How Often Do Bernedoodles Need To Be Groomed?

An often-asked question is, How Often Do Bernedoodles Need To Be Groomed? When I first looked into adopting my Bernedoodle, I wondered how often they needed to be groomed.

So, I did some research, and now after owning one for just over 18 months, I have learned how often my Bernedoodle needs to be groomed.

Do Bernedoodles need to be groomed?

Well, the short answer is it depends on the various types of hair. But ours has a wavy-like texture, and she only needs to be brushed once or twice weekly.

You will likely want to run your hands over your dog’s body and tail to see if you feel any knots.

Let’s talk about the Bernedoodle and the different aspects you should know before adopting one yourself, so you know how to keep your new Doodle groomed properly.

Coat Type

Bernedoodles have a variety of coat types depending on the breeding genetics of the parents.

Reputable breeders will know the coat type to be expected at around six weeks old. Reputable breeders will have already done DNA testing to ensure all pups have proper coats.

The four Bernedoodle coat types are:

1) Curly Hair

Curly coat types are not as common or desired as wavy ones. The curly coat can come from breeding two Bernedoodles, but it can also happen with the parents being full-bred Bernes or Poodles.

The curly coat type is more like Poodle hair and must be treated as such.

2) Wavy Hair

Wavy coat types are the most common types in Bernedoodles. This coat type is the most common when you breed the Bernes Mountain Dog and Poodle to make the first-generation Bernedoodle.

3) Straight Hair

Straight hair in a Bernedoodle is not considered an improper coat. It just means that straight-haired Bernedoodles got a straight-hair gene from both parents, both being Bernedoodles themselves.

4) IC Affected or Improper Coat

An improper coat in a Bernedoodle is dogs that do not have that signature longer hair on their faces. This improper coat means they lack longer beards, eyebrows, and mustaches.

These are also called furnishings. There is nothing wrong with these dogs genetically; they just were not bred to meet the classic.

Bernedoodle look. Genetic testing allows you to determine if two Bernedoodles will produce IC Affected pups.

Do Bernedoodle Dogs Shed?

The answer to this question lies in the coat type. Bernedoodles, in general, do not shed like a typical short-haired dog.

But, their coat types determine the degree to which they shed. Typically the curlier the coat, the less it will shed, and it will allow you to know how often you need to groom your Bernedoodle.

So, if you want a Bernedoodle with no shedding (with proper care), you would want to get a Bernedoodle with a curly hair type.

These dogs tend to have hair that most closely resembles a poodle. With regular grooming, these dogs do not shed as noticeably as others.

Bernedoodles with wavy coats would be next regarding how little they shed. With regular brushing and baths, these wavy-haired Bernedoodles have almost no shedding.

Straight-haired Bernedoodles have a little shedding, but it can hardly be noticeable with proper care. Since they must be groomed regularly, the undercoat will be shed with brushing.

IC Affected Bernedoodles shed more than any other hair type

It is important to remember that though these dogs shed less than a short-haired dogs, most people are allergic to pet dander.

Pet dander is the skin that is naturally shed throughout the day. All dogs produce pet dander as they shed their skin cells, even if they don’t shed hair. So no dog can genuinely be hypoallergenic.

Benerdoodle Grooming Tips

Grooming your Bernedoodle daily will help keep mats away and shedding to a minimum. Grooming is a great way to bond with your dog. You must have a few items on hand at home for grooming.

A brush or comb that is appropriate for coat type and length
Shampoo and conditioner
Nail trimmers
De-matting brush
high-velocity blow dryer

What about Matted Hair?

It is important to remember that the curlier the coat is, the more you will need to groom it. Depending on your pup’s activity, the curliest coats must be brushed or combed daily or every other day.

Straighter hair will not matt as quickly, but brushing often will keep the shedding under control. You will want a slicker brush for all coat types and short to medium-length hair.

These brushes will keep your dog’s hair tangle-free and shiny. You will want to get a wide and fine-tooth comb for longer coats.

Use the wide-tooth comb first to break up any mats that might be forming, then the fine-tooth comb for an evening out and detangling more minor knots.

A de-matting brush on hand will help if your dog goes too long between brushes. These brushes are designed with small sharper edges inside the brush’s teeth to help break up mats.

These brushes are gentler than brushes because a brush will tug at a mat and pull the skin in return.

When breaking up mats, always start at the ends with your de-matting brush and work your way to the skin. Brushing this way will cause less breakage and will not hurt your dog.

So, If you’re looking for a special brush specifically for matting, this Mat Grooming Tool works very well to remove those stubborn mats.

Nail Trimming

Depending on your dog’s activity, nail trimming must be done every 4-6 weeks.

So, if you are uncomfortable trimming nails alone, an experienced groomer or vet will gladly help. In either case, having nail trimmers on hand is a smart thing to do.

Dogs can get broken and snagged nails just as people do. And in that event, you will need to help trim their nail for them to prevent quicking.

Bathing

A good moisturizing shampoo is best for preserving natural oils in their fur. These natural oils give their coats their shine. Using a dog conditioner will also help keep the softness.

Since Bernedoodles do not shed, it is vital to take them to be groomed every 8-12 weeks. During this groom, they will get a wash, nail trim, and a haircut at the very least.

The groomers will be able to assess the dog’s coat and give you helpful tips on what it needs and what you can do at home to keep it healthy.

When visiting your groomer, you must have a realistic idea of how you would want your dog’s hair cut. Think of it as if you were to get your hair cut.

You would never walk in and say, “Do what you want with me!” Instead, bring pictures that help your groomer see what you would like to have done.

Also, when visiting a groomer, never set unrealistic goals on how the cut will look. Bernedoodles with wavy hair cannot have a haircut like a Standard Poodle.

Visits to the groomer should start after your puppy has had all its vaccinations. Going young will allow your groomer to bond with your pup, even if it’s just a nail trim.

It also allows your puppy to get used to the services it will require all of its life. Waiting too long to get your puppy groomed will stress your dog and make it more challenging to groom.

Temperament, Health, And Lifespan

A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernes Mountain Dog and a Poodle. This cross means that they are not full-bred dogs.

Also, there are differences in each dog depending on the parent’s temperament and genetics. Generally speaking, Bernedoodles are loyal, easy to train, and have a fun, easy-going character.

They have high energy and are great for active lifestyles and kids. The Bernedoodle is known for its smart mind and keen ability to train.

Therefore, these dogs are very motivated to make their owners happy; therefore, they are easy to train using simple treats and praise.

Bernedoodles have a fantastic memory and will pass with flying colors any training course they are enrolled in.

The average lifespan of a Bernedoodle is 12-15 years. This is a long time for a larger dog that weighs 70-90 pounds. With proper diet and exercise, these dogs are not uncommon to live much longer.

Always choose one that has undergone genetic testing for all breeding pairs when looking for a breeder. This testing will ensure the health and temperament of your pup.

Bernedoodles are an excellent pet for any home.

They shed minimally, are loyal, family-oriented, and are easily trained. With proper care, you will never notice that stinky dog smell or have horror stories of a matted dog that needs to be shaved down.

Do you think that a Bernedoodle is a right breed for you? Hopefully, this article has helped you understand more about Bernedoodles and their grooming needs.

So, if you have a puppy and need potty training tips, visit our article here, which covers everything you need to know.

In Conclusion

Bernedoodles are a great addition to any family. They have excellent learning and training abilities and are great with children and other dogs.

With a bit of love and care, these dogs will bond with your family and become protective of your family.

Doodle FAQ

Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!