Bernese Mountain Dog Gear Guide: The Crate, Bed, Harness, Grooming Kit and Bowl a Berner Actually Needs
What a Bernese Mountain Dog needs: a 48-inch crate, a thick orthopedic bed, a harness for a strong puller, a heavy-coat grooming kit and a slow-feed bowl.
We compare published specs, manufacturer information and patterns in owner feedback. We haven't physically tested these products; if we ever do, the guide will say exactly what we tested.
On this page
- Bernese Mountain Dog gear at a glance
- Crate: buy the adult size, use a divider
- Bed: thick, solid foam for a heavy dog
- Harness: control for a strong dog
- Grooming: rake, slicker, comb (never shave)
- Bowl: slow-feed, at floor level
- Toys: tough enough for big jaws
- Living with a Berner: heat and joints
- Frequently asked questions
Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, loyal giants. Most adults weigh roughly 70–115 lb, they carry a thick, long double coat that sheds heavily, and as a large, deep-chested breed they’re prone to joint problems and bloat. They also handle cold far better than heat.
This page pulls together what matters most for a Berner: the right crate size, a thick orthopedic bed, a harness for a strong dog, the grooming kit for a heavy coat, and a slow-feed bowl.
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Bernese Mountain Dog gear at a glance
| Need | Our top pick | Why | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crate | MidWest iCrate Double Door (48”) | Divider grows with a puppy | Crate size guide |
| Bed | PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed (XL) | Solid memory foam + bolster | Orthopedic dog beds |
| Harness | 2 Hounds Design Freedom | Front + back clip for strong pullers | No-pull harnesses |
| Undercoat | Maxpower Planet Undercoat Rake | Pulls loose undercoat safely | Deshedding tools |
| Finishing | Chris Christensen Big K Slicker | Lifts loose hair, smooths coat | Deshedding tools |
| Tangles | Poodle Pet Dematting Comb | For feathering and mats | Deshedding tools |
| Bowl | Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl | Slows fast eaters, stays at floor level | Elevated bowls: safe or not? |
Crate: buy the adult size, use a divider
A Berner puppy grows fast, so buy the crate for the adult dog and use a divider panel while it’s young: enough room to stand, turn and lie down, but not to use a corner as a toilet. Most adult Berners need a 48-inch crate; very large males may need a giant-breed crate, so measure before you buy.
Best crate for a Bernese Mountain Dog
MidWest iCrate Double Door
A folding wire crate in sizes up to 48 inches, with a divider panel included, two doors and a leak-proof tray. Good airflow matters for a breed with a thick coat that runs warm.
Pros
- Divider panel included: one crate from puppy to adult
- Open wire sides keep a heavy-coated dog cooler
- Folds flat for the car or storage
Cons
- Wire crates are less den-like; cover three sides with a light blanket
- The tray alone isn’t comfortable; add washable crate bedding
Not sure of the size? Use our free dog crate size calculator.
Bed: thick, solid foam for a heavy dog
Berners are heavy and prone to hip and elbow problems, so a thin cushion bottoms out fast. Look for solid orthopedic foam, at least 4 inches thick, and 5–7 inches for a big male or a senior. Press the middle hard with your palm: if you can feel the floor, it’s too thin. Always check the listing’s weight limit.
Best all-round bed for a Berner
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
Solid memory foam with a bolster to lean on and a removable, water-resistant cover. Choose the largest size that fits your space: Berners like to stretch out.
Pros
- Solid memory foam that supports a big dog
- Bolster for dogs who like to lean or curl
- Water-resistant, removable, washable cover (a Berner’s coat sheds a lot onto it)
Cons
- Bolster takes up some of the lying space; size up for sprawlers
- Costs more than basic beds
For a very large male or an older Berner with stiff joints, a thicker bed such as the Big Barker 7” is worth a look; see our best orthopedic dog beds. Get the size, foam thickness and weight limit for your dog with the dog bed size calculator.
Harness: control for a strong dog
Berners are calm adults but strong, and a young one can pull hard. A padded harness with a front clip gives you control without pressure on the throat while you train.
Best harness for a Berner
2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness
A dual-clip harness: the front ring turns a puller gently back toward you, and the back ring is there for relaxed walks. It adjusts at several points to fit a broad, deep chest.
Pros
- Front and back leash rings
- Strong control for a big, strong dog
- Adjusts to a deep chest
Cons
- More straps to fit correctly than a simple step-in
- Check the fit behind the front legs to avoid rubbing
Prefer a padded everyday harness? The Ruffwear Front Range and others are in our no-pull harnesses for large dogs.
