Bernese Mountain Dogs carry a thick, long double coat built for cold mountain climates, which means heavy, year-round shedding that ramps up hard during seasonal blowouts. At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a full Bernese groom typically runs $95-$130 given the dog’s size and coat volume, and takes 1.5-2 hours.
Why Berners Shed So Much
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat has a soft, dense undercoat beneath a longer, silky outer coat. That undercoat is what insulated the breed for mountain farm work in Switzerland, and it sheds in large amounts twice a year during seasonal coat changes, plus a steady lower-level shed the rest of the time. In a Brooklyn apartment, that means fur on furniture, floors, and clothing unless the undercoat is actively managed.
Deshedding Treatment: The Single Biggest Lever
For a breed this size, a professional deshedding treatment, using tools designed to safely pull loose undercoat without damaging the topcoat, removes far more fur in one session than home brushing alone. We recommend it every 6-8 weeks year-round, and more frequently during spring and fall blowouts. See our complete deshedding guide for exactly what the treatment involves.
Brushing at Home Between Visits
A slicker brush or undercoat rake used 2-3 times a week keeps mats from forming, especially behind the ears, around the collar area, and on the “pants” of fur on the back legs where Berners are prone to tangling. Regular brushing also cuts down significantly on how much loose fur ends up around your home between professional visits.
Bathing and Coat Care
Because of the coat’s density, a Bernese needs thorough rinsing and drying after a bath. Any shampoo residue or trapped moisture left in the undercoat can lead to skin irritation or a musty odor. Professional grooming uses high-velocity dryers that get all the way down to the skin, which is difficult to replicate with a home blow dryer alone.
Nail, Ear, and Paw Care
Berners are a large, active breed, so nail trims every 3-4 weeks help maintain proper gait and joint alignment. See our guide to nail trim frequency for more on why this schedule matters for larger breeds. Their ears are floppy and moderately furred, so routine ear checks during grooming catch early signs of infection before they become uncomfortable. Our ear cleaning guide covers what to watch for between visits.
How Often Should a Bernese Mountain Dog Be Groomed?
Most Berners do best on a 6-8 week full grooming schedule, with an extra deshedding session worked in during peak shedding months (typically spring and fall) to keep the coat and your home manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I shave my Bernese Mountain Dog to reduce shedding?
No. Shaving a double-coated breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog doesn’t reduce shedding long-term and can damage the coat’s ability to regulate temperature and protect the skin. Deshedding treatments are the safe, effective alternative.
How much does Bernese Mountain Dog grooming cost in Brooklyn?
At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a full Bernese groom runs $95-$130 depending on coat condition and size. See our full breed rate chart for exact pricing.
How long does grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog take?
Given their size and coat volume, a full groom typically takes 1.5-2 hours, longer than most small and medium breeds.
Can I book just a deshedding treatment without a full groom?
Yes, deshedding is available as a stand-alone add-on service if your dog doesn’t need a full bath and trim.
Ready to book your Bernese Mountain Dog’s next groom? Visit our grooming services page or book online at Brooklyn Pet Spa today.
