Do Bernedoodles Shed? Ultimate Guide to Best Non-Shedding Bernedoodles
Bernedoodles are the loveable Poodle mix cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. Like most Poodle Mix Cross Breeds, Bernedoodles are known to be low to no shedders.
Do Bernedoodles shed? Not much. A non-shedding Bernedoodle is however not a blanket rule. There are scenarios in which Bernedoodles will shed.
- Different Generations of Bernedoodle are more or less likely to shed
- Different related breeds like the Australian Bernedoodle shed differently
- Most Bernedoodles will lose their puppy coat
Read on to find out do Bernedoodles shed? What you can do to predict if your Bernedoodle will shed? What are strategies to look after the Bernedoodle coat and prevent coat issue?.
Do F1 Bernedoodles Shed?
A first generation F1 Bernedoodle is a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. You can find out more about these two breeds and how to mix into a Bernedoodle puppy here.
This means that an F1 Bernedoodle puppy is 50% Poodle, and 50% Bernese Mountain Dog.
- Poodles are typically non-shedding
- Most Bernese Mountain Dogs do shed
The amount of coat traits the puppy inherits from the Poodle will determine the level of shedding.
It is possible to have F1 Bernedoodles that do not shed at all. It is also common for F1 Bernedoodle puppies to shed frequently in great volume.
The type of coat a F1 Bernedoodle has is the most influencing factor when trying to see if your Bernedoodle will shed. Curly coats are the most Poodle-like and least likely to shed.
Do Mini Bernedoodles Shed?
Mini Bernedoodles can be created in a few different ways. A mix of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature or Toy Poodle can give a Mini Bernedoodle.
Sometimes people do worry about crossing giant breeds with small dogs. Almost always the larger dog is the mother (Dam) and the Miniature dog is the Sire. A great example of this done safely is the ultra small Teacup or Toy Goldendoodle.
Just like any F1 Bernedoodle dogs can be shedding or non-shedding. The odds are in their favour to have some Poodle curliness and therefore lower shedding
However cross breeding is a lucky dip of genetics – and a F1 Mini Bernedoodle can shed.
A F1b backcross (75% Poodle, 25% Bernese Mountain Dog) or a F2 Multi Generational Bernedoodle are less likely to shed.
Do Australian Bernedoodles Shed?
There is a big difference between Australian Bernedoodles and Bernedoodles. In fact Australian Bernedoodles are a whole different crossbreed.
Australian Bernedoodles are a mix of the unique Australian Labradoodle (non-shedding) and a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Like any crossbreed the coat type will determine if the Australian Bernedoodle will shed. Most Australian Bernedoodles do not shed.
Do F1B Bernedoodles Shed?
A F1b Bernedoodle is made by crossing a Bernedoodle with a Poodle. This results in a dog that is 75% Poodle and around 25% Bernese Mountain Dog.
This makes a F1b Bernedoodles LESS likely to shed than a F1 first-generation Bernedoodle.
The increased proportion of Poodle genetics results in a higher likelihood of low to no shedding Bernedoodle.
Table Showing Most Likely To Shed Bernedoodles
| Bernedoodle Type | Shedding Risk |
|---|---|
| F1b Bernedoodle | |
| F2 Bernedoodle | |
| F2 Australian Bernedoodle | |
| F1 Australian Bernedoodle | |
| F1b Australian Bernedoodle | |
| F1 Miniature Bernedoodle | |
| F1b Miniature Bernedoodle | |
| F1 Bernedoodle |
Which Bernedoodle Coat Sheds The Most
There are a few different types of Bernedoodle coat to consider when wondering do Bernedoodles shed.
The three most common types of Coat are the curly coat, wavy coat, and the straight coat.
A curly coated Bernedoodle has a majority Poodle-like coat. They are typically low shedding and approach hypoallergenic. The curls are soft – not abrasive. Think soft Poodle fur.
Wavy coat Bernedoodles have a predominantly slightly curly wave coat. Typically the face and furnishings and muzzle will have straight fur.
What are Bernedoodle Furnishings? Facial hair! The defining facial characteristics of the Bernedoodle are its moustache, eyebrows and muzzle hair. If a Bernedoodle does not have these furnishings it will strongly resemble the facial shape of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles without furnishings are typically higher shedding.
Straight coat Bernedoodles have straight coats over their whole body. Straight coats (also known as a flat coat Bernedoodle) may have a slight mild curl (or wave) to them.
Which Bernedoodle Coat Sheds The Least
The different coat types will influence the shedding amount for Bernedoodles. The curly coat that resembles the Poodle will typically shed the least.
