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The Ultimate Guide On How To Groom A Bernedoodle

There are so many different kinds of dog breeds that it’s quite hard to keep up with them sometimes.

One popular dog breed at the moment is the Bernedoodle, which is a mix of a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle.

how to groom a bernedoodle

These wonderful dogs are incredibly intelligent, and they are known for their loyalty and laid-back behavior.

They are also quite popular to have because their coats are considered to be ‘low shedding’, which means they are easier to clean up after.

If you are a new Bernedoodle owner and you don’t know how to groom your furry friend, then you have come to the right place!

We have put together the ultimate guide on how to groom a Bernedoodle, so read on to find out everything you need to know.

Grooming Your Bernedoodle: The Basics

So, let’s start with the basics. Bernedoodles might seem like they are going to be super high maintenance when you first get them, but once you know what you are doing, grooming your dog will be a breeze.

Bernedoodles do require quite a bit of grooming though, so you need to make sure that you are willing to put in the time and the effort before you get one.

The typical grooming process when it comes to your Bernedoodle includes daily brushing, bathing every other month, and taking your dog to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks.

It is advised that you stick to this basic outline when it comes to grooming, especially if you want your Bernedoodle to look and feel great.

Different Bernedoodle Coats

Bernedoodles come in three different ‘coat’ types: Straight Coat, Wavy Coat (Fleece), and Curly Coat (Wool).

All three coat types are different and require different levels of care. Depending on what kind of coat your Bernedoodle has, it will change how much your dog sheds.

Let’s take a closer look at the three different kinds of Bernedoodle coats so you can know what to do in terms of shedding and brushing care.

Straight Coats

If your Bernedoodle has a straight coat, this is usually because the Bernese mountain dog genes are a bit stronger than the Poodle genes.

These types of coats are usually quite long, and though they are technically straight, don’t be surprised if you see a little bit of wave.

Straight Coats shed more often than the other coat types, but this is actually a good thing because it means the grooming process won’t be as intense.

Wavy Coats

Wavy Coats (also known as Fleece Coats) usually come from both the Bernese Mountain Dog genes and the Poodle genes.

If your Bernedoodle has this coat, it usually means that both genes are dominant in a 50/50 style.

Wavy Coat Bernedoodles usually have much softer coats than ones with Straight Coats, but this does mean that the coat is more prone to matting.

This, in turn, means that you will have to groom your Wavy Coat Bernedoodle more intensely.

Curly Coats

Bernedoodles with curly coats usually come from their dominant Poodle genes. Curly Coats (also known as Wool Coats) don’t really shed, but they need daily brushing in order to stop them from matting.

This particular kind of coat is the one that is most likely to mat, so it is important to brush your Curly Bernedoodle daily.

Grooming Schedule

Having a grooming schedule in place for your Bernedoodle is absolutely essential.

Having this schedule and maintaining a regular routine will keep your dog clean and healthy, and it will encourage you to stay on top of what needs doing.

Here is a great template to use when you are deciding on your grooming schedule:

  • Brush your Bernedoodle every day if it has a Wavy or Curly coat. If your dog’s coat is closer to Straight rather than Curly, you can brush weekly instead.
  • At least once a month, you will need to bath your Bernedoodle. You don’t need to do this as frequently as brushing, but typically, once a month or once every other month will suffice. You should also bathe your Bernedoodle whenever they get dirty, so if they have jumped in mud or puddles, you should schedule a bath as soon as possible!
  • The final part of the grooming schedule you need to do is to take your Bernedoodle to regular professional dog grooming appointments. It is suggested that you take them every six to eight weeks for the best results, regardless of their coat type.

Bathing And Brushing

Now you know you need to bathe and brush your Bernedoole regularly, let’s take a look at what you need to consider for both parts of the routine. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Bathing

It is important to pick out the right shampoo and conditioner for your Bernedoole that is specific to the coat. If you are new to caring for your Bernedoodle, you can find everything you need at pet stores.

It is also important to brush your dog’s hair before you bathe them to avoid matting. Some Bernedoodles can get a bit excited when bathing, so remember to keep them as calm as possible so you can bathe them faster.

Brushing

When it comes to brushing your Bernedoodle, you will need a variety of different combs.

It really depends on your dog’s coat type, but the most popular kind of combs needed will include a pin brush, a metal comb, and a slicker brush.

Brushing and working in sections is going to give you the best results, and you will need to work slowly in order to make sure you reach all areas of the coat.

Brush out the matted areas first, and then brush in larger sections after that.

Conclusion

Grooming a Bernedoodle is quite a high-maintenance job, but it is worth it if you want your dog to stay clean and healthy.

Use the guide we have provided here to successfully groom your Bernedoodle and keep your furry friend looking beautiful, fresh, and clean.

Further reading: How to train your bernedoodle.

Sharon Isaacs