What is a Bernese Aussie Cross?
“Aussie Bernese” “Berner Aussie mix” “Aussie Mountain Dog” “Bernese Australian” “Bernese Aussie Shepherd”
“A cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Bernese Mountain Dog. They are large and stunning dogs that naturally inherit their parent breeds’ personalities.”
Bernaussie
Breed Traits & Characteristics
Height: Male: 20–25 inches
Weight: 55–100 lbs
Lifespan: 8-15
Hypoallergenic: No
What Is a Bernese Aussie Cross?
The Bernese Aussie Cross, also known as the Bernaussie, Aussie Bernese, Aussie Mountain Dog, or Bernese Australian Shepherd Mix, is a stunning F1 hybrid that blends the gentle strength of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the intelligence and agility of the Australian Shepherd. This cross produces a loyal, family-oriented companion with striking good looks and exceptional versatility—ideal for both active families and calm home environments.
The Perfect Blend of Bernese & Aussie Traits
The Bernaussie inherits the Bernese Mountain Dog’s calm, affectionate nature and the Australian Shepherd’s drive, focus, and playfulness. These dogs are loyal protectors, gentle with children, and eager to please. Their hybrid makeup introduces genetic diversity (hybrid vigor)—often resulting in improved health and longevity compared to purebred lines.
Expect a dog that is intelligent, emotionally intuitive, and adaptable, capable of excelling as both a family companion and a working or adventure partner.
Breed History & Origins
The Bernese × Aussie Cross originated in the United States, where breeders sought to create a balanced dog combining the Bernese’s steady temperament with the Aussie’s herding instincts and trainability. Programs like Stokeshire Designer Doodles have refined this cross, focusing on temperament, structure, and coat quality while maintaining a low to moderate energy level suitable for modern families.
Although sometimes compared to the Australian Mountain Doodle, the Bernaussie retains a more natural, unfurnished coat and a classic, rustic look that honors its mountain-working heritage.
Temperament & Personality
Bernaussies are best known for their:
Loyalty & Attachment – Deeply devoted to their family and highly protective.
Intelligence & Trainability – Quick to learn commands and routines, making them excellent first-time dogs.
Balanced Energy – Playful outdoors yet calm inside the home.
Gentle Nature – Naturally patient and affectionate, especially with children.
Protective Instincts – Naturally alert, they make excellent watchdogs without excessive barking.
Compared to their parents:
They’re more trainable and social than pure Bernese Mountain Dogs.
They have milder herding tendencies than full Australian Shepherds.
Their temperament is stable, intuitive, and emotionally responsive.
Care & Training Tips
Exercise Needs:
Daily walks, enrichment activities, and mental challenges keep the Bernaussie balanced. They thrive with structured play and enjoy hiking, swimming, or farm work.
Training:
Use positive reinforcement. They respond best to calm, consistent direction and reward-based methods.
Socialization:
Expose early to people, sounds, and experiences. Their confidence flourishes when introduced gradually to new environments.
Grooming:
Brush several times weekly to prevent matting. Seasonal shedding is typical, especially for thick, double-coated dogs.
Health & Nutrition:
Provide a balanced diet with quality protein. Watch for joint conditions (hip/elbow dysplasia) and inherited eye issues (PRA, cataracts). Routine vet care and genetic screening are key.
Unique Characteristics
Coat Colors: Tri-color, red Merle, blue Merle, sable, or black with tan and white markings
Energy Level: Moderate to high (depending on lineage)
Temperament: Confident, loyal, affectionate, intelligent
Best For: Active families, farms, or owners who enjoy outdoor living and consistent companionship
Why Choose a Bernaussie from Stokeshire
At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, our Bernese × Aussie crosses are selectively bred for temperament, health, and versatility. Each puppy is raised in-home with early neurological stimulation, Volhard testing, and social imprinting, preparing them to be confident, emotionally balanced companions.
We focus on pairing families with puppies that match their energy, lifestyle, and purpose—whether for companionship, therapy work, or adventure.
Australian Mountain Dogs 1 - Week Old
What is the energy level of a Bernaussie?
The Stokeshire Difference
Our Aussie Bernese lines combine beauty, heart, and intelligence—rooted in ethical breeding, transparent health testing, and a commitment to every puppy’s lifelong success.
Hybrid Vigor & Genetic Health Advantages
One of the greatest benefits of the Bernese × Aussie Cross (Aussie Bernese) is the natural hybrid vigor that comes from blending two genetically distinct breeds — the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Shepherd. This genetic diversity can significantly reduce the risk of inherited diseases, extend lifespan, and improve overall vitality.
What Is Hybrid Vigor?
