Bernedoodle Grooming 101: A Complete Guide
Why Grooming Your Bernedoodle Is Essential
There’s something magical about the first time you see a Bernedoodle. That fluffy coat, those soulful eyes, the playful charm… it’s hard not to fall in love. Their unique markings, affectionate nature, or hypoallergenic appeal will catch your attention. Without a doubt, Bernedoodles are truly a special breed.
At Hoosier Canines, we take great pride in our puppies, known for their genetics, lovable personalities, and luxurious coats. But before you commit to bringing one home, there are a few key things you need to know, especially when it comes to grooming!
While Bernedoodles are considered low-shedding, their coats require consistent upkeep to prevent tangles, matting, and skin irritation. Without proper care, their soft curls can quickly become a mess, leading to discomfort for your pup. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Bernedoodle grooming, from coat types to essential tools, step-by-step maintenance, and professional grooming options.
Grooming Tools for Bernedoodles
Before you start, you’ll want to gather the right tools for your pup’s coat type. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
- Slicker Brush – Ideal for detangling and preventing matting.
- Wide-Tooth Comb – Helps with deeper knots, especially for curly coats.
- Clippers & Scissors – Needed for trimming, especially around the eyes and paws
- Detangling Spray – Reduces breakage when brushing.
- Dog Shampoo & Conditioner – Keeps the coat soft and clean. Use a gentle shampoo!
- Nail Clippers or Grinder – Prevents overgrown nails that can cause discomfort.
The Three Bernedoodle Coat Types and Brushing
- Straight Coat – This coat is the least maintenance and resembles the Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat. It has minimal matting and requires weekly brushing. Brush 1–2 times a week to remove dirt and debris, keeping the coat smooth and tangle-free while maintaining its natural shine.
- Wavy Coat – This coat blends Poodle and Bernese textures. It requires moderate grooming and brushing every 2-3 days. Brush every other day to prevent tangles, reduce shedding, and keep the coat soft and manageable.
- Curly Coat – Most ‘Poodle-like’ coats require very frequent grooming. Daily brushing is essential to prevent painful matting, maintain a fluffy, well-groomed appearance, and keep the coat’s debris-free.
*Pro tip: Always brush before bathing to prevent mats from tightening in wet fur, making the grooming process smoother and more comfortable for your pup.
The curlier your puppy’s coat is, the less shedding you will have. Curlier coats are also more hypoallergenic because the curls stop the hair from getting onto the floor and furniture. But more curls also mean more brushing! To learn more about the different coats and shedding, check out Do F1 Bernedoodles Shed?
Understanding Your Bernedoodle’s Coat Type
Every Bernedoodle has its own unique coat and look. This is true even for siblings of the same litter. This means each needs their own grooming routine. Regardless of the type of Bernedoodle, you’ll end up with one of three coat types. (To learn more about the different types of Bernedoodles, check out “Types Of Bernedoodles“)
Bathing Your Bernedoodle – How Often & Best Practices
Bernedoodles may be low-shedding, but that doesn’t mean they stay naturally fresh and clean. Their thick, fluffy coats tend to trap dirt, oils, and whatever they roll around in, which can lead to odor and skin irritation if left go. Regular baths help keep their fur soft, their skin healthy, and those signature cuddles smelling a whole lot better. Plus, a good wash rinses away loose fur and dander, making them even more allergy-friendly.
A clean Bernedoodle is a happy Bernedoodle and a much more enjoyable snuggle buddy! Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Bathe your Bernedoodle every 4–6 weeks to keep their coat fresh and skin healthy.
- Use a gentle, hypoallergenic dog shampoo to prevent irritation.
- Apply a moisturizing conditioner to reduce tangles and add softness.
- Avoid over-bathing, as it can strip natural oils and lead to dry skin.
Bernedoodle Nail Trimming & Paw Care
Regular nail trimming is essential for your Bernedoodle’s comfort and overall health. Overgrown nails can cause pain, affect their posture, and even lead to cracking or splitting. Aim to trim their nails every 3–4 weeks to keep them at a healthy length.
If you hear their nails clicking on the floor, it’s a sign they’re too long and need a trim. You can safely shorten them with a grinder or clippers, but be mindful of the quick—the sensitive part inside the nail—to avoid discomfort.
Don’t forget about their paws! Check between the paw pads for trapped debris, dirt, or overgrown fur, which can cause irritation or make walking uncomfortable. Keeping their nails and paws well-groomed helps prevent problems and ensures every step they take is as happy and comfortable as possible!
Professional Grooming: Keeping Your Bernedoodle Looking and Feeling Its Best
While regular at-home grooming is crucial for keeping your Bernedoodles coat in top shape, scheduling a professional grooming session every 6–8 weeks ensures they get the full care they need. An experienced groomer can provide a thorough haircut, deep cleaning, and coat maintenance beyond what you can do at home.
Groomers also offer essential services that contribute to your pup’s overall well-being:
- Safely removing stubborn mats that could cause discomfort or skin issues.
- Performing ear cleaning and sanitary trims to keep them fresh and hygienic.
- Shaping their coat for a neat, stylish look that complements their adorable Bernedoodle personality.
Regular professional grooming keeps your Bernedoodle feeling light, clean, and comfortable—plus, it means fewer tangles and easier upkeep between sessions. Whether you prefer a fluffy teddy bear look or a practical summer cut, a trip to the groomer ensures your pup is always looking their best. This brings us to the fun stuff: haircuts!
Popular Bernedoodle Haircuts & Styles
Bernedoodles can rock various haircuts based on their coat type and lifestyle. Try one of these popular looks:
✂️ Puppy Cut: A uniform trim (1–2 inches) for easy maintenance.
