A proper haircut for your furry child is much more than a “fashion statement.” Bernedoodles, especially those with more curly coats, require regular grooming and a cut that is adjusted to their routine and needs.
Luckily for all Bernedoodles lovers, there are plenty of Bernedoodle haircut styles that ensure dogs stay comfortable and healthy, as well as adorable and photo-ready!
Let’s learn about all the trendy puppy Bernedoodle grooming styles to give your sweet, playful dog a cut that matches their personality!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Start grooming Bernedoodle puppies early. Even though a fancy haircut isn’t necessary for very young pups, getting them accustomed to grooming routines through gentle brushing and handling is important for their future health and happiness.
- Schedule the first haircut after vaccinations. Once your Bernedoodle puppy has received all their vaccinations, professional grooming becomes a safe option. This is a good time for their first haircut, as their adult coat will be coming in.
- Choose the haircut based on your dog’s needs. Consider factors like climate, activity level, and coat type when making this decision.
How Important Is Grooming for a Bernedoodle Puppy?
While a perfectly styled haircut isn’t essential for a very young Bernedoodle puppy (like under 16 weeks), getting them used to grooming routines early on is important.
Focus on Positive Training
The first few months with your Bernedoodle puppy are a golden window for socialization and training. Positive reinforcement training techniques are ideal for these smart and eager-to-please pups.
Shorter Puppy Coat
Bernedoodle puppies have a softer, less dense coat than adults. This puppy coat is less prone to matting and tangles, so a full haircut isn’t necessary right away. However, it’s a good idea to start getting them familiar with the grooming process.
You can incorporate gentle brushing into these sessions, making it a positive experience associated with treats and praise. This will lay the foundation for future grooming sessions to be less stressful for both you and your pup.
When Haircuts Become Important?
Once your Bernedoodle puppy has received all their vaccinations, professional grooming becomes a safe option. This is a good time to schedule their first haircut, as their adult coat will be coming in around this time.
Regular haircuts will become increasingly important to prevent matting, which can be uncomfortable and unsanitary for your dog. Mats can pull on their skin, trap dirt and moisture, and even become infected.
A professional groomer can assess your Bernedoodle’s coat type and recommend a haircut style that is easy to maintain and keeps your pup comfortable.
You can discuss options like a puppy cut or a teddy bear cut, which are shorter styles that are good for young dogs. These cuts will help keep your Bernedoodle cool and comfortable, and they are also easier to brush and maintain at home between professional grooming sessions.
Pro Tip:
It’s always beneficial for a dog owner to learn about your pup’s coat type and how to take care of it at home. And we’ve got just the right guide for you. Head to our Bernedoodle Coat Types: From Soft Waves to Luxurious Curls article and learn all about the various coat types your puppy can have.
Also, be sure to check out Bernedoodle Care Guide: Keeping Your Furry Friend at Their Best Guide for more insightful tips on how to keep your four-legged friend happy, healthy, and well-groomed!
Best Bernedoodle Haircuts for a Puppy
When it comes to styling your Bernedoodle puppy, there are many adorable options to consider, each with its own benefits! Here’s a rundown of some popular puppy Bernedoodle cuts you should get to know!
Puppy Cut
This is a classic, all-around good choice for young Bernedoodles. It keeps the fur short and even all over the body, typically around 1-2 inches long. This cut is easy to maintain with regular brushing at home, making it a good option for busy pet parents.
The shorter fur helps keep puppies cool and reduces the risk of matting, especially beneficial for those with more active lifestyles. On top of that, the puppy cut is suitable for all Bernedoodle sizes (standard, miniature, and tiny) and activity levels.
Perfect fit for your Bernedoodle youngster!
Teddy Bear Cut
Similar to the puppy cut, the teddy bear cut keeps the fur short and even but with slightly more fluff on the head and around the face. This creates an irresistibly cuddly, teddy bear-like appearance.
This cut is also relatively easy to maintain and keeps your pup cool and comfortable in the summer heat, making it a perfect Bernedoodle summer cut. The style is another great all-around choice for Bernedoodle puppies of any size or activity level.
Summer Clip
Speaking of summer, if you want to keep your pappy comfortable during those sunny months, you should consider the summer clip. This hairstyle keeps the body fur very short, typically around ½ inch or less. This creates a very lightweight coat that allows for maximum airflow and helps keep your pup cool in hot weather.
It’s a great choice for active Bernedoodle puppies who love to run and play outside. You can choose to keep the head fur short like the body or trim it to a slightly longer length for a more rounded look.
