Facts & Origin
Bernese Mountain Dog and Flat Coated Retriever Mix - a Hybrid Breed
The Bernese Mountain Dog and Flat Coated Retriever is a relatively new breed that was created from a mix of three different dog breeds: the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Golden Retriever and the Flat Coated Retriever. This mixed breed is growing in popularity and it's easy to see why. The Bernese Mountain Dog brings his friendly nature and loyal character as well as his imposing appearance to the mixed breed. The Flat Coated Retriever contributes patience and an enormous amount of stamina, so this mixed breed is known as a loyal companion who is willing to protect her family. Together, the two breeds make for a beautiful, medium-sized and happy dog that is full of energy and is also extremely intelligent.
What are breed characteristics of this mix dog?
A Bernese Mountain Dog and Flat Coated Retriever mix has a strong, muscularly built body. The breed is athletic and has a medium weight of 20 to 30 kg. The dog usually reaches a shoulder height of 45 to 55 cm at the withers. The head is medium sized and has a broad skull with a straight forehead. The back is straight and strong, with a moderately long rump.
The coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Flat Coated Retriever mix is mostly long, smooth and abundant. It is predominantly black with brown color on the head, back and chest. Other color variations such as red, cream or various gradations thereof are possible depending on the bloodline.
| Alternate Name | - |
| Origin | Switzerland - UK |
| Life expectancy | 6 - 14 years |
| Care requirements | high-maintenance - low-maintenance |
| Activity level | average |
| FCI group | not recognised |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
More Flat Coated Retriever mixes
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Possible character traits of Bernese Mountain Dog and Flat Coated Retriever mix - Such is probably his nature.
A mixed breed of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Flat Coated Retriever would be a combination of two very friendly and people-oriented breeds. Here is a speculation about possible character traits of this mixed breed:
- Friendly and Loving: Both breeds are known for their loving and affectionate nature. It is very likely that a mixed breed of these two breeds would be especially affectionate and people-oriented.
- Social: Both the Flat Coated Retriever and the Bernese Mountain Dog are considered very social breeds that get along well with other animals and people. A mixed breed could inherit these social skills.
- Playful: The Flat Coated Retriever is known for its eternal youthfulness and playful nature. It is quite possible that the Mongrel has this playful trait.
- Willing to Work: The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in the Swiss Alps, where it was used as a working dog. It could be that the Mongrel inherits this eagerness to work and the intelligence of the Bernese Mountain Dog.
- Loyal and Protective: The Bernese Mountain Dog is known to be loyal and protective of his human or family. A mixed breed could show this loyalty and desire to protect.
- Energetic: Flat Coated Retrievers are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and activity. So, a mixed breed of these two breeds could conceivably have a high energy level as well.
- Adaptable: Given the laid-back nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the flexibility of the Flat Coated Retriever, the mixed breed could do well in a variety of environments and living situations.
It is important to emphasize that the actual character traits of a mixed breed can vary depending on which traits are inherited more strongly from which parent. Thus, a Bernese Mountain Dog-Flat Coated Retriever mix could have a wide range of traits that fall somewhere between the characteristic traits of the two breeds.
Character
Health and breeding information
What diseases can occur in Bernese Mountain Dog and Flat Coated Retriever mix.
Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Flat Coated Retriever have specific health problems that are more common in their breeds. A mixed breed of these two breeds could potentially be susceptible to some of these health problems, although mixing breeds can sometimes result in offspring that are less susceptible to breed-specific diseases. However, it is good to be aware of the potential health problems:
Bernese Mountain Dog:
- Hip dysplasia: A common condition in larger dog breeds. This is a malformation of the hip joint.
- Elbow dysplasia: A developmental disorder of the elbow joints.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A disease that can lead to blindness.
- Von Willebrand disease: A blood disorder that is prone to bleeding.
- Malignant Histiocytosis: A rare but aggressive cancer that is more common in this breed.
Flat Coated Retriever:
- Hip Dysplasia: As with the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Flat Coated Retriever is also prone to this condition.
- Lymphoma: This breed has a higher than average rate of lymph node cancer.
- Patellar luxation: This is a misalignment of the kneecap.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This breed can also be susceptible to this eye disease.
So, a Bernese Mountain Dog-Flat Coated Retriever mix could potentially have both forms of hip dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, among other conditions mentioned above. However, it is important to note that not every mixed breed will develop these diseases. Regular veterinary examinations and a good knowledge of the health history of the parents can help minimize the risk for certain diseases.
What does this mixed breed look like?
Bernese Mountain Dog
- Size and weight: the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and strong dog, with a height of about 58-70 cm and a weight between 35 and 55 kg, the males being larger than the females.
- Coat color and type: They have a long, dense coat that is tri-color: black with rusty brown and white markings. The coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
- Face and Ears: They have a strong face with medium-sized, pendulous ears and dark eyes that show a friendly and intelligent expression.
- Temperament: Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their calm, composed and loyal nature. They are very affectionate and make good family dogs.
Flat Coated Retriever:
- Size and Weight: Flat Coated Retrievers are medium to large dogs with a height of 56-61 cm and a weight of 27-36 kg.
- Coat Color and Type: They have a long, shiny, dense coat that is either black or liver in color. The coat is water repellent and should be brushed regularly to keep it in good condition.
- Face and Ears: They have a long face with a happy and friendly expression. The ears are medium sized and pendulous.
A crossbreed of these two breeds would combine characteristics of both parents and could show a variety of appearance and temperament traits. However, it is difficult to predict which traits would dominate in a mixed breed, as this depends heavily on the individual genetic contributions of the parents.
| Fur length | medium |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Floppy Ear |
| Tail | fanned out |
| Anatomy | massive, hefty, strong |
| Size ♀ | 56 - 66 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 25 - 48 kg |
| Size ♂ | 59 - 70 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 27 - 50 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
Known Diseases
Hip dysplasia (HD)
Hip dysplasia (HD) is a genetic condition in dogs where the hip joint is not shaped properly. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement.
Cancer
May be common in older dogs.
Kidney disease
Symptoms of kidney disease in dogs: increased urination (polyuria) increased water intake. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. Loss of appetite
Overweight
Often, unfortunately, the dogs very much under excess weight. But the dogs themselves are never to blame!
FAQ
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The average of a Bernese Mountain Dog and Flat Coated Retriever mix is between 52 and 70 cm.
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The most common colors in this breed are black, brown, dark brown, white and golden brown.
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This mixed breed has a medium-length, smooth coat that is slightly longer at the ears and tail.
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Bernese Mountain Dog and Flat Coated Retriever mixed breeds are intelligent, bright, playful, kind and loyal. They are very affectionate, but also like a lot of exercise.
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Because Bernese Mountain Dogs and Flat Coated Retrievers are a cross breed, they can be prone to a variety of health problems, including allergies, digestive disorders and eye problems.
