Bernedoodle Haircuts: Groomer's Picks for Low-Maintenance Looks
- Riverview Grooming
- Sep 2, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 2
Bernedoodles are one of those breeds that make you smile the second they walk through the salon doors. They’ve got the goofy charm of a Bernese Mountain Dog and the fluffy, sometimes curly coat of a Poodle. That coat is what makes them so irresistible to pet, but it’s also what gets most owners in trouble.
I can tell you that Bernedoodle coats don’t behave the same way from dog to dog. Some come in with soft waves that tangle behind the ears. Others have dense curls that mat tightly around the armpits and legs. I’ve even seen siblings from the same litter with completely different coat types. That’s why no single haircut works for every Bernedoodle.
Owners often tell me they just want their pup to look cute but without all the brushing battles at home. That’s where the right low-maintenance cut comes in. The goal is a style that fits your dog’s coat type and your daily routine, so your pup stays comfortable and you avoid the dreaded shave-down when mats take over.
I’ll walk you through the best haircut options for Bernedoodles that keep them looking stylish while being realistic for everyday care.
Understanding the Bernedoodle Coat
The first thing every Bernedoodle owner should know is that these dogs don’t have a “one size fits all” coat. Their mix of Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog genes creates a wide range of textures, each with its own grooming challenges.
Wavy coats: Often the easiest to care for. They have a looser, shaggy look but still tangle behind the ears, chest, and tail.
Curly coats: Closest to the Poodle side. They’re beautiful and fluffy but very prone to matting if not brushed often. Curls can tighten like little springs, locking in dirt and knots.
Straighter coats: Less common but seen in some Bernedoodles. These shed more like a Bernese and may require more de-shedding tools than clipping.
From a grooming table perspective, mats always show up in the same trouble zones: under the collar, armpits, behind the ears, and along the belly where friction happens. Even dogs who get brushed at home can have hidden tangles close to the skin. That’s why groomers use a metal comb to check through the coat after brushing. If the comb won’t glide smoothly, mats are hiding there.
Understanding your Bernedoodle’s coat type is the key to picking a haircut that will look good and be easier to maintain. The curlier the coat, the shorter you’ll want to keep it if daily brushing isn’t realistic.
The Best Brushes for Your Bernedoodle: Groomer's Recommendations
Even the lowest-maintenance haircut needs a little upkeep at home. The right tools make all the difference between a quick brush-through and a full-blown tangle session. These are the ones I reach for most often in the salon:
Slicker Brush – Ideal for lifting out loose hair and working through light tangles. Use gentle, short strokes in sections.
Metal Comb – This is how groomers check for hidden mats. Run it through after brushing; if it snags, you’ve still got tangles.
De-matting Comb – Designed to carefully break apart knots without pulling too hard on the skin. Always work from the tip of the mat inward.
Flea/Tear-Stain Comb – A small, fine-tooth comb that’s perfect for gently cleaning eye corners or catching small tangles under the chin.
Detangling Spray – Helps reduce friction and makes brushing easier on sensitive areas. A light mist before brushing can save a lot of frustration.
De-shed Spray – Especially helpful for straighter-coated Bernedoodles who shed like their Bernese parent. It loosens dead coat so it comes out with less effort.
Having these tools on hand will make every cut last longer and keep your Bernedoodle more comfortable between grooming visits.
Top Haircuts for Your Bernedoodle: Finding the Perfect Style
Finding the perfect haircut for your Bernedoodle is about balancing style and practicality. With their unique coat texture and varying levels of curl or wave, different haircuts can offer both aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance. The right style can highlight your dog's natural features, keep them comfortable throughout the seasons, and, most importantly, make grooming much more manageable at home.
Bernedoodle Teddy Bear Cut Haircut
The Teddy Bear Cut is a popular favorite for Bernedoodles, offering an adorable, plush look that’s stylish and easy to manage. This haircut keeps the coat at a consistent length of 1 to 2 inches, creating a soft, rounded appearance that highlights your Bernedoodle’s natural fluffiness. The even trim enhances their sweet, expressive face while maintaining a cute, cuddly shape that will draw attention.
Maintenance Level: Moderate. The Teddy Bear Cut is relatively low-maintenance but requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting, especially around areas prone to friction like the legs and under the belly. A professional grooming session every 6 to 8 weeks will keep the cut looking neat and tidy.
Notes for Your Groomer:
Ask for an all-over trim to 1 to 2-inch comb cut for a balanced, fluffy look that is easy to maintain.
Request a slightly rounded trim around the face to enhance your Bernedoodle’s natural expression while avoiding too much bulk around the muzzle.
Groomer’s Tip: Use a slicker brush two to three times a week to keep the coat free of tangles and maintain that signature soft, rounded look. Regular conditioning spray can also help keep the coat smooth and reduce the chance of matting.
Best For: The Teddy Bear Cut is ideal for Bernedoodles who love to look charming and well-groomed but need a style that doesn’t require constant upkeep. It’s perfect for those who enjoy frequent outdoor adventures but want to avoid the hassle of excessive grooming.
