Bernedoodles are loving and charming dogs, often described as loyal and goofy companions for life. Sharing the genetic makeup of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle makes them a low-shedding and hypoallergenic choice for many families in the US.
One thing that is true for all breeds is that they all need grooming – some just require a bit more maintenance than others. Bernedoodles are versatile and are available in different generations, coat types, and sizes. It may be hard to tell which one of them will keep you waiting at a grooming salon.
Keep reading to find out whether you need to equip yourself with brushes for your Bernedoodle.
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What Is a Double Coat on a Dog?
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and each of them has a distinctive coat, color, texture, and length. What is not visible to the naked eye is that some breeds have either a single or double coat.
A double coat on a dog means it has two layers: the wooly and dense hairs hidden under a layer of longer hairs. Canines with double coats don’t mind either hot or cold temperatures since their hairs repel the moisture, keep the body warm, and the top coat doesn’t get very dirty.
Despite these seemingly nice benefits, dog owners shouldn’t get excited just yet. As you may have feared, double-coat breeds require a somewhat exhausting session of grooming.
Do Bernedoodles Have a Double Coat?
Yes and no. Bernedoodles are versatile, and depending on the genetic makeup of a dog, their coat type can vary.
Bernedoodles tend to have straight, wavy, or curly hair and range from having shedding to low-shedding coats. It may be hard to tell whether your Doodle has a single or double coat, so we suggest trying the following:
- Brush the fur of your Bernedoodle and collect the hair.
- Place the hair on a white piece of paper or any other bright surface.
- See if the hair is the same or different.
As you might have guessed, if the hair from the brush isn’t identical, your Bernedoodle has a double coat. The undercoat is usually coarse, while the top layer is smoother and softer to the touch.
Note that your Bernedoodle develops its coat until it fully matures. You may notice the difference once your puppy becomes 6-8 months old.
Grooming Double-Coated Bernedoodles
Single and double-coat Bernedoodles have similar grooming requirements – brushing, bathing, trimming, etc. The only difference is that double-coated dogs require a more frequent upkeep.
Caring for single-coated Benredoodles is fairly easy once you set routine grooming sessions and thoroughly brush the hairs. When it comes to grooming double-coated Bernedoodles, there are a few things pet parents should keep in mind:
- Regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling, best done with an undercoat rake;
- Brushing the butt with a slicker brush to untangle longer and thicker hair;
- Equip yourself with a comb to pull out dead or loose hair from the top layer;
- If you cannot brush through a tangle, carefully cut it at the closest point to the skin;
- Use a bristle brush to make the coat look shinier.
Bernedoodle parents may shave the top coat, thinking their dog will not feel as hot in summer. However, the double coat doesn’t necessarily make it harder for Bernedoodles – on the contrary, the two layers help control the insulation in hot and cold weather. Trimming, on the other hand, could aid in keeping your Bernedoodle cooler; consult your groomer to learn what’s best for your furry friend.
Do Double-Coated Bernedoodles Shed Often?
The low-shedding qualities of Bernedoodles primarily depend on their coat type and genetic makeup. Having that said, everyone thinking about adopting a dog should know that 100% hypoallergenic or non-shedding breeds don’t exist.
Bernedoodles have low-shedding quality thanks to their Poodle genetics. The higher the Poddle gene, the curlier the hair is. Let’s have a look at each coat type:
Straight Coat
Bernedoodles with straight coats resemble one of their purebred parents the most – the Bernese Mountain Dog. These dogs usually shed a lot and are less allergic-friends than other types of coats. On the other hand, Bernedoodle with straight coats are low-maintenance and require less grooming.
Wavy Coat
Bernedoodles with wavy coats indicate predominantly the Poodle gene, up to 75%, often found in the F1b generation. Shedding becomes less of a problem with wavy hairs and doesn’t require frequent grooming, making it a great choice for first-time pet parents with mild allergy concerns.
Curly Coat
Curly Bernedoodles are the most sought-after out of all due to their low-shedding and hypoallergenic qualities. On the downside, tending to those curls will steal hours of playtime with your Bernedoodle. Their hair tends to tangle and trap in the dirt, making regular brushing a necessity for your dog’s well-being.
Final Word
Bernedoodles are one of the most versatile breeds that come in different coat types, colors, and textures. Countless American families love Bernedoodles for their uniqueness and unmatched personality. Low-shedding and hypoallergenic qualities are just a few of the benefits of this charming designer breed.
Because this breed is so diverse, it becomes hard to predict whether your dog will have an undercoat until it becomes 6-8 months of age. If it is indeed a double-coated dog, it would ultimately mean more frequent grooming.
