The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Your Bernedoodle: Top 6 Techniques for a Healthy, Happy Pup

Bernedoodles, the charming crossbreed between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, are gaining popularity for their affectionate nature, intelligence, and hypoallergenic qualities. However, like any dog breed, Bernedoodles require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coats and overall health. With their thick, curly, or wavy fur, grooming your Bernedoodle can be a bit challenging but incredibly rewarding when done correctly.

In this guide, we will walk you through the best grooming techniques for puppy, ensuring your pup stays clean, comfortable, and healthy. From brushing to bathing and professional grooming, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your Bernedoodle looking and feeling great.

Why Grooming Your Bernedoodle is Essential

Bernedoodles are known for their luxurious coats, which combine the Poodle’s curly hair with the Bernese Mountain Dog’s thick fur. While this hybrid coat is generally hypoallergenic and sheds minimally, it still requires regular grooming to prevent matting, tangling, and discomfort.

Proper grooming is important for several reasons:

• Health and hygiene: Regular grooming helps prevent skin infections, hot spots, and ear infections by removing dirt, debris, and buildup of oils.
• Comfort: Grooming keeps your dog comfortable by preventing mats that can pull on the skin or irritate your Bernedoodle.
• Bonding: Grooming is also an opportunity to bond with your pet and build trust through gentle handling and care.

Essential Grooming Tools for Bernedoodles

Before diving into the grooming techniques, you’ll need the right tools. Here’s a list of essential grooming tools for your puppy:

1. Slicker Brush – This brush has fine, short wires and is perfect for detangling and preventing mats, especially in curly or wavy coats.
2. Pin Brush – Ideal for overall brushing, pin brushes are great for removing loose hair and preventing tangles in longer fur.
3. De-matting Comb – For those stubborn mats that won’t come out with a regular brush, a de-matting comb can help gently break them up without damaging the coat.
4. Fur Clippers – A quality set of clippers will allow you to trim your dog’s fur when needed. You’ll want to keep the fur around the eyes, paws, and underbelly short for hygiene purposes.
5. Nail Clippers or Nail Grinder – Regular nail trimming is essential for your dog’s comfort. Long nails can cause pain, posture problems, and other health issues.
6. Ear Cleaner and Cotton Balls – Keeping your dog’s ears clean helps prevent infections, especially in floppy-eared breeds.
7. Shampoo and Conditioner for Dogs – Always use products formulated for dogs. Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs have sensitive skin, so gentle, moisturizing shampoos work best.
8. Toothbrush and Toothpaste – Dental health is equally important. Regular brushing can help prevent dental issues in your puppy

Grooming Techniques for Bernedoodles

Now that we have the necessary tools, let’s go over the grooming techniques you’ll need to master for your Bernedoodle.

1. Brushing: The Key to Preventing Mats

Brushing is the most important part of maintaining your Bernedoodle’s coat. Depending on your dog’s coat type (curly or wavy), you may need to brush more often to prevent tangles and mats.

• Curly coats: If your Bernedoodle has a tightly curled coat, it’s essential to brush it at least 2-3 times per week. Use a slicker brush to work through tangles and knots, and follow up with a pin brush to smooth the coat.
• Wavy coats: Bernedoodles with wavy coats may require less frequent brushing (once a week), but you should still use a slicker brush to remove any tangles that may form.
• De-matting: If you encounter mats while brushing, don’t pull too hard. Instead, use a de-matting comb to gently break up the mats or consult a professional groomer if they’re too stubborn.

2. Bathing Your Bernedoodle

Bathing is another essential part of grooming, but you shouldn’t bathe your Bernedoodle too frequently, as over-bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils.

• Frequency: Bath your Bernedoodle every 6 to 8 weeks or as needed, depending on their activity level and how dirty they get. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or has a tendency to get dirty quickly, you might need to bathe them more often.
• Shampoo and Conditioner: Always use dog-friendly shampoos that are designed for hypoallergenic dogs or dogs with sensitive skin. A gentle, moisturizing shampoo can keep your Bernedoodle’s coat soft and shiny.
• Bathing process: Wet your dog thoroughly with warm water. Lather the shampoo, then rinse thoroughly to ensure all the soap is removed. Follow up with a conditioner to keep the coat soft and tangle-free.

3. Trimming Your Bernedoodle’s Coat

While Bernedoodles don’t need to be shaved like some other breeds, regular trimming is essential to keep their coat healthy and manageable.

• Paw pads and face: Trim the fur around your dog’s paws and face to prevent it from getting too long. This is especially important for the hair between the toes and around the eyes, as it can get dirty and irritate your dog.
• Body trimming: For Bernedoodles with curly coats, you might need to trim the body to prevent the hair from becoming too bulky or difficult to manage. Use a quality set of dog clippers, and be sure to trim slowly to avoid cutting too much hair.
• Professional grooming: If you’re unsure about trimming certain areas or prefer to leave it to the professionals, consider taking your Bernedoodle to a groomer every 6-8 weeks for a trim.

4. Nail Trimming

Long nails can cause discomfort and even health issues for your Bernedoodle. Keep their nails trimmed regularly to ensure they stay comfortable.

• Frequency: Trim your dog’s nails every 3-4 weeks, or more often if you can hear them clicking on hard floors.
• Method: Use a pair of sharp nail clippers designed for dogs, and be careful not to cut too close to the quick (the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels). If you’re unsure, consider visiting a professional groomer to have their nails trimmed.

5. Cleaning Your Bernedoodle’s Ears

Bernedoodles are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears, so keeping them clean is essential.

• Ear cleaning: Use a gentle ear cleaner designed for dogs, and apply it to a cotton ball. Gently wipe the inside of your dog’s ear to remove dirt and wax buildup. Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can push debris further into the ear canal.
• Frequency: Clean your dog’s ears once every 2-4 weeks, or more often if your Bernedoodle has been swimming or playing in muddy areas.

6. Dental Care for Your Bernedoodle

Dental health is often overlooked, but it’s just as important as any other grooming routine. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and even organ damage.

• Brushing: Aim to brush your Bernedoodle’s teeth at least 2-3 times a week using dog-friendly toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. This helps remove plaque buildup and keeps their breath fresh.
• Dental chews: Providing your Bernedoodle with dental chews or toys can also help keep their teeth clean between brushings.

When to Visit a Professional Groomer

Although regular at-home grooming is essential for maintaining your Bernedoodle’s coat and health, there will be times when you’ll need to visit a professional groomer. Here are some signs it’s time for a grooming appointment:

• Matting or tangles that you can’t manage at home: If your Bernedoodle’s coat becomes too matted or tangled to manage, a professional groomer will have the tools and experience to safely remove the mats.
• Trimming around the face or paws: If you’re unsure how to trim the delicate areas around the eyes or paws, a professional groomer can ensure these areas are trimmed safely.
• Full grooming session: If you need a full-body trim or haircut, it’s best to leave this to a professional who can ensure the cut is even and comfortable for your dog.

External Resources for Grooming Bernedoodles

If you’re looking for more information, here are a few excellent resources that can help you with grooming your Bernedoodle:

1. American Kennel Club (AKC) Grooming Tips

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/grooming-a-poodle

2. The Dog People by Rover

https://www.rover.com/blog/how-to-groom-poodle-hybrid

3. PetMD Grooming Tips

https://www.petmd.com/dog/grooming/how-often-should-you-bathe-your-dog