How To Groom A Bernedoodle [Step by Step Owners Guide]

Grooming a bernedoodle comes with its challenges, but it is essential to prevent coat matting, hygiene, and their beautiful look. In this guide today, we will be taking a look at all the things you need to consider, some recommendations, and how to go about grooming your bernedoodle.

Being a hybrid dog, a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle, a bernedoodle has its very own type and style of coat which can come in a variety of colors, tri-colors, bi-colors, merle, brindle, and black.

Either way, when it comes to grooming, you must be aware of the type of coat your bernedoodle has.

In the following sections, we will cover the different types of hair and all the factors you need to consider to keep them looking at their best.

Their coat does of course require regular upkeep, so if you want to know how to groom a bernedoodle, be sure to keep reading!

The Bernedoodle Coat

Bernedoodles come in a variety of coats that include straight, wavy, and curly coats.

These coats have different attributes, which means that each coat has different grooming requirements.

The coat type will determine how much the dog will shed and how often it needs brushing.

Let’s look at the different bernedoodle coats in better detail:

Straight Coats

If your berne has this type of coat, they will shed relatively more than if they were to have any of the other types of coats.

This coat is slightly wavy like a Bernese coat.

Wavy Coats

This type of coat is by far, the most manageable.

It’s easier to brush, it doesn’t tend to matt so frequently and it is very soft. This type of fur is ideal for allergy sufferers.

Curly Coats

This coat would be very similar to a poodle’s coat.

This coat is the best for people who suffer from dander allergies. However, curly coats are prone to matting. Therefore, they require the most brushing.

What Type Of Fur Do Bernedoodles Have?

Bernedoodles are a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle, and because they are part poodle; they have hair rather than fur.

One of the reasons they have gained so much popularity recently is because their coats are allergy-friendly.

Their coats do need regular attention, so in-between visits to your local dog groomer, they need routine bathing, and their hair needs brushing and combing.

Routine grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and free from matting.

Matting can be a massive nuisance to your dog, and you, it is worth noting that each coat has the potential to mat if neglected, even the wavy coat, which is so soft and manageable.

Matting of the curly coat can become particularly uncomfortable for your bernedoodle as the hair can tangle into the skin and lead to painful sores.

Aside from the hair type, the length of the hair will determine how often your dog needs brushing as the longer the hair, the more frequent it needs brushing.

How Often Should You Groom A Bernedoodle?

How often your bernedoodle must visit the dog groomer depends very much on their type of coat, and the style you as the owner want for your dog. However, it is recommended that your bernedoodle is groomed every 6 to 8 weeks.

In between visits to a dog groomer, your bernedoodle requires frequent grooming at home.

You can introduce your bernedoodle to the professional groomer from the time that they a puppy.

Just make sure that they have completed all of his puppy vaccinations, so from four months old.

Because the hair of bernedoodles is prone to matting, you must brush their hair 2 to 3 times a week with a specialized dog brush.

Slicker brushes are perhaps the best for the bernedoodle breed.

This is the one to get, from Amazon ?

From the time they are puppies, it is a good idea to brush your dog’s hair every day to get them used to regular grooming.

You can give your bernedoodle a haircut every summer and winter. Summer should be a shorter cut, and winter will be a longer cut.

This will help them to acclimatize to the seasons and the respective weather.

When it comes to bathing, you must not bathe your dog too often as it can strip the coat of its natural oils.

A good general rule of thumb is to bathe your bernedoodle as seldom as every 3 to 4 months.

If they like the outdoors and mud puddles they will require more frequent bathing. But of course, only bathe when and where required.

How To Groom A Bernedoodle (Step By Step)

Regularly grooming your bernedoodle will not only improve your bond with your dog, but it will also help them to feel more comfortable, enable you to inspect them, and help resolve issues before they arise.

Regular grooming should include:

Inspecting

Start every grooming session with a good old full-body stroke and inspection.

Look out and try to feel any lumps, bumps, dry patches, areas of hair loss, or abnormalities.

This step also helps to remove any dead hair and skin that you can remove later.

Brushing

As mentioned above, you should look to brush your bernedoodle frequently to prevent matting (2-3 times per week minimum is advised).

Better yet, you should look to provide daily brushing. This feels great to your dog and will help keep matting down.

Being part-poodle, you need to be careful with the type of brush you use.

You should ensure the brush is not going to cause any distress plus be able to effectively resolve any matted fur.

This Slicker Brush on Amazon is a firm favorite among bernedoodle owners.

Bathing

As already discussed, bernedoodles do not need to be bathed too regularly. Bathe them only when they get very dirty, wet (or muddy).

Frequent bathing will lead to dry skin, which can cause itching, discomfort, and pain.

When you do bathe your bernedoodle, you need to ensure you are using a dog-friendly shampoo (like this great brand on Amazon).

This is free from a lot of harsh chemicals present in shampoos designed for humans.

Cleaning The Eyes

Check your dog’s eyes often and look out for any potential discharge or irritation.

You can always use grooming wipes to safely remove and clean the eyes gently. If the notice abnormal changes or discharge is severe/continues, it is recommended that you visit the vet.

Cleaning The Ears

It’s a good idea to clean the ears of your dog every once in a while.

This helps to remove dirt and the buildup of wax.

A good sign that your dog needs this is if their ears look to be a cause of irritation or discomfort.

In more extreme cases the scratching of the ears, shaking of their head, or the appearance of an odor may occur.

This is a great ear solution product that makes cleaning the ears considerably more effective and easy.

Nail Clipping

Keeping your dog’s nails clipped is essential. Long nails can cause a lot of pain leading to incorrect walking which further puts a strain on your pet.

