Breed Guides
Bernedoodle Grooming Guide: Caring for Your Tri-Colour Teddy Bear
Jan
Bernedoodles might be the most striking doodles of all. That tri-colour coat—black, white, and rust—combined with the Bernese Mountain Dog’s gentle nature creates a dog that’s equal parts gorgeous and lovable.
But that stunning coat? It comes with a price. Bernedoodles often inherit the Bernese Mountain Dog’s thick, dense fur combined with the Poodle’s curl. The result can be one of the most demanding doodle coats to maintain.
At WoofSpark, we’ve groomed our share of Bernedoodles. This guide shares everything we’ve learned about keeping these beautiful dogs looking their best.
What Makes Bernedoodle Coats Different
The Parent Breed Influence
Bernese Mountain Dog:
- Thick double coat (long outer coat + dense undercoat)
- Moderate to heavy shedding
- That stunning tri-colour pattern
- Designed for cold Swiss mountain weather
Poodle:
- Single-layer, continuously growing coat
- Minimal shedding
- Curly texture
- High matting tendency
The Result
Bernedoodles can inherit any combination of these traits:
- Thick, wavy coat with undercoat (most common)
- Curly coat with minimal shedding
- Straighter coat with more shedding
- Tri-colour, bi-colour, or solid patterns
The unpredictability is part of the Bernedoodle charm—and challenge. Two puppies from the same litter can have completely different coats.
Bernedoodle Coat Types
Wool Coat (Curly)
Characteristics:
- Tight curls throughout
- Minimal shedding
- Most Poodle-like appearance
- Highest maintenance
Grooming Needs:
- Daily brushing required
- Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
- High matting risk
- May lose some tri-colour definition as coat grows
Wavy/Fleece Coat
Characteristics:
- Loose waves throughout
- Low to moderate shedding
- The classic “Bernedoodle look”
- Moderate maintenance
Grooming Needs:
- Brush every 2-3 days
- Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks
- Moderate matting risk
- Best for showcasing tri-colour pattern
Straight/Hair Coat
Characteristics:
- More Bernese-like texture
- Higher shedding
- Possible undercoat
- Lower maintenance for matting
Grooming Needs:
- Brush 2-3 times weekly
- Professional grooming every 8-10 weeks
- May need deshedding
- Undercoat management required
The Bernedoodle Size Factor
Bernedoodles come in multiple sizes:
| Size | Weight | Grooming Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 10-25kg | 20-30 minutes |
| Medium | 25-35kg | 30-40 minutes |
| Standard | 35-50kg | 45-60+ minutes |
Standard Bernedoodles are big dogs with big coats. Budget extra time and make sure your tools are appropriate for a larger breed.
Essential Grooming Tools
Must-Have Tools
Large Slicker Brush
Essential for any Bernedoodle. For standard-sized Bernedoodles, invest in a large brush—small brushes make the job tedious and incomplete.
Metal Comb
Your quality control tool. If the comb glides through, you’ve brushed properly. If it catches, there’s more work to do.
Detangling Spray
Never brush a dry Bernedoodle coat. The dense texture catches and pulls without proper lubrication.
Undercoat Rake
Many Bernedoodles have an undercoat. An undercoat rake removes loose undercoat fur that a slicker brush can’t reach.
Dematting Tool
For working through tangles before they become solid mats.
The Brushing Routine
For Curly/Wavy Coats – Line Brushing Method
- Spray with detangling spray — Light mist over the section you’re working on
- Part the coat horizontally — Use your free hand to hold coat above where you’re brushing
- Brush from skin to tip — Start at the skin and work outward in small sections
- Work systematically — Move up the body, parting and brushing each section
- Check with comb — Run through each area. If it catches, you missed something.
For Straight/Hair Coats with Undercoat
Additional steps:
- Start with undercoat rake — Remove loose undercoat before slicker brushing
- Follow with slicker brush — Work through the outer coat
- Finish with comb — Verify all tangles removed
- Pay attention to seasonal shedding — Increase frequency during coat blowouts
Bernedoodle Trouble Spots
High-Priority Zones
Behind the Ears
Fine hair that tangles quickly. Hidden by the ear flap.
Under the Collar
Friction from walking creates mats.
Armpits
The #1 matting spot on any doodle. Check every session.
Groin and Inner Thighs
Hidden mats form easily here.
Bernedoodle-Specific Zones
The “Mane” Area
Many Bernedoodles have thicker fur around the neck and chest. This area mats quickly.
The Pants
That fluffy rear end looks gorgeous but mats easily. Don’t skip it.
The Tail
Bernedoodle tails are often gloriously fluffy—and often matted if neglected.
Between Colour Changes
Where black meets white or rust, the texture sometimes changes slightly. Pay attention to these transition zones.
