Golden Retrievers have increasingly become one of the most desirable family breeds of 2022. In this day and age, Golden Retriever mixes of any kind are among the most popular pets in America. You have probably already heard of the Goldador, the Goldendoodle, or even the hilarious Gollie. But have you heard of the latest and greatest golden creation? Let us present: The Golden Mountain Dog.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Golden Retriever Mix, also known as the Golden Mountain Dog, is a newly popular designer breed. In recent years, they have become increasingly sought after by families who are looking for a loving, playful, and effortlessly adorable family pet.
But what kind of dog is the Golden Mountain Dog? How hard are they to care for, and do the strong-headed personalities of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Golden Retriever blend well?
We have created this guide to give you a deep understanding of the Golden Mountain Dog, helping you decide whether or not this is the breed for you.
The Origins Of The Golden Mountain Dog
Most designer breeds have an ambiguous history. The Bernese Mountain Dog Golden Retriever mix is no different. Pinning down an exact innovation date for this designer breed is nearly impossible. However, what we do know is that they are a relatively new addition to the mixed breed family.
Luckily, both parent breeds (the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Golden Retriever) have a more easily attainable (and documented) history. The history of these two parent breeds is the best place to start when you want to understand the Golden Mountain Dog.
The Bernese Mountain Dog has been a popular breed for centuries. Originating in Switzerland, this breed was the farmers’ dog of choice. Perfectly designed with superior strength and bravery, the Berner was, and still is, the ultimate protector. Swiss farmers would often choose the Bernese Mountain Dog to herd farm and pasture animals in frigid weather. Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog has become a popular family pet and is regularly seen in show competition circles.
On the other hand, the Golden Retriever was initially bred as a gundog, assisting Scottish hunters by fetching or retrieving their bag. Golden Retrievers have long been regarded as hardworking and devoted hunters and field workers. Nowadays, Golden’s are used less for hunting but can often be found assisting in search-and-rescue, guiding the blind, or sporting their talents in competitive events.
Golden Retrievers have become a popular choice for show competitions, agility, and obedience. Golden Retrievers are built to be incredibly athletic, built to retrieve waterfowl and other such prey for hours on end. Some of their favorite breed-instinctive pastimes include swimming and fetching.
While the Golden Mountain Dog has minimal recorded history as its own unique breed, you can already see they are bound to be a rather special mix based on their exciting parent history.
What Does The Golden Mountain Dog Look Like?
A mixed breed, the Golden Mountain Dog is lucky to have the beauty and charisma of not one but TWO highly desirable pure-breds – the Golden Retriever and the Bernese Mountain Dog. However, the physical characteristics may vary.
Their looks are determined by which of the two-parent breeds the pups favor. Some Golden Mountain Dogs may show traits of both parents equally (50% Golden Retriever and 50% Bernese dogs), while others may inherit the looks of only one parent in terms of physical appearance. Nonetheless, the overall impression is not likely to differ excessively.
Golden Mountain Dogs are generally known to be large fluffy dogs with robust bodies that are constantly wiggling their long and powerful tails. Their slim, round heads have distinct markings, with medium-sized straight muzzles and a prominent black nose. Their deep brown eyes are almond-shaped, sparkling with life.
They have light, and adorable floppy ears placed high on the head. Although their ears hang down the sides of the face, they are, when excited, raised instinctively to the head level. They have powerful and stout legs with wide furry paws to support their large bodies. Regardless of which parent the pup takes after, one thing is for sure: you will never meet a Golden Mountain Dog who doesn’t leave you saying “aww.”
Golden Mountain Dog: Coats and Colors
Golden Mountain Dogs are covered in soft, dense fur like their pure-bred parents. The breed’s name can be misleading when it comes to the coloring of their coat – many Golden Mountain Dogs look much more “Mountain” than “Golden .” The coat color may vary from pup to pup, being a solid color or a multitude of cool color combinations. The most commonly seen colors of the Golden Mountain Dog are gold, black, brown, white, and even red or auburn.
The fur is comprised of two layers: a soft undercoat and a waterproof overcoat. The medium to long, dense coat is usually straight and silky. However, it can be rough or curly as well. In either case, you need to comb their coat regularly to keep them shiny and tangle-free by removing loose hair. Otherwise, be prepared for the nightmare that is matted fur or uncontrollable shedding.
How Big Does The Golden Mountain Dog Get?
Both the Golden Retriever and the Bernese Mountain Dog are considered large breed dogs, and so is the case with the Golden Mountain Dog as well. Therefore, these dogs may not be suitable for apartment or condo life – they simply don’t fit well in small spaces! But exactly how big does one get?
