Bernedoodle Colors: See the Rarest to Most Common

An adorable mix between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle, the Bernedoodle breed is known for its affectionate nature and popularity with families. Both the Bernese mountain dog and the poodle are friendly pups. The Bernedoodle gets those characteristics and is extra cuddly and sweet. They tend to drool less than Bernese mountain dogs and do not shed much. There are different size variations, between 25 and 90 pounds when full-grown, which mostly depend on what size of poodle they have as a parent. Bernedoodles are classified as standard, medium, miniature, and toy.

Because they are part poodle, these dogs are also great for people with allergies to pet dander. Bernedoodles are considered hypoallergenic. They have hair rather than fur so they won’t shed, although they do require grooming. Some Bernedoodles inherit more traits from their Bernese mountain dog parents so their coats might be a bit different. In general, the curlier their hair (which comes from their poodle lineage), the less they shed. Some dogs have straight coats and some are wavy. It all depends on the genes that they inherit from each parent. They are often bred from a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle, although they can also be bred from two Bernedoodle parents. Working with an experienced and reputable breeder can give you a good idea of what to expect when your puppy is born and grows.

One of the most amazing and sought-after traits of the Bernedoodle is its coat. These dogs can come in a variety of colors, mostly determined by their lineage. It’s not an exact science but looking at their parents’ coats can be a good indicator of what the pups will have. Here are some of the least to most common colors of Bernedoodles.

Solid Black or Solid White

These Bernedoodles are very rare because genes for multiple color coats are dominant. To have a Bernedoodle with a solid color coat, both parents would have to have the gene for it and it would need to be passed down to their offspring. If there is a gene for a dominant color passed down from either parent, it means the gene for a solid coat does not show up as an actual physical trait.

In most cases, a dog advertised as “all black” or “all white” will have some other coloring on their feet or the bottom of their legs. But if their coat is dominated by one color, you might think that they are solid colored at first glance. And if you love your little pup, we won’t be picky about how you classify its coat.

Merle

This coat color occurs in dogs with a specific gene that leads to it. The black or brown sections of the coat are speckled or mottled, making them look almost peppery gray. Merled sections have a black or brown base but some hairs within that section have a slightly lighter pigment. It can sometimes be called blue merle, which is named for the blueish tint that happens when the merled section is black.

Some breeders specialize in Bernedoodles with merle coloring. It is one of the harder patterns to find but because so many people love these puppies, it can be selected for when breeding. These dogs can have some health issues due to the same gene that causes their unusual coats. They can lack pigment in key locations, specifically their eyes and nose. This might result in sensitivity to light, vision problems, hearing loss, or skin issues. You should monitor your dog closely for potential health issues and address them quickly.

Phantom

This two-color pattern has a black or brown base. Most of the dog’s body is this darker color. The lighter color comes in around the eyes, cheeks, chest, and legs. Sometimes it extends to the belly and below the tail as well. One of the fun things about a phantom color pattern is the distinct “eyebrow” markings that help you Bernedoodle really express themselves. Many Bernedoodle color patterns have lighter eyebrows, one of the features that make the breed extra adorable, especially when you consider their friendly and affectionate nature.

Some breeders consider a puppy with minimal white coloring around the nose to have phantom coloring. It is very rare for a Bernedoodle to be completely brown and black. So if you want a pup with darker coloring overall, you’ll have a much easier time finding a dog if you expect a few touches of white.

Sable

This patterned coat has a lighter-colored base, typically tan, cream, silver, or white, with dark-tipped hairs. They tend to have darker ears as well. Like some other patterns, this coloring is also genetic and is sought after for its interesting and textured appearance. People who want a Bernedoodle with an interesting coat color often consider sable puppies. It can be difficult to predict exactly how a puppy’s coat will come out, especially as they get older. Young puppies who display some sable pattern may grow into an entirely different color of coat.

Bi-Color Black and White or Parti

A Bernedoodle with a black and white coat that is dominated by white, also called a parti Bernedoodle, typically has black markings on its head, ears, and back. Its chest, chin, neck, parts of its back, and legs are white. However, each dog is unique and the exact pattern of their black and white sections is also unique. Even among a litter of puppies, the coloring can be different. In parti puppies, the black sections are irregular. The black sections tend to appear as patches on a white background.

Bi-color black and white Bernedoodles with more black than white usually have black heads, ears, necks, backs, and tails. The white coloring shows up on their noses, chests, and legs, as well as sometimes on their bellies. Many also have a white spot on the top of their face or head, just above their eyebrows. They can have varying degrees of white coloring. The key difference between a parti and a non-parti pup is that the black is regular and close to symmetrical in a non-parti dog. With parti coloring, the black appears in irregular patches.

Tri-Color Black, White, and Brown

This is one of the most common but also one of the most popular colors. So don’t be surprised if you have to search or wait for your perfect little pup. The white sections are common on the chest and parts of the face. Black and brown dominate the dog’s back and legs. They often have white on their foreheads as well, giving them the appearance of a darker “mask” over their eyes. They might also have white paws.

The tri-color black, white, and brown coloring is considered classic Bernedoodle and what you typically associate with the breed. But just because it is the most common doesn’t mean that it is the least expensive. Demand has a lot to do with Bernedoodle prices and these pups are some of the most sought after by new pup parents. Even with this traditional coloring, the coat’s curl can vary. Bernedoodle puppies of all colors can have curly, wavy, or straight hair. As a Bernedoodle parent, you’ll need to adjust your grooming routine to their type of coat.