A Bernedoodle's coat can be a real challenge to manage, but with the right haircut, it can be a breeze. Their unique coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, especially around the ears and paws.
Bernedoodles have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so a regular brushing routine is essential. This will help to prevent hair from getting everywhere and reduce the risk of matting.
Their coat can be a combination of the Poodle's low-shedding, curly coat and the Bernese Mountain Dog's thick, straight coat. This mix of textures can make for a fun and unpredictable grooming experience.
To keep your Bernedoodle's coat looking its best, you'll want to brush them at least 2-3 times a week, paying extra attention to areas prone to matting.
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Getting Started
Daily brushing is recommended, but you can get away with brushing a few times each week. This will help prevent matting in your Bernedoodle's coat.
To keep your Bernedoodle looking its best, you'll want to bathe it between professional grooming visits, but limit these baths to every three months. For some people, the rule of thumb is whenever their pup starts to smell or becomes visibly dirty.
Here's a quick rundown of the general grooming process to keep in mind:
The Basics
Bernedoodles are fantastic companions, but they do require a substantial amount of grooming.
Daily brushing is recommended, but you can get away with brushing a few times each week. Regular brushing will help prevent matted hair and keep your Bernedoodle's coat looking its best.
You'll want to bathe your Bernedoodle between professional grooming visits, but limit these baths to every three months. For some people, the rule of thumb for Bernedoodle baths is whenever their pup starts to smell or becomes visibly dirty.
Bernedoodles with longer coats and curly coats tend to need a bit more effort, as they're more prone to matted hair.
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Here's a breakdown of the general grooming process:
- Daily brushing is recommended; however, you can get away with brushing a few times each week.
- You'll want to bathe your Bernedoodle between its professional grooming visits; however, you'll want to limit these baths to every three months.
- You'll want to take your dog to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks to take care of the more advanced tasks such as nail clipping.
The Human-Canine Bond
Grooming your Bernedoodle at home is a great way to strengthen your bond with your pet. This can be a rewarding experience for both you and your dog.
Spending time grooming your dog shows them that you care for their well-being, which is essential for a strong human-canine bond.
Grooming also allows you to check for any abnormalities, like lumps, bumps, or cuts, that might require a vet's attention.
Dog Grooming Essentials
Brushing your Bernedoodle's hair is a must, especially if you want to prevent mats and tangles.
You'll need a good quality brush, such as a metal comb or a slicker brush, to effectively remove loose hair and prevent mats and tangles.
A detangling and de-matting brush can also come in handy when dealing with tougher spots.
Brushing your Bernedoodle's hair at least twice a week is a good starting point, but some may need it every day or every other day depending on the coat type.
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Using the right tools is essential for a smooth and stress-free grooming experience for both you and your Bernedoodle.
A good pair of dog grooming scissors and a high-quality dog clipper are must-haves for DIY Bernedoodle grooming.
It's also important to be patient, especially if you're new to dog grooming.
Popular Haircuts and Styles
If you're looking for a haircut that'll keep your Bernedoodle cozy during winter, consider the Bernedoodle Winter Cut. This cut keeps the hair a bit longer, but be prepared for more frequent brushing, especially if your Bernedoodle has curly hair.
Some owners opt for a shorter haircut to reduce at-home grooming time. The Bernedoodle Summer Cut is a great option, as it's essentially shaved and requires very little brushing for straight or wavy coats.
The Bernedoodle Teddy Bear Cut is a popular choice among owners, giving your Bernedoodle a teddy bear-like appearance. This cut works best on curly and wavy hair, and requires brushing like most other cuts.
Here are some popular Bernedoodle haircuts to consider:
Popular Haircuts
If you're looking for a haircut that'll keep your Bernedoodle cozy during the winter months, the Winter Cut is a great option. It's a bit longer and will require more frequent brushing, especially if your Bernedoodle has curly hair.
There are many other popular haircuts to choose from, depending on your lifestyle and the climate you live in. For example, the Summer Cut is much shorter and requires very little brushing for a straight coat or wavy coat.
The Teddy Bear Cut is a popular choice among Bernedoodle owners, and it's also used as a puppy cut. This cut requires brushing, but it can be customized to fit your needs.
The Poodle Cut is another option that requires more maintenance, but it's a beautiful haircut. The belly, feet, and bum are cut shorter, while the body and face are left at a longer length. A strict brushing schedule will be needed between grooming appointments to prevent matting.
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Here are some popular Bernedoodle haircuts to consider:
Remember, grooming is a bonding experience, so take the time to learn how to do it correctly and have fun with the different haircuts!
The Kennel Cut
The Kennel Cut is a great choice for Bernedoodle owners living in warmer climates, as it involves cutting the hair extremely short, almost close to the skin, reducing the risk of overheating.
