Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic? + Tips for Reducing Pet Allergies

Doodles like the Bernedoodle have become increasingly popular in the last two decades thanks to their hypoallergenic qualities. If many people had to refrain from adopting a dog in the past due to their allergies, that’s not the case anymore. But is it all what it’s made up to be? Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic? Is there even such a thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog? And is this the solution for allergy sufferers? Let’s find out!

Table of Contents

• Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?
• Comparing Bernedoodle Generations And Their Hypoallergenic Potential
• How Do You Know If Your Bernedoodle Triggers Your Allergies: Common Allergic Reactions In Humans
• How To Manage Allergies Triggered By Your Bernedoodle
• Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic? FAQ  
• Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic? Final Thoughts

Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Yes, Bernedoodles can be hypoallergenic because of their Poodle heritage. However, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Generally, Bernedoodles make excellent pets for people who struggle with dog dander allergy. After all, that’s why the Bernese Mountain Dog was crossed with the Poodle – to achieve a low-shedding, hypoallergenic dog. Just like the rest of the Doodle mixes. As you probably know, Poodles are praised for their hypoallergenic coats.

However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic. In fact, there isn’t even such a thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. Even Poodles and hairless dogs can trigger allergies in some people. 

It’s important to keep in mind that it’s not the dog hair that causes allergies in people, but the proteins found in dog dander, saliva, and even urine. Now, dogs like to lick themselves, and their dander will also get stuck on their fur. Naturally, if a dog sheds a considerable amount of hair, the allergens will be left on your furniture, clothes, and ultimately trigger allergic reactions.

For this reason, low and non-shedding dogs are a much better choice for people whose allergies are triggered by dog dander and saliva. Simply because they won’t leave a mess of allergen-filled hair floating around the house. 

So, are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic and under what conditions? It all boils down to a Bernedoodle’s genetics and what coat type they’ve inherited from their parent pups. 

Understanding The Bernedoodle Coat And How It Can Affect Their Hypoallergenic Potential

Bernedoodles come in three types of coats – straight, wavy, and curly coats. The curly coat takes after the Poodle parent and it’s the best choice for people who struggle with allergies. Curly-haired Bernedoodles shed very minimally, if any at all, and therefore they won’t spread as much allergens onto your furniture or clothes. 

On the opposite side, we have the straight coat that’s inherited mostly from the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. As the Bernese is double-coated, it’s highly likely that straight-coated Bernedoodles also inherit the shedding undercoat. This also means that they aren’t the ideal choice for people who struggle with dog dander allergy. Still, even straight coat Bernedoodles tend to shed considerably less than their purebred Bernese parents. Thank you, Poodle genes!

Lastly, we have the wavy coat, which combines the traits from both the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog. These pups have it all – the wavy coat isn’t as high maintenance as the curly coat nor does it shed as much as the straight coat. Nonetheless, the wavy coat might cause some trouble for people with severe dog dander allergy. 

Although the coat type can indicate the potential for Bernedoodle hypoallergenic qualities, their size can also play a role here. For instance, the potential for Mini Bernedoodle being hypoallergenic is slightly better, as they often come in backcross generations. Here’s what we mean…

Comparing Bernedoodle Generations And Their Hypoallergenic Potential

As we learned above, a Bernedoodle’s coat type can indicate whether or not they’re hypoallergenic and to what extent. But how can we predict a Bernedoodle’s hypoallergenic potential and their coat type? 

Firstly, the most accurate way for this is through extensive genetic testing on the breeding dogs. Secondly, we can also have a better idea whether or not a Bernedoodle is hypoallergenic by learning about their generation. But what does it mean exactly?

To put it simply, Doodle generations tell us how the litter was bred and how much of their genetic makeup consists of either of the parental breeds. Of course, this isn’t as accurate as genetic testing. However, it does give us a pretty good idea as to what to expect.

