How to Cut a Bernese Mountain Dog’s Hair

Grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog involves careful attention to their double coat, which requires regular brushing, trimming in specific areas, and avoiding full-body shaving. This comprehensive guide will cover the essential steps and techniques for properly cutting a Bernese Mountain Dog’s hair.

Brushing and Coat Care

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick, double coat that requires frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangling. It is recommended to brush them at least 2-3 times a week, with daily brushing during shedding seasons.

Recommended Brushing Frequency

• Brush your Bernese Mountain Dog at least 2-3 times per week.
• Increase brushing frequency to daily during heavy shedding seasons.

Grooming Tools

• Rubber curry
• Shedding blade
• Undercoat rake
• Slicker brush
• Wide-toothed comb

Areas to Focus

Pay extra attention to the following areas prone to matting:
– Behind the ears
– Around the ruff
– Thigh area
– Undercarriage
– Tail

Trimming

Trimming a Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat should be done with care to maintain their natural appearance and protect their skin from sun exposure.

Sanitary Trims

• Lightly trim the hair around the genitals and under the tail to prevent matting and skin irritation.
• Use thinning shears to maintain a natural look.

Feet and Pads

• Trim the hair on the pads of the feet with a close-cutting action blade (#15 to #40).
• Tidy the outside edge of the feet with small detailing shears.
• Back brush the fur between the toes and trim it to keep the paws neat.

Legs and Belly

• For older dogs, lightly trim the leg and belly feathers to reduce matting and make grooming easier.
• Avoid shaving these areas, as it can expose the skin.

Ears

• Trim the ear hair lightly to maintain a neat appearance.
• Contour around the ears to highlight their features.

Trimming for Summer Comfort

While Bernese Mountain Dogs should not be fully shaved, you can trim specific areas to help them stay cool during the summer months.

Avoid Full Shaving

• Bernese Mountain Dogs should not be fully shaved, as their double coat protects them from extreme temperatures.

Selective Trimming

• Trim the hair on the legs, belly, and sanitary areas to reduce matting and help the dog cool down.
• Be careful not to expose the skin to the sun, as this can lead to sunburn.

Tools and Techniques

Using the right tools and techniques is essential for achieving a well-groomed Bernese Mountain Dog.

Blades and Shears

• Use #15 to #40 blades for trimming the pads.
• Use #4F blades for the feet and hocks.
• Thinning shears are useful for final touches and blending.

Drying and Finishing

• Use a high-velocity dryer to lift dirt and debris away from the skin and loosen the coat.
• Finish with a fine mist of coat polish for added shine.

Real-Life Incidents and Statistics

• Many owners report grooming their Bernese Mountain Dogs every 2-3 weeks, with some needing more frequent grooming due to heavy shedding.
• Proper grooming is crucial for preventing skin issues and matting, which can lead to discomfort and health problems. Regular grooming sessions can help identify these issues early.

Reference Links

1. How to Groom a Bernese Mountain Dog by Groomers University
2. Do berners get haircuts? on Reddit
3. How to Groom Your Bernese Mountain Dog by Leading Edge Dog Show Academy

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Bernese Mountain Dog remains comfortable, healthy, and well-groomed throughout the year.