Hybrid vigor, or heterosis, refers to the enhanced health and performance seen in offspring resulting from the combination of two unrelated parent lines. When two purebreds with different genetic strengths are crossed, their puppies inherit a broader genetic toolkit, leading to stronger immune systems, fewer recessive disorders, and improved structural soundness.
In contrast, purebred dogs with limited genetic pools may carry overlapping recessive mutations, which can increase the risk of inherited conditions like cancer, hip dysplasia, and autoimmune disorders.
Understanding COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding)
The Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) measures how closely related a dog’s parents are, expressed as a percentage.
- Higher COI ⇒ more genetic similarity and a greater risk of recessive diseases.
- Lower COI ⇒ greater genetic diversity — the goal of healthy hybrid programs.
| Breed | Average COI in Purebreds | Common Health Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Bernese Mountain Dog | ~25–35% | Higher rates of cancer (notably histiocytic sarcoma), hip & elbow dysplasia, immune disorders. |
| Australian Shepherd | ~15–25% | Epilepsy risk, MDR1 drug sensitivity, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), other inherited eye conditions. |
| Bernese × Aussie Cross (F1) | <5–10% typical | Lower risk of heritable disease, improved fertility/whelping, and better longevity (hybrid vigor). |
Bernese Mountain Dog
Average COI: ~25–35%
Notes: Cancer risk (histiocytic sarcoma), hip/elbow dysplasia, immune issues.
Australian Shepherd
Average COI: ~15–25%
Notes: Epilepsy, MDR1 sensitivity, CEA and other eye conditions.
Bernese × Aussie Cross (F1)
Typical COI: <5–10%
Notes: Reduced heritable disease risk, stronger vigor, better longevity.
*COI values shown are typical ranges reported for breed populations; individual dogs and lines may vary. We verify pairings with DNA testing and COI analysis prior to breeding.
Healthier Dogs Through Responsible Breeding
By introducing new genetic material from two robust breeds, we see benefits such as:
Lower incidence of cancer and autoimmune conditions
Improved joint integrity and musculoskeletal health
Enhanced immune response and disease resistance
Better fertility and whelping outcomes
Increased lifespan compared to many purebred lines
Our breeding program uses Embark genetic testing and COI analysis for every pairing to ensure optimal diversity, verifying that each cross is designed for health, structure, and temperament, not just appearance.
Why This Matters for Families
When you adopt a Bernese × Aussie Cross from Stokeshire, you’re choosing a puppy that’s been intentionally bred for longevity, stability, and sound genetics — not chance. This commitment to diversity and health ensures your companion not only looks beautiful but also lives a longer, happier, and more active life.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT Bernese Mountain Dog x Australian Shepherd Cross mix
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Standard Bernaussie Size Guide
Male Bernaussies:
Height: 18-27 inches
Weight: 60-100 lbsFemale Bernaussies:
Height: 15-25 inches
Weight: 50-80 lbs
Standard Bernaussies (Australian Mountain Dogs)
Height: 20-28 inches
Weight: 70+ lbs
These ranges represent the healthy adult size for this designer breed, ensuring you have a large, strong, and loyal companion!
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Coat Characteristics and Shedding
Thanks to their Australian Shepherd lineage, Bernaussies tend to have a softer, wavier coat compared to purebred Aussies. Their fur often comes in striking tri-merle patterns, creating a beautiful mix of colors like black, white, and tan. While they do shed, their coat has a silky texture, which makes it more manageable and appealing. Regular grooming can help control shedding and keep their coat in optimal condition.
Genetic Influence on Size and Coat
The Bernese Mountain Dog genes contribute to the larger size and robust build of the Bernaussie, while the Australian Shepherd adds agility and a more refined, wavy coat. This blend of genetics results in a dog with the protective and loyal nature of the Bernese, balanced by the intelligence and energy of the Australian Shepherd.
Overall, Bernaussies are an excellent choice for those looking for a dog with a balance of beauty, loyalty, and intelligence, along with the benefit of a stunning tri-merle coat. Their moderate shedding and unique coat texture make them stand out from purebreds, combining the best qualities of both parent breeds.
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Genetic Breakdown: Coat Colors Across Generations
To understand how to get specific coat colors like black tricolor and blue merle, let's break down the genetic factors at play in Bernaussie breeding.
Black Tricolor
The Bernese Mountain Dog is genetically solid for black tricolor (BB/EE), meaning it consistently passes on black pigment.
Australian Shepherds can also have black tricolor genes (B/B or B/b), which makes black tricolor a possible outcome when crossed with Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Inheritance: In the first generation (F1), if the Australian Shepherd carries black tricolor genes (B/B), and the Bernese Mountain Dog passes its solid black (B/B), most puppies will be black tricolor, as both parents contribute to black coloration.
