A Golden Mountain dog makes a great family pet for people who might be looking for an affectionate yet heavy dog. They are a mixed breed—a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Golden Retriever. They are also called Bernese Golden Mountain dogs. Inheriting the best qualities from both their parents, these dogs are loyal, gentle, and friendly. Before we get into more detail about their temperament, we should first take a look at their history and origin.
Origin
Like other mixed breed dogs, you can find little to no information about their origin or any verified history of their breeding. But we certainly know about the history of the parents of these dogs. As there is no information available about the origin of these dogs or in which year they were first bred, we gathered some information about this dog from his parent breeds.
The Golden Retriever’s history leads back to Scotland. They were developed there and were an instant hit among people due to their brainpower. They were popular for their obedience and alert nature. On the other hand, the Bernese Mountain dog was initially used on farms in the European mountains. They were introduced to the US in the year 1918.
Although we know little about the Golden Mountain dog, it is officially recognized by many reputable organizations.
Physical Features of a Golden Mountain Dog
Regarding the physical appearance of a Golden Mountain dog, they inherited some amazing features from their parents. They have almond-shaped eyes, floppy ears, and a medium-sized muzzle. Their heads are slightly round at the top, and their bodies are well-proportioned. They have a fluffy, long, and dense coat. The Golden Mountain dog has expressive eyes and an overall gentle demeanor. These dogs are about 26 inches tall and weigh around 75 – 120 pounds.
Temperament and Personality of a Golden Mountain Dog
As both the parents of this breed make great family dogs, the Golden Mountain dogs inherit some amazing personality traits from their parents. Although these dogs are huge, they are very gentle. They are famous for their loyalty, doting nature, and friendliness. Because of these traits, they get along well with children and other animals. They are usually calm and quiet but may react aggressively when encountering a stranger. However, they are affectionate and gentle towards their owners and people they are familiar with.
Grooming and Care
A Golden Mountain dog needs a lot of grooming and care. This is due to their long and thick coat. They shed heavily throughout the year. If you are planning to own one of these gentle giants, brace yourself for vacuuming every day to clean their hair from your couch and carpets. They need a daily brushing session and frequent baths to keep the coat clean and shiny. You should also check their ears frequently as they are prone to ear infections. You would also need to trim their nails and brush their teeth regularly.
Food and Diet
When it comes to food, a Golden Mountain dog loves to eat. They need a protein-rich diet. As they are huge, their food should also be formulated accordingly. Like all other dogs, they need to have a healthy diet that is full of nutrients. Remember not to overfeed them, as they are prone to obesity. It is important to mention here that their dietary needs may change based on their age. The Golden Mountain puppies may have different dietary needs than an adult dog. If you are unsure what to feed your dog or how much to feed him, consult a vet for their expert opinion.
Exercise and Training
The Golden Mountain dogs are intelligent, which makes them easy to train. They follow commands and are eager to please their owners. They learn to obey their owner’s command only after a few repetitions, and their obedience makes these dogs everyone’s favorite. With their level of intelligence, they also need brain-stimulating activities and games. Ideally, you should take them for walks two times a day as they are very active and come from a working background. They can be your workout partners as well. As they are not aversive to water, you can also take them for a splash in the water.
Health and Life Span
A Golden Mountain dog is generally considered healthy. If taken proper care of, he can live up to 15 years. His average life span is between 9 – 15 years. As is the case with any mixed breed dog, a Golden Mountain dog is also prone to diseases. Some of the most common diseases and health risks include:
- Epilepsy
- Heart Ailments
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Skin allergies
- Cancer
- Bloating
- Joint dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Eye infections.
Golden Mountain Dog—At a Glance
| Golden Mountain Dog Characteristics | |
| Height | 26 inches tall |
| Weight | 75 – 120 pounds |
| Coat | Long, thick, and dense |
| Life Expectancy | 9 – 15 years |
| Temperament | Friendly, loyal, and calm. They are popular for their gentle nature and obedience |
| Socialization | They are very social and friendly dogs |
| Intelligence | Highly intelligent |
| Activity Levels | High-energy dogs. They need two-hour physical activities each day to keep themselves entertained and healthy |
| Relationship with Children | They are gentle and calm around kids and love to play with them |
| Grooming Requirements | They need plenty of grooming and shed a lot throughout the year |
| Health Concerns | These dogs are prone to heart-related diseases, epilepsy, eye infections, Von Willebrand’s disease, bloating, joint dysplasia, and hypothyroidism |
A Golden Mountain dog undoubtedly makes a great pet dog. Their loyal nature, high intelligence, and obedience to follow their masters make them a favorite pet for many. People who have an active lifestyle would love to keep a Golden Mountain dog as a pet because they are also very active and enjoy playing. However, the only drawback of having the Golden Mountain dogs as a pet is that they shed a lot and are high-maintenance but because of their lovely nature, most owners are fine with it. Their huge size may intimidate many into thinking they would be aggressive, but this is not the case. Once you get to know these dogs, falling in love with them is guaranteed. For the households having kids, this dog is ideal as they are affectionate and gentle towards kids and love to play with them.