jumping and learn a bit more about this remarkable blended breed.

Emma Braby Picture

Last Updated: March 12, 2024 | 12 min read

Golden Retriever Bernese Mountain Dog Mix

The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Golden Retriever are stunning canines who are both loving and affectionate with their family. Their mixed-breed puppy, commonly known as the Golden Mountain Dog, is just as beautiful and as loyal as both of his parents. Meeting a Bernese Mountain Dog Golden Retriever mix is a memorable experience due to their size and friendly personality.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a unique breed by itself, fiercely devoted to its family, yet still somewhat reserved unless given the okay by their owner. The Golden Retriever is also a big love ball, and the primary difference in temperament is the fact they tend to like just about everyone they come in contact with.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Golden Retriever mix is a big pup with a lot of hair. He needs regular grooming, plenty of exercise, and lots of love. Is this fluffy mix breed right for you? Sit back and meet the Golden Mountain Dog.

Golden Mountain Dog
    • weight iconWeight70-120 Pounds
    • height iconHeight23-28 Inches
    • lifespan iconLifespan9-12 Years
    • color iconColorsBlack, Golden, Mixed
  • Child Friendliness
  • Canine Friendliness
  • Training Difficulty
  • Grooming Upkeep
  • Breed Health
  • Exercise Needs
  • Puppy Costs

Parent Breeds

The Golden Mountain puppy is the product of the intentional mating of two purebred dogs. He is what is known as a designer dog. The Golden Mountain Dog (GMD) is a relatively unknown breed in the designer world. They are also one of the more unique Bernese Mountain Dog mixes. This particular mix is less common, but only because larger designer dogs tend to be less popular than the smaller breeds.

Many families like the idea of a designer dog because they can have two of their favorite breeds rolled into one pup. Another benefit is that mixed puppies are slightly healthier and sturdier than their purebred parents.

To get to know the Golden Mountain Dog and understand him, we need to learn a little more about each of his parent breeds.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog Female Outdoors
Bernese Mountain Dog are big, lovable pups.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four varieties of the Swiss Mountain Dog, and he is the only one to have a long and silky fur coat. Their ancestors were initially brought to their native land of Switzerland by Roman Soldiers who used them to drive and protect their cattle herds. They are a treasure of the Swiss nation because they greatly contributed to the most profitable exports of the country, such as chocolate and cheese. These working dogs were a big help in assisting farmers in the pulling of heavy dairy-laden carts, thanks to their great strength and power.

The Bernese Mountain Dog first made his way to America in 1926, and they were quickly put to work on farms and cattle ranches. In 2022, the America Kennel Club (AKC) recognized him as the 22nd most popular dog breed in America. The breed is good-natured, calm, and strong. The Golden Mountain Dog inherits power and strength from this parent breed.

Golden Retriever

Two golden retriever dogs sitting on a road in hats at sunset autumn spring
Golden Retrievers are popular pets.

The Golden Retriever’s origins lie in the Scottish Highlands, where he was used as a gun dog to fetch the quarry of his master. He was perfectly engineered as a working dog. However, his sweet and calm nature quickly earned him a place in many family homes across the world.

The Golden Retriever is well known as a therapy dog and a guide dog for the blind. He is also one of the most intelligent dogs on the planet. He comes in many different shades of gold, all the way through an almost white color and even deeper shades of red.

The Golden Retriever first came to America in the early 20th Century, and in 2022, he was ranked the 3rd most popular dog breed in America by the AKC. He is described as friendly, intelligent, and devoted, and it is from him that the Golden Mountain Dog inherits his loyalty and devotion. Some other popular Golden Retriever mixes include the Golden Chow Chow and the Golden Husky.

Golden Mountain Dog

The Golden Mountain Dog is the puppy of two very different-looking dogs, but who have an incredibly similar temperament. He is gentle, loving, good-natured, and friendly, and it is for all these reasons that he makes an incredible family canine companion.

Of course, as with any mixed-breed dog, he may inherit characteristics of either parent, and it is not entirely guaranteed what he will be like overall. However, as the parent breeds are quite similar in regard to their temperament, you can expect a friendly and affectionate dog in any case. It is their looks that are their most uncertain traits, but as long as you appreciate the look of both of his parents, then you will certainly not be disappointed with the outcome.

Temperament

The Golden Mountain Dog is one of the friendliest and most good-natured dogs around. You have a friend for life with this mixed puppy. They are liked by all, and that is one of the many reasons why they make awesome therapy dogs and emotional support dogs. Additionally, if you have a family member or a friend who is not too keen on dogs, then this is the pup to change anyone’s mind.

If you are looking for a dog that is affectionate and loving and up for a snuggle on the sofa in the evening, then your fluffy pup will be the first in line. Just be sure to invest in a couch that is big enough. These pups like to sit right on you, and they are e not small. If you like giant lap dogs, the Golden Mountain puppy is a perfect fit.

