Bernedoodle Grooming: Coat Care, Haircuts and Managing the Doodle Coat
In this Article
Key takeaways
- Bernedoodle coat type varies: straight coats shed more and mat less, wavy coats are moderate on both, and curly coats shed the least but require the most consistent brushing to prevent matting
- Matting is the defining challenge of the doodle coat and happens at the root level, not the surface, which is why brushing technique matters as much as brushing frequency
- Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is the practical standard for most Bernedoodles, with more frequent home brushing between appointments
- Ear cleaning is especially important for Bernedoodles because their floppy ears can trap moisture, creating conditions for infection
- Starting a grooming routine early in puppyhood, with short, positive sessions, is the most reliable way to produce a dog that tolerates grooming well throughout their life
The Bernedoodle’s coat is one of the things that draws people to the breed: that soft, wavy or curly texture and the teddy bear look that makes them so distinctive. It’s also the source of the most common surprise for new Bernedoodle owners: how much work that coat actually requires.
This is the second in a four-part series on Bernedoodle care. Article 1 covers personality, temperament, and fit. This guide focuses specifically on grooming, from understanding your dog’s coat type to building a routine that keeps them comfortable, healthy, and mat-free.
Understanding your Bernedoodle’s coat
As covered in the previous article, Bernedoodle coats vary based on which parent’s genetics express more strongly. There are three general coat types, and each has different grooming implications:
- Straight coat: Closest to the Bernese Mountain Dog side. Tends to shed more than wavy or curly coats. Easier to brush and less prone to serious matting, but requires regular brushing to manage shedding.
- Wavy coat: A blend of both parent breeds. This is the most common type. Moderate shedding, moderate mat tendency. Needs brushing several times per week to stay manageable.
- Curly coat: Closest to the Poodle side. Tends to shed the least. Also mats most aggressively without consistent maintenance. Requires brushing almost daily and is the most demanding coat type to maintain at home.
One thing all three coat types share: most Bernedoodles have a coat that grows continuously rather than cycling through a natural shed. Without regular haircuts and brushing, any coat type can become unmanageable.
Brushing: the most important at-home task
Brushing is the foundation of at-home Bernedoodle coat care. For wavy and curly coats especially, brushing several times per week, ideally every one to two days, is what prevents minor tangles from becoming serious mats.
Technique matters more than people realize
The most common brushing mistake with doodle coats is surface brushing: running a brush over the top of the coat without reaching the root. This produces a dog that looks smooth on top while mats are forming beneath the surface at the skin level. By the time those mats are visible from the outside, they may already be tight enough to pull at the skin.
Brush in sections, working in small areas and parting the coat so you can confirm you’re brushing all the way through to the skin. Work through any resistance gently rather than forcing the brush through. A light application of detangling spray before brushing helps the brush move through cleanly and reduces the pulling that makes dogs resistant to grooming over time.
High-friction areas to prioritize
Certain areas mat faster than others, particularly where friction from movement, collars, or harnesses is highest:
- Behind the ears and under the collar
- Under the legs and in the armpits (axilla area)
- Around the mouth and chin, where food and water accumulate
- At the base of the tail and around the hindquarters
These areas deserve extra attention in every brushing session, even if the rest of the coat seems fine.
Mat prevention and what to do when mats develop
Prevention is significantly easier than removal. A mat that has been forming for a week is manageable. A mat that has been allowed to develop for a month may be too tight and too close to the skin to safely work out, and the kindest option at that point may be to clip beneath it.
For minor tangles and early mats, applying a detangling spray and working through the mat with your fingers first, then a dematting comb or wide-tooth comb, can often resolve the issue without cutting. Work from the outside of the mat toward the skin, loosening a little at a time rather than pulling from the base.
When you encounter a mat that is tight against the skin, do not force a brush or comb through it. Forcing a matted area causes pain, damages the skin, and teaches your dog to dread grooming. Consult a professional groomer, who can evaluate whether the mat can be worked out or needs to be clipped. Prolonged, severe matting is a welfare concern and can cause skin irritation, restricted movement, and infection beneath the coat where air can’t reach. This is one of the strongest reasons to maintain the brushing routine rather than let it slip.
