What Are the Differences Between Bernedoodle Coat Types?

Bernedoodle coats can vary in thickness, consistency, and color. Since Bernedoodles come from both the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog, in an F1 (first generation) breeding you might get a puppy with a coat that looks more similar to a Poodle and get another puppy with a coat very close like a Bernese. (Sometimes even within the same litter) Bernedoodle coats are generally put into three main categories - Curly, Wavy, and Straight.

Please note when looking at the examples below that the appearance of our Bernedoodles is greatly affected by whether they are groomed and how short the coats are if groomed. Be sure to consider this when looking at the pictures.

Examples of a Curly Coat

Curly coat – The curly coat will shed the least and is the most hypoallergenic of the three types. The curls on this coat are usually tight with a soft texture much like what you would see on a Poodle. Curly coats may still shed, but they shed the hair upon themselves rather than on your floor. Unfortunately, this shedding upon themselves is what makes it necessary for them to be brushed daily and trimmed frequently. The curly coated Bernedoodle is usually the most suitable for owners who have an allergy to dog dander. If you don’t want to deal with shedding, keep in mind that the curlier the coat, the less it’s going to shed.

Examples of a Wavy Coat

Wavy coat – The wavy coat, which is low-to non-shedding, is probably the coat most seen on Bernedoodles. This coat is very free-flowing and often has a lightly kinked or wavy appearance. Most people with allergies to dog dander (i.e., experience sneezing, watery eyes) are fine with a wavy coated dog. Note, if you are unsure if this coat type will be fine for you, we suggest that you get further allergy testing done as well as take some time to interact with doodles and their humans in your area before purchasing a puppy.

Examples of a Straight Coat

Straight coat – The straight coats usually shed the most and are the least hypoallergenic of the three coat types. Even though this coat is called “straight” or flat, it may actually have a slight wave to it. The length of the dog’s straight hair depends mostly on the length of the parent’s hair. Straight-coated Bernedoodles are not very common; you’ll mostly find them with wavy or curly coats.

Groomed Versus Ungroomed

The appearance of our Bernedoodles is greatly affected by whether they are groomed and how short the coats are if groomed. Be sure to consider this when looking at any pictures. Here is an example of the same dog with the pictures taken only several hours from each other. How you groom your dog is a big part of what gives them the look they have.