Bernedoodle Coat Care: Grooming Schedules for Curly, Wavy and Straight Coats

This article is part of our complete guide: Bernedoodle Generations and Family Temperament. Read the full guide for generations, sizes, health testing, and temperament.

Why Coat Care Is Not Optional

I have lived with dogs for more than thirty years, first Bullmastiffs and now French Bulldogs, Maltese, and Bernedoodles here on our five acres in Monett, Missouri. Of all the breeds I raise, the Bernedoodle is the one where families are most often surprised by the grooming. People hear "low-shedding" and picture a dog that looks after itself. It does not. A Bernedoodle's coat, especially a wavy or curly one, holds onto the hair it loses, and that loose hair tangles into mats unless you brush it out.

I believe in putting pets first, and for a Bernedoodle that means a coat that is comfortable, not matted or pulling on the skin. Here is the schedule I recommend, based on what I have seen work for our families.

Know Your Dog's Coat Type

Bernedoodles are a mixed breed, so coats vary even within one litter. As we explain in our generations guide, generation gives you a likelihood, not a promise. Look at your actual dog:

• Straight coat: Closest to the Bernese Mountain Dog. It sheds the most and mats the least, but it still needs regular brushing.
• Wavy (fleece) coat: The classic Bernedoodle look. Soft and plush, it usually sheds lightly and mats readily, particularly behind the ears and in the armpits.
• Curly coat: Closest to the Poodle. It usually sheds the least and needs the most work, because the curls trap loose hair and knot quickly.

Puppies often change. The soft puppy coat typically gives way to an adult coat somewhere in the first year or two, and the "coat change" is when mats appear almost overnight. Do not be discouraged if your eight-week-old looks different at ten months.

Your Basic Toolkit

• Slicker brush: Your daily workhorse for getting into the coat.
• Metal comb: The true test. If a comb cannot pass through to the skin, you have not finished brushing.
• Detangling spray: Brushing a dry coat can break hair and hurt the dog.
• Blunt-tipped scissors and a mat splitter: For small tangles only. Never cut a mat close to the skin, since skin can be pulled up into it and nicked.
• Dog-specific shampoo and conditioner: Human products are not formulated for a dog's skin.
• Nail clippers or grinder, and ear cleaner: Part of the same routine.

A Weekly and Monthly Schedule That Works

This is a general framework. Adjust it for your dog's coat, activity level, and your groomer's advice.

• Curly coats: Line-brush and comb thoroughly every 1 to 2 days, with a professional groom about every 4 to 8 weeks depending on the length you keep.
• Wavy coats: Brush and comb about 3 to 4 times a week, with a professional groom about every 6 to 10 weeks.
• Straight coats: Brush about 2 times a week, more during seasonal shedding, with a bath and tidy every 8 to 12 weeks.

Short, consistent sessions beat one long weekend wrestling match. Ten minutes a day is far kinder than an hour once a week, for you and for the dog.

How to Brush Properly: Line Brushing

The common mistake is brushing only the top of the coat, which feels smooth while mats grow underneath. Instead:

• Lightly mist the coat with detangling spray.
• Part the hair with one hand and brush a small section down to the skin.
• Work in layers from the legs up the body, then chest, neck, and tail.
• Finish each section with the metal comb. If it snags, go back.
• Pay extra attention to the "friction zones": behind the ears, under the collar and harness, armpits, belly, and the backs of the legs.

Make it pleasant. I give a treat and plenty of praise, and we start this in puppyhood so it is a bonding time, not a battle. Early handling of paws, ears, and mouth is part of the approach we describe in raising confident family dogs on 5 Missouri acres.

Bathing and Drying

Most Bernedoodles do well with a bath every 4 to 8 weeks, sooner after a Missouri mud adventure. Always brush out tangles first, because water tightens mats into something close to felt. Rinse thoroughly, since leftover shampoo can irritate the skin. Then dry completely. A damp, dense coat can lead to skin irritation, so use a dog-safe dryer on a cool or low-heat setting while brushing, or towel well and brush as it dries. Never use high heat close to the skin.

Haircuts: Teddy Bear, Puppy Cut, or Shorter

Many owners keep a 1 to 2 inch "teddy bear" trim. Shorter cuts are easier to maintain, and there is no shame in a short clip for a busy family or a dog that loves to swim in the pond. Longer coats look beautiful but demand more brushing. Talk to your groomer about the best length for your dog's coat and lifestyle. I would also be cautious about shaving a double or thick coat down to the skin in summer, since coat can help protect from sun and heat; ask your groomer or vet about the right length instead of assuming shorter is always cooler.

Ears, Eyes, Nails, and Teeth

• Ears: Floppy ears with hair in the canal can trap moisture. Check weekly for odor, redness, or discharge, and clean gently with a vet-approved cleaner. Your groomer or vet can advise on whether hair removal is right for your dog.
• Eyes: Wipe away debris and trim hair that falls into the eyes.
• Nails: Trim about every 3 to 4 weeks, or when you hear clicking on the floor.
• Teeth: Brush several times a week with dog toothpaste. Dental disease is common in all dogs.

Dealing With Mats

Small, loose mats can often be worked out with your fingers, detangler, and a comb, starting from the edges. Tight mats that sit close to the skin, or mats that cause redness or discomfort, should go to a professional. A groomer may need to clip the area short. That is kinder than a long, painful session of pulling. If a coat is badly matted, a short "reset" clip is often the best way to start over, and then you keep it up with the schedule above.

Choosing a Groomer

Look for a groomer who is experienced with doodle coats, is patient with puppies, and is willing to discuss length and maintenance honestly. Book the first visit early, for a gentle introduction, and schedule appointments in advance. If you are comparing dogs, our F1 vs F1b vs F2 guide shows how generation tends to affect coat. For general coat and grooming ideas from another breed with a long coat, see our Maltese grooming guide.

When to Call Your Vet

Call your vet if you notice red, hot, or smelly skin under the coat, constant scratching, hair loss, sores beneath mats, head shaking or ear pain, or any sudden change in the coat. Grooming should never cause pain, and skin problems hide easily under thick hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a Bernedoodle be groomed?

Most need brushing several times a week and a professional groom roughly every 4 to 10 weeks, depending on coat type and length. Curly coats sit at the more demanding end.

Do Bernedoodles shed?

Many shed lightly, and curly coats usually shed the least, but there is no guarantee. Loose hair often stays in the coat and must be brushed out, or it mats.

Can I shave my Bernedoodle for summer?

A shorter clip is fine and common, but ask your groomer or vet about a safe length. Avoid shaving to the skin without advice, since the coat offers some sun protection.

When should grooming start for a puppy?

Right away. Gentle brushing, handling of paws and ears, and a first positive groomer visit after your vet says vaccinations allow it will make adult grooming much easier.

Final Thoughts from Donna

A well-groomed Bernedoodle is a happy, comfortable dog, and the daily routine is also a lovely way to bond. For more on how we care for our dogs, read about what thirty years of canine care has taught me. You can also learn more about the breeds on the AKC's Bernese Mountain Dog page and the Poodle page.

This article is for general education and is not veterinary advice. Please consult your veterinarian about your dog's specific health needs.