The Golden Retriever Bernese Mountain Dog mix is one of the most loyal dogs around. They will always be by your side and will always be super happy to greet you by the door when you come back home. However, this mixed breed can become quite anxious when left home alone for long periods of time. Separation anxiety can be worrisome for you and very scary for your pup. Because this breed can be clingy, you must be careful not to leave them home alone for too long.

Size & Appearance

Brown mixed breed dog on the mountain edge waiting for sunrise.
This mixed breed looks like a mix of both the Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog.

This majestic mountain doggo is beautiful, exactly like his parents, but with a cocktail twist of splendor. Golden Mountain Dogs can measure between 23 and 28 inches from paw to shoulder, and they weigh anywhere between 70 to 120 pounds. Males are slightly larger, but both males and females are hefty-sized pups when fully grown. On average, females reach between 65 and 100 pounds as adults and stand between 23 and 26 or so inches tall. Males usually weigh between 75 and 120 pounds. They are taller, between 24 and 28 inches tall, from paw to shoulder.

These mixed pups have agile, muscular bodies. Some will be stockier if they take after the Bernese parent or a little more slender if they take after their Golden roots. Some resemble purebred Goldens, while others look like a Golden Retriever wearing a Bernese Mountain dog disguise.

These pups have large floppy ears and a straight, narrow muzzle that leads up to brown or hazel-colored eyes. A Golden Mountain Dog’s eyes are almond-shaped and very expressive, with an engaging twinkle. They often have black noses. Overall, they have a friendly and cuddly appearance that will melt even the sternest heart.

Coat & Colors

The Golden Mountain Dog has medium to long-length fur similar to both parent breeds. It will be a double-layered coat that will protect him from the cold weather of the Scottish Highlands or Swiss Mountains and everywhere around or in between. His coat may be straight or wavy, but it will be silky and soft.

A Bernese Mountain Dog Golden Retriever mix usually has a golden brown or black coat. He may have several different colors with the Bernese markings thrown into the mix, so his colors are very uncertain. Because both parent breeds have longer hair, be prepared to use a de-shedder frequently to keep your house free of pet dander.

Exercise & Living Conditions

The Golden Mountain Dog requires between 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. He needs intense exercise to keep him physically and mentally stimulated, given that he is such a clever pup. These dogs are also very energetic and can become destructive if they do not have a healthy outlet for it.

For this reason, he would also appreciate a variety of exercises throughout his week. He makes a great jogging partner across the mountains or for a long walk at the park. Consider a game of fetch in the local lake or carting goods around your ranch. This pup needs an active family that guarantees his exercise needs are met.

Due to his size, the Golden Mountain Dog is only suited to larger homes with access to a large backyard. He is not suited to apartment life. If you are currently living in an apartment, you should consider a smaller breed or wait until you live somewhere more suited to his needs.

Because he is one of the friendliest canines around, he is suited to families with children. This is excellent news for young families with a love of larger dogs. Just remember that all children need supervision when a dog is around. Be especially careful and teach children dog safety tips, as the Golden Mountain Dog can get quite large.

Training

Your Golden Mountain Dog should be socialized as early as possible to maintain a sweet nature. This is not only about meeting other dogs and people. It is also about getting used to different noises in the home, such as the vacuum or the hairdryer, and walking calmly along the sidewalk when there is traffic.

Reward-based training is the best method for your Golden Mountain Dog. These pups do very well with positive reinforcement. They are huge people-pleasers and pretty smart. So they will pick up on training quickly if it is fun and they see a happy response from you. You may also consider online training courses as a resource to help support your GMD’s training process.

As mentioned above, this breed really does not like being alone for long periods of time. It is advised to crate train them as puppies to alleviate anxiety symptoms. This training gives them a safe space so that when you do have to leave them on their own, they will find comfort in their crate. Make sure you look at crates suited to the size of the Golden Retriever.

Health

Overall, the Golden Mountain Dog is a healthy breed. As with any relatively new hybrid dog, there aren’t any specific health testing recommendations. As such, it is best to look at his parent’s health in order to determine what he may be predisposed to.

Both of his parents are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, which is an abnormal formation of the affected joints and will eventually cause crippling arthritis. They are also both recommended to have an ophthalmologist examination due to a variety of eye conditions. They should also both undergo a cardiac examination, again for a variety of heart conditions. Both of his parents are also susceptible to cancer, and both breed’s cancer rates are much higher than that of the average dog, so this is something to consider.

Separately, it is also recommended that the Bernese Mountain dog should also undergo a test for Von Willebrand’s disease. This condition is where the blood is missing the key ingredient that prevents the blood from clotting as it should. This means that he could suffer from a severe amount of blood loss should he sustain an injury.

