Product Review: Iv San Bernard
- Carolina Koutras
- Jan 1
- 5 min read
For Samoyed owners, achieving and maintaining a luxurious, show-ready coat often feels like both a science and an art. My personal journey with Iv San Bernard began with the Mineral H Shampoo protocol, a product I first heard about from an European peer. She spoke highly of its ability to promote coat regrowth, especially post-whelping, when bitches often lose significant fur. Inspired, I initially sought out the Mineral H line to address a specific challenge: rescuing my own senior Samoyed’s tail fur after hypothyroidism-related hair loss. It is known as one of the trickiest areas to regrow hair in a Samoyed (and in many breeds), and I needed a product that could deliver visible results, and fast, because she is already nearly 12 years old. I was quite impressed with the results, and ended up incorporating the Mineral H protocol, and other products like the Crystal Clea shampoo into my show dog grooming routine as well.
History and Legacy of Iv San Bernard
Founded in 1995 by cosmetics expert Mirco Aringhieri in the picturesque region of Tuscany, Iv San Bernard has built a reputation for combining scientific innovation with a profound respect for animal wellness. Originally created to provide professional-grade grooming products for breeders and groomers, the brand quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and consistent results. Today, under the ownership of the Italian beauty group Alfaparf, Iv San Bernard continues to honor its origins while reaching a global audience through exclusive distributors such as Dr. Cliff Faver in the U.S., Naturapet in Canada, and others worldwide.
Mineral H Shampoo: The Science Behind the Results
At the heart of Iv San Bernard’s grooming solutions is the Mineral H Shampoo, a product designed to stimulate hair regrowth and enhance coat health. What sets it apart is its flagship ingredient: Swiss cow placenta extract, a powerhouse of bioactive compounds. Rich in amino acids, proteins, and growth factors, placenta extract has been scientifically shown to support cellular regeneration (Zhao et al., 2016) and improve hair follicle health (Kim et al., 2012).
Placental bioactive compounds are known to promote the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, which are critical for hair growth cycles. These cells, located at the base of hair follicles, play a key role in regulating hair growth by interacting with the surrounding follicular environment to promote the development and maintenance of healthy hair. Peer reviewed, scientific studies in regenerative medicine have shown placenta extract's efficacy in revitalizing damaged hair follicles, promoting keratin synthesis, and increasing hair density. This makes Mineral H Shampoo not just a grooming product but a targeted therapeutic solution for dogs dealing with coat loss due to health issues, hormonal imbalances, or environmental stressors, while also being an excellent choice for dogs aiming to maintain impeccably healthy fur year-round.
The application process is straightforward and effective. Mixed in a 1:3 ratio with water, the formula’s active ingredients penetrate the hair shaft and follicle, creating an optimal environment for regrowth. I’ve seen the results on my senior Samoyed’s tail after two washes, 3 weeks apart. For an area notoriously hard to regrow, it was amazing to see her tail starting to recover. This product truly stands out as the holy grail of my senior dog's grooming routine going forward.
The Mineral H Protocol for Regular and Hair Regrowth Grooming
Step 1: Cleanse
Mix 1 part Mineral H Shampoo with 3 parts water. Lather onto your dog’s coat, ensuring even distribution and allowing it to sit for five minutes. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Hydrate
Prepare a blend of equal parts pH Balance Conditioner and Orange PEK, diluted with three parts water. This combination works to restore hydration and elasticity to the coat. Apply generously, leave for five minutes or longer, and rinse thoroughly to lock in moisture.
As mentionned above, while originally introduced to me as a solution for my Samoyed’s tail recovery, I have since incorporated the protocol for general coat maintenance and couldn’t be more pleased with the results. The formula is best described as gentle, effective and professional-grade.
Show Grooming Protocol: The Crystal Clean for a Perfectly Crisp, White Samoyed Coat
For samoyed show dogs, the Crystal Clean Protocol is a must-have. It eliminates discoloration, oil buildup, and general oxidation. I use it to bring out the beautiful white and crisp coat of my younger Samoyed before shows.
Step 1: Cleanse
Mix equal parts Crystal Clean Shampoo and Purifying Clay Shampoo, adding water three times to froth the mixture. Apply, let sit for five minutes, and rinse thoroughly. This step removes stains and brightens the coat.
Step 2: Hydrate, see note below
Dilute the PH Balance Conditioner with water in a 1:3 ratio. Apply to the coat, let it rest for 1-2 minutes, and rinse. This final step leaves the coat feeling nice and polished. Note: conditioning is generally not recommended in my experience for samoyed show grooming as judges prefer the Samoyed coat to feel crisp. However, this conditioner is gentle enough not to leave the coat soft. Proceed with caution! While the brand protocol suggests a 5-minute soak, I either don't use it before shows, or reduce it to 1-2 minutes maximum. This adjustment works well during a busy show season, especially in dry climates like the Canadian prairies, where frequent grooming and the climate can sometimes make the fur feel slightly dry. For a less busy show season, you may choose to skip this step entirely. Again, in general, I do not condition before shows. But it is sometimes needed. Every dog’s needs are unique.
Why Iv San Bernard Stands Out
Iv San Bernard’s commitment to excellence is evident in every bottle. The brand offers solutions that cater to both the show competitor and the next door pet owner. The Mineral H Shampoo and Crystal Clean line have become staples in my grooming arsenal, addressing everything from regrowth challenges to show-prep perfection.
The brand’s legacy is reinforced by its partnerships with veterinarians and distributors who understand the science behind coat care. As a scientist myself, I really appreciate this.
The Verdict
If you’re a Samoyed owner - or own any breed that requires meticulous coat care - I highly recommend incorporating the Mineral H Shampoo protocol into your grooming routine. Not only has it helped regrow my senior dog’s tail fur, but it has also become my to-go shampoo for maintaining coat health year-round. For show competitors, the Crystal Clean shampoo has been an excellent alternative to other whitening shampoos that strip the coat of its natural oils.
Iv San Bernard’s made in Italy formulas can be found online via their Canadian, American, and Italian websites.
About the Author: Carolina Koutras, PhD, lives in Calgary with her Samoyeds, Nina and Dimitri. She competes in conformation dog shows with Dimitri, an RBIS Grand Champion Bronze and Canada’s #2 Samoyed in 2023 under limited showing.
