Got a fluffy Bernedoodle who’s starting to look more like a walking tumbleweed than your beloved pup? You’re definitely not alone. These gorgeous dogs are incredible companions—seriously, there’s not much to complain about with these gentle giants—but they do come with some grooming requirements that’ll keep you busy.
Here’s the thing: whether you’re planning to become your Bernedoodle’s personal stylist or you’re scouting for the perfect professional groomer, understanding what your pup needs is half the battle. And trust us, once you get into a groove with grooming, it becomes this surprisingly relaxing bonding time (yes, even when your dog tries to eat the brush).
The biggest game-changer? Your Bernedoodle’s coat type. This single factor determines everything from how often you’ll be wielding those clippers to which products will actually work. Let’s dive in.
Are you in the right place?! Click here to find out what to do about Bernese mountain dog shedding
Understanding a Bernedoodle Coat
Here’s where things get interesting. Every Bernedoodle is a unique mix of their Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents, which means their coats can be wildly different. We’ve worked with Bernedoodles who look like fluffy teddy bears and others who could pass for elegant poodles—all depends on which parent they take after.
Did you know that roughly 70% of first-generation Bernedoodles (F1s) end up with that coveted low-shed coat? But here’s the catch: you won’t know for sure what you’re getting until your pup’s adult coat comes in around 12-18 months.
Your Bernedoodle will likely have one of these three coat types:
Wavy (Fleece) Coat
This is the sweet spot—think of it as the Goldilocks of Bernedoodle coats. It’s that perfect 50/50 blend where the Bernese’s straight hair meets the Poodle’s curl, creating these gorgeous waves that feel like silk under your fingers.
What we love about wavy coats: they shed minimally and don’t mat up as easily as curly coats. You’ll mostly find this coat type in F1 and F2 Bernedoodles, though genetics can always throw you a curveball.
Straight Coat
This is your high-maintenance option—but also your most hypoallergenic choice. If you’ve got family members with allergies, this coat type might be worth the extra effort. These tightly curled coats barely shed (if at all), but they require regular professional grooming to prevent matting disasters.
The curly coat comes straight from the Poodle side of the family tree, and while it’s gorgeous, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart when it comes to upkeep.
Curly (Wool) Coat:
This is the most high-maintenance coat type of the three, but it is also the most hypoallergenic. Curly-coated Bernedoodles will require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. The good news is that curly-coated Bernedoodles do not shed much, if at all.
The curly coat is inherited from the Poodle parent’s coat, with the hair being tightly curled. They are popular among families with allergies since they are considered to be hypoallergenic.
Top Bernedoodle Haircuts
Before you fall in love with any particular style on Instagram, chat with a professional groomer first. They’ll help you figure out what actually works for your dog’s coat type, face shape, your lifestyle, and even your local climate.
Here’s the reality: shorter cuts mean less daily maintenance but more frequent trips to the groomer. Longer styles look stunning but require serious commitment to brushing. In Texas heat? Short cuts are your friend. Minnesota winter? Maybe keep some length for warmth.
Popular Bernedoodle Haircuts That Actually Work:
Poodle Cut
Be specific when you ask for this one—there are about a dozen variations floating around. The classic version keeps the body short while leaving the legs, head, and neck longer. Stylish? Absolutely. High maintenance? You bet.
Summer Cut
Perfect for hot climates or busy pet parents. This no-fuss cut keeps everything short and manageable. Your groomer will thank you, and your vacuum cleaner will get a break.
Teddy Bear Cut
This crowd-pleaser gives your pup that adorable, stuffed-animal look with a rounded face and fluffy body. Fair warning: strangers will want to pet your dog even more than usual.
Lamb Cut
A favorite among active families. The face, legs, and tail stay short while the body gets left longer. Great for dogs who love outdoor adventures since it won’t collect every twig and leaf in the neighborhood.
The Winter Cut
As you’d guess, this longer style is perfect for colder months. Just know you’ll be seeing your groomer more often since longer hair equals more opportunities for mats and tangles.
Puppy Cut
Want to keep that sweet puppy look forever? This cut maintains that youthful appearance and works great for first-time Bernedoodle parents still figuring things out.
Kennel Cut
Super practical for dogs who’ll be boarding or for owners who want minimal maintenance. Everything stays short, preventing mats and making bath time a breeze.
Mohawk Cut
For the pet parents who want their dog to be the talk of the dog park. Fun? Absolutely. Practical? Not really. But sometimes you need a little personality in your life.
The bottom line: pick a style that fits your schedule, your dog’s needs, and your comfort level with grooming maintenance.
12 Tools you will Need to Groom your Bernedoodle At Home
Before you start buying every grooming gadget on Amazon, figure out your dog’s coat type first. This will save you money and frustration down the road. When in doubt, ask your vet or a professional groomer—they’ve seen it all.
Here’s what actually belongs in your grooming toolkit:
The Must-Haves:
Grooming Table
Your back will thank you. Trust us on this one. A good grooming table with an arm attachment keeps your dog at the right height and prevents you from doing yoga poses while trying to trim their paws.
Brush
- Slicker brush: Non-negotiable for all Bernedoodle owners. Perfect for removing tangles and loose hair without damaging the coat.
- Pin brush: Great for longer, curly coats
- Bristle brush: Ideal for shorter coats
Comb
Essential for detangling and distributing those natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny. We use this after every brushing session.
