As a cross between two of the friendliest and sweetest dog breeds, a Golden Mountain Dog tends to have a sweet, gentle nature and an open, friendly, and playful personality. They’re also considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Well-socialized, they get along well with just about everyone, including children, other dogs, and other pets in the household.

These dogs do tend to have a high prey drive, so they will likely need some extra socialization with smaller pets in the family. They tend to do well with other family pets they have been trained and socialized with, especially if they have been raised with them.

Bernese Golden Mountain Dogs are loyal. They bond closely with their families and love nothing more than to spend time with their favorite humans. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers, provided they have been properly socialized.

Bernese Golden Mountain Dogs are moderately adaptable dogs. Because of their large size and high energy levels, they do not tend to be a great fit for apartments. They could adapt to an apartment, but there would need to be ample time dedicated daily to making sure they get the exercise they need. But, they are best-suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run and play freely.

As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their thick coat, they tend to prefer cooler weather. Their high prey drive often means they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Because they bond so closely with their families, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. It’s best not to leave them alone for too long anyway, as they can become bored easily. Not all bored dogs will become destructive, but destructive behavior can be a sign that your dog is bored, lonely, stressed, or not getting enough exercise.

As with any mixed breed, the Golden Mountain Dog can inherit the potential health concerns related to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. Potential health concerns can include heart issues, epilepsy, Von Willebrand’s disease, cancer, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye conditions. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Bernese Golden Mountain Dog puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they’re not passing issues on to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask to see relevant health clearances or test results.

These dogs can also be prone to allergies. As a large dog breed, the Golden Mountain Dog will be at a higher risk of bloat. Since bloat in dogs can become dangerous very quickly, it’s important to know how to reduce the risk and to learn what symptoms mean that it’s time to get to the emergency vet.

The Bernese Golden Mountain Dog is a highly intelligent dog that is eager to please their owners. This means they tend to be easy to train, and they pick up on things quickly. This makes them a great fit for owners of all experience levels. With some of the best dog breeds for first-time dog owners as parents, it’s no surprise that the Golden Mountain dog is also a good fit for novice dog owners.

Even if you don’t necessarily need them for help with training, puppy training classes can still be a good idea. In addition to strengthening the bond you’re building with your puppy and reinforcing training, these classes also tend to offer a lot of opportunities to socialize a puppy.

A Golden Mountain Dog is a fluffy dog that sheds regularly year-round. Their coat ranges from medium to long in length. You may be able to get away with brushing a few times a week, but daily brushing is better to remove loose fur, work out tangles, and prevent mats. That, and the occasional bath as needed, will help keep this dog’s coat healthy and looking great.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Bernese Golden Mountain Dog’s nails, ears, and teeth. Trimming nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long. However, if your dog’s nails grow quickly or aren’t wearing down as much naturally, you may need to cut your dog’s nails more often.

Ear infections are one of the most common health problems in dogs. And, dogs with floppy ears are more prone to them because their ears tend to trap more dirt and moisture. By doing regular ear checks weekly and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed, you can help prevent ear infections.

It’s also important to practice good dental care for dogs early and consistently throughout your dog’s life. Many dog owners overlook this, which is why gum disease is another one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

Bernese Golden Mountain Dogs are high-energy dogs that need a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks, plus some playtime and extra activity, are usually sufficient for this dog. But, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. They’ll just be happy to be spending time with you being active.

They are also athletic, sturdy, and versatile dogs, so try different activities with them to see what you both enjoy doing the most. You can try taking them swimming or hiking with you, taking trips to the dog park, playing frisbee, and more. You can even try training them for dog sports like agility, obedience, and more. Just make sure to keep things low-impact until puppies finish growing to avoid damage to developing bones and joints.

Fully-grown Bernese Golden Mountain Dogs usually stand 24-26 inches tall and weigh 65-120 pounds.

A Golden Mountain Dog generally lives for 9-12 years on average.

Although this designer breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable dog organizations. The Golden Mountain Dog is currently recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more.