--- title: Boarding a Bernese Mountain Dog | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/bernese-mountain-dog/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Breed guides](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/) - Bernese Mountain Dog # Boarding a Bernese Mountain Dog A Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog, 70 to 95 pounds for females and 80 to 115 for males by the AKC, with a thick double coat, so a female fits Business Class ($59 a night on the 2026 rates) and a big male fits First Class ($72). On the 2024 bath chart the Double Coated column is $65 at 51 to 75 pounds, $75 at 76 to 100 and $85 over 100. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Berners come from the Swiss Alps and carry a coat for it. AKC calls them placid, sweet and affectionate, always up for a romp with the owner they live to please. The challenge in Dixon is not the dog's mood. It is July. ## Business Class or First Class AKC lists males at 25 to 27.5 inches and 80 to 115 pounds, females at 23 to 26 inches and 70 to 95. Business Class (5x6 ft, about 30 square feet inside and 60 outside) works for most females. A male near 100 pounds or more belongs in First Class (6x8 ft), and two Berners from one home share First Class for $72 plus $61 for the second dog. ## A very thick coat AKC scores Bernese shedding at 5 of 5, the top mark. The coat is long, silky and moderately wavy over a dense undercoat, so a brush at home before the stay sends less hair into the run. The bath chart cell is the Double Coated column: $65 for 51 to 75 pounds, $75 for 76 to 100, $85 over 100. A bath with a thick coat takes time and a drying period, so ask the price and the timing early. ## Why summer matters most A mountain breed in a valley with about 100 days of 90 degrees or more (NOAA 1991-2020 normals for nearby Vacaville) wants shade and cool air. The runs are air-conditioned in summer, and your dog picks inside or out. Plan outside play for morning and evening, and say so at drop-off if your dog tires or pants early. ## Steady energy AKC gives the breed 4 of 5 on energy. The usual Berner is happy with a long walk and a good lie-down. Walks are included, and the grass field is soft on big joints. ## Before the stay Brush your Berner well the day before and trim nothing; staff care for the coat as it comes. Mention any joint stiffness or medication, since a heavy dog on a Kuranda bed gets up and down all day. A tour any day from 9 to 11 AM or 2 to 4 PM lets you see the runs. ## Meeting other dogs Berners are friendly, and dogs see neighbors through the fence while keeping their own space. If yours is a gentle giant who gets pushed around by little dogs, tell us. ## What a stay costs A 5-night stay in Business Class is 5 x $59 on the 2026 rates. A second dog from the same home is $50, and 14 nights or more is $53 a night; active military families pay that same reduced rate (the rate sheet does not list the two as combining; call 707-678-6600 to confirm). ## Food and records Large-breed diets are welcome in the original bag with cups written on the form, and medications are given at no extra charge. Rabies, distemper/parvo, Bordetella and canine influenza records must be good through the last day, and your dog should be 16 weeks or older before the first day. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [American Kennel Club - Bernese Mountain Dog breed page](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bernese-mountain-dog/) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) - [Happy Paws Kennels bathing rates effective January 1, 2024](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) - [NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Boarding large dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/large-dogs/) - [Boarding giant dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/giant-dogs/) - [Boarding double-coated dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/double-coated-dogs/) - [First Class kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/first-class-kennel/) - [Boarding large & giant dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/large-and-giant-dogs/) ## Which kennel class fits? How many dogs? Biggest dog They will share one kennel Pick how many dogs and the biggest one's size. A guide from the sizes on our facility page. The staff confirm the right kennel when you book. ## Bath price finder Your dog's weight Coat Pick a weight and coat. From the bath chart effective January 1, 2024. The 2026 sheet prices baths on request, so please ask to confirm. Baths are for overnight boarders. ## Read next - [Pomeranian](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/pomeranian/) - [Boston Terrier](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/boston-terrier/) - [Havanese](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/havanese/) - [English Springer Spaniel](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/english-springer-spaniel/) - [Shetland Sheepdog](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/shetland-sheepdog/) - [Brittany](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/brittany/) - [Cocker Spaniel](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/cocker-spaniel/) - [Border Collie](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/border-collie/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Is a Bernese too hot at Happy Paws? Runs are air-conditioned in summer, and your dog chooses inside or out. ### How many Berners can share a kennel? Two or three large dogs from the same home fit First Class. ### What does a Bernese stay cost? $59 a night in Business Class or $72 in First Class on the 2026 rates; 14 nights or more is $53 or $65.