Grooming: rake, slicker, comb (never shave)
A Berner’s long double coat sheds steadily all year and heavily once or twice a year. Brush two or three times a week, daily during the big shed, and check behind the ears, the “pants” on the back legs and the tail, where tangles start. Don’t shave the coat: it protects the skin from sun and helps regulate temperature.
For the dense undercoat
Maxpower Planet Undercoat Rake
A double-row rake that pulls out loose undercoat without cutting the topcoat, so it’s safe to use often.
Pros
- Removes a lot of loose undercoat quickly
- Gentle enough for regular use
Cons
- Not for the long feathering; use a comb there
The finishing brush
Chris Christensen Big K Slicker Brush
A large slicker that lifts loose hair after raking and leaves the long coat smooth.
Pros
- Big head covers a large dog quickly
- Lifts loose hair the rake leaves behind
Cons
- Costs more than basic slickers
- Use light pressure; slicker pins can scratch skin
For feathering and tangles
Poodle Pet Dematting Comb
For working out the small mats that form behind the ears and in the leg feathering.
Pros
- Cuts through small mats instead of pulling them
- Handy for quick touch-ups
Cons
- Go slowly; large or tight mats need a groomer
More tools and how to choose: best deshedding tools for dogs.
Bowl: slow-feed, at floor level
Berners are large and deep-chested, a body type with a higher risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which is an emergency. A widely cited study linked raised bowls with a higher bloat risk in large breeds, so a floor-level bowl is a sensible default. A slow-feed bowl helps dogs that gulp their food. Feed smaller meals, avoid hard exercise right after eating, and ask your vet about your dog’s own risk.
For fast eaters
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo-Bowl
A maze-style bowl that makes a dog work around ridges for each mouthful, so it eats more slowly.
Pros
- Slows down fast eaters
- Floor-level, dishwasher-safe on the top rack (check the listing)
Cons
- Some dogs get frustrated at first; start with a simpler pattern
- Pick the large size for a Berner’s muzzle
Read the full evidence in elevated dog bowls for large breeds: safe or not?
Toys: tough enough for big jaws
Berners are usually not destructive chewers, but they’re big, and small toys can be a choking risk. A large, tough rubber toy you can stuff with food is the most useful.
Best toy for a Bernese Mountain Dog
KONG Extreme
The tougher black KONG. Stuff it with kibble and a little yogurt, freeze it, and it keeps a big dog busy and calm.
Pros
- Tough enough for a large dog’s jaws
- Stuffable and freezable for calm time
Cons
- Supervise any dog with a chew toy
- Pick the size by your dog’s weight (XL or XXL for most Berners)
Living with a Berner: heat and joints
- Heat: Berners handle cold well but overheat easily. Walk in the cool morning or evening in summer, give shade and fresh water, and stop if your dog lags or pants hard.
- Joints: keep a puppy lean and avoid forced long runs while it’s growing; ask your vet about exercise as your Berner grows. A supportive bed and non-slip floors help an older dog.
- Getting a puppy? Start with our new puppy checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does a Bernese Mountain Dog need?
Most adult Berners need a 48-inch crate; very large males may need a giant-breed crate. Measure nose to base of tail and floor to top of head while sitting, and add 2–4 inches to each. For a puppy, buy the adult size and use a divider panel.
What kind of bed is best for a Bernese Mountain Dog?
A thick, solid-foam orthopedic bed. Berners are heavy (often 70–115 lb) and prone to hip and elbow problems, so look for at least 4 inches of firm support foam, and 5–7 inches for big males or older dogs. Check that the bed’s weight limit covers your dog.
How do I keep up with Bernese Mountain Dog shedding?
Brush two or three times a week with an undercoat rake and a slicker brush, and daily during the heavy seasonal shed. Comb behind the ears and the feathering on the legs and tail, where mats start. Don’t shave a Berner: the double coat protects the skin.
Should a Bernese Mountain Dog eat from a raised bowl?
Not by default. Berners are large, deep-chested dogs, a group with a higher risk of bloat (GDV), and a widely cited study linked raised bowls with a higher bloat risk in large breeds. A floor-level slow-feed bowl is a sensible default; ask your vet about your dog.
What harness is best for a Bernese Mountain Dog?
A padded harness with a front clip, sized for a deep, broad chest. Berners are strong, so a front-clip or dual-clip design gives you control while you teach loose-leash walking.
More for big dogs: German Shepherd gear guide · Labrador gear guide · Golden Retriever gear guide · Siberian Husky gear guide · Rottweiler gear guide · Australian Shepherd gear guide
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