How to Groom a Bernese Mountain Dog for a Show

Grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog for a show involves meticulous attention to detail, the right tools, and a thorough understanding of the breed’s grooming standards. From essential brushes and combs to the proper trimming techniques, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to ensure your Bernese Mountain Dog looks its best on the show floor.

Essential Tools Needed for Grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog for a Show

1. Brushes and Combs:
2. Pin Brush: Ideal for getting through the thick coat of a Bernese Mountain Dog. It helps in distributing natural oils and gives the coat a shine.
3. Rake Comb: Used to brush the undercoat and remove loose hair, preventing matting.
4. Slicker Brush: Helps in removing tangles and mats from the coat.

5. Wide Tooth Comb: Useful for detangling and combing out the coat, especially in areas prone to matting.

6. Scissors and Shears:

7. Classic Shears: Straight scissors used for trimming feet and hocks.
8. Thinning Shears: Used for blending and giving a natural finish, especially around the ears and feet.

9. Chunkers or Blenders: For aggressive blending and scissoring, particularly on feet.

10. Other Tools:

11. Mister: Used with water or products to add texture and volume to the coat.
12. Chalk or Chalk Mate: For holding chalk in the legs and feet.
13. Butter Comb: Fine tooth comb for final combing and straightening the coat.
14. Nail Clippers: For trimming nails.

Grooming Steps for a Show

1. Brushing:
2. Begin at the head and work your way down to the tail, brushing with the lie of the hair to avoid matting. Pay special attention to areas behind the ears and on the legs where matting is common.

3. Use a rake comb to brush the undercoat, ensuring to reach through the coat rather than just brushing the surface.

4. Drying:

5. After bathing, dry the coat flat and straight, using a blow dryer to teach the coat to lay in the proper direction. Avoid blow drying against the grain to prevent curling and matting.

6. Trimming:

7. Show Dogs: Generally shown with full coat and minimal trimming. Trim the ears and feet to keep them neat. Avoid excessive trimming as it can alter the natural appearance of the dog.
8. Specific Trimming Areas: Trim the fur on the bottom of the feet to improve traction and reduce dirt accumulation. Trim ear streamers to maintain a neat appearance.

9. Blending: Use thinning shears to blend the coat, especially around the ears and feet, to achieve a natural finish.

10. Bathing:

11. Use a shampoo and conditioner suitable for the breed. Spend extra time rinsing thoroughly to ensure all soap is removed from the thick coat.

12. Apply a conditioning spray to the tail to make brushing more comfortable.

13. Final Touches:

14. Use a mister with water or products to add texture and volume to the coat. Apply a small amount of shine product to the coat, especially on the butt hair, to give it a polished look.
15. Ensure the dog’s teeth and gums are clean. Use dog toothpaste and toothbrushes, and consider introducing bones into the diet to help keep teeth clean.

Frequency of Trimming

• Show Dogs: Trim minimally, focusing on maintaining the natural appearance. Trim the ears and feet as needed to keep them neat.
• General Grooming: Regular grooming sessions should be conducted to prevent matting and tangling. Trimming specific areas like the feet and ears can be done as needed, but avoid frequent trimming of the coat itself.

Additional Tips

• Patience and Positive Reinforcement: Grooming should be a positive experience for the dog. Use treats and praise to encourage good behavior.
• Professional Help: If you are unsure about any aspect of grooming, consider consulting a professional groomer experienced with Bernese Mountain Dogs.

By following these steps and using the right tools, you can ensure your Bernese Mountain Dog looks its best for a show.

References

1. YouTube – How to Groom Your Bernese Mountain Dog by Leading Edge Dog Show Academy
2. The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Western Australia – Grooming
3. YouTube – Bernese Mountain Dog – grooming a bmd *at home by Bailee
4. YouTube – How To Groom Your BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG by Fenrir Canine Leaders
5. Bernese Breeders Association of Great Britain – Grooming Your Bernese