As a Bernedoodle owner, you're probably curious about the fade and color development in your puppy. This process can be quite fascinating, and understanding it can help you appreciate your dog's unique characteristics.
Bernedoodle puppies are born with a solid color coat, but as they grow, their coat may fade or change color, especially in the first few months. This is because their adult coat is still developing.
The timing of the fade can vary depending on the individual puppy, but it often starts around 4-6 months old. This is when the puppy's adult coat begins to replace their soft, fluffy puppy coat.
It's essential to note that the fade can be influenced by genetics, with some Bernedoodles retaining more of their puppy coat's color than others.
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Bernese Coat
The Bernese Coat is a throwback to the purebred Bernese Mountain Dog, often exhibiting the same level of shedding.
This coat type appeals to people interested in health benefits and possibly decreased size of a Bernedoodle, without the maintenance of a doodle coat.
Suggestion: Bernedoodle vs Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Coat is a great option for those who want to minimize grooming, as it requires less maintenance than a doodle coat.
It's worth noting that the Bernese Coat can still shed, but it's often less than a doodle coat, making it a good choice for those with allergies or a preference for less dog hair.
Colors and Patterns
Bernedoodle colors and patterns are a result of their heritage, combining the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds.
There are various Bernedoodle color combinations and variations available.
Not all puppies in the same litter inherit the same coat colors, as it all comes down to their genetics and which dominant and recessive genes are present.
Countless other colors and patterns are possible, surprising even breeders.
Bernedoodles can come in a wide range of coat colors due to the combination of two different breeds.
Their genetics play a significant role in determining the coat colors of Bernedoodle puppies.
Discover more: Bernedoodle Coat Types
When Do Puppies Change Color?
Puppies typically start to change color anywhere from 6 to 10 months of age.
If a Bernedoodle puppy has inherited the fading gene, you'll notice their color fading as they near adulthood. This is most noticeable in darker colored Bernedoodles who have blacks and browns in their coat.
Black Bernedoodles with the fading gene often change into silver, gray, or bluish tones over time.
A fresh viewpoint: Bernedoodle Color Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my doodle will fade?
Check for white hairs under your doodle's paws at birth, or look for lightening starting as early as 4-6 weeks. If you notice these signs, your doodle may fade or lighten with age.
What is the rarest color Bernedoodle?
The rarest Bernedoodle colors include bi-color black and white, sable, phantom, and merle patterns. These unique colors are highly sought after by Bernedoodle enthusiasts and breeders.
Do Bernedoodles get lighter?
Bernedoodles may experience fading of their tan points or other colors over time, especially traditional tricolors. Color retention is not guaranteed, so it's essential to understand the potential for color changes when considering a Bernedoodle.
Do Bernedoodles get darker as they age?
Bernedoodles typically retain their dark colors as adults, but some may lighten to a silver base coat over time
Sources
- http://www.moonstruckbernedoodles.ca/coat--shedding.html
- https://www.downhomedoodle.com/post/bernedoodles-bernedoodle-coat-colors-revealed
- https://www.prideandprejudoodles.com/grooming-your-bernedoodle/
- https://namastepoodles.com/bernedoodle-coat-types-and-some-misconceptions-about-generations/
- https://doodledoods.com/bernedoodle-colors-patterns/
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