The Complete Bernedoodle Grooming & Care Guide

Bernedoodles are becoming an increasingly popular choice for families thanks to their affectionate personalities, intelligence and beautiful teddy-bear appearance. A cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, Bernedoodles can inherit a wide variety of coat types — and those gorgeous coats need regular, consistent care.

At Paw Shine Dog Groomers in Baddeley Green, Stoke-on-Trent, we know that keeping a Bernedoodle looking great isn't simply about giving them the occasional haircut. Regular professional grooming, combined with good coat care at home, is essential for keeping their skin and coat healthy, comfortable and free from painful matting.

In this complete Bernedoodle grooming guide, we'll cover everything owners need to know, including brushing, bathing, professional grooming schedules, coat types, matting, puppy grooming, nails, ears and dental care.

What Is a Bernedoodle?

A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. Depending on their parents and generation, Bernedoodles can vary considerably in size, appearance and coat type.

They may be:

• Standard Bernedoodles

• Mini Bernedoodles

• Occasionally smaller varieties depending on breeding

One of the most important things for owners to understand is that there isn't one single Bernedoodle coat.

Some have loose, wavy coats, while others develop much tighter Poodle-style curls. Others may inherit a straighter coat with more characteristics of the Bernese Mountain Dog.

This variation means every Bernedoodle's grooming requirements should be assessed individually.

Do Bernedoodles Need Professional Grooming?

Yes. Most Bernedoodles require regular professional grooming.

The combination of Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog coat characteristics can create a thick coat that becomes tangled surprisingly quickly.

A typical professional Bernedoodle groom may include:

• Full coat assessment

• Brushing and combing

• Bathing

• Thorough drying

• Coat clipping and styling

• Scissoring

• Paw and pad trimming

• Hygiene trimming where appropriate

• Nail trimming

• Ear checks and cleaning where appropriate

• Final coat finishing

Regular grooming isn't purely cosmetic. It is an important part of your dog's overall welfare.

How Often Should a Bernedoodle Be Groomed?

For many Bernedoodles, we recommend professional grooming approximately every 6–8 weeks.

Some dogs may benefit from appointments every 4–6 weeks, particularly if they have:

• A very curly coat

• A longer hairstyle

• A coat prone to matting

• An active or muddy lifestyle

• Difficulty tolerating brushing at home

Dogs kept in shorter, manageable styles may sometimes be able to go slightly longer between appointments, depending on their individual coat.

The important thing is not to wait until the coat is already heavily tangled or matted before booking a groom.

A regular grooming schedule is normally much more comfortable for the dog and makes maintaining the coat significantly easier.

Understanding the Bernedoodle Coat

Wavy Bernedoodle Coat

The wavy or fleece-style coat is extremely common.

It can look relatively easy to maintain because it isn't particularly curly, but appearances can be deceptive. Loose hair can remain trapped within the coat and begin forming knots close to the skin.

Regular brushing and combing are still essential.

Curly Bernedoodle Coat

A curly Bernedoodle coat tends to have stronger Poodle characteristics.

These coats can be beautiful but usually require more maintenance because loose hairs become caught within the curls instead of simply falling away.

Without regular brushing, small tangles can quickly develop into matting.

Straighter Bernedoodle Coat

Some Bernedoodles inherit more of the Bernese Mountain Dog coat characteristics.

These dogs may shed more noticeably and can benefit from regular brushing and professional bathing and de-shedding.

Whatever coat your Bernedoodle has, the grooming routine should be based on the individual dog rather than simply the breed name.

Do Bernedoodles Shed?

This is one of the most common questions surrounding Poodle crosses.

The answer is: some do and some don't shed very much at all.

Bernedoodles are often described as low-shedding, particularly when they inherit a curly Poodle-type coat. However, no responsible groomer or breeder should guarantee that every Bernedoodle will be completely non-shedding.

Coat characteristics can vary considerably even between puppies from the same litter.

Lower shedding also doesn't mean lower maintenance.

In fact, many low-shedding curly coats require more grooming because loose hair remains trapped within the coat and contributes to tangling and matting.

How to Brush a Bernedoodle Properly

Regular home brushing is one of the most important parts of Bernedoodle ownership.

For longer coats, brushing several times each week may be necessary. Some particularly dense or curly coats benefit from attention every day.

Simply brushing across the surface isn't enough.

The coat needs to be worked through carefully from the skin outward.

Areas That Commonly Become Matted

Pay particular attention to:

• Behind the ears

• Under the collar

• Around the harness area

• Armpits

• Chest

• Legs

• Belly

• Tail

• Around the bottom

• Feet and between the legs

These high-friction areas can develop knots very quickly.

A slicker brush followed by a metal comb is often useful for maintaining a Bernedoodle coat.

The comb is particularly important because a coat can look beautifully brushed on top while still hiding tangles closer to the skin.

What Is Line Brushing?

Line brushing is an effective technique for maintaining longer Bernedoodle coats.

Instead of brushing only across the surface, the coat is separated into small sections. Each section is carefully brushed from close to the skin through to the ends before moving onto the next section.

After brushing, a comb can be used to check the coat.

If the comb cannot comfortably travel through the coat from the skin outward, there may still be tangles present.

Never aggressively pull through knots. This can be painful and may make your dog increasingly frightened of being groomed.

Bernedoodle Matting – Why It Matters

Matting isn't simply an appearance problem.

When knots tighten together, they can pull against the dog's skin. Severe matting may restrict movement, trap moisture and dirt and make everyday activities uncomfortable.

Problems hidden beneath a matted coat can also be difficult to see.

For this reason, a dog's comfort and welfare must always come before preserving a particular hairstyle.

If a Bernedoodle arrives with extensive matting, attempting to brush every knot out may cause unnecessary discomfort. In some circumstances, clipping the coat shorter is the kindest and safest option.

The coat can then be maintained properly as it grows back.

At Paw Shine, we would always rather give a dog a shorter, comfortable groom than put them through prolonged and painful de-matting simply to maintain a fluffy appearance.

The Teddy Bear Bernedoodle Groom

The fluffy teddy bear style is one of the most popular Bernedoodle haircuts.

Typically, this involves maintaining a soft, rounded appearance around the face while keeping the body and legs balanced and fluffy.

However, maintaining a longer teddy bear coat requires commitment at home.

The longer the coat, the greater the risk of tangles and matting.

If you love the fluffy look, regular brushing and professional grooming appointments are essential.

Shorter Bernedoodle Haircuts

There's absolutely nothing wrong with keeping a Bernedoodle shorter.

For many busy families, a shorter style can actually be far more practical.

Benefits can include:

• Easier home maintenance

• Reduced likelihood of matting

• Easier cleaning after muddy walks

• Faster drying

• Greater comfort for some dogs

• Less intensive brushing

A shorter groom can still leave plenty of character around the face while making the body much easier to maintain.

Your groomer can discuss a practical length based on your dog's coat, lifestyle and how much brushing you're realistically able to do at home.

Bathing a Bernedoodle at Home

Bernedoodles can be bathed between professional appointments when necessary, particularly after particularly muddy adventures.

However, there's one important consideration:

Water can cause existing tangles to tighten, making matting significantly worse.

Before bathing, check the coat carefully. After bathing, the coat needs to be dried thoroughly and brushed correctly.

Always use products specifically designed for dogs rather than human shampoo.

If your Bernedoodle is badly tangled, speak to your groomer before bathing them at home.

Drying a Bernedoodle

Proper drying is a major part of professional grooming.

Because Bernedoodles can have extremely thick coats, they may remain damp close to the skin long after the outside of the coat appears dry.

Professional grooming equipment allows the coat to be dried thoroughly while helping separate the hair ready for brushing, combing and styling.

This is one reason a professional Bernedoodle groom can take considerably longer than grooming a small, straightforward-coated breed.

Bernedoodle Puppy Grooming

One of the best things you can do for your Bernedoodle is introduce grooming while they're still young.

Don't wait until your puppy desperately needs their first major haircut.

A puppy's early grooming experiences can influence how comfortable they are with grooming throughout their life.

At home, puppies can gradually become familiar with:

• Being brushed

• Having their paws handled

• Having their face touched

• Having their ears checked

• Standing calmly

• Hearing grooming-related sounds

Professional puppy grooming sessions can then introduce the salon environment gradually and positively.

When Should a Bernedoodle Puppy Have Their First Groom?

Once your puppy is appropriately vaccinated and able to safely visit the grooming salon, it's worth beginning their professional grooming journey.

An introductory puppy groom isn't necessarily about creating the perfect haircut.

It's about helping your puppy learn that grooming is a normal part of life.

They can become familiar with being handled, brushed, bathed, dried and standing on a grooming table.

This can make an enormous difference as they become larger and their adult coat becomes more demanding.

The Bernedoodle Puppy Coat Change

Owners should be particularly aware of the transition from puppy coat to adult coat.

As the adult coat develops, the softer puppy coat can become trapped within the changing hair.

During this period, a previously manageable coat can suddenly begin tangling much more easily.

Owners sometimes feel that their dog's coat has become difficult almost overnight.

Extra brushing and potentially more frequent professional grooming may be required during the coat-change stage.

Bernedoodle Nail Care

Nails should be checked regularly and trimmed when necessary.

Overgrown nails can affect how a dog places their feet and may eventually become uncomfortable.

Dogs walking frequently on hard surfaces may naturally wear their nails down more than dogs mainly exercising on grass.

Don't forget the dew claws, which may receive little or no natural wear.

Regular nail checks should form part of your Bernedoodle's general grooming routine.

Bernedoodle Ear Care

Bernedoodles may inherit floppy, hairy ears.

Their ears should be checked regularly for:

• Excessive wax

• Unusual smell

• Redness

• Irritation

• Discharge

• Excessive scratching

• Head shaking

Routine grooming can help keep the area around the ears tidy, but suspected infections or persistent ear problems should always be assessed by a vet.

Bernedoodle Dental Care

Dental care is another important part of your dog's overall wellbeing.

Regular tooth brushing with dog-safe toothpaste is one of the most useful things owners can do at home.

Keep an eye out for signs including:

• Persistent bad breath

• Heavy tartar build-up

• Red or bleeding gums

• 
  

• Difficulty eating

• Pawing at the mouth

If you're concerned about your Bernedoodle's teeth or gums, veterinary advice should be sought.

Keeping Your Bernedoodle Clean Between Grooms

You don't necessarily need to give your dog a complete bath every time they get slightly dirty.

Between professional appointments you can concentrate on maintaining common problem areas such as the:

• Beard

• Paws

• Legs

• Belly

• Bottom

After wet walks, remove mud and debris and make sure the coat dries properly.

Check the coat regularly for small tangles rather than waiting until your next professional appointment.

Catching a knot early is considerably easier than dealing with established matting several weeks later.

How Long Does a Bernedoodle Groom Take?

Bernedoodle grooming appointments can take several hours depending on:

• Size

• Coat thickness

• Coat length

• Coat condition

• Matting

• Desired style

• Behaviour and confidence

• Drying time

A large Standard Bernedoodle with a long, dense coat can require considerably more work than a smaller dog kept in a shorter style.

At Paw Shine, we believe grooming should never become a race.

Dog welfare comes first, and the individual dog's needs should determine how their groom is approached.

How Much Does Bernedoodle Grooming Cost?

The cost of professional Bernedoodle grooming will vary depending on the individual dog.

Factors include:

• Dog size

• Coat condition

• Coat length

• Amount of scissoring required

• Matting

• Grooming frequency

• Time required

Bernedoodles can require significantly more grooming time than many owners initially expect.

Keeping appointments regular and maintaining the coat properly at home can make professional grooming easier and more comfortable for your dog.

How Often Should I Brush My Bernedoodle?

There isn't one schedule suitable for every dog.

As a general guide:

Short coat: several thorough brushing sessions each week may be sufficient.

Medium or longer coat: brushing every other day may be necessary.

Long, thick or curly coat: daily attention may be required.

Rather than relying purely on a timetable, use a comb to regularly check whether you can reach comfortably through the coat to the skin.

Can You Shave a Bernedoodle?

Bernedoodles with predominantly Poodle-type coats can generally be clipped to different lengths as part of normal professional grooming.

If a coat becomes severely matted, clipping shorter may sometimes be necessary for welfare reasons.

Owners can understandably be disappointed when they've been hoping for a long fluffy style, but trying to save a badly matted coat can involve extensive pulling and discomfort.

Preventing matting through regular grooming is always preferable.

How Can I Make Grooming Easier for My Bernedoodle?

Consistency makes the biggest difference.

Get your Bernedoodle accustomed to grooming from puppyhood and keep appointments regular rather than waiting until the coat becomes difficult.

At home:

• Brush regularly

• Use a comb to check your work

• Handle paws frequently

• Check ears

• Maintain dental care

• Keep the beard clean

• Check friction areas for knots

• Reward calm behaviour

• Never punish a dog for being worried about grooming

If you're struggling with your dog's coat, ask your groomer for help early.

A good professional groomer should be happy to show you which areas need additional attention and explain how to maintain the coat between appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bernedoodle Grooming

How often does a Bernedoodle need professional grooming?

Most Bernedoodles benefit from professional grooming around every 6–8 weeks, although some coats and longer styles may require appointments every 4–6 weeks.

Are Bernedoodles high maintenance?

Their grooming needs can be relatively high, particularly for curly, dense or longer coats. Regular home brushing and professional grooming are important.

Do Bernedoodles get matted easily?

They can. The combination of coat types can trap loose hair and create tangles, particularly behind the ears, around harness areas, under the legs and around the feet.

Should I brush my Bernedoodle every day?

Some Bernedoodles with long or curly coats benefit from daily brushing. Others may require thorough brushing several times each week.

What brush is best for a Bernedoodle?

A good-quality slicker brush combined with a metal grooming comb is commonly useful. The comb helps identify tangles hidden beneath the surface.

What happens if my Bernedoodle is badly matted?

If matting is extensive or tight to the skin, clipping the coat shorter may be safer and more comfortable than attempting prolonged de-matting.

Can Bernedoodle puppies be groomed?

Yes. Early positive grooming experiences are strongly encouraged once it is safe for your puppy to visit a professional salon.

What's the best haircut for a Bernedoodle?

There's no single best haircut. The ideal style depends on coat type, lifestyle, grooming frequency and how much coat maintenance can realistically be carried out at home.

Bernedoodle Grooming in Stoke-on-Trent

If you're looking for Bernedoodle grooming in Stoke-on-Trent, Paw Shine Dog Groomers provides professional grooming from our salon in Baddeley Green, Stoke-on-Trent.

We believe grooming should be based around the individual dog.

Every Bernedoodle is different. Coat type, age, temperament, previous grooming experience and condition of the coat all influence how we approach an appointment.

Our focus is always on providing professional grooming while putting the comfort and welfare of the dog first.

Whether you've just welcomed a Bernedoodle puppy into your family or have an adult Bernedoodle needing regular professional grooming, we're happy to discuss the most suitable grooming schedule and style for your dog.

Book Your Bernedoodle Groom at Paw Shine Dog Groomers

Looking for a dog groomer in Stoke-on-Trent for your Bernedoodle?

Contact Paw Shine Dog Groomers, Baddeley Green, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 7HL to discuss your dog's grooming needs or book an appointment.

Paw Shine Dog Groomers Baddeley Green, Stoke-on-Trent Telephone/WhatsApp: 07308 941028 Email: enquiries@pawshinedoggroomers.co.uk

You can also book online through the Paw Shine Dog Groomers website.

Regular grooming doesn't just keep your Bernedoodle looking fantastic — it helps keep their coat manageable, their skin healthy and, most importantly, keeps them comfortable.

Paw Shine Dog Groomers — professional, welfare-focused dog grooming in Baddeley Green, Stoke-on-Trent.