Mini Unfurnished Australian Mountain Dog
“Mini Aussie Bernese” “Mini Berner Aussie mix” “Mini Aussie Mountain Dog” “Mini Bernese Australian” “Mini Bernese Aussie Shepherd”
“A cross between a Mini American Shepherd and a Bernese Mountain Dog or a smaller Australian Mountain Dog. They are large and stunning dogs that naturally inherit their parent’ breeds’ personalities.”
Mini Aussie x Bernese
Breed Traits & Characteristics
Miniature Australian Mountain Dog
Small in Size. Big in Heart.
The Miniature Australian Mountain Dog is a thoughtfully downsized version of the traditional Aussie x Berner cross. Created by pairing a smaller Bernese Mountain Dog with a Miniature American Shepherd, this compact companion offers all the charm, loyalty, and intelligence of its full-sized counterpart—just in a more manageable frame.
Size Estimate
Height: 17–20 inches (shoulder)
Weight: 35–50 lbs (ideal range)
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Hypoallergenic: ❌ No – moderate shedding expected
Coat: Medium-length, straight to wavy, double-coated
This refined size class is ideal for:
Families in smaller homes or apartments
Owners seeking a Berner look without the bulk
Those wanting a lower-shedding alternative to traditional Bernese
Through careful selection of foundation dogs at Stokeshire, we are among the first to offer this downsized version of the breed in the Midwest—preserving the temperament and aesthetics of the Aussie x Berner while improving longevity, health, and lifestyle compatibility.
Introduction
The Australian Mountain Dog is a striking blend of loyalty, intelligence, and rustic charm—uniting the heart of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the brilliance of the Australian Shepherd. At Stokeshire, we’ve cultivated this designer cross to embody the best traits of both breeds—creating a loyal, family-focused companion that thrives in both active homes and peaceful retreats.
Breed History of Mini Australian Mountain Dog
Where Tradition Meets Innovation: The Origins of the Australian Mountain Dog
The Australian Mountain Dog is a purposeful blend of two extraordinary working breeds: the Bernese Mountain Dog, a stoic draft and drover from the Swiss Alps, and the Australian Shepherd, a high-energy herder known for its agility and intelligence. While these breeds were never meant to meet in their native lands, their combination has created something remarkable—a loyal, versatile, and healthier family companion.
Savi - Mini American Shepherd Blue Merle Tri with Deep Red Copper Points Unfurnished
At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we were among the first breeders in the Midwest to recognize the potential of this pairing. Our mission began with a question:
“Can we preserve everything we love about the Bernese—its soulful expression, loyalty, and gentle nature—while improving its lifespan, trainability, and coat manageability?”
To answer that question, we partnered with top programs in Utah and the West Coast, selectively bringing in premium foundation dogs to Wisconsin. From there, we built the first structured Australian Mountain Dog breeding program in the Midwest, introducing a thoughtful blend of Bernese Mountain Dogs, Australian Shepherds, and Miniature American Shepherds to produce this hybrid with intentionality, not trend.
75% Berense Aussie x Bernese
The Bernese, while beloved for its calm and affectionate demeanor, faces a sobering reality: a short lifespan and susceptibility to certain cancers. Meanwhile, the Australian Shepherd brings vitality, intelligence, and an eagerness to work—but often in a higher-drive, higher-maintenance package.
By blending these lines and rigorously testing our pairings for structure, temperament, and genetic health, we’ve created a dog that:
Apollo & Feta
Retains the look and loyalty of the Bernese
Gains the agility and intelligence of the Aussie
Offers increased longevity and trainability
Produces both furnished and unfurnished coats to suit family needs
This intentional pairing is also the foundation for our Australian Mountain Doodle (AMD) program, where we take it one step further—introducing Poodle genetics for added hypoallergenic potential and coat diversity.
Stokeshire’s Australian Mountain Dogs and Doodles are not simply mixed breeds—they are the result of vision, data, and devotion, built for real families who want beauty, health, and heart in a single companion.
Temperament
Temperament
Protective yet Polite: These dogs are deeply bonded to their people, often forming a strong attachment to one or two individuals.
