Golden Mountain Dog

You’re going to be busy if you have a Golden Mountain Dog — it needs a lot of grooming to maintain that coat. It requires almost daily brushing to keep it at its best, and it’s a coat that almost seems to be in a constant state of shedding (though it sheds less during the winter). Your home will need more frequent vacuuming as a result — but isn’t that a small price to pay in return for the privilege of having one of these beauties in your home?

That thick coat, incidentally, has been designed to protect Golden Mountain Dogs from cold weather — it’s a throwback to the Bernese parent breed working in the Swiss Alps — so it prefers a cooler temperature. If you live in a warmer part of the US, then a Golden will probably find life uncomfortable at times, in the heat.

Other than that, make routine checks of ears to prevent any potential infection, trim nails when necessary, and brush teeth reasonably regularly. You should only bathe a Golden Mountain Dog when needed, and use a gentle soap when you do to preserve the waterproof coat.

Golden Mountain Dog health

While it’s sometimes thought that mixed or hybrid breeds of dogs are healthier than purebreds — the suggestion being that cross-breeding eradicates the genetic issues in certain  breeds — that’s not really been proven. In any case, all dogs can get ill on occasion and the Golden Mountain Dog is no different.

As this dog is a Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever mix, there’s a risk it may experience health conditions that are associated with its parent breeds. These include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Bloat
• Von Willebrand’s disease
• Hypothyroidism

Hip and elbow dysplasia

Golden Mountain Dogs are one of many breeds that can be affected by either hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or both. It’s a common issue with both Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs; large breeds can be more susceptible.

Hip dysplasia occurs when there’s malformation of the ball and socket in the hip joint; sometimes in both. This affects movement — instead of being smooth, it grinds, causing obvious discomfort. Elbow dysplasia is essentially a form of arthritis in the elbow joint. It can occur because of genetic developments but also due to other factors — including in large breeds who grow rapidly, or who might be overweight.

Bloat

Bloat is the term often used for stomach dilation or gastric dilatation volvulus. Large breeds, with deep chests, are thought to be more at risk of a condition that, at its most serious, can be life threatening. Eating food too quickly, and eating too soon after exercise, can lead to bloat; as dogs age, they can be at more risk.

Von Willebrand’s disease

Von Willebrand’s disease is an inherited bleeding disorder, with Golden Retrievers among the breeds most commonly affected (though Doberman Pinschers are most seriously affected), sadly. It’s a genetic disease, though some dogs won’t display any symptoms as a puppy, but later in life. Dogs with Von Willebrand’s disease might bleed for a prolonged period after surgery, or bleed excessively from a minor injury. There’s no cure for the condition, though it can be managed.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can occur in dogs who have thyroid issues. It results in an increased metabolic rate, so if you notice that your dog’s losing weight despite eating normally — or showing an increased appetite — it’s a tell-tale symptom of hypothyroidism. Blood tests are needed to diagnose the condition, and treatment options depend on whether it’s a thyroid issue, or a tumor causing the problem.

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It’s highly likely that your dog, whatever breed it is, will experience a health issue during their lifetime. Do you have pet insurance in place to help with the cost of treatment? Find the best pet insurance deals in seconds here.

Why not sign up to a wellness plan, which covers annual vaccinations and vet appointments? 

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Feeding a Golden Mountain Dog — what’s the best diet? 

A big dog like the Golden Mountain Dog has a big appetite, but it’s important to pay attention to portion control and the type of food you provide your pup.

The best type food for Golden Mountain Dogs will be recipes that have been specially formulated for large breeds. That usually means food that delivers the right amount of protein, carbs and essential vitamins but also helps to protect joints as large dogs can be vulnerable to such issues. Ideally, recipes should also be formulated to prevent weight gain, which, again, can be a big problem in bigger dogs.

It’s also recommended that you consider diets for the life stages of your dog. Puppies will need food for growth and development; senior dogs may need fewer calories as they age. There are lots of options available — read our recommendations for best dog for large dogs, and best puppy food for large dogs. We also have suggestions for dog food for Golden Retrievers and for Bernese Mountain Dogs, the parent breeds of the Golden Mountain Dog. Either are good starting points for your research.

You can also read more in-depth reviews of dog food brands — including analysis of ingredients — at our partner website, Dog Food Advisor.