The male Golden Mountain Dog has a height of 24 to 28 inches, and the female Golden Mountain Dog is usually between 24 to 26 inches tall. Parallel with their size, an adult Golden Mountain Dog may weigh around 80 to 120 pounds.
Due to their large stature, this adorable, fluffy, and cuddly pooch will need to reside in a big open home where they can play and enjoy life to their full capacity.
How To Care For Your Golden Mountain Dog
Before choosing a Golden Mountain Dog as your new best friend, note that these munchkins require much care and attention. Give them the love they deserve, and you will find a life-long best buddy. Apart from unconditional love, these dogs also require proper grooming, exercise, and feeding.
Feeding Your Golden Mountain Dog
When it comes to feeding your Golden Mountain Dog, you will notice one thing right off the bat – they LOVE to eat. Providing them with a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet is important for maintaining optimal health. However, do not overfeed them as it may lead to obesity or other co-morbidities.
An adult Golden Mountain Dog should get a healthy amount of food that is appropriate for their size and age. It is usually three to four cups (1200 to 1800 calories) of dry food. A well-balanced diet of meat, fibers, vitamins, healthy carbohydrates and fats is best for their health.
Lastly, avoid foods with excessive fillers, sweeteners, and preservatives. For further guidance in choosing the perfect diet, consult your local veterinarian.
Exercising Your Golden Mountain Dog
Training your Golden Mountain Dogs is easy when done with a positive and gentle approach. Moreover, the Golden Mountain Dog is a smart and intelligent dog who can understand its owner’s commands with ease, when trained properly. Play different games and brain-stimulating activities with them, and they will love it. However, don’t forget to reward them generously with verbal praise and their favorite treat.
These active canines need moderate to high-intensity activities for 40 to 50 minutes daily to keep up with high energy levels. It is also vital for keeping them fit. Taking them for a daily walk or jog is a great way to ensure proper exercise and mental stimulation. It will also be a great bonding activity for your and your new best friend.
This breed can keep up with even the most vigorous training regimens. However, be mindful that these pups prefer colder regions. So, if it is hot outside, consider a simple walk in the park or splash in the water to exhaust them.
Grooming Your Golden Mountain Dog
A Golden Mountain Dog sheds a lot of hair throughout the year, even in winters. You might be finding yourself vacuuming the floors and couches all the time and wondering where the hairs keep coming from.
Due to this reason, you may need to brush your pet’s hair to tackle loose hair regularly. You can also try trimming their hair regularly to keep it in place. Bath them with mild, pet-friendly soap to keep your dog clean and tidy. However, don’t be obsessed with frequent bathing as it can strip the natural oils and irritate their skin.
Also, regular clipping of nails and cleaning of the ears and ears keeps your dog healthy. Lastly, do not forget dental care, as poor oral hygiene can expose them to infections.
What Is The Best Breed To Mix With A Golden Retriever?
Obviously, our answer will be easy to guess: a Bernese Mountain Dog, of course! While the Golden Retriever is a popular choice for breeds, especially in recent years, and has been crossed with everything from a Poodle to a Pit Bull, we can’t help but believe the Golden Retriever is at its best when crossed with a bit of Mountain Dog. Who could think of a more loveable, teddy-bear-like pup?
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs The Same Size As Golden Retrievers?
While Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers are not exactly comparable in height or weight, they are 100% safe to breed together so long as the parents are chosen based not only on looks, but also to include factors such as overall health, age, and sex.
Are Golden Mountain Dogs Healthy?
Golden Mountain Dogs do inherit some health risks from their pure-bred parents. Let’s look into some common diseases your dog may suffer from:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Skin Allergies
- Obesity
- Eye Infections
- Ear Infections
- Dental Tartar or Gingivitis
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Various Types of Cancers
And much more.
Predicting their health conditions can be hard as it depends on the health of their parent breed. Therefore, before buying your pup, carry on proper research and inquire with the breeder about their parent’s medical history and obtain relevant certifications.
Additionally, you can take your pooch for regular vet visits every six to twelve months to check their health. Remember, taking good measures in the care of your dogs, such as regular exercise and proper nutrition, is vital for their optimal health.
How Long Do Golden Mountain Dogs Live?
According to the American Kennel Club, the Golden Mountain Dogs are generally healthy pups with an average lifespan of 12 years. However, if breeders and owners take proper care of them, their life expectancy can be 15 years.
