Bernedoodle Coat Types and Care

One of the most striking features of Bernedoodles is their beautiful, often tri-coloured coat. However, unlike purebred dogs where coat type is predictable, Bernedoodle coats can vary significantly depending on genetic inheritance from their Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parents. Understanding your Bernedoodle's specific coat type is essential for providing appropriate care and maintaining their gorgeous appearance.

This guide explores the three main Bernedoodle coat types, their characteristics, and the specific care each requires to stay healthy and beautiful.

The Three Bernedoodle Coat Types

Curly Coat

The curly coat most closely resembles the Poodle parent, featuring tight, springy curls throughout the body. This coat type typically results from inheriting two copies of the curl gene.

Characteristics:

• Tight, defined curls similar to a Poodle
• Highest level of hypoallergenic properties
• Minimal to no shedding
• Hair continues to grow rather than shedding naturally
• Most prone to matting
• Requires the most maintenance

Wavy Coat

The wavy coat, sometimes called a fleece coat, is the most common Bernedoodle coat type. It represents a blend between the Poodle's curls and the Bernese Mountain Dog's straighter coat, resulting in loose, flowing waves.

Characteristics:

• Loose, soft waves throughout the body
• Good hypoallergenic properties (low shedding)
• Light shedding possible
• Moderate maintenance requirements
• Less prone to matting than curly coats
• Often considered the most manageable coat type

Straight Coat

The straight coat, sometimes called a hair coat, most closely resembles the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. This coat type is less common, particularly in F1 (first generation) Bernedoodles.

Characteristics:

• Flat, straight hair similar to a Bernese Mountain Dog
• Lowest hypoallergenic properties
• Regular shedding (sometimes heavy)
• Least prone to matting
• Lowest maintenance between grooms
• May develop slight wave as the dog matures

Caring for Curly Coats

Curly-coated Bernedoodles require the most dedicated grooming routine. Their tight curls trap shed hair within the coat rather than releasing it, which contributes to their low-shedding nature but also creates significant matting potential.

Daily Care

Curly coats ideally need daily brushing to prevent mats from forming. Using a slicker brush, work through the entire coat in sections, brushing from the skin outward. Pay particular attention to high-friction areas: behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, groin, and where legs meet the body.

Bathing

Bathe curly-coated Bernedoodles every 4-6 weeks, always ensuring the coat is thoroughly brushed beforehand. Water tightens existing mats, making them nearly impossible to remove. Use a quality conditioner to help prevent tangling.

Professional Grooming

Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is typically necessary for curly coats. Many owners opt for shorter clips to reduce maintenance between appointments. Popular styles include the "teddy bear" cut or puppy clips that maintain the characteristic Bernedoodle look while being more manageable.

Caring for Wavy Coats

Wavy coats offer a balance between appearance and maintenance, making them popular among Bernedoodle owners. While they still require regular attention, they're generally more forgiving than curly coats.

Regular Brushing

Brush wavy coats every 2-3 days to prevent matting. A slicker brush followed by a metal comb works well for this coat type. The looser wave pattern allows shed hair to release more easily than curly coats, but regular brushing is still essential.

Bathing

Bathe wavy-coated Bernedoodles every 6-8 weeks or as needed. Pre-brushing remains important to prevent mat tightening. Conditioner helps maintain the soft, flowing texture of the waves.

Professional Grooming

Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks keeps wavy coats looking their best. Many owners choose slightly longer styles than curly-coated dogs, as the waves show beautifully in medium-length clips.

Caring for Straight Coats

Straight-coated Bernedoodles are the easiest to maintain between grooms but do shed regularly. If you have allergies, this coat type may not be ideal, but for those who don't mind some shedding, they're wonderfully low-maintenance.

Brushing

Brush straight coats every 3-4 days to manage shedding and keep the coat healthy. A pin brush or bristle brush works well for this coat type. During seasonal shedding periods (typically spring and autumn), daily brushing helps manage loose fur.

Bathing

Bathe straight-coated Bernedoodles every 8-12 weeks. Their coats don't trap dirt and odour as readily as curly or wavy coats, and over-bathing can strip natural oils.

Professional Grooming

Professional grooming is needed less frequently – every 8-12 weeks – primarily for trimming and general tidying rather than mat removal. Some owners of straight-coated Bernedoodles manage grooming entirely at home.

Common Coat Issues and Solutions

Matting

Mats are tangled clumps of hair that can tighten against the skin, causing discomfort, skin irritation, and even injury. Prevention through regular brushing is essential, but if mats do form:

• Never try to brush out a tight mat – this is painful and can damage skin
• Apply detangling spray and work the mat apart with fingers
• For severe mats, have a professional groomer safely remove them
• Address the underlying cause – increase brushing frequency

Dry or Dull Coat

A healthy Bernedoodle coat should be shiny and soft. Dull or dry coats may indicate:

• Nutritional deficiencies – ensure adequate omega fatty acids in the diet
• Over-bathing – reduce bathing frequency
• Harsh products – switch to gentler, moisturising shampoos
• Underlying health issues – consult your vet if coat problems persist

Skin Issues

Dense Bernedoodle coats can trap moisture and create an environment for skin problems. Signs to watch for include:

• Excessive scratching or licking
• Red, inflamed skin
• Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
• Unusual odour
• Hair loss or thinning

If you notice skin issues, consult your vet. Many can be resolved with treatment and improved coat care practices.

Coat Colour Patterns

Beyond coat type, Bernedoodles come in beautiful colour patterns inherited from their parent breeds:

• Tri-colour – The classic Bernese Mountain Dog pattern with black, white, and rust markings
• Bi-colour – Two colours, typically black and white
• Phantom – Similar markings to Dobermans or Rottweilers
• Merle – Mottled patches of colour (requires careful breeding to avoid health issues)
• Solid – Single colour throughout, often black
• Sable – Hair with darker tips, creating a shaded effect

Coat colour doesn't affect care requirements, but some colours (particularly lighter ones) may show dirt more readily and require more frequent bathing.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer

In Australia's hot summers, consider a shorter trim to keep your Bernedoodle comfortable. Never shave double-coated dogs to the skin, as the coat provides insulation from heat as well as cold. For summer safety tips, see our dedicated summer care guide.

Winter

Allow coats to grow slightly longer for added warmth. Increase brushing frequency as longer coats mat more easily. Check paws for trapped debris and moisture after wet weather walks.