✂️ Teddy Bear Cut: Longer, rounded face with a fluffy body—perfect for a cuddly look.
✂️ Kennel Cut: Short and practical, ideal for active dogs or summer months.
✂️ Lamb Cut: Trimmed body with slightly longer legs for a stylish appearance.
✂️ Face & Paw Trim: Keeps fur from blocking vision and prevents dirt buildup.
A Happy, Well-Groomed Bernedoodle
Regular grooming is key to keeping your Bernedoodle healthy, comfortable, and looking its best. Whether you’re brushing daily, trimming nails, or scheduling a pro-grooming session, consistency is key. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll ensure your pup stays mat-free, fresh, and ready for cuddles!
Bernedoodle Training and Development
Given their intelligence and energy, effective training is crucial for Bernedoodles. Positive reinforcement methods work best, rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or play. Training should start early and be consistent, focusing on basic obedience skills and gradually introducing more complex commands and tasks.
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What You Should Know About Bernedoodle Shedding
The minute you start bombing around on the internet looking for answers about Bernedoodles, you’ll likely come across the “do bernedoodles shed” argument. The answer may not be so cut and dry. In short, the answer is “not much,” but it does require some explanation. Your Bernedoodle’s shedding habits will depend on their genetics, but most of these dogs are known for being a low-shedding breed. In this article, we are discussing the F1 Bernedoodle specifically, but if you want more information on the different types of Bernedoodles, be sure to check out our blog: Types of Bernedoodles >>
F1, F1b, Multi-Generational Bernedoodles
F1, F1b, Multi-generational Bernedoodles
The F1 Bernedoodle is the first-generation Bernedoodle, meaning it has 50/50 genetics (50% Bernese Mountain Dog, 50% Poodle). Typically, F1 Bernedoodles have a wavy coat that is low-shedding but not always completely non-shedding. Their shedding level varies depending on which parent’s genetics are more dominant.
F1b Bernedoodles (a mix of an F1 Bernedoodle and a Poodle) shed even less than first-generation Bernedoodles since they inherit more of the poodle genetics.
Multi-generational Bernedoodles bred from other Bernedoodles can have a wide variation of shedding levels.
It’s important to test their coat types before selecting pairings to ensure the desired coat qualities are passed on to their puppies.
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Genetic Testing And Why It Matters
F1 Bernedoodles are a great choice for families looking for a smart, affectionate dog with minimal shedding. At Hoosier Canines, we carefully select and genetically test our parent dogs to help ensure our puppies inherit the coat qualities we’re aiming for. While F1 coats can still vary slightly from one puppy to the next, they typically have enough wave or curl to trap loose hairs. With regular brushing, shedding stays manageable, and you’ll rarely find dog hair scattered around your home.
It’s All In the Curls: Bernedoodle Coats Explained
With shiny locks of wavy softness, you’ll most definitely love cuddling with your furry companion. And these curls inherited from the Poodle gene, giving Bernedoodles their low-shed quality. Not surprisingly, F1 Bernedoodles also tend to be mostly hypoallergenic; however, this also depends on the degree of Poodle or curly-haired genes that a specific pup carries. Curly coats tend to shed less, and less shedding means fewer allergens floating around your home.
Unlike dogs with straight hair, who naturally lose hair as a part of their growth cycle, curly-haired dogs like Poodles and Doodles tend to trap loose hairs and dander within their locks, keeping them from falling out onto your floor on all over your furniture. Instead of shedding freely, dead hairs get caught in the tight curls, meaning less fur ends up on your clothes and furniture. Conversely, this also means you need to groom your Bernedoodle consistently!
Trusted Bernedoodle Breeders For Low-Shedding Coats
When choosing a Bernedoodle puppy, especially if you want one that sheds less, ask the breeder about the parents’ coat genetics, as reputable breeders who health test and carefully select their dogs can predict which bloodlines are more likely to have low-shedding coats.
Hoosier Canines is dedicated to the health, well-being, and genetic character of our dogs. We are not only committed to ensuring that our puppies have high-quality coats. To ensure that our puppies are born healthy and beautiful, we thoroughly test our parent dogs for a wide range of genetic, structural and medical conditions. Our dedication to quality and the well-being of our animals truly makes Hoosier Canine stand out among other Bernedoodle breeders.
How To Manage And Minimize Shedding
Even if your Bernedoodle sheds minimally, there are a few things you can do to keep your home, clothes, and pup clean and free of loose hair and dander. Here are our top tips for reducing Bernedoodle shedding.
Consistent grooming is essential to control shedding and maintain a healthy coat:
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Brushing: Regular brushing removes trapped hairs and prevents matting.
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Curly-coated Bernedoodles need frequent brushing to prevent tangles.
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Wavy-coated Bernedoodles may require less brushing but still benefit from regular grooming.
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Bathing: Periodic baths with appropriate dog shampoos can reduce dander and loose fur.
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Professional Grooming: Scheduling grooming sessions every few months keeps the coat in optimal condition.
Reserve Your Bernedoodle Puppy Today!
Choosing a Bernedoodle from Hoosier Canines means selecting a companion bred and raised with the utmost care, expertise, and love. Our dedication to producing healthy, happy, and well-socialized puppies sets us apart as the #1 Bernedoodle breeder in the heartland. Whether you’re looking for a Standard, Mini, or Micro Bernedoodle, we have the perfect puppy to fit your lifestyle and bring joy to your home.
Don’t miss the opportunity to welcome a Hoosier Canines Bernedoodle into your family. Complete our easy-to-use reservation form and take the first step towards adding a new furry member to your household.
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