For the most part, nail clipping is challenging and it’s a good idea to take them to the vet to have this done on your behalf.

This will prevent the risks that come with clipping too far, creating open wounds, and causing pain.

Otherwise, investing in a high-quality nail grinder can make the process much easier and safer for your dog.

Teeth Cleaning

Oral hygiene is imperative to dogs as it is us.

Dental plaque is also known to be a contributor to heart disease, so you need to keep on top of reducing it.

While it is often recommended to get a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste (where you would need to lift the dog’s lips and gently brush the outer surface of the teeth) – this is challenging and difficult.

Instead, I am a huge fan of the Cactus Dog Dental Toy (available on Amazon).

This enables your dog to effectively clean their teeth and get mental stimulation through a toy at the same time.

Failing this, grain-free dental sticks are an excellent option.

Shaving

When it comes to shaving your bernedoodle you generally have two options; do it yourself or take them to the professional dog groomer.

While taking them to a professional can save you time and hassle, consider that it can get expensive over time.

You also need to be aware that not every professional dog groomer will be familiar with bernedoodles, and they may struggle to give your dog a suitable hairstyle or one that you expected.

Therefore, it is always important that conduct some research on the groomer ahead of time.

Ensure they are sufficiently qualified and have experience with the poodle breed. Check for reviews, and also be sure to cross-compare prices and service options.

Additionally, you can also research online to find a suitable hairstyle for your dog ahead of time.

You can take this along with you to your groomer. Just as you would if you were to have your own haircut.

Below should be a helpful guide for either yourself or your groomer, when giving a haircut to your Berne.

When it comes to self-shaving; it is thoroughly recommended that you purchase shaving clippers specifically designed for dogs.

These are generally much quieter (which will keep your dog calm) and more gentle through the fur.

Click here to see an excellent, affordable and thoroughly-well reviewed shaving set on Amazon.

You’ll struggle to find a better set for the price.

It also makes sense to get some additional comb length guards, like these on Amazon too.

This will give you all-round flexibility when it comes to your bernedoodles coat length, and at various parts of their body.

You’ll also get all the tools required including different length guide guards, a comb and scissors which you will need for specific parts of the coat.

Winter (Longer cut) For Bernedoodles

Make sure that your dog is thoroughly bathed and dried. Trim the hair in between the dog’s pads using a 40 blade. Don’t trim the sides of the toes.

 The Body

1. Use a 1″ clipper to clip from the chin to their chest. Begin clipping the sides of the neck.
2. Use a 1″ clipper to clip the back of their hind legs.
3. Use scissors to cut 3 inches from the body.
4. Using scissors, shape the front legs like tubes, do the same with the back legs from the top of the hock to the foot.
5. Pick up the foot, turn it over, comb the hair over the pads and cut them off with scissors. Place the foot down shape around the foot using scissors.

The Tail

1. Only use scissors to cut the tail, as the hair needs to be longer than the hair on the body.
2. With the scissors, blend the tail neatly into the body. Cut about 4 inches from the rear end of the dog.

The Head

1. Using thinning scissors, cut the hairs from the nose to the eyes.
2. Use a 1/2 clipper from the edge of the eyes to the ears, then work under the chin, and the ears.
3. Use a 3/4 clipper from the eyes to the back of the head, joining into the cheeks.
4. Comb the hair on top of the head over the eyes and cut the hair with scissors until the eyes are showing.
5. Use scissors to cut under and on the side of the muzzle and blend it into the rest of the head.
6. Use the scissors to cut around the shape of the ears.

Summer (Shorter ) Cut For Bernedoodles

Make sure that your dog is thoroughly bathed and dried. Trim the hair in between the dog’s pads using a 40 blade. Don’t trim the sides of the toes.

The Body

1. Use a 1/2 clipper and clip from the chin to the chest — clip on the sides of the neck.
2. Use a 1/2 clipper to clip the back of their hind legs.
3. Use a 7/8 clipper on the body and down the back of the neck from the back of the head to the rest of the body.
4. Use a 1″ clipper on the front legs.
5. Use a 1″ clipper on the back legs.
6. Pick up the foot, turn it over, comb the hair over the pads and cut them off with scissors. Place the foot down shape around the foot using scissors.

The Tail

1. Only use scissors to cut the tail, as the hair needs to be longer than the hair on the body.
2. With the scissors, blend the tail neatly into the body. Cut about 4 inches from the rear end of the dog.

The Head

1. Using thinning scissors, cut the hairs from the nose to the eyes.
2. Use a 1/2 clipper from the rest of the head, including the ears and the muzzle.
3. Comb the hair on top of the head over the eyes and cut the hair with scissors until the eyes are showing.
4. Use scissors to cut under and on the side of the muzzle – there must be no longer ends.
5. Use the scissors to cut around the shape of the ears.

Finally

Bernedoodles are gorgeous dogs, especially after a good grooming session.

Grooming is in many ways essential for this type of dog breed.

I understand that it can be costly; which is why it helps to learn how to groom your dog yourself. You’ll save a lot of money in the process.

While grooming is perhaps the least fun part of owning this type of dog, it does allow for an ideal bonding opportunity between you and your lovely bernedoodle.

Without any doubt, your dog will love the attention and spending time with you, their owner.

Beyond this, it will also make them look considerably better, ensure they are free from any discomfort or painful matting, and will also be far more hygienic.

Related Guides:

• How Big Do Bernedoodles Get?
• How Much Exercise Does A Bernedoodle Need?
• Best Dog Food For Bernedoodles
• Best Dog Crate For Bernedoodle [This Is The One To Get & Why]