This style is perfect for hot months and can be customized to your liking, from a complete shave to a slight trim.
The Kennel Cut is also a lower-maintenance haircut that requires less brushing and less frequent trips to the groomer.
It involves a short all-over haircut, where the body, face, ears, bum, and feet will be the same length, making it ideal for the curly coat type that can prevent matting and make brushing the dog's hair easier.
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Establishing a Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to grooming your Bernedoodle, and regular grooming sessions will keep them looking and feeling their best.
A good starting point is to establish a weekly grooming schedule that includes both brushing and bathing. This will help prevent matting and tangling of their hair.
Daily or every other day, brushing your Bernedoodle is recommended to prevent matting, especially between haircuts. Brushing down to the skin is essential to avoid matting near the skin.
Problem areas that often get neglected include the ears, around the collar, haunches, tail, armpit, and chest and tummy area. Make sure to give these areas attention while brushing.
To create a grooming routine, start early and get your Bernedoodle used to the brush right away. This will help them become comfortable and less anxious about grooming.
Here are some areas to focus on during your at-home grooming sessions:
- The ears and just behind the ears.
- Around the collar.
- The haunches (thigh-buttocks area)
- The tail.
- The “armpit.”
- The chest and tummy area.
A strict haircut schedule with a groomer or yourself is recommended, ideally every 6-8 weeks. This will help prevent matting and keep your Bernedoodle looking their best.
DIY and Professional Grooming
Brushing and bathing your Bernedoodle requires understanding their hair growth and coat type. This process can be quite involved, especially if you're new to dog grooming.
You'll need the right tools to get started, such as a good pair of dog grooming scissors and a high-quality dog clipper. These are essential for a DIY haircut at home.
Brushing your dog's hair before a haircut is crucial to remove any tangles or mats. This makes the process smoother and less stressful for your Bernedoodle, and it's also a great bonding time for you and your dog.
Home Face Trimming
Home face trimming is a great way to keep your doodle's face clean and tidy between professional grooming visits. You can find a helpful YouTube video that teaches you how to do it safely.
Using the right tools is crucial for safe face trimming. I would not use the scissors they use in the video, instead, use ones with rounded tips for extra safety.
A video on YouTube shows you how to safely trim the hair around your doodle's face.
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Communicating with a Groomer
Finding the right groomer is crucial for achieving the look you want for your Bernedoodle. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or check Yelp reviews to find a groomer who is kind, caring, and professional.
It's essential to communicate clearly with your groomer about the look you want. Many doodles are cut with different styles, but even terms like "puppy cut" or "lion cut" can mean different things to different groomers. Bring lots of photos of Bernedoodle haircuts you like to your groomer to help illustrate your vision.
If you're unsure about what to expect, you can also join Facebook Bernedoodle groups to get ideas and ask questions. These groups are a great resource for learning about different grooming styles and getting advice from experienced Bernedoodle owners.
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Professional
Professional groomers have the tools and expertise to handle more complex styles and tackle any challenges that come with grooming your Bernedoodle. They can provide an additional layer of protection for your pet's health, aside from regular vet check-ups.
Professional groomers are also trained to look for signs of skin issues, ear infections, and other health problems that may not be immediately visible to the untrained eye.
They can help keep your Bernedoodle calm throughout the grooming process, which is essential if you've never brushed or bathed a dog before.
Enhancing Your Communication
A well-groomed coat can make a big difference in your dog's communication. Giving your Bernedoodle a great haircut isn't just about making them look good, it's also about enhancing their natural ways of communication.
Dogs communicate a lot through body language, and a well-groomed coat can allow other dogs and people to read your Bernedoodle's signals better.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the summer cut on a Bernedoodle?
For a Summer Cut on a Bernedoodle, the body length is around 7/8" with the legs slightly shorter at 1
Should Bernedoodles be shaved?
Bernedoodles may require shaving if their coat becomes matted, but regular brushing can prevent this issue. Regular grooming is key to maintaining a healthy coat.
What is a puppy cut on a Bernedoodle?
A puppy cut on a Bernedoodle is a haircut where the coat is cut to a uniform length all over the body, with optional variations such as leaving the face long or cutting the feet shorter. This style is often customized to fit the dog's lifestyle and personality.
When should a Bernedoodle puppy get its first haircut?
Schedule the first professional grooming appointment for your Bernedoodle puppy around 4 months of age, ideally before 6 months
What is a lamb cut on a Bernedoodle?
A lamb cut on a Bernedoodle is a popular haircut that leaves the face, legs, and tail short, while the body is clipped longer. This style is great for active Bernedoodles as it's easy to maintain and won't get in the way.
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