Let’s now take a closer look at each of the Bernedoodle generations and what they represent:

	1st Parent	2nd Parent	% Bernese Mountain Dog*	% Poodle*
F1 Bernedoodle (first-generation)	Bernese Mountain Dog	Poodle	50%	50%
F1B Bernedoodle (first-generation backcross)	F1 Bernedoodle	Poodle	25%	75%
F1BB Bernedoodle (first-generation backcross backcross)	F1B Bernedoodle	Poodle	12.5%	87.5%
F2 Bernedoodle (second-generation)	F1 Bernedoodle	F1 Bernedoodle	50%	50%
F2B Bernedoodle (second-generation backcross)	F1 Bernedoodle	F1B Bernedoodle	37.5%	62.5%
F2B Bernedoodle (alternate cross)	F2 Bernedoodle	Poodle	25%	75%
F3 / Multigen Bernedoodle	F1B Bernedoodle or higher	F1B Bernedoodle or higher	Varies	Varies

Are F1 Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

F1 Bernedoodles are first-generation offspring of the purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic when they’re a 50-50 mix of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle? That’s a tough one, as these pups can lean on either side of their lineage. 

Some F1 Bernedoodles take more after the hypoallergenic Poodle, others after the immensely shedding Bernese, and some pups fall somewhere right in between. It all boils down to each puppy’s unique genetic makeup and what traits they inherit from their parents. 

As we mentioned earlier, Bernedoodles with curly coats are usually regarded as hypoallergenic, wavy coats can be considered allergy-friendly, whereas straight coats have the tendency to trigger dog dander allergies. Therefore, F1 Bernedoodles have a high likelihood of not being as hypoallergenic as some other generations we’ll mention below. 

Are F1b Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

An F1b Bernedoodle is the offspring of a first-generation Bernedoodle and Poodle. As the Bernedoodle is crossed back to a Poodle, the Poodle makes up for the majority of these pups’ genetic makeup, about 75%. 

Naturally, we can expect F1b Bernedoodles to be much more suitable for people who suffer with dog dander allergy, as these pups tend to inherit their hypoallergenic traits from the Poodle side of the lineage. 

On the other hand, this doesn’t mean that all F1b Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic. Rather, it indicates that most of the puppies in the litter will inherit low-shedding coats. However, some pups may still come with an undercoat, which may trigger allergies in some people. 

Are F1bb Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

F1bb Bernedoodles have an even higher percentage of Poodle in their genetic makeup. As we’re adding more Poodle into the mix, we can expect F1bb Bernedoodles to be considerably more hypoallergenic than F1 Bernedoodles. There’s also an even higher chance of the puppies inheriting hypoallergenic coats compared to the F1b generation. 

For this reason, we can consider an F1bb Bernedoodle as hypoallergenic, and these pups would make ideal pets for people who have severe dog dander allergy. 

Are F2 Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Then we have F2, or second-generation Bernedoodles that have two F1 Bernedoodle parents. These pups also have a 50-50 mix of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. Are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic when both of their parents have allergy-friendly coats? It’s very likely.

However, as F1 Bernedoodles can range from hypoallergenic to allergy-friendly to shedding, it’s not guaranteed. In fact, these pups may not be the ideal choice for people who suffer from dog dander allergy. But again, it all comes down to the puppies’ and their parents’ genetic makeup. 

Are F2b Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

F2b Bernedoodles have a relatively similar genetic makeup to F1b Bernedoodles. As they have about 75% of Poodle and 25% of Bernese Mountain Dog genetics, it’s very likely that these pups come with low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats. 

What’s more, many breeders prefer to breed Mini Bernedoodles from backcross generations like the F1b, F2b, F1bb, and F2bb. So, are Mini Bernedoodles hypoallergenic? As Minis often have more Poodle in their genetic makeup, they are sometimes considered more hypoallergenic than their larger counterparts. Nevertheless, it has nothing to do with their size, but more with their genetic makeup and how they were bred. 

Are F2bb Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

And lastly, we have F2bb Bernedoodles that again have the highest percentage of Poodle in their genetic makeup, about 87.5%. Therefore, we can expect F2bb Bernedoodles to be hypoallergenic, and also another great choice for people who are looking for a pup that doesn’t trigger dog allergies. 

How Do You Know If Your Bernedoodle Triggers Your Allergies: Common Allergic Reactions In Humans

Now that we’ve answered your question “are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?”, let’s take a closer look at the common allergic reactions that people often experience when they’re exposed to dog dander and saliva. 

As we discussed earlier, it’s not the hair that triggers allergies, but the dog saliva and dander that does it. As the dander and saliva particles are so tiny, they can easily spread around the house and into your airways with minimal trouble. 