Managing the Tri-Colour Pattern
Keeping White Areas Clean
Bernedoodle white markings show every speck of dirt. Solutions:
- Regular face washing (beard, around eyes)
- Wipe paws after walks
- Consider whitening shampoo for professional grooms
- Accept that white won’t stay pristine (that’s normal)
Tear Staining on White Faces
Common issue when white markings include the face area:
- Wipe daily with damp cloth or tear stain wipes
- Keep facial hair trimmed to reduce moisture retention
- See vet if staining is excessive or sudden
Maintaining Pattern Definition
Longer coats can obscure the colour pattern. If showing off the tri-colour is important:
- Keep coat at medium length
- Curly coats may need shorter clips to show pattern
- Wavy coats often display pattern best
Seasonal Considerations
Summer in Australia
Challenges:
- Heat stress (Bernedoodles are bred for cold)
- Swimming (if they love water)
- Thick coat retains heat
What to do:
- Summer clip is highly recommended
- Keep them cool with access to shade and water
- Rinse and dry after swimming
- Watch for overheating signs
- Don’t exercise in heat of day
Winter
Challenges:
- Coat thickens significantly
- Undercoat development (in some coat types)
- Wet weather and mud
What to do:
- Increase brushing frequency
- Use undercoat rake if applicable
- Dry thoroughly after wet walks
- Don’t skip professional grooms
Coat Blowouts
Bernedoodles with undercoats may “blow coat” seasonally—massive shedding as they transition between winter and summer coats.
Signs:
- Tufts of fur coming out
- Visible undercoat shedding
- More fur than usual everywhere
What to do:
- Increase brushing significantly
- Use undercoat rake or deshedding tool
- Consider professional deshedding treatment
- Don’t panic—it’s temporary
Bathing Your Bernedoodle
Before Bathing
Always brush first. This is critical for any doodle, but especially Bernedoodles with their dense coats. Wet mats tighten and become nearly impossible to remove.
Bathing Steps
- Thorough brush and comb — No tangles remaining
- Wet completely — Dense Bernedoodle coats take time to saturate
- Apply shampoo — Work through entire coat, all the way to skin
- Consider whitening shampoo — For white areas if needed
- Rinse thoroughly — Residue causes itching
- Condition — Especially helpful for thick coats
- Final rinse — Until water runs clear
Drying
Never air dry a Bernedoodle. Their dense coat stays damp for hours, creating conditions for:
- Hot spots
- Skin issues
- Musty smell
- Matting as coat dries
Best method: High-velocity dryer. Brush while drying to prevent tangles.
Home method: Blow dryer on cool setting, moving constantly. Be patient—this takes time with a Bernedoodle coat.
Common Bernedoodle Issues
Matting
The most common problem, especially with:
- Curly coats
- Larger Bernedoodles (more surface area)
- Around the mane and pants
Prevention: Consistent, thorough brushing. No shortcuts.
Hot Weather Sensitivity
Bernedoodles are designed for Swiss mountain weather, not Australian summers.
Signs of overheating:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Reluctance to move
- Seeking shade constantly
Prevention:
- Summer clip
- Air conditioning
- Early morning/evening exercise only
- Always provide shade and water
Skin Issues
The thick coat can trap moisture and debris, leading to:
- Hot spots
- Bacterial infections
- Irritation
Prevention:
- Keep coat clean and dry
- Check skin regularly during brushing
- Don’t let them stay wet
- See vet for persistent issues
Professional Grooming
Recommended Schedule
| Coat Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Curly/Wool | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Wavy/Fleece | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Straight/Hair | Every 8-10 weeks |
What to Expect
A full Bernedoodle groom includes:
- Bath with appropriate shampoo
- High-velocity blow dry
- Full brush-out
- Haircut to preferred style
- Face, feet, sanitary trim
- Ear cleaning
- Nail trim
Time required: 2-3+ hours for standard Bernedoodles. These are big dogs with big coats.
Popular Bernedoodle Styles
The “Teddy Bear” Cut
- Medium length all over (1-2 inches)
- Round face
- Fluffy appearance
- Shows tri-colour pattern well
- Requires consistent brushing
The Short Clip
- Short all over (under 1 inch)
- Minimal home maintenance
- Practical for hot weather
- May reduce visible tri-colour definition
The “Bernese” Cut
- Body shorter
- Mane and pants left longer
- Bernese Mountain Dog-inspired
- High maintenance but beautiful
Working with Bernedoodle Temperament
Good news: Bernedoodles typically inherit the Bernese Mountain Dog’s gentle, patient nature.
Grooming advantages:
- Usually tolerant of handling
- Patient during long sessions
- Eager to please
- Calm temperament
Tips:
- Use treats to reward patience
- Take breaks during long grooming sessions
- Start handling and grooming young
- Build positive associations
The Bottom Line
Bernedoodles are stunning dogs with demanding coats. That tri-colour pattern and teddy bear appearance comes with responsibility.
Success requires:
- Consistent brushing (can’t skip this)
- Understanding your specific coat type
- Quality tools appropriate for the coat
- Regular professional grooming
- Acceptance that maintenance is part of ownership
Be honest with yourself: If you can’t commit to regular brushing, keep your Bernedoodle in a shorter clip. A well-maintained short coat is always better than a neglected long one.
The grooming commitment is real—but so is the reward. A well-groomed Bernedoodle is one of the most beautiful dogs you’ll ever see.
Questions about your Bernedoodle’s coat? Reach out—we love helping Bernedoodle owners.
Related Reading
Continue exploring our grooming guides:
- Aussiedoodle Grooming Guide: Caring for Your Active Adventurer’s Coat
- Poochon Grooming Guide: Expert Coat Care
- Irish Doodle Grooming Guide: Expert Coat Care
Ready to book a professional grooming session? Book your appointment or view our services.