Be sure to ask the breeder for copies of both parents’ health certificates and veterinarian history so that you can see that his parents do not suffer from any of the above, and this is particularly important for cancer. While this won’t guarantee that the pup will not suffer from these diseases or conditions, it will at least increase his chance of being as healthy as possible.

You may want to consider pet insurance for your GMD puppy. Insurance can help cover the cost of medical care in an emergency, and some plans also offer wellness plans to assist with preventive care.

Nutrition

The Golden Mountain Dog consumes, on average, between 3 to 4 cups of food a day. Of course, if he is pulling carts for a few hours a day, he will need more food than a Golden Mountain Dog, who is quite sedentary. It will also be dependent upon his size.

You may want to consider food formulated for large breeds. Large-breed puppy food is a good idea, as it is formulated to meet the unique needs of bigger dogs. Large and giant breeds need dog food that is less dense in calories than small breeds. They also require a diet that supports bone and joint health due to having heavier frames. These include healthy sources of calcium, glucosamine, and fiber.

Be careful to use portion control with your GMD. They love to eat and should not be free-fed. A few snacks and treats throughout the day are fine, but you must set a regular mealtime schedule. You do not want them to eat too fast either, as larger breeds have a higher chance of bloat. Consider puzzle feeders to slow them down and make mealtime fun.

Grooming

Your Golden Mountain Dog will need daily brushing thanks to his fluffy exterior, so he can be quite demanding when it comes to his grooming needs. He is a heavy shedder with a double-layered coat, so you should expect a lot of fuzz floating about your home. During shedding season, they will “blow their coat.” This term means that they will shed severely during shedding months. You can expect to brush them twice a day to keep their coat manageable.

Because of his big floppy ears, he is more susceptible to ear infections and a buildup of grime, so be sure to check his ears several times a week. All other grooming practices are the same as any other dog.

Thanks to his Bernese Mountain parent, the Golden Mountain might be guilty of daily drooling offenses, so if you aren’t a fan of the dog slobber, then you should probably consider another dog breed altogether.

As Family Pets

  • The Golden Mountain Dog is one of the sweetest canine souls that you will ever meet.
  • You can expect a friendly smile and a whole lot of canine love.
  • The Golden Mountain Dog is sociable and gets along with most people and pets.
  • He will be friendly with strangers and just about anyone, regardless of whether he has met them before.
  • He should be with a family who isn’t going to leave him on his own for too long.
  • Golden Mountain Dogs are very eager to please and very intelligent.
  • This is a great mix for a first-time dog owner with little dog training experience.
  • They are gentle and well-suited to families with young children and multi-pet households.
  • Access to a backyard is important.
  • He is a heavy shedder, so expect a lot of dog hair in your home.
  • Golden Mountain Dogs need around 45 to 60 minutes of exercise a day.

Finding A Golden Mountain Dog Breeder

There is no doubt that the Golden Mountain Dog is a rare designer dog. Finding a reputable breeder will take time, and there may be some traveling involved. Whatever breeder you decide to work with, be sure to read reviews. Try to visit the breeder and see the puppies and their parents in person. Be sure to ask to see all of their recommended health screenings and certificates.

Puppy Costs

The price of the average Golden Mountain puppy from a reputable breeder will be around $1,000. It would appear from breeding websites online that the frame of the Golden Retriever with the coloring and coat of the Bernese Mountain dog is the most desired look and the most expensive, so you can expect to pay more than the average price for this look.

Rescue & Shelters

Adopting a dog in need of a home is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do, so always consider adoption as an option. Visiting as many rescue centers as possible will increase your chances of finding a Golden Mountain Dog. Although he might not be one of the most common breeds in rescue centers due to his rarity.

Keeping Your Big Dog Breed Healthy

Golden Mountain Dogs are hefty-sized pups, as are other popular large breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers. These bigger breeds require an extra level of care. Not only are supplies and food more expensive, but your big-boned pup also simply needs more of everything. Be sure to discuss the care responsibilities and financial needs of a bigger breed before adoption. Larger breeds can be overwhelming to care for if you are not prepared. They grow quickly from a fuzzy, small pup to a big ball of fur and energy.

Why Trust Love Your Dog?

Emma is a dog owner with over 20 years of experience. She has also worked as a professional dog walker and sitter for many years, taking care of countless dog breeds with different needs, including Mountain Dog mixes. Emma dedicates countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to keep her two best buddies and other doggy clients as happy and healthy as possible. She works alongside a professional and experienced team to bring the best, most accurate, and up-to-date information to our readers.

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1 Comment

  1. Our Bernese Golden mountain dog is 19 months old and he sleeps all day which is a concern.
    He has been like this since he was sick with a bladder infection.

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