Looking for a dog that is as affectionate as a Bernese Mountain Dog and with the brain of a Poodle? Bernedoodle is set to become your life-long companion, then. This designer breed is charming, adorable, and so good-natured that you will never want to leave its side (as it is yours).

Bernedoodle puppies love being around their pet owners. In fact, they thrive among humans and get along well with children.

So, if you are seriously considering adopting a Bernedoodle, you must know how to take care of the pup. Grooming is a big thing for this breed, and knowing how to tend to those curls is a must.

Central Illinois Doodle is here to share tips and tricks you can use for your Bernedoodle grooming sessions.

Quick Facts

  • Bernedoodles come in three coat types: straight, wavy, and curly, each requiring different grooming techniques.
  • Regular grooming sessions, including brushing, bathing, and nail clipping, are essential for maintaining a Bernedoodle’s coat health and overall well-being.
  • Popular Bernedoodle haircuts like the Winter Cut, Summer Cut, and Teddy Bear Cut offer various styles to suit different climates and preferences.
Grooming Bernedoodle

What Tools Do You Need for Bernedoodle Grooming

Before you lure your Bernedoodle puppy to your grooming table, make sure you are equipped with all the necessary tools. Most of them you will use at least a few times a month, while others will be by your side every day.

Even though Bernedoodle grooming can be performed by a professional, if you want to bond with your puppy and, eventually, save some costs, here is what you need to have:

  1. Brush and comb – ideal for detangling the coat and removing mats.
  2. Clippers – for trimming the long coat.
  3. Scissors – for cutting the curls and hairs around the eyes, ears, paws, and anus.
  4. Detangler spray – to soften the tangles for easier brushing.
  5. Nail clipper – for clipping overgrown nails.
  6. Thinning shears – can be used to thin down the coat if it looks heavy and bulky.
  7. Dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner – purchase a dog shampoo that is suitable for a coat type of your Bernedoodle.
  8. Ear cleaner and cotton balls or disks – from time to time, you can use an ear cleaner to remove any wax or dirt from your Bernedoodle’s ear and use cotton balls or disks to clean the outer areas of ears and eyes.

Finally, prepare a bag of savory treats for your pup to reinforce good behavior and associate grooming with a pleasant experience.

Understanding Bernedoodle Coats

Now that you have everything you need for Bernedoodle grooming on hand, it is time to dig your hands into your puppy’s coat. Bernedoodle can have three types of coats, depending on purebred parents and generation. Determining which coat type your Bernedoodle has will help you choose suitable products and stick to an effective grooming routine.

Straight coat Wavy (fleece) coat Curly (wool) coat
Bernedoodles with a straight coat have thick, long hair. A fleece coat is often described as soft and wavy hair that is easy to tend to with routine grooming. A wool coat must be the most desired one since it closely resembles a Poodle and is the most hypoallergenic among the three types.
It gets tangled and mats quickly and requires more frequent brushing. Compared to the straight coat, a wavy one doesn’t shed and tangle as often. What few people know is that a wool coat has thick curls that tend to tangle and mat often.
Often, a straight-coated Bernedoodle resembles a Bernese Mountain Dog and sheds more often than curly Doodles. Although known to shed a little, this coat requires the most grooming to keep Bernedoodle hair in good condition.

How to Groom a Bernedoodle

Regardless of how low or high maintenance your Bernedoodle is, there are four steps of grooming you need to be prepared for:

Step 1: Preparation

Every dog is different, and you cannot just take your Bernedoodle and start scaring it with clippers and brushes. Instead, you should create a pleasant and positive experience so that your dog feels calm and comfortable.

Your Bernedoodle may not be used to the sound of running water and nails clipping, so make sure to take your time and do not rush things. Savory treats are a good way to reward your dog during the process.

Step 3: Bathing

Bathing your Bernedoodle may also pose a few problems, from your puppy being afraid to step into the water to it having unruly behavior. Hence, it’s once more important to stay calm and gently wash your dog.

Note: Always remember to brush your dog’s hair before bathing it.

It really doesn’t matter whether you should start shampooing the head or body first. The most important thing is to be careful around the eyes and gently rub paws and ears.

Step 2: Brushing

For brushing, you will use a regular brush for straight and wavy coats or a metal comb for curly Bernedoodles. As it may be your dog’s first time being brushed, let it sniff the comb, but don’t let your dog play with it.

Note: If you can’t properly brush some curls of your Bernedoodle, switch to a slicker brush or pin brush.

Before you start grooming your Bernedoodle, have some treats on you to praise your pup after almost every stroke until it gets used to the process.

Step 4: Nail Clipping

Nail clipping may be the hardest step in Bernedoodle grooming. Many pet parents don’t feel comfortable doing it themselves and would rather have a professional groomer trim the nails. Nevertheless, your job is to prepare your puppy for the experience. You can do that by handling your Bernedoodle’s paws for a brief moment, preferably every day.

Using a conditioner is an option and often a recommended one for dogs with long hair. Your groom can advise you on what products to use for the best results.

Bernedoodle sitting on green grass wearing an orange bandana

Bernedoodle Traits

  • Affectionate, gentle, and goofy personality

  • Calm, docile energy

  • Excellent emotional support dogs

  • Good with children

  • Low-to-non shedding

  • For allergy-friendly needs, F1b puppies are optimal

  • Standard-sized need space to stretch

  • Mini or tiny sizes available for smaller spaces

Popular Bernedoodle Haircuts

  • The Winter Cut for Bernedoodles offers extra warmth with longer hair, but it requires frequent grooming.
  • A shorter Summer Cut features shorter hair – ideal for dogs living in a hot climate.
  • The Poodle Cut resembles a traditional poodle look but is a high-maintenance haircut.
  • The Teddy Bear Cut gives a cuddly appearance for curly or wavy hair.
  • The Kennel Cut is nearly shaved, convenient for less daily grooming.
  • The Lamb Cut maintains consistent hair length overall with a shaved face, feet, and tail.

How Often to Groom a Bernedoodle

After a while, you will get an idea of how often your Bernedoodle needs grooming. It usually depends on the type and length of your dog’s coat, as well as other Bernedoodle grooming needs.

As a rule, you can trim the coat every 6-8 weeks. Bathing highly depends on the level of your Bernedoodle’s activity and can range from once a week to once a few weeks.

Brushing, on the other hand, is a different story. At Central Illinois Doodles, we recommend brushing your Doodles 3-4 times a week, especially if your pup has a wool coat.

Tri-color Bernedoodle Puppy
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Final Words

Grooming your Bernedoodle not only keeps them looking their best but also contributes to their overall health and well-being.

By regularly brushing, bathing, and trimming their coat, you can prevent mats, tangles, and skin issues, ensuring your furry companion stays comfortable and happy. Plus, bonding with your Bernedoodle during grooming sessions strengthens your relationship and trust.

And when you’re ready to welcome a Bernedoodle into your family, Central Illinois Doodles is here to help you find the perfect match.