However, keep in mind that the remaining fur on the head, tail, and paws will need regular brushing to avoid tangles.
Winter Cut
On the other side of the coin, we have the winter cut. This cut prioritizes warmth for colder climates. The fur on the body is kept slightly longer than a puppy cut (around 2-3 inches) to provide insulation, while the legs, paws, and face are trimmed shorter for easier cleaning.
Winter cut is a good choice for puppies who spend a lot of time outdoors in cold weather.
Keep in mind, the longer fur will require more regular brushing to maintain its condition and prevent matting. But the adorableness of this Bernedoodle puppy cut makes it all well worth it!
Lamb Cut
A style that offers the best of both worlds is the lamb cut! Very cute and practical, this cut keeps the body fur short and even, similar to a puppy cut, but with the legs and face trimmed longer. This creates the characteristic Poodle look that many people know and love!
While the lamb cut’s short body fur is great for keeping your Bernedoodle cool in summer, it might not be the best choice during winter. For colder months, consider a slightly longer cut, like a winter cut, that provides more insulation.
Also, keep in mind that this cut works best for curly Bernedoodles, making the lamb in your dog come alive.
Mohawk Cut
Something a bit out there: the Mohawk Bernedoodle puppy haircut is a more unconventional cut that might not be suitable for all Bernedoodle puppies.
It involves shaving the sides of the head and leaving a strip of fur running down the center, creating a mohawk-like appearance. This cut requires regular maintenance to keep the mohawk portion trimmed and shaped.
In our expert option, it’s best for confident owners who don’t mind a more unique style, but keep in mind it might not be suitable for all Bernedoodle puppies’ personalities. Still, this is definitely a haircut for a pup that wants to stand out from the crowd!
Lion Cut
For a truly unique look, you can also consider the lion cut. This cut involves shaving the fur on the body short while leaving a long, fluffy mane around the head and possibly a pom-pom on the tail.
We recommend this cut for warmer climates, as it’s much easier to maintain without the added burden of wet snow, leaves, and mud getting in the way. Additionally, it might not be suitable for every pup, so a good idea is to observe your dog and change the haircut if you notice signs of discomfort.
The lion cut requires regular grooming to maintain the mane’s shape, but it photographs very well, making it a truly remarkable style.
How Much Does It Cost to Groom a Bernedoodle?
As with many dog breeds, the cost of grooming a Bernedoodle can vary depending on location, the complexity of the haircut, and the groomer’s experience.
In most places in the country, you can expect a baseline price range of $50 to $100 for a standard groom (bath, haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning).
Obviously, more unique and complex Bernedoodle haircuts will raise this cost, sometimes considerably.
At the end of the day, it’s every owner’s choice as to how much they want to spend on their puppy’s grooming. It is possible to reduce those costs as well by grooming your dog at home. While such an approach requires more time, dedication and practice, it can be a wonderful bonding experience for a young pup and its parent.
Haircuts for Bernedoodles – Conclusion
Not two dogs are the same, so it only makes sense that Bernedoodle owners have a variety of haircuts for their furry friends they can choose from. As we see it, a good haircut is adjusted to the dog’s age, activity levels, climate, season and the owner’s ability to maintain it.
If you’re a new dog owner, it might be a better idea to try out simpler styles, like summer or puppy cuts, before you decide on something like a lion cut.
Either way, we always have your back with a fresh batch of expert advice and knowledge we share on our blog! Be sure to check it out and find more grooming and care tips.
If you’re ready to start a beautiful journey as a Bernedoodle owner, we encourage you to see currently available puppies you can purchase from Central Illinois Doodles.
Sources
houndtherapy. “Bernedoodle Grooming: The Complete Guide on How to Groom a Bernedoodle.” Hound Therapy, 15 Nov. 2022, https://www.houndtherapy.com/blog/bernedoodle-grooming/ Accessed 29 May 2024.
Lundve, Laura-Johanna. “Top Bernedoodle Haircuts (Lots of Pics!) & Home Grooming Tips.” Doodle Doods, 3 Dec. 2020, https://doodledoods.com/bernedoodle-haircuts-grooming-tips/. Accessed 29 May 2024.
Duong, Hanh. “9 Bernedoodle Haircuts & Grooming Styles in 2024 (with Pictures).” Hepper, 17 Dec. 2020, https://www.hepper.com/bernedoodle-haircuts/. Accessed 29 May 2024.