If the Australian Shepherd carries the recessive red gene (b), some puppies could carry the gene but still present as black tricolor.
Blue Merle
The blue merle gene is specific to the Australian Shepherd and follows a dominant inheritance pattern. The merle gene (M) dilutes the black pigment, creating the mottled, patchy appearance of blue merle.
For a blue merle coat to appear, the Australian Shepherd must carry one copy of the merle gene (Mm) since two copies (MM) can lead to health problems like deafness and blindness.
Inheritance: In an F1 generation (first cross between a Bernese and a merle-carrying Australian Shepherd), if the Australian Shepherd parent carries the merle gene (Mm), approximately 50% of the litter could inherit the merle coat, resulting in blue merle Bernaussies. The other 50% would inherit solid black coats (black tricolor), since the Bernese parent only passes black tricolor genes (B/B).
Blue merle puppies will have the signature mottled pattern with patches of black and gray, and potentially tan points, depending on the Australian Shepherd's genetic background.
Generational Breeding and Coat Color Outcomes
F1 Generation (Bernese x Australian Shepherd):
Black Tricolor: Likely to be dominant in litters, especially if the Australian Shepherd parent is also black tricolor.
Blue Merle: Possible in litters if the Australian Shepherd parent carries the merle gene (Mm). About 50% of the litter may exhibit blue merle.
F1B Generation (F1 Bernaussie x Australian Shepherd):
Breeding an F1 Bernaussie (carrying both Bernese and Australian Shepherd genes) back to a merle Australian Shepherd increases the chances of blue merle in the next generation.
Black tricolor will remain common since both breeds can carry these genes.
F2 Generation (Bernaussie x Bernaussie):
Breeding two F1 Bernaussies together can lead to more genetic variation. You may see a wider range of coat colors, including black tricolor and blue merle, depending on the genes both parents pass down.
If both F1 parents carry the merle gene (Mm), there's a 25% chance of producing double merles (MM), which is undesirable due to health issues. Careful breeding is required to avoid this.
Key Points to Ensure Desired Coat Colors:
To produce blue merle Bernaussies, at least one parent must carry the merle gene (Mm).
Breeding a black tricolor Bernese with a merle Australian Shepherd results in a mix of blue merle and black tricolor offspring.
Care must be taken in generational breeding to avoid health risks associated with double merles (MM).
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Why Purchase a Bernaussie?
Choosing a Bernaussie means bringing home a dog that beautifully combines the best traits of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Australian Shepherd. Here’s why this breed is an excellent choice for families and individuals alike:
1. Balanced Temperament
The Bernaussie merges the laid-back demeanor of the Bernese with the emotional intelligence and spirited nature of the Australian Shepherd. This combination results in a dog that is both affectionate and playful, making them great companions for all ages.
2. Lower Energy Level
One of our goals in breeding Australian Mountain Dogs is to reduce the overall energy levels of the typically high-energy Australian Shepherd. This makes the Bernaussie an ideal choice for families who want an active yet manageable pet that can adapt to various lifestyles.
3. Enhanced Lifespan
By incorporating the genetics of the Bernese Mountain Dog, known for its shorter lifespan, we aim to increase the overall longevity of the Bernaussie. This means you can enjoy more years of love and companionship with your furry friend.
4. Stunning Coat
The Bernaussie boasts a striking tricolored merled coat that combines the beauty of both parent breeds. With the right breeding practices, we ensure that the coat structure and texture are preferable to both the Bernese and the Australian Shepherd, resulting in a dog that is not only visually appealing but also easier to maintain.
5. Versatile and Adaptable
Whether you live in an apartment or a home with a yard, the Bernaussie is adaptable to various living conditions. They thrive in environments where they can receive both mental and physical stimulation, making them perfect for families and active individuals.
6. Loving Family Companions
Bernaussies are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent family pets. They are gentle with children and can form strong bonds with their human companions.
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Our premier Bernaussies are available at prices ranging from $3,500 to over $4,500 for our exquisite Black Tricolor Merle coats. Experience the luxury of owning a meticulously bred companion that embodies the highest standards of quality and excellence.
Introducing our new Aussie Bernese stud, Apollo, an F1 Australian Mountain Dog. We will be breeding him with our Bernese Mountain Dog to produce the second generation of Australian Mountain Dogs to Bernaussies This pairing is designed to preserve the exceptional structure of the Bernese while incorporating the vibrant coat colors of the Australian Shepherd, resulting in a stunning and well-rounded companion.
What is an AUSTRALIAN MOUNTAIN Dog?