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about three people in 10 with allergies also have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. People with allergies have overly sensitive immune systems that will fight any harmless proteins when they come in contact. In this case, it’s the dog dander, saliva, and urine. As a result, allergic reactions occur. 

The most common allergic reactions include the obvious sneezing, stuffy nose, swelling and itching of the eyes and nose. Additionally, you may also notice that your skin becomes red and itchy after your dog licks you. 

In severe cases, dog allergy can manifest as an intense rash on the face, neck, and chest. Highly sensitive people may also experience wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Moreover, dog allergy may trigger severe asthma attacks in people with asthma. 

How To Manage Allergies Triggered By Your Bernedoodle

If all of the information above sounded quite frightening, then you’ll be pleased to hear that there are a few simple ways you can manage your dog allergy and still enjoy the company of your adorable Dood. 

Groom Your Dood

Frequent grooming is the best and easiest way of keeping your allergic reactions at bay. As you’ll be constantly brushing loose, dead hair from your Dood’s coat, you’ll also be removing any excess dander and saliva particles that would otherwise find its way onto your furniture and other surfaces at home. 

We recommend you groom your Bernedoodle with a good quality brush every single day for the best results. As an added bonus, your Dood will also be less likely to become matted. Hello gorgeous hair! 

Likewise, don’t forget to give your pup a thorough wash once in a while. Here we have reviewed some of the best shampoos for Bernedoodles, including a few great anti-dandruff shampoos that help neutralize the allergens in dog dander.

Keep Your House Clean

You’ll also want to keep your house clean at all times, especially if you have lots of soft and cushy surfaces around the house, such as sofas, pillows, curtains, and carpets. Nonetheless, you should also keep all harder surfaces like laminated floors and kitchen counters clean at all times. What’s more, don’t forget to mop any areas, and regularly wash your carpets and curtains with hot water. 

If cleaning has triggered allergic reactions for you in the past, we recommend you also wear a face mask to keep any dust, dog dander, and saliva particles out of your airways. 

Consider Investing In An Air Cleaner

Needless to say, with regular cleaning, you can only keep the surfaces in your home allergen free. For the particles floating in the air, an air purifier is the best way to go. We recommend you invest in an air cleaner that has a HEPA filter, which is said to remove at least 99.97% of any airborne particles. 

Keep in mind that an air purifier won’t keep your surfaces clean, just like regular household cleaning won’t manage to trap in allergens from the air. These two methods should always go hand in hand. 

Choose The Right Food For Your Pup

Obviously, your allergic reaction to dog dander is directly linked to the amount of skin your pup sheds. Sometimes, the problem may lie in your dog’s own nutritional deficiencies, or even allergies and food intolerances. All of which often cause itchiness, excessive scratching, and skin shedding. 

We’re not going to lie, picking the right food for your Dood can prove to be quite a difficult task that involves a lot of trial and error. Most commonly, Bernedoodles can themselves be allergic to certain ingredients, such as artificial flavors, preservatives, or even common protein sources like chicken. Luckily for you, we’ve done all the legwork for you and found the very best dog food formulas for Bernedoodles. 

Reach For Supplements & Medications

Although all of the steps above are excellent methods for managing your allergies, you might still have to get some additional help in that area. 

Firstly, if your pup is still excessively shedding skin despite a good, balanced diet, and a great quality shampoo, you might want to consult with your veterinarian about other possible solutions.

For instance, they might recommend omega oil supplements that will nourish your Dood’s skin from the inside out. Secondly, consider stocking up on allergy medications like antihistamines or nasal sprays that will relieve your own allergic reactions. 

Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic? FAQ

Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic? Final Thoughts

So, are Bernedoodles hypoallergenic? For the most part, yes! Bernedoodles greatly benefit from the Poodle genes in their genetic makeup, which makes them excellent pets for people who suffer from dog dander allergy. But, this doesn’t necessarily mean that a Bernedoodle won’t trigger any allergic reactions for you. Fortunately, there are many ways you can combat dog allergy. For instance, by regularly grooming and bathing your Dood, keeping your house clean, and making use of allergy medications when necessary. All is possible if you set your mind to it!