Trainable & Intelligent: They love having a “job” and thrive with positive reinforcement.
Balanced Energy: Not as intense as a herding dog, yet more agile and alert than the traditional Berner.
Great with Kids: Naturally nurturing and affectionate, especially when socialized early.
Moderately Reserved: Slight wariness with strangers, but not shy or reactive. Socialization shapes a confident, grounded adult.
Coat & Grooming
While not hypoallergenic, the coat is lower maintenance than a Poodle mix. Expect:
Moderate shedding—especially seasonally
Brushing 2–3x per week
Occasional trims around feet and ears
A stunning natural coat that shouldn't be over-groomed
Australian Mountain Dogs 1 - Week Old
Appearance
Our Australian Mountain Dogs often carry:
The tri-color or merle coat patterns of their Aussie heritage
The solid build and soulful eyes of the Bernese
A medium-length, weather-resistant double coat
Expressive eyes in shades of brown, amber, or blue, often with marbling
Conclusion
What is the energy level of an Australian Mountain Doodle? - Moderate to High
The Miniature Australian Mountain Dog offers the perfect balance of heart, brains, and beauty—wrapped in a more compact and manageable size. Purposefully bred by Stokeshire as a smaller, healthier alternative to the traditional Bernese Mountain Dog, this designer hybrid brings together the affectionate loyalty of the Berner with the intelligence and agility of the Miniature American Shepherd.
Ideal for families, first-time dog owners, and those living in smaller homes or moderate climates, Minis are affectionate, adaptable, and deeply devoted. Their moderate-to-high energy levels are balanced by a calm, observant nature, making them excellent companions for everything from backyard play to cozy nights in. And while they aren't hypoallergenic, their unfurnished or lightly furnished coats are easier to manage than many double-coated breeds.
If you’ve always loved the look and temperament of the Bernese but need a dog that better fits your lifestyle—smaller, smarter, and longer-living—the Miniature Australian Mountain Dog may just be the perfect fit for your family.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT
Australian mountain doGs
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Mini Australian Mountain Dogs typically stand 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 35 and 50 pounds when fully grown. Their size makes them an excellent choice for families who love the look and temperament of a Bernese Mountain Dog but prefer a more compact, manageable companion. These dogs retain the solid build and presence of their larger cousins—just in a smaller, more adaptable frame.
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Mini Australian Mountain Dogs have a medium-length, weather-resistant double coat that ranges from straight to wavy. Their coat can be furnished (fluffier with face furnishings) or unfurnished (sleeker, Berner-like appearance) depending on genetics. Common coat colors include tricolor, merle, black & white, and red & white. While not hypoallergenic, their coats are easier to manage than curlier doodle mixes, and regular brushing helps keep shedding under control. Bred for companionship and working ability, Bernese x Aussies handle cold, rainy, and snowy weather well. Their weather-resistant coats require some grooming and shed less when regularly brushed and maintained.
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Mini Australian Mountain Dogs come in a beautiful variety of colors, most commonly inherited from their Australian Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog lineage. Typical coat colors include:
Tricolor (Black, White, and Tan or Rust)
Blue Merle
Red Merle
Black & White
Red & White
Some dogs may have white markings, copper points, or marbled eyes, especially in merle-coated puppies. Each dog’s coat pattern is unique, making them visually striking companions with lots of character.
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Mini Australian Mountain Dogs offer the perfect blend of beauty, brains, and heart—in a size that fits more lifestyles. Bred as a smaller, healthier alternative to the Bernese Mountain Dog, they combine the affectionate, loyal nature of the Berner with the intelligence and agility of the Miniature American Shepherd. These dogs are:
Great with kids and families
Highly trainable and eager to please
Protective but not overly intense
Compact and easier to manage than larger breeds
Bred for improved longevity and structural soundness
If you love the look of a Bernese but need a dog that’s smaller, longer-living, and more adaptable, the Mini Australian Mountain Dog is a standout choice.
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Our well-bred Aussie Mountain Dogs start at $3,500, with rarer colors—such as Brown Tricolor Merle—ranging up to $5,500 or more. Smaller sizes and unique coats are especially prized among our luxury clients, reflecting their exclusivity, structure, and beauty.