Puppy (All-Over) Haircut for Bernedoodles
The Puppy, or All-Over Haircut, is a practical and adorable choice that keeps your Bernedoodle looking youthful and well-groomed. This style involves trimming the coat to a uniform length of 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch all over the body, creating a neat, manageable appearance. The head is typically left slightly longer, around 1 inch, to add a touch of softness and roundness, maintaining the charming puppy-like features everyone loves.
Maintenance Level: Low. The Puppy Haircut is one of the easiest cuts to maintain, requiring minimal daily grooming. It’s perfect for busy owners who want their Bernedoodle to look cute without spending too much time on upkeep. A professional grooming session every 6 to 8 weeks will help maintain the desired length and shape.
Notes for Your Groomer:
Request an all-over trim using a 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch comb attachment for a balanced, clean look that is easy to care for.
Ask for the head to be trimmed slightly longer with a 1-inch comb to create soft, rounded features that retain that playful, youthful appearance.
Groomer’s Tip: Brush your Bernedoodle with a slicker brush once or twice weekly to keep the coat smooth and debris-free. Regular ear cleaning and eye care are necessary; the shorter coat won't hide dirt or tear stains.
Best For: The Puppy (All-Over) Haircut is ideal for Bernedoodles who love to stay active and need a no-fuss style that keeps them comfortable in all kinds of weather. It's an excellent choice for puppies or dogs that prefer a simple, easy-to-manage look that still shows their adorable personality.
Lamb Leg Cut for Bernedoodles
The Lamb Leg Cut is a stylish and unique option that adds a touch of flair to your Bernedoodle’s look. This haircut involves trimming the body to a shorter length, typically 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch, while leaving the hair on the legs slightly longer to create a fuller, rounded appearance that mimics the shape of a lamb's legs. The contrast between the shorter body and the fluffier legs gives your Bernedoodle a fun, balanced look that stands out without being overly high-maintenance.
Maintenance Level: Moderate. While the Lamb Leg Cut is relatively easy to maintain, it does require regular brushing to prevent tangling, especially around the legs where the hair is left longer. A professional grooming session every 6 to 8 weeks will keep the look sharp and well-defined.
Notes for Your Groomer:
Ask for the body to be trimmed with a 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch comb for a sleek, clean finish that’s easy to care for.
Request that the legs be left longer and sculpted to a rounded shape using a 1.5-inch comb attachment, enhancing the 'lamb-like' appearance.
Groomer’s Tip: To keep the Lamb Leg Cut looking its best, brush the legs with a slicker brush every few days to maintain their volume and shape. Pay extra attention to the areas around the joints where mats are more likely to form.
Best For: The Lamb Leg Cut is perfect for Bernedoodles who enjoy a bit of extra flair in their style but still need a relatively low-maintenance option. It’s ideal for those who love a unique, playful look that complements their fun-loving personality while keeping them comfortable and groomed.
Summer Cut for Bernedoodles
The Summer Cut is a practical choice for warmer months or for Bernedoodles who love to stay active year-round. This haircut involves trimming the coat to a short length using a # 7 to # 3 blade, giving your dog a cool, lightweight feel that’s easy to manage. The head is kept slightly longer, typically trimmed with a 1/2 to 1-inch comb, and shaped to create a rounded, clean look that maintains some of that signature Bernedoodle charm.
Maintenance Level: Low. The Summer Cut is designed for minimal maintenance, making it perfect for owners who want to reduce grooming time and keep their Bernedoodle comfortable in hot weather. Regular grooming sessions every 6 to 8 weeks will help maintain the short length and rounded shape.
Notes for Your Groomer:
Request a body trim using a # 7 to # 3 blade for a close cut that provides maximum comfort and reduces shedding.
Ask for the head to be left slightly longer and shaped with a 1/2 to 1-inch comb to achieve a soft, rounded look that balances with the shorter body.
Groomer’s Tip: To maintain the neat appearance of the Summer Cut, brush your Bernedoodle weekly to remove any loose hair and debris. Pay attention to their ears and tail, which may still require regular checks and cleaning to prevent buildup or matting.
Best For: The Summer Cut is ideal for Bernedoodles who live in warm climates, have high energy levels, or simply enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle. It’s a great choice for dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors, helping them stay cool and comfortable while keeping their coat clean and manageable.
Which Bernedoodle Haircut Will You Choose?
Teddy Bear Cut
Puppy or All-Over Cut
Lamb Legs Cut
Summer Cut
Choosing the right haircut for your Bernedoodle can make all the difference in keeping them comfortable, stylish, and easy to care for. Whether you prefer the playful look of the Teddy Bear Cut, the simplicity of the Puppy Haircut, the unique flair of the Lamb Leg Cut, or the practicality of the Summer Cut, there’s a perfect style for every dog and owner. Each of these cuts offers a balance of aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance, allowing you to spend less time grooming and more time enjoying your furry companion.
Remember, the best haircut is one that suits both your Bernedoodle's coat type and your lifestyle needs. Don’t hesitate to discuss your options with your groomer to find the ideal style that brings out the best in your dog. And, as always, regular grooming sessions and a good at-home care routine will keep your Bernedoodle looking and feeling their best, no matter which cut you choose.
Ready to try a new look for your Bernedoodle? Book an appointment with us today and let’s find the perfect style to keep your pup looking fabulous and feeling great all year round!
