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Euro Mountain Sheparnese | Bernese Mountain Dog & German Shepherd Mix: Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Euro Mountain Sheparnese

Height: 23–28 inches
Weight: 75–110 pounds
Lifespan: 9–12 years
Colors: Black, brown, cream, sable, blue, gray
Suitable for: Companionship, guard dog, watchdog
Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, affectionate

The Euro Mountain Sheparnese is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the German Shepherd. Since both of these dogs are considered large breeds, their combination creates a formidably sized dog. They weigh up to 110 pounds and have a double coat, making them look even more substantial.

No matter their size, the level of their intelligence and their hearts are just as big. These dogs make excellent family dogs and companion dogs and are especially useful as guard dogs because their sheer size makes them a force to be reckoned with.

The Euro Mountain Sheparnese is not a standard mix, so it can be challenging to find quality breeders. They are still recognized by many clubs and registries, though, such as the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Dog Registry of America.

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Euro Mountain Sheparnese Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Since the Bernese Mountain and German Shepherd continue to become more popular, their hybrid mix does as well. The parent breeds of a Euro Mountain Sheparnese tend to be expensive, so the mix of these tends to go down that price range as well. If you want to adopt a Euro Mountain Sheparnese, you might need some patience. It’s always a good idea to ask your local shelter or rescue for any mixed dogs that are similar to this crossbreed.

Euro Motaunain Sheparneses are known to be energetic and playful dogs. They require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom. Training and early socialization are always good ideas with puppies so they grow to be friendly dogs around other pets and people.

The parent breeds of the Euro Mountain Sheparnese - Bernese Mountain Dog and German Shepherd
Image Credit: Left – Andy Lyell, Unsplash | Right – Jana Ohajdova, Unsplash

3 Little-Known Facts About the Euro Mountain Sheparnese

1. The Bernese Mountain Dogs are supposed to have worked on farms 2,000 years ago.

Bernese Mountain dogs were initially called Swiss Mountain dogs. Although they were not originally from the Swiss Alps region, it is the area with which they have become the most strongly associated. The reason for this is their longevity, having been brought to the region by the invading Romans 2,000 years ago.

They were well-suited to the Swiss Alps and quickly became famous as a “farmhand,” being such big dogs that they could help haul carts around. They were also used as herders and traveled the Alps with their shepherding masters.

As in many other areas of the world, the need for so many small farms decreased in the 19th century, and the use of these pups along with it. They began to see a sharp decline in overall popularity. Luckily, there were devotees to the breed that worked hard to maintain their bloodlines.

The Bernese Mountain dogs became popular all over Europe. Still, they didn’t see the shores of America until after World War I. When they were imported into the country, they quickly began their climb in popularity and were accepted by the AKC in 1981.

The Euro Mountain Sheparnese still have the hard work ethic and strength of the Bernese parents. It is due to these traits that they make excellent farm dogs. They like to have a job to do and appreciate more space to run around in as well.


2. German Shepherds are a popular but relatively young breed.

German Shepherds are one of the younger dog breeds, although most people wouldn’t guess it because of their extensive popularity. The Germans initially bred them, supposedly Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to produce the most obedient and well-rounded dog.

He did so by studying desirable traits in many different dog breeds in Germany during the late 19th century and developed the German Shepherd as a result. Since then, they have spread around the world as a popular dog. It is mostly because of their alert temperaments, loyalty, and high trainability.

However, if you want to invest in a German Shepherd or one of their hybrids, check into the breeder’s reputation and parental background. So much popularity has encouraged bad breeding, where some desirable traits end up in the mix.


3. These dogs can be mistaken for Rottweilers, depending on which parent they favor.

Sometimes, it can be confusing to differentiate purebred and well-known dogs from other lesser-known hybrids. In the case of a Euro Mountain Sheparnese, they can easily be mistaken for a Rottweiler. The reason for this is because of their coat color and texture patterns.

Both the German Shepherd and the Bernese Mountain dog have a double coat, meaning two layers of fur for extra protection from the elements. It also means that they tend to shed quite a bit. They also have similar color patterns to one another, black and tan, with the Bernese typically having white splotches on their chest and paws.

The German Shepherd’s coat is accepted as medium or long-haired, while the Bernese has long hair. If the hair ends up being shorter, favoring the typical German Shepherd look, then the combination of physical traits makes them resemble a Rottweiler.

The best way to tell between the Euro Mountain Sheparnese and a Rottweiler is their overall build and height. The Euro Mountain Sheparnese is large but tends to have a more athletic body and longer legs. Rottweilers have thicker chests, square faces, and shorter legs.