Clippers
Non-shedding Bernedoodles grow hair fast—like, surprisingly fast. Good clippers are worth the investment and will pay for themselves after a few professional grooming sessions.
Scissors
For those detail areas around the face, ears, sanitary areas, and paws. Don’t cheap out here—good scissors make all the difference.
Detangler Sprays
Game-changer for stubborn mats. Makes brushing easier and conditions the coat at the same time.
Nail Clippers or Nail Grinder
Choose between clippers or a grinder (we prefer grinders for nervous dogs). Overgrown nails are uncomfortable and can cause health issues.
Thinning Shears
Creates that natural, blended look and prevents the coat from looking too bulky or uneven.
Good-Quality Shampoo and Conditioner
Never use human products—they’ll strip your dog’s natural oils and cause skin irritation. Choose products designed for your dog’s specific coat type.
Ear Cleaner and Cotton Balls
Ear cleaner and cotton balls are essential for preventing infections, especially since Bernedoodles’ floppy ears can trap moisture and debris.
Towels and Grooming Apron
Because grooming gets messy, and you’ll want to stay somewhat presentable (or at least dry).
Treats
The secret weapon for turning grooming from a battle into a bonding experience. Find what motivates your pup and use it liberally.
Top Tips on How to Groom a Bernedoodle
Look, every Bernedoodle owner wants their pup looking and feeling amazing. And while grooming can sometimes feel like herding cats (especially with an uncooperative pup), doing it right pays off big time. Your dog will look great, smell better, and you’ll catch any skin issues early.
Here’s our tried-and-true approach:
The Basics That Actually Matter:
Brush Regularly (Like, Actually Regularly) This isn’t a “when you remember” situation. Mats form fast, especially behind ears and under legs. Daily brushing for curly coats, every other day for wavy, and 2-3 times weekly for straight coats. Use the right brush for your dog’s coat type—it makes a huge difference.
Bath Smart, Not Often Over-bathing strips natural oils and dries out skin. We recommend bathing when your dog smells or looks dirty, typically before trimming sessions. Use lukewarm water and dog-specific shampoo—your pup’s skin pH is different from yours.
Trim Regularly Don’t wait until your dog looks like a shaggy carpet. Regular trims prevent mats, keep them cool in summer, and maintain that adorable Bernedoodle look you fell in love with.
Nail Maintenance Those clicks on hardwood floors aren’t charming—they mean nails are too long. Trim every 2-3 weeks or whenever you hear clicking. If you’re nervous about this, your groomer can handle it.
Ear Care is Critical Clean and dry ears after baths, swimming, or whenever they look dirty. Trim hair inside the ears to prevent bacterial buildup. Trust us, ear infections are expensive and miserable for everyone involved.
Don’t Forget Dental Care Brush teeth at least weekly. Dental disease is incredibly common in dogs, and prevention is way easier (and cheaper) than treatment.
Skin Check Routine While grooming, keep an eye out for any weird bumps, redness, or irritation. Catching issues early saves time, money, and discomfort later.
Frequently Asked Question
How soon should you begin grooming a Bernedoodle puppy?
Start early—like 8 weeks early. Begin with just a few minutes of gentle brushing and gradually increase time as they get comfortable. The goal isn’t a perfect groom; it’s getting them used to being handled.
Puppies are sponges for new experiences. Start now, and grooming becomes just another part of life. Wait until they’re older, and you’ll have a much harder time convincing them this is normal and safe.
Make it positive with treats, praise, and patience. We’ve seen too many adult dogs who are terrified of grooming because someone rushed the process when they were young.
Is summer better for shaving your Bernedoodle?
You can, but it’s not necessary. If you do decide to go shorter for summer, don’t go too short—you risk sunburn and skin irritation. A summer cut (leaving about an inch of hair) usually does the trick.
Not comfortable doing this yourself? That’s what professional groomers are for. No shame in leaving it to the experts.
How short can you cut a Bernedoodle’s hair?
Depends on your individual dog’s coat and skin sensitivity. Some handle very short cuts just fine, while others get irritated. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and don’t go too short.
If you’re unsure, start longer and gradually go shorter over multiple grooming sessions. You can always take more off, but you can’t put it back on.
How much does it cost to groom a Bernedoodle?
Expect to pay $75-150 for a full professional grooming session, depending on your location, your dog’s size, and coat condition. Matted coats cost more because they take longer to work through.
At-home grooming requires an initial investment in tools ($200-400 for quality equipment), but it pays for itself after a few sessions. Plus, you can groom on your schedule, not the groomer’s.
Final thoughts
Grooming your Bernedoodle isn’t just about looks—it’s about health, comfort, and building that special bond with your pup. Whether you decide to learn the skills yourself or find an amazing professional groomer, consistency is key.
At Hound Therapy, we’ve worked with hundreds of Bernedoodles and their families. Every dog is different, and we tailor our approach to what works best for your specific pup. From nervous first-timers to seasoned grooming veterans, we create a calm, positive experience that leaves both you and your dog happy.
Ready to give your Bernedoodle the grooming experience they deserve? Contact us today to schedule their appointment, or check out our other pet care services to see how we can help keep your furry family member looking and feeling their best.
Your Bernedoodle’s coat (and your vacuum cleaner) will thank you.