The Bernese Mountain Dog Newfoundland mix, also known as Bernefie, is the cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland. These dogs were bred to be muscular and strong enough to pull carts and sturdy enough to tolerate the harsh mountain climate. Like their parents, these dogs are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and gentle disposition. They make excellent companions for families with children or other animals as well as for people who need a companion during their workdays.
Read on to find out more about this mixed breed.
What Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Newfoundland Mix Look Like?
The Bernefie has a sturdy body with a round head and strong legs. These dogs carry their signature dark eyes, silky folded ears that gently hang close to the head. They have a long, thick, and straight coat with a coarse outer cover and a soft, fluffy fur beneath. The coat is short or medium in length, and it’s solid black, brown, white, black, and white, or tricolor in color. Their thick coat adds even more to their majestic beauty.
How Big Can the Bernefie Get?
Let’s look at their parent’s size first. The Bernese Mountain Dog stands between 25-27 inches and weighs around 80-150 pounds. The Newfoundland, on the other hand, is a giant dog that stands between 25-29 inches and weighs around 143-176 pounds. We can guess that the hybrid of these dogs can stand anywhere between 25-29 inches at the withers and weigh between 90-150 pounds. Like any other dogs breeds, Bernefie males tend to be larger than females.
Bernese Mountain Dog Newfoundland Mix Temperament
This mixed breed of dog has a calm, gentle temperament. They are very loyal to their owners, though they can be wary of strangers at first. They are usually great with children and other animals, but they can be aggressive with other dogs if not socialized well enough. These dogs have the need to protect their loved ones. They do this by positioning themselves between their endangered human and the potential danger instead of directly attacking.
Price Of a Bernefie
A Bernefie puppy typically costs at least $1000. Although the cost of raising this type of dog can be quite high, it is worth the investment if you are looking for an intelligent and loyal companion that will be your lifelong companion.
The price can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the age and pedigree of the puppy, the breeder type, the location of the breeder, and other health certifications provided by the breeder. The cost can also vary anywhere from $3,000-$5,000+ depending on the specific details of your desires.
Are Bernefie Dogs Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, Bernefie dogs are not hypoallergenic, therefore you should take precautions to avoid the risk of an allergic reaction.
These dogs are not recommended for people with allergies or asthmas. If you have any family members who suffers from allergies, it is recommended that you use some precautionary measures like washing your hands after touching the dog and keeping your distance from the dog when they are shedding their coat.
Bernefie Care and Grooming Requirements
If you’re thinking of getting one of these mixed breeds, it is important that you know how to care for them.
Here are 7 Bernefie grooming requirements that to need to know:
- Brush your dog’s coat several times a week to keep it from matting together and to remove debris.
- Brush their teeth at least twice per week with an enzymatic toothpaste (vet recommended) to prevent plaque buildup.
- Bathe them once every month or two, depending on how dirty they are and what they’ve been doing in their environment (if they’re outdoors, they’ll need more baths). But avoid bathing too frequently, as it will remove your dog’s natural moisture.
- Trim their nails regularly to avoid injury from sharp nails.
- Check the ears for any dirt or infection and if you notice something unusual, then schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible.
- Clean the eyes with a semi-wet cotton cloth or cotton balls to remove dirt.
- Take them to a professional groom at least a few times a year.
Regularly grooming your Bernefie not only ensures that they have a clean body, but it also encourages a healthy lifestyle.
What Are the Exercise Needs of The Bernefie?
Bernefies are very intelligent and eager to please their owners. They make great companions as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation in their day-to-day lives.
The most important aspect of getting an intelligent breed like the Bernefie is to ensure that your new dog has enough exercise. If your dog isn’t mentally and physically stimulated, they can become destructive or aggressive due to boredom.
Bernefie will need daily exercise in order to keep their weight under control. This is because they have a tendency to gain weight, so you should make sure they get to release their calories. These mixed dogs will need around 20-30 minutes of exercise every day to maintain their health. The exercise should be done with obedience training or games on leash, walk or run in the backyard or on the trails to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Here are some activities to keep your dog all pumped up:
- Jogging
- Playing fetch
- Hiking
- Agility training
- Daily Walks at the park
Can A Bernefie Tolerate Hot Climates?
Yes, but only when they are properly taken care of. Bernefies can live in hot climates as long as they get enough water and shade to avoid heatstroke. They were originally bred to live in cold climates, and they can live in temperatures between -20 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius with little trouble. However, they should not be left outside during extreme heat, as they will suffer from heatstroke if left too long without access to water or shade.
Bernefie Training Requirements
Like their parents, this mixed breed is a fast learner when it comes to training.
Here are 6 things to do when training a Bernese Mountain Dog Newfoundland Mix Breed:
- Train your dog from an early age to ensure that they do not develop bad habits later on in life.
- Keep your training methods firm and consistent.
- Keep the training session short and divided into many different sessions so that you can retain your dog’s attention without getting bored.
- Since the dog also needs to be stimulated mentally, make sure you provide them enough interactive toys such as chew dog toy and treat dispensers, or involve them in tricky games.
- To avoid potential destructive habits like jumping on the fence, chewing furniture, you should practice obedience and leash training.
- Always use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Avoid negative reinforcements as they can only make your dog more destructive in the future.
Bernefie Health Issues
Like any other dog, the Bernefie does have some health problems that need to be taken into account before you decide to get one.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint is malformed and misaligned, causing the femur (thigh bone) to be positioned out of place. It is a common orthopedic condition in dogs that can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
Pulmonary valve stenosis
Pulmonary valve stenosis is a heart condition where the pulmonary valve does not open properly, leading to pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Pulmonary valve stenosis in your Bernefie can be caused by a variety of things, including heart disease, congenital heart disease, and valve disease.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies can be difficult to diagnose and treat because they can manifest as a variety of symptoms, including itching, hair loss, red or inflamed skin, and scaly or flaky skin. The most common form of skin allergy in dogs is called atopy, which is when the dog’s immune system attacks their own skin.
Although your Bernefie can be prone to many health issues, the one positive thing about it is that you can avoid such issues as much as possible. This can be done by getting your puppy from a responsible breeder who offers a health guarantee and gives you health clearances.
Conclusion
Bernefies are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and gentle disposition. Their eagerness to please personality and the tendency to provide endless love towards their owners makes them an absolutely loving breed. If you have the time and commitment to provide to this hybrid dog, you will get yourself a life-long companion!
Thank you for reading the article.
To explore more, check out other articles on the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland dog.
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