Remember that all coat types will shed when you brush them. The shedding rankings refer to routine day to day shedding.
| Bernedoodle Coat Type | Shedding Risk |
|---|---|
| Curly Coat | |
| Wavy Coat | |
| Straight Coat |
Low shedding does NOT mean low maintenance. Any lower shedding Poodle Mix breed will require more coat grooming. Frequent brushing and washing is important. For any Poodle mix breed it is also important to routinely clean the ears and avoid wax build up.
You should also be aware that frequent washing or swimming can change the frequency of shedding. Given that Bernedoodles enjoy swimming, be careful when grooming your Bernedoodle before and after a trip to the beach
Which Bernedoodle Coat Is Best for Allergy Sufferers?
Bernedoodles are popular amongst allergy sufferers. Their reputation is why many people ask do Bernedoodles shed at all?
There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. However most allergy sufferers can happily live with and tolerate dogs that have less shedding and less dander. (Web MD page on allergies to dogs)
The curlier the Bernedoodle coat, the better the coat type for the allergy sufferer. You will need to look for a curly or at least wavy coat type.
See the comparison between allergy friendly Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle here. Labradoodles are another hypoallergenic dog breed that many allergy sufferers consider.
These are found most typically in F1b Bernedoodles. F2 Bernedoodles are less common but also tend to be lower allergy.
F1 Bernedoodles can have curly coats and be allergy appropriate. Spending time with the puppy and checking for reaction to the puppy saliva can help give an indication of allergy to Bernedoodle.
Do Bernedoodles shed less when they have a curly coat? Yes. Curly coats are typically the lowest shedding.
When Do Bernedoodles Shed Their Puppy Coat?
Different types of Bernedoodle puppy will have different levels of Puppy coat. It will typically be lost at 8-9 months of age. You will notice the coat being lost by a temporary increase in the volume of hair lost when brushing the Bernedoodle.
It is really important to get your Bernedoodle used to grooming early in its life. At least every week introduce your Bernedoodle to brushing.
This will make the Bernedoodle puppy coat transition much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Do Bernedoodles Need To Be Brushed
Like most dogs the more frequent the brushing the better the outcome. Daily brief brushing can be ideal for Bernedoodles of all coat types. Many owners report brushing completely and thoroughly once per week. Do Bernedoodles shed while brushing? Yes a little – as it typical for all dogs.
Are Bernedoodles Good For Allergies
Bernedoodles are a popular Poodle Mix Breed amongst allergy sufferers. While there is no such thing as a truly allergy free dog, the low shedding (and therefore low dander loss) of Bernedoodles means they approach hypoallergenic.
Curly coats are best for allergy sufferers, followed by wavy coats. F1b Bernedoodles have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics and are usually best for owners with allergies.
Are Bernedoodles Soft
Bernedoodles can be very soft. While Bernese Mountain Dogs can be relatively soft, it is the Poodle coat that can deliver an incredibly soft coat to the Bernedoodle.
All generations and coat types of Bernedoodle can be soft. Typically the higher the percentage of Poodle genetics the softer the fur. Think F1b Bernedoodles for a softest fur.
Frequent swimming (which Bernedoodles love) can effect the softness of the coat. Regular outdoor exercise or running with the Bernedoodle requires proper grooming to keep the coat soft.
Are Bernedoodles Double Coated?
Some breeders state that their Bernedoodles have a double coat. Others claim they do not. Bernedoodles can have a single coat made up of hairs of the two layers that are at equal length.
In the real world, it doesn’t make a significant difference whether the Bernedoodle is double coated or not. Bernedoodles will require a higher frequency of brushing and grooming like all Poodle mix dogs. With or without a double coat using a brush that brushes to the skin (comfortably) is essential.
Bernedoodle Puppy 101
Do Bernedoodles Shed Conclusions
- Bernedoodles can make a great low shedding low allergy companion dogs.
- Certain generations are less likely to shed. F1b Bernedoodles are frequently seen to be less shedding due to their curly Poodle coat.
- Frequent grooming of low shedding dogs is required
- Find out more about Bernedoodle puppies here including a puppy 101
Bernedoodles can love running, hiking and even hunting. They are a moderately active dog that enjoy swimming. Find out more about what to do before you take your Bernedoodle puppy to the beach.
Does Your Bernedoodle Shed?
We would love to hear your experience with your Bernedoodle and shedding. How was the transition from puppy coat to adult? What generation are they? Is the shedding an issue for you?
