How to Groom a Bernedoodle: Important Steps to Follow

Bernedoodles are fast becoming one of the most popular breeds around. They’re an adorable cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. However, one challenge with this breed is their coat. There’s a wide texture variation amongst Bernedoodle fur. They can be somewhat straight and wavy to fully curly. If you want to know how to groom a Bernedoodle yourself, these are some things to keep in mind.

Bernedoodle Hair Types

The breed can have a range of hair types that lean either more towards poodle or more towards Bernese Mountain Dog. In general, curly or wavy coats will require more care with frequent brushing and haircuts to ensure they don’t get tangled or matted. These types of coats can be difficult to trim yourself and may require professional grooming. Additionally, a shorter cut is going to be easier to care for and more practical. Bernedoodles with long, curly, or wavy hair can easily get matted if they aren’t brushed out on a regular basis.

Brushing

Generally, you’ll want to brush your Bernedoodle out a few times a week regardless of hair length. How to brush depends on their hair type.

For straight and wavy coats, Dr. Rachel Davis, DVM, recommends using a slicker brush or a long pin brush. This will help remove any loose hair, dirt, or debris from your dog’s fur. “Brush in the direction of the hair growth, and work in small sections,” Davis says, adding, “Lift up each layer of fur to reach the undercoat, and use a comb to check for any knots or mats.” For mats, use a mat splitter or a detangling spray to loosen them up. Avoid cutting with scissors or pulling them out since this can cause damage to your Bernedoodle’s fur or skin. This type of coat should be brushed at least once or twice a week, or more often if the coat is kept long.

For curly coats, try a detangling brush or a specialized comb for curly hair to remove any loose hair, dirt, or debris. For this hair type, you should brush your dog at least three or four times a week, or more often if their curly coat is on the long side.

Cleaning Your Bernedoodle

Make sure the shampoo you’re using is mild and made for dogs. A detangling spray will help with brushing out their coats, and you’ll want to keep water out of your dog’s ears with cotton balls. “Avoid bathing them too often, as this can dry out their skin and strip their natural oils,” says Davis. The general rule of thumb is every couple of months. This of course doesn’t take into account the necessary baths if your pup decides to jump in a puddle or roll in some mud! You should also clean your dog’s ears every week, using a cotton ball or a gauze pad soaked in an ear cleaner that is made for dogs, Davis advises.  “Gently wipe the inside of the ear flap and the ear canal, removing any dirt or wax buildup.”

It’s also good to get in the habit of brushing your pup’s teeth. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste just for dogs. “Gently scrub the teeth and gums in circular motions, removing any plaque or tartar accumulation,” Davis says.

When to Use a Professional Groomer

Bernedoodles have challenging coats to clip. Unless you feel confident with your skills at cutting hair, it may be in your best interest to take your pup to a professional every few months. This will ensure their fur is cut evenly. Additionally, deciding to groom at home can be a costly investment in the tools. You’ll need a clipper with various blade lengths, scissors, and nail clippers, none of which is cheap. You can maintain their look at home with regular, frequent brushing and trims around their eyes if needed.

Some Cuts to Ask Your Groomer About

Winter Cut: This generally means keeping hair longer all over the body. That would be somewhere around 2 inches or a little less. The feet are left full and the face is a longer length. Keep in mind that this look will require more frequent brushing on your part to keep the fur from getting matted and tangled.

Summer Cut: A shorter version of the winter cut, with this look, hair is around 1 inch or shorter in length. Be sure to clarify that you don’t want your dog shaved when asking for this look!

Teddy Bear Cut: With this look, the hair is evenly cut all over the body, including ears and face. It’s one of the most popular types of cuts for doodle breeds.