Do Bernedoodles Shed? How Much, Causes, Prevention, and How to Combat It

If the Bernese Mountain Dog-Poodle mix has won your heart, it’s likely for a variety of reasons. They’ve got the looks, the smarts, the personality, and the hypoallergenic coats. But does it all sound too good to be true? You might be wondering – do Bernedoodles shed? Or are they completely non-shedding Doods? In this article, we’re going to learn all about Bernedoodle shedding levels, causes, and how you can combat excessive shedding. Most importantly, we’ll also reveal which Bernedoodle sheds the least. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

• Do Bernedoodles Shed?
• Do Bernedoodles Shed? Breed Generation Comparison
• Why Is My Bernedoodle Shedding So Much?
• How Do You Keep A Bernedoodle From Shedding?
• Do Bernedoodles Shed: FAQ
• Do Bernedoodles Shed? Final Thoughts

Do Bernedoodles Shed?

Bernedoodles are very low to non-shedding dogs, thanks to their Poodle heritage.  It’s no surprise that Bernedoodles and other Poodle mixes are praised for their hypoallergenic coats, as they tend to trigger allergic reactions in people much less frequently. 

However, this doesn’t mean that Bernedoodles don’t shed at all. Even Doods who have “completely non-shedding” coats shed hair. You’ll usually notice some dead, loose hair on the brush after giving them a little groom. In addition to that, some Bernedoodles can shed considerably more than their non-shedding counterparts. It all comes down to your Bernie’s coat type and genetics. 

Do Bernedoodles Shed? Breed Generation Comparison

So, you know that you’re after a low-shedding Bernedoodle, but now you’re faced with the difficult choice – which Bernedoodle generation should you choose? Which Bernedoodle coat is best for allergy sufferers? Do Mini Bernedoodles shed? Which Bernedoodle sheds the least?

Doodle breeders specialize in various Bernedoodle generations and picking the right one might be quite a pickle. What do all the generations mean and how can they affect a Bernedoodle’s shedding levels? Here’s a quick overview:

	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

Do F1 Bernedoodles Shed?

The F1 Bernedoodle is 50% Poodle and 50% Bernese Mountain Dog. For this reason, F1 Bernedoodles have a higher chance of shedding compared to the backcross generations. 

However, it’s not uncommon for F1 Bernedoodles to inherit a more Poodle-like coat, either. Even puppies from the same F1 litter can have different coat types! It all comes down to which coat type the puppy has inherited from its parents. 

For example, if your F1 Bernedoodle has a curly coat, you’ll likely notice minimal shedding. If they’ve inherited the wavy coat, there might be a little bit of shedding. And if your F1 Bernedoodle has inherited the straight coat, be prepared for some shedding, as they usually come with undercoats. 

Here are some charts from our Doodle Characteristics Survey, which over 100 Bernedoodle owners have participated in to date.

Do F2 Bernedoodles Shed?

Similarly to F1 Bernedoodles, F2 Bernedoodles are a 50-50 mix of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. As a result, there’s a 50% chance that they’ll inherit either the shedding straight coat or the low-shedding curly coat. Of course, some F2 Bernedoodles can also come with a wavy coat, that sheds slightly more than the curly coat and less than the straight coat. 

Do F1b Bernedoodles Shed?

F1b Bernedoodles have a considerably higher chance of being low-shedding dogs compared to their F1 relatives. As F1b Bernedoodles have 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese Mountain Dog in their genetic makeup, it’s more likely that they inherit the low-shedding genes from the Poodle’s side of the lineage. 

However, even F1b Bernedoodles can sometimes carry the shedding gene. Although it’s less likely, it can happen. F1b Bernedoodles are considered the best choice for people who are after a Dood who doesn’t shed much. As they tend to shed very little, they’re less likely to trigger allergic reactions. And as an added bonus, you won’t be cleaning up loose hair from your furniture or carpets. 

Do F2b Bernedoodles Shed?

In terms of their genetic makeup, F2b Bernedoodles are very similar to F1b Doods. They’re 25% Bernese Mountain Dog and 75% Poodle, making them another great option for people who look for a pup that doesn’t shed much. 

Do F1bb Bernedoodles Shed?

As we learned from the Bernedoodle generations above, F1bb Bernedoodles have an even higher percentage of Poodle in their genetic makeup. F1bb Bernedoodles are 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Bernese Mountain Dog. Because of this, there’s even a higher chance that these pups are very low-shedding dogs. 

Do F2bb Bernedoodles Shed?

