Bernedoodle Grooming

Bernedoodles, as hybrid mixes of the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog, can have some coat variety--but in most Poodle mixes the genes for the Poodle-type coat are dominant, so a majority of these hybrids have wavy to curly coats and will need a good bit of grooming. Bernedoodles with straighter, thicker coats like that of the Bernese Mountain Dog won't need as much grooming, but the coats will shed more.

Here you'll find info on maintaining the Bernedoodle's coat, including plenty of details on brushing and bathing. You'll also learn about popular Bernedoodle hairstyles. Get answers to your questions about Bernedoodle grooming in the following sections!

Overall Bernedoodle grooming is usually pretty time-consuming--and a majority of the time spent grooming a Bernedoodle will consist of maintaining its coat. These hybrids normally have wavy to curly coats like their Poodle parents', in which case their coat care will need to be fairly extensive. A few Bernedoodles' coats are straighter and thicker like the Bernese Mountain Dog's, and won't need as much coat care--but the trade-off is the coats will shed more, especially during the spring and fall shedding seasons.

Brushing Bernedoodles with "Poodle-esque" coats will need to happen 3-4 times per week, if not daily, to avoid tangles and mats.. Use a pin or slicker brush to brush the dog as follows: wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle, then starting at the shoulders, go through the coat section by section with the brush, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you encounter a tangle or mat, first try working it out with your fingers, then if needed continue working through it with the end teeth of a greyhound comb.

Bernedoodles with straighter coats will only need brushing once or twice a week. Use a pin brush, in the same manner as described above. During shedding season, daily brushing will be required; some also like to use de-shedding tools during these shedding periods to help collect dead hairs.

These hybrids will need baths every 6-8 weeks--unless of course the dog gets especially dirty and stinky, and an "emergency bath" is in order. When bathing your Bernedoodle, be sure to use canine shampoo, and try to rinse the shampoo completely from the coat. Not doing both these things can irritate the dog's skin.

And Bernedoodles can get a a variety of haircut styles (see the Styling & Haircuts section below).

Though owners can learn to fulfill all their Bernedoodle's grooming needs on their own, many rely on professional groomers for major tasks like bathing and haircuts. In any case, it's a good idea to take your Bernedoodle to a pro at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Bernedoodle at home.

Since most Bernedoodles' coats are more like the Poodle's, most of the hairstyles Poodles get are possible on these hybrids too. (Bernedoodles with straighter coats could conceivably get them too--but they'll probably look a bit odd.) Depending on the style, Bernedoodle haircuts are needed every 2-3 months.

Some popular Bernedoodle cut styles:

• Puppy Cut: A very low-maintenance style. The coat is clipped short (to about two inches) all over. Some people prefer to leave the hair on the dog's legs, face, and head a bit longer. Can be done at home with some practice.
• Lion Cut: Makes the dog resemble the King of the Jungle. The hair on the head, neck, chest, front legs, and front of the body is left at full length; the rear of the body, hind legs, and tail are clipped short; rounded hair "poms" are sculpted on the end of the tail and tops of the feet. Best done by a groomer.
• Teddy Bear Cut: Similar to a Puppy Cut, but the hair on the legs, face, and head is carefully rounded to make the dog resemble an adorable stuffed animal. Probably best done by a groomer.
• Town and Country Cut: A very stylish look. The hair on the body is clipped short, while the leg hair is left longer and shaped in a cylindrical pattern. The hair on the ears and tail is rounded and teased out. Definitely needs a groomer's touch.