Divider 8Temperament & Intelligence of the Euro Mountain Sheparnese 🧠

The Euro Mountain Sheparnese makes an incredible pet, being a combination of two competent dogs. They inherit a strong work ethic and demure attitudes from both of their parents. Both can also be serious, although younger pups still like to play with their family members.

These dogs make excellent watch and guard dogs because they are always alert and ready to protect. They can be cautious of strangers, so if your dog is socialized, be careful about teaching them appropriate social manners.

These dogs are highly intelligent, coming from two independent breeds trained to be thinkers of a sort. They like to have the freedom and trust to make some of their own decisions. They are generally quite easy to train, but their size, energy, and sometimes temperaments make them not fit for first-time owners.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

These dogs are generally good family dogs. Our recommendation would be not to keep them around very small children because they can be intense and typically don’t realize their bulk. They are protectors, though, and take this charge quite seriously.

These dogs can be wary of strangers; however, they are friendly and attentive to their own family. Their affection is what makes them a beloved pet.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Early socialization is an essential factor in the training of these dogs. Regarding their parent breeds, it is relatively unpredictable how well they will get along with other dogs. Sometimes they can be quite territorial, while at other times, they are friendly and extremely social.

Keep in mind that each dog is different, no matter what breed they come from, and they may need extra training to behave appropriately in different social situations.

Divider 4Things to Know When Owning a Euro Mountain Sheparnese

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

These dogs are costly to invest in as puppies, but you also have to be ready to pay for their large appetites. It is possible for these dogs to eat you out of house and home. They can eat 3.5–5 cups of food each day, depending on which end of the size scale they end up.

Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the German Shepherd are prone to dietary sensitivities. Check into the parental sensitivities from the breeder, especially of the German Shepherd. If you are still concerned about food sensitivities, you can get various blood tests done to check.

If you have one of these dogs, you will find that vets and breeders highly recommend avoiding food with any fillers or additives. In these dogs, it can lead to behavioral issues.

Exercise 🐕

These dogs are highly active. They need a great deal of exercise each day and are thus not an appropriate choice for those who live in apartments or small homes unless they belong to an active owner.

They need about 3 hours of high to medium levels of activity each day or about 14 miles of walking every week. Since they are highly trainable, you can try agility training. Since they need quite a bit of socialization, it is best to take them to some sort of dog park from as young an age as possible.

Training 🦮

The Euro Mountain Sheparnese needs to be leash trained from a young age. They are large dogs that were often used for pulling, especially the Bernese Mountain dog. It means that they are known to pull on the leash, but this can be trained out of them with consistency.

Forming a bond with these dogs is a sure way to find success in obedience training. The trainer needs to establish themselves as the leader. When this is established, their intelligence and willingness make them quick and easy to train.

Grooming ✂️

These dogs have double coats that shed quite a bit year-round. They need daily brushings to keep any knots out of their fur and their skin and coat healthy. You need to clean their ears thoroughly every several days, removing wax and dirt from the inside and preventing infection.

Brush their teeth at least a couple of times a week, preferably daily because these dogs sometimes suffer from dental issues. Clip their nails once a month or so if their daily activities don’t keep them trimmed down far enough.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Unfortunately, these dogs can suffer from quite a few diseases. Like many other big dogs, they have relatively short lifespans. Make sure to bring them to the vet at least once a year to catch any health issues as soon as possible.

Minor Conditions
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Wobblers syndrome
  • Cataracts
  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • Atopy dermatitis
  • Corneal dystrophy
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Meningitis
  • Bloat
  • Endocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
  • Cancer

Divider 5Male vs. Female

Since these hybrids are not common, there are not many characteristics that can be readily attributed to the separate genders. Males of the Euro Mountain Sheparnese are taller and heavier. They weigh between 80 to 110 pounds and stand at 25 to 28 inches tall.

Female Euro Mountain Sheparnese weigh, on average, slightly less at 75 to 90 pounds. They stand around 23 to 26 inches tall.

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Final Thoughts

The Euro Mountain Dog is a mix of two extraordinary dogs. Both of them combine to make a giant dog breed with a heart that is just as big. These pups get along well with children, making great family pets. They have a docile yet alert temperament that makes them useful for a position as a guard dog or a watchdog.

The Euro Mountain Dog does need a great deal of exercise, so be prepared to be out and about more than before.

Whether you are looking for a companion as a single, active person or you want a dog friend for your kids to grow up with, the Euro Mountain Dog should be a serious consideration.

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Featured Image credit: Valmedia, Shutterstock

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