Similarly to F1bb pups, F2bb Bernedoodles also have a genetic makeup of 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Bernese Mountain Dog. Again, it’s very likely that F2bb Bernedoodles do not shed, making them one of the safest choices for people with dog dander allergy. 

Do Mini Bernedoodles Shed?

Whether or not a mini Bernedoodle sheds is determined by how they were bred. For instance, Mini Bernedoodles can either be created as F1 Mini Bernedoodles or by breeding backcross generations like F1b and F2b Mini Bernedoodles.

Usually, we can expect some F1 Mini Bernedoodles to shed, as their genetic makeup consists of 50% Bernese Mountain Dog and 50% Poodle. This means that there’s a 50-50 chance of an F1 Mini Bernedoodle inheriting the traits from either of the parent pups.

However, with backcross generations like F1b, F1bb, F2b, and F2bb Mini Bernedoodles, there’s a much smaller chance of shedding. As we learned from the generations above, all backcross generations have at least 75% Poodle in their genetic makeup. Therefore, it’s more likely that they’ll inherit a low-shedding coat. 

Do Australian Bernedoodles Shed?

Australian Bernedoodles are an interesting mix of Bernedoodles and Australian Labradoodles. Whilst Bernedoodles are a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, the Australian Labradoodle combines the Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and Poodle. And when we combine the Australian Labradoodle with the Bernedoodle, we get a quadruple hybrid cross between the Lab, Bernie, Cocker Spaniel, and Poodle. What an amazing mix!

These pups can be created in numerous ways, but the most common options are to either cross a Bernedoodle with a Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle, or mix an Australian Labradoodle with a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog.

Now, the amount of shedding an Australian Bernedoodle experiences is down to their genetics. As the Australian Labradoodle is a Multigenerational Doodle, they’re already consistently bred to achieve the lowest shedding coats possible. If these Doods are bred back to a Bernedoodle, it’s safe to assume that their Australian Bernedoodle puppies will also be rather low to non-shedding dogs.

However, if an Australian Labradoodle is crossed with a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog, things get a bit more complicated. Namely, because the Bernese Mountain Dog is a double-coated breed that can shed quite a bit. So, if we’re crossing an Australian Labradoodle with a purebred Bernie, there’s a 50-50 chance that the puppies will be born with a shedding undercoat. 

Why Is My Bernedoodle Shedding So Much?

If you’ve noticed that your Bernedoodle isn’t as low-shedding as you thought, it might be due to a few different reasons – mainly, their coat type and also their genetic makeup. Let’s take a closer look…

Coat Type

Bernedoodles come in three main coat types. As the Bernedoodle is a mix of two different purebred dogs, they can inherit a coat that leans on either side of their lineage, or something that is a combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle coats.

The most desirable option for people who are after minimally shedding Doods is the Bernedoodle with a curly or wool coat. As it’s mostly inherited from the Poodle parent, it’s typically single-coated. However, the textured curls are notorious for being high maintenance, as they require regular grooming. The textured curls can easily trap in dirt and debris, and also tangle very easily. 

Bernedoodles can also come with a wavy coat, also known as fleece coat. It may or may not come with an undercoat, but it tends to shed very little. However, wavy coat Bernedoodles might still shed more than curly-haired Bernies. The wavy coat is typically fairly easy to maintain, as it isn’t as prone to tangles and it doesn’t shed as much as the Bernese straight coat. 

Lastly, the Bernese straight coat a.k.a. hair coat, resembles most of the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. It usually comes with a shedding double coat and it’s typically the least favorable option for allergy sufferers. The straight coat sheds the most out of all three Bernedoodle coat types. However, it’s usually much less prone to matting compared to the curly coat. 

Genetics & Generation

What’s great about Bernedoodles is that regardless of their coat type or generation, they still shed considerably less than their purebred Bernese Mountain Dog parents. However, as Doodles can come in many different generations, it can greatly affect a Bernedoodle’s shedding levels. 

It all boils down to how much your Bernedoodle has inherited its genes from either side of their lineage. If their genetic makeup consists mostly of the Poodle, they’re likely going to shed very little. On the other hand, if their genetic makeup leans more on the Bernese Mountain Dog side, they’re probably going to shed more. 

We’ll go over the Bernedoodle generations a bit later on in this article, where we’ll also discuss which Bernedoodles shed the least and which Bernedoodles shed the most. 

Other Causes Of Bernedoodle Shedding

You also might be wondering – do Bernedoodles shed more during certain times of the year? Do Bernedoodles shed when they blow their puppy coats? Can a diet cause a Bernedoodle to shed? Or do Bernedoodles shed due to certain health