Do Bernedoodles shed? It’s a question that many people ask when considering this mix breed. And the answer, as with most things related to dogs, is: it depends!
However, that’s where we come in. In this guide we’ll attempt to look at all the factors that influence whether or not this breed sheds, as well as what can you do to minimize the shedding.
What Is a Bernedoodle?
A cross breed of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Standard Poodle, the Bernedoodle is an exceptionally adorable pup that neither sheds nor drools much. Its hypoallergenic quality makes it an even more appealing pet option for families.
Bernedoodles are outstandingly smart and easy to train. Not only that, but they are very outgoing and active puppies while also being great for a comfy cuddle on the couch. These puppies have a special fondness for children. It’s a parent’s dream come true!
As for their looks, they usually come in a tricolor coat, but some Bernedoodle puppies end up being pure black, black and white, or a random mix. You can also choose between curly coats or a straight haired Bernedoodle and what’s even more important – they come in a variety of sizes!
Do Bernedoodles Shed?
The short answer is that bernedoodles shed, but they are not considered a high-shedding breed. The amount of fur they’ll leave behind depends on which generation the puppy belongs to and the different related breeds that exist, such as the Australian type.
However, no matter the generation, you can rest assured you won’t need to lose your head while trying to get rid of all those annoying hairs. Usually, you’ll find some fur on their brush, but that’s about it!
If you want to know what other breed of dog doesn’t shed, take a look at this comprehensive guide.
Bernedoodle Coat Types
There are four main types of Bernedoodle coat types. Let’s take a look at them!
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- Straight Coat – Most commonly found in Ultra Bernedoodles, this fluffy coat type isn’t characterized with much curliness compared to the other categories. On top of that – it rarely sheds! Although this dog hair is low-maintenance and undemanding, it still needs grooming from time to time to become the softest fur it can be!
- Curly Coat – Curly haired Bernedoodles are most fitting for any family that’s worried about their pup shedding a lot of fur. Because of the hair’s texture, any loose hair will be easily trapped between the curls leaving little to no chances for it to fall on the floor. However, these Bernedoodles are much more difficult to take care of, so be wary of that!
- Wavy Coat – Most F1 Bernedoodles have a wavy fur which requires daily brushing, and it occasionally leaves loose hair around. It’s neither too straight nor too curly, making it sort of a middle ground between all the available coat types.
- Bernese Coat – This coat is most similar to the purebred Bernese Mountain Dog, hence the name. Pups that have this type of fur bring more health benefits to the table, while also being less demanding to take care of.
When Do Bernedoodles Shed Their Puppy Coat
As soon as the Bernedoodle puppy reaches nine months of age, it starts to lose its baby coat and begins its regular hair growing process. It’s important to note that different Bernedoodle puppies have different levels of puppy coats.
Some dog owners don’t want to deal with the fuss related to baby coat shedding, so they choose to completely shave off their fur. Remember that you have many options to choose from and it depends solely on your preferences.
How to Reduce Shedding
If your pup does end up shedding more than usual, you can follow some simple tips to ease your troubles.
- Regular brushing – Prevent loose hairs from falling everywhere, while also putting an end to matting and tangling by brushing your Bernedoodle every few days.
- Bathing – Use a high quality shampoo to properly clean your pup, but don’t overwash, as it can dry out the skin and worsen the shedding condition.
- Proper nutrition – Investing in the best dog food possible can keep the pet’s skin and hair healthy and smooth.
- Supplements – Fatty acids supplements, such as omega-3 and omega-6 amino acids, will definitely bring life to your Bernedoodle’s haircoat.
- Medicine for dog allergies – Allergies can cause dry skin, and in turn increase shedding. Luckily there are certain medications that help reduce symptoms and bring your pup’s skin back to normal.
- Use upholstery covers – Upholstery covers are easy to clean and save you a lot of time that you would usually spend dealing with loose puppy hairs.
- Reduce your puppy’s stress – Changes in environment, death or even insufficient exercise can cause damages in a dog’s wellbeing. So make sure you plan out a good daily routine to decrease your Bernedoodle’s stress rate.
Usually these tips will work, but if your pup continues to shed at an alarming rate, you’ll have no other choice left but to regularly vacuum your home. It’s also a good idea to check for any underlying medical problems that may trigger excessive hair loss.
Conclusion
So, do these dogs shed? The answer is that it depends on the individual pup and several other factors. In general, bernedoodles are not considered a high-shedding breed. If you are concerned about Bernedoodle shedding, be sure to ask the breeder about the coat type of the puppy you are interested in and whether or not the dog has been neutered.
FAQs
Do Mini Bernedoodles shed?
Although it depends on the puppy’s genetics, mini Bernedoodles usually prove to be low shedding dogs, especially because of their small physique. However, there’s still a chance they might have inherited more of the Bernese Mountain Dog fur, so you can never be 100% sure.
Do F1 Bernedoodles shed?
F1 Bernedoodles are 50% Poodles and 50% Bernese Mountain Dogs, which maximizes the high shedding potential compared to other breeds. In the end, everything depends on the type of coat the puppy has inherited from its parents, so sadly there’s no one size fits all answer.
Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?
Most Bernedoodles don’t shed much, are not double coated and don’t produce much puppy saliva, which in turn makes them highly hypoallergenic and a perfect pet for people who suffer from allergies.
Do Bernedoodles shed more than goldendoodles?
Not really. Both of bernedoodles and goldendoodles are known for their lack of shedding. If this factor is an important one for you, then picking one of these breeds is definitely a good idea.
