Best brush for a Bernese Mountain Dog
The best brush for a Bernese Mountain Dog is a slicker brush for the everyday top coat, paired with an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool for the heavy seasonal shed underneath. One brush alone rarely covers both jobs on a coat this dense, which is why most Bernese owners end up using two tools rather than searching for a single perfect one.
What this coat actually needs
A Bernese Mountain Dog carries a thick double coat: a longer, slightly wavy outer layer and a dense woolly undercoat beneath it that blows out heavily twice a year. The outer coat needs regular brushing to stop it matting, particularly behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar line where friction and moisture build up.
During a seasonal coat blow, the undercoat can come out in genuinely large amounts over a couple of weeks, and a brush that only skims the surface will leave the loose undercoat trapped against the skin, where it mats and can eventually cause irritation.
Slicker brush for the everyday routine
A slicker brush, with its fine, slightly angled pins, is the right tool for two to three sessions a week on the outer coat, working through tangles before they tighten and picking up surface debris. Go gently around the ears and legs, where the coat is finer and the skin more sensitive to a firm brush.
Used little and often, a slicker brush also gives you an early look at any mats forming, which are far easier to work loose while small than once they've tightened against the skin.
An undercoat rake for the heavy shed
During spring and autumn coat changes, an undercoat rake or a de-shedding comb reaches down through the top coat to pull out the loose woolly undercoat that a slicker brush mostly misses. Several short sessions rather than one long one keep this more comfortable for a dog that may already find the shedding process a little itchy.
A wide-toothed comb is also worth keeping to hand for working through the feathering on the legs, tail and chest, where mats tend to form first and are easiest to catch early.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Reusable Washable Puppy Training Pad
A quilted, machine-washable training pad that absorbs accidents and locks in moisture with a leak-resistant base. Reusable for puppy toilet training and senior dogs, in several bone and paw prints.
From£7.99
Dog Calming Ear Muffs For Fireworks & Thunder
A soft stretchy snood that wraps snugly over your dog's head and ears to muffle fireworks, thunder and loud noises. Helps nervous dogs feel calmer during storms, travel and grooming.
£11.99
MPS Head Cover — Breathable Dog Head & Ear Protector
A comfortable, breathable alternative to the cone of shame — protects head and ear wounds or bandages while letting your dog move freely.
From£30.99
Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare Spray for Cats & Dogs
A versatile, alcohol-free antiseptic spray that cleans, soothes, and helps protect your pet's skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
From£16.49
Pressure-Activated Pet Cooling Mat
Press down, feel the cool — this pressure-activated mat absorbs body heat and stays up to 10°C cooler than the room, with no freezing required.
From£34.99
Ice-Silk Cooling Dog Bed with Bolster Edge
A breathable ice-silk cooling bed with a soft bolster edge and a cool-touch centre panel that helps your dog stay comfortable through warm weather. No need to freeze or refrigerate, it cools naturally on contact.
From£12.99
Dog Front-Limb Mobility Wheelchair
An adjustable two-wheel walker that supports dogs with front-limb weakness or injury. The lightweight frame and padded supports restore mobility, helping your dog stay active, exercise and enjoy walks with confidence.
From£176.99
Plush Foam Pet Stairs
Soft foam steps with a plush, washable cover that help senior, small or short-legged pets reach the sofa or bed safely. The lightweight, sturdy build reduces jumping strain on ageing joints.
From£21.99
Real-Time GPS Pet Tracker
A compact GPS tracker that clips to most collars for real-time location, geofence alerts and find-me sound.
£29.99
Hooded Dinosaur Dog Raincoat
A waterproof hooded dog raincoat with a fun dinosaur spine and yellow fins. It features full-coverage legs, a reflective strip and a built-in D-ring for a lead, keeping smaller dogs dry and visible on wet walks.
From£29.99
Disposable Female Dog Nappies
Disposable, absorbent nappies for female dogs — a secure, leak-proof fit for seasons (heat), excitable urination and incontinence. Soft, breathable outer with easy hook-and-loop fastening. Sizes XXS to XL.
£8.99
Dog Sports Jacket For Medium & Large Breeds
A sleek zip-up sports jacket with full leg sleeves and reflective trim, designed to keep medium and large dogs warm and dry on cold-weather walks. Easy-fit and snug at the cuffs.
From£24.99
Common questions
- How often should I brush a Bernese Mountain Dog?
- Two to three times a week is a reasonable baseline for most of the year, increasing to daily short sessions during the spring and autumn coat blow, when the undercoat sheds heavily over a fairly short period.
- Do Bernese Mountain Dogs need professional grooming?
- Many owners manage the coat themselves with regular brushing at home, though a professional groom every few months can help during a heavy shed or if mats have already formed, particularly in the feathering on the legs and tail.
- Why does my Bernese Mountain Dog's coat smell even after brushing?
- A persistent odour is often trapped moisture or loose undercoat sitting close to the skin rather than a grooming failure as such. If regular brushing and the occasional bath don't resolve it, it's worth mentioning to your vet in case a skin issue is contributing.
- Is a de-shedding tool safe to use on a Bernese Mountain Dog?
- Yes, when used as directed and not pressed too firmly against the skin. It's designed to lift loose undercoat rather than cut the topcoat, but go gently over bony areas and stop if your dog seems uncomfortable.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.