How To Train Your Golden Mountain Dog
Training your Golden Mountain Dog can be a fun experience for you both. It can also help your dog bond with you. Thanks to the intelligence of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Golden Retriever, you can expect your Bernese Mountain Dog Golden Retriever mix to be intelligent.
They will pick up tricks fast and be eager to show off what they have learned. The Golden Mountain Dog can be a very greedy breed, and although this can be difficult when it comes to feeding time, it comes in handy when treat training. As long as you have some tasty morsels tucked away in your pocket, this dog will do almost anything you ask.
As with most dog breeds, it’s important to start basic training with a Golden Mountain Dog when they are very young. Puppy training classes are also an excellent place to start. Puppy training gives you a solid training foundation and provides early socialization, which is very important in lessening your dog’s chances of becoming reactive.
Is The Golden Mountain Dog A Good Family Pet?
So, you have read all about Golden Mountain Dogs and are in love with their sweet nature already. You cannot wait to bring your gentle giant home and play with him. Yet, you wonder if Golden Mountain Dogs are good family pets?
The short answer is yes. Owing to their extraordinary temperament and intelligent nature, they can be the perfect addition to your family, even if you have kids. Let’s pinpoint why Golden Mountain Dog is an ideal family dog:
- They are gentle, calm, and friendly pups. So, if you have kids, they can be best buddies in no time. However, their first few days need some socialization and positive reinforcement.
- They love spending time with family members and can be your cheerleaders after your tiring day.
- They like being spoiled by humans, but they also enjoy the company of other pets. So, if you have pets, they are yet again perfect candidates.
- They are smart, intelligent, and love playing games. They can also understand what their owners want; therefore, they are easy to train.
- They are also great as guard dogs, as they get wary of strangers and start howling.
However, if you have a full-time job or live in an apartment, this pup might not be for you. Golden Mountain Dogs require big spaces to explore and enjoy their adventurous sides.
Moreover, you also need to socialize your dog at an early age to make them comfortable with people and around other pets. Once they blend in, they are a breeze to deal with.
Is it safe to breed Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers together?
Golden mountain dogs are one of the rare designer breeds and are achieving popularity for being such a sweetheart in all aspects. But the question arises, “is it safe to breed Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers together?”
Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers have their own sets of pros and cons. As they are prone to multiple diseases, they are bred together to develop healthy mix-breeds with the best traits of both parents.
That being said, Golden Mountain Dogs may still inherit some diseases from either of the parent breeds. However, if the breeder is careful enough with his techniques to breed healthy parents and to sell only to owners who will regularly exercise and take their pup in for vet checkups, their chances of diseases can be lessened.
How Much Do Golden Mountain Dogs Cost?
Thanks to the popularity of Golden Retriever crossbreeds, you may find the Golden Mountain Dog comes in at a higher price than many of the other Bernese Mountain Dog mixed breeds. Finding a reputable breeder is essential. Perfect for families, the fluffy, friendly, and loyal Golden Mountain Dogs are lavish with a price tag of $800 to $1200.
You may find these gorgeous dogs, as adults, in dog pounds, and in breed-specific rescues. Searching those first will save you money and give you all the good feels for saving a beautiful dog from a life of homelessness. Many Golden Mountain Dogs are surrendered because their owners didn’t anticipate their demand for attention and exercise. Before looking at a puppy, it is vital to research this breed in great detail.
Why Do Golden Mountain Dogs Cost So Much?
One of the reasons these designer mix-breed dogs are so expensive is that they come from coveted parent dogs like Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog.
However, obtaining the best traits from desirable parent pups is not the only reason these dogs are pricey. Apart from the initial purchase, their maintenance, food, grooming, and vet visits also add to the expenses.
For instance, these friendly beasts have long, thick fur that sheds heavily. Therefore, you need to brush their coat daily to keep the shedding in control and their coat neat and tangle-free. These dogs also need constant ears, eyes, and dental care as they may develop infections. For these reasons, you might need to make grooming visits for your dog.
Moreover, a Golden Mountain Dog requires high-quality nutrition formulated for large breeds. Therefore, you need to obtain a high protein diet without excessive sweeteners and fillers.
Last but not least, you need to take these beauties for regular vet checkups as they might inherit some diseases from their parents’ breeds. Not to forget the daily exercises to keep them fit and healthy. All these caring for your little champion make it an expensive investment.
Conclusion
When it comes to designer dogs, you can never go wrong with a Golden Mountain Dog. This beautiful mixed breed is a fantastic choice for any active, fun-loving family. Their activity levels make them a great companion for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. In addition, their shaggy, teddy bear-like appearance is adorable to almost everyone, and their loyalty is beyond compare.
