Bernedoodle Grooming Guide: From Puppy to Adulthood

🐾 Bernedoodle Grooming Guide: From Puppy to Adulthood

Bernedoodles are beloved for their charm, intelligence, and teddy bear appearance—but behind those fluffy coats is a grooming routine that deserves your attention.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your Bernedoodle clean, healthy, and beautiful from 8 weeks of age through adulthood. Whether your pup has a curly, wavy, or straight coat, we’ve got you covered.

🧼 Why Grooming Matters

Grooming is more than just about looks. It’s critical for:

• Preventing painful matting

• Keeping skin healthy and free of debris

• Monitoring for ticks, injuries, or infections

• Bonding with your dog and reinforcing gentle behavior

🐶 Starting at 8 Weeks Old

When you first bring your Bernedoodle puppy home:

• Brush daily using a soft-bristle or pin brush to get them used to grooming.

• Do not bathe immediately. Wait at least a week to allow adjustment to their new home.

• Use this time to touch their paws, ears, and mouth gently—helping them associate grooming with calm, positive attention.

• Schedule their first professional groom for around 12 to 16 weeks, once their shots are up-to-date.

🌀 Coat Types & Their Grooming Needs

Bernedoodles can inherit a wide range of coat types depending on their genetics:

⬤ Curly Coat (Poodle-like)

• Most hypoallergenic and shed-resistant

• High-maintenance — prone to matting if not brushed frequently

• Brush daily to every other day

• Use a slicker brush and a steel comb

• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks

• Ask for a teddy bear cut or leave longer if brushing is consistent

⚪ Wavy Coat (Fleece-type)

• The most common and balanced Bernedoodle coat

• Low-shedding, but not mat-free

• Brush 3–4 times per week

• Use a pin brush and dematting comb if needed

• Groom every 6–8 weeks

• Watch for matting behind ears and under armpits

⚫ Straight Coat (Bernese-like)

• Most likely to shed, though often less than a pure Bernese

• Easier to maintain with weekly brushing

• Use a de-shedding tool during seasonal coat changes

• Bathe monthly and groom every 8–10 weeks

• Keep an eye out for loose undercoat buildup

✂️ Professional Grooming Schedule

💡 Tip: Choose a groomer familiar with doodles. Not all salons understand how to work with non-shedding coats or fleece textures.

🛠️ Home Grooming Tools Checklist

• Slicker brush

• Steel comb

• Dog-safe detangling spray

• Nail clippers or grinder

• Ear cleaning solution

• Dog shampoo (gentle, no harsh perfumes)

• High-velocity dryer (optional but amazing for doodles)

🧽 Bathing Tips

• Use lukewarm water

• Always brush before bathing to remove tangles

• Towel-dry gently, then use a dryer or air-dry

• Avoid overbathing: every 4–6 weeks is ideal

🦷 Don't Forget the Details

• Nail trims every 2–3 weeks

• Teeth brushing several times a week

• Ear cleaning monthly or more if prone to buildup

📅 Monthly Grooming Routine Example

🧠 Final Thoughts

Your Bernedoodle’s coat is as unique as their personality. Whether curly, wavy, or straight, staying ahead of grooming keeps them happy, healthy, and irresistibly huggable.

Start young, be consistent, and don't be afraid to get help from professionals when needed. A well-groomed Bernedoodle is a joy to live with—and a joy to look at!