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The Golden Mountain Dog (GMD) is a Designer breed of the Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog mix, taking the best qualities of both parents.
Sometimes called the Bernese Golden Mountain Dog, this hybrid canine is loved for their good looks, affection, gentleness, and superior loyalty.
This cute designer breed can be a perfect choice for individuals, families, and large families with small children.
Keep reading this guide as we unpack everything you need to know about Golden Mountain Dogs if you’re considering adopting these cuties into your family.
Golden Mountain Dog Breed History
Despite being a relatively new hybrid dog, the Golden Mountain Dog carries the DNA of two purebred canines with rich histories.
This designer breed was intentionally bred to combine the best qualities of the much-loved Golden Retriever and the ever-cute Bernese Mountain Dogs.
The GMD was developed in the 1970s but they have risen in popularity over the years possibly due to the short lifespan concerns with their Bernese parents.
As a designer breed, the Golden Mountain Dog picks on the good qualities of the Bernese Mountain Dog without the risk of serious health problems therefore increasing the lifespan.
Golden Mountain Dog Appearance
As a sturdy well-proportioned dog, the GMDs inherit the strong legs and broad chest of their Berner parents with the athleticism of their Golden Retriever lineage.
GMD heads are broad, and they have a strong jawline, which often shows the expressive eyes of a Golden Retriever with the more imposing body structure of Berners.
With such a robust frame, the Golden Mountain Dog are all set for an active lifestyle, an area where both their parents excel.
Coat Colors and Types
As one of its most outstanding features, the coat of a Golden Retriever Bernese Mountain Dog is mostly bushy, double-layered, with a medium to long length.
Some individual dogs may take the darker tricolor coat color of the Bernese Mountain Dog while others will inherit the golden hues of their Retriever heredity.
Depending on the dominant Parental trait, GMDs coat can be straight or slightly wavy. The double coat has a dense undercoat that provides insulation and a longer, protective outer layer.
Golden Mountain Dogs are large. Their males generally measure about 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder with their females measuring 23 – 26 inches.
Regarding weight, GMDs can tip the scale to about 90 – 120 pounds for males and 75 – 100 pounds for females.
Golden Mountain Dog Personality & Temperament
The temperament, personality, and intelligence of Golden Mountain Dogs are some of their highly-priced traits.
Despite their rather imposing physical features, Golden Mountain Dogs are nothing short of gentle, affectionate, and loyal.
With both parents categorized as working breeds, GMD owners should prioritize early social training to make their dogs responsible canine citizens.
With a mix of the best traits from their parent breeds, Golden Mountain Dogs are exceptionally good for individuals and families with small kids.
They also tend to get along with other pets, especially when brought up together right from their puppyhood days.
Your GMD may not be aware of how big they are, so we recommend supervising your dog whenever they’re interacting with kids.
Golden Mountain Dogs Intelligence
Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to be highly intelligent, and this mix takes up after their parents’ high canine IQ.
These designer dogs are known for their ability to learn new tricks quickly, and their work ethic ensures they stay focused during training sessions.
Exercise & Activity Needs
Just like any other large breeds, Golden Mountain Dogs require a fair share of daily exercises and physical activities to keep them happy.
An exercise regime of about 60 – 90 minutes per day is enough to keep your Golden Mountain Dog physically exerted.
These activities can be split into regular walks, runs, indoor playtime, interactive games, outdoor adventures, and mental stimulation.
Remember Golden Mountain Dogs are suited for cooler climates. So, you should avoid taking them out on hot afternoons.
Golden Mountain Dog Training
We recommend training your canine friend from an early stage. Remember to use positive reinforcement techniques for the best results.
GMDs are big foodies, so you can leverage treat-based rewards to make the sessions more exciting and efficient.
Golden Mountain Dogs can grow quite large, so it’s important to establish boundaries and good manners from an early age.
Start the training regime with basic commands like ‘sit and stay’, then move to more complex issues as the dog grows.
Make sure to include leash training, because these dogs are strong and they can make it quite challenging if they pull.
Because of their good response to training, Golden Mountain Dogs are suitable for first-time pet parents who may not have the experience of dealing with dogs.
Grooming Guide for Golden Mountain Dogs
With their fluffy double coat, Golden Mountain Dogs shed throughout the year with excess amounts witnessed during seasonal changes.
We recommend regular brushing at the rate of 3 – 4 times a week to remove loose fur and prevent mating.
Aim to brush your Golden Mountain Dog daily during the major seasonal changes when they put off a lot of fur.
Even though Golden Bernese Mountain Dogs do not need frequent baths, they should be washed every 6 – 8 weeks or when they become dirty.
Use gentle, hypoallergenic dog shampoo when bathing your Golden Mountain Dogs to avoid irritating the skin.
Regular bathing helps to remove persistent dirt and bad doggy odor, but over-bathing can strip off the natural oils from the coat.
Trim or grind your dog’s nail to prevent overgrowth which can cause discomfort when walking, or may rip apart your furniture if the dog scratches on it.
Their floppy ears should be checked weekly for signs of infection or buildup, especially since moisture can get trapped in the ears.
Use a vet-approved ear cleanser and a soft cotton wool to clean your dog’s ears. Never use Q-tips to clean your dog’s ears, because they can push the wax further down the canal.
Dental care and hygiene should never be ignored. Plan to brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week for oral care and to prevent tartar buildup.
Common Health Issues
Mixed breeds are thought to be healthier than their parent breeds, but the Golden Mountain Dog is still susceptible to several health problems from their parental lineage.
Some of the health concerns with GMDs may include epilepsy, certain types of cancer, and Von Willebrand’s disease, a blood clotting disorder.
Just like many large dogs, the Golden Mountain Dog is also at risk for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat.
Bloat occurs when the stomach is filled with gas, food, or fluid and then twists, calling for immediate veterinary attention.
Scheduled veterinary checkups are essential to monitor your dog’s overall health and catch any potential issues early.
Prompt vaccinations, dental cleanings, and regular screenings for joint and heart conditions are all part of a healthy maintenance routine.
It’s also important to keep an eye on their weight, as obesity can exacerbate joint problems and reduce their lifespan.
The average lifespan of Golden Mountain Dogs is about 9 – 12 years. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine vet care can increase your dog’s lifespan.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and nutrition are the foundation of healthy dogs. We recommend giving your small GMD puppy-formulated foods for optimal nutrition and health.
As your Golden Mountain Dog comes of age, you can start switching their diets to high-quality adult dog food for large breeds.
The exact amount of food your dog needs depends on their size, age, and level of activity. On average, most adult GMDs can do well with 3 – 5 cups of dry food per day.
Adult Golden Mountain dogs can subsist on two meals a day, but their smaller counterparts need a small service of three or four meals a day for optimal growth.
Always search for premium dog food brands that list real meat as the first ingredient. Stay away from brands with too many fillers, sweeteners, and preservatives.
Feel free to mix dry kibble, wet food, or raw diet, depending on your dog’s needs and your vet’s recommendations.
Golden Mountain Dogs can sometimes have sensitive skin, so we recommend sticking to grain-free limited ingredient diets.
Golden Mountain Dog Living Conditions
As with any other large dog breed, Golden Mountain Dogs can adapt best to homes with a spacious yard where they can run and play freely.
Apartment living is not ideal for this large, active breed unless the owner is dedicated to providing ample outdoor exercise every day.
Golden Mountain Dogs are comfortable in cooler climates because of their thick coats, and they may struggle in hot and humid environments.
We recommend erecting a shaded area for your dog during the warmer months to keep them comfortable.
Golden Mountain Dog Pregnancy & Litter Size
Like other breeds, the Bernese Golden Retriever mix gestation period can last for about 63 days. Their litter size can range between 6 – 10 puppies.
Some individual GMDs can deliver fewer or more puppies, depending on other factors including genetics and prenatal care.
If you’re planning on breeding, make sure to consult your vet to ensure the pregnancy is progressing well, and be prepared for the high level of care newborn puppies require.
Conclusion
The Golden Mountain Dog is an excellent choice for people seeking a loyal, affectionate, and versatile companion.
With their calm personality, GMDs are a good fit for families, so they can blend effortlessly into homes with children and other pets.
This designer dog breed comes with the right balance of playfulness and loyal companionship for people looking for energetic family pets.
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Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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