Bathing
Bathing every four to six weeks is appropriate for most Bernedoodles. Use a gentle dog shampoo appropriate for their coat type, and follow with a conditioner or coat treatment that makes the coat easier to brush between appointments.
Rinse thoroughly: residual shampoo can irritate skin and contribute to dryness. After bathing, blow-drying while brushing is preferable to air-drying for wavy and curly coats. Air-drying can cause the coat to set in a way that forms tangles from the inside out. The post-bath brush-out, while the coat is still slightly damp with a detangling spray applied, is one of the most effective times to work through the full coat.
Common haircut styles
Bernedoodles are typically styled in one of several coat cuts, all of which vary in maintenance demand:
- Teddy bear cut: The most popular style. The body coat is trimmed to one to two inches, the face is rounded and soft. Manageable between appointments but still requires regular brushing.
- Puppy cut: A uniform short trim across the whole body. Lower maintenance at home and a practical choice for active dogs who spend time outdoors.
- Longer cuts: Some owners prefer a less-trimmed coat. This requires the most brushing at home and the most frequent professional grooming to stay in good condition.
The right cut for your Bernedoodle depends on your willingness to brush consistently at home, your dog’s activity level, and the climate you live in. Your groomer is the best resource for recommending what works for your specific dog’s coat texture and your lifestyle.
Ears, nails, and dental care
Ear care
Bernedoodles have floppy ears that limit airflow and can trap moisture, particularly after bathing or swimming. This creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria and yeast can thrive. Weekly ear checks are an important part of the routine: look for redness, unusual odor, or discharge. Clean ears gently with a dog-specific ear cleaning solution and cotton balls. Never insert anything into the ear canal.
Many Bernedoodles also grow hair inside the ear canal. Professional groomers can manage this as part of a regular appointment. Signs of an ear problem include head shaking, scratching at the ears, or a persistent odor. These warrant a veterinary visit. Why is my dog scratching their ears? covers the signs to watch for.
Nail care
Nail trims every three to four weeks prevent overgrowth that changes weight distribution and can contribute to joint issues over time. Starting nail handling early in puppyhood, with generous treats, makes lifelong nail care significantly easier. Professional grooming appointments include nail trims as part of the service.
Dental care
Daily toothbrushing is the gold standard for preventing dental disease, which is common in dogs and tends to progress silently until it’s significant. Use a dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste and a toothbrush sized for your dog. Dental chews provide a complementary benefit used consistently. Learn about dental health for dogs covers the specifics.
Your at-home grooming toolkit
- Slicker brush: The workhorse of doodle coat maintenance. Good for general brushing and working through tangles.
- Metal comb with both wide and narrow tines: The final check after brushing. If a comb can pass through the entire coat all the way to the skin with no resistance, the coat is truly tangle-free.
- Dematting comb or rake: Useful for working out developing tangles before they become full mats.
- Detangling spray: Applied before brushing to reduce friction and make the process easier for both you and your dog.
- Dog-specific shampoo and conditioner: Choose formulas appropriate for your Bernedoodle’s coat type. A conditioner or coat treatment between professional appointments helps maintain coat health.
- Ear cleaning solution: For weekly ear maintenance.
- Enzymatic dog toothpaste and toothbrush: For daily dental care.
Shop grooming essentials in the Dog Shop.
When to book a professional grooming appointment
Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is the practical standard for most Bernedoodles. That appointment typically includes a full bath and blow-dry, full brush-out, haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and a general look-over by a trained Pet Stylist. For a breed with as much coat as a Bernedoodle, the professional appointment does things that are genuinely difficult to replicate at home: a thorough blow-dry with professional equipment, a full body clip at the length you want, and ear and nail work from someone experienced with the breed.
The at-home routine maintains the coat between appointments. The professional appointment resets it. Both are necessary. A Bernedoodle that arrives for grooming every six weeks with a well-maintained coat has a much more comfortable experience than one whose coat has been left to tangle between visits. Book a grooming appointment or stop by your local PetSmart to ask about what to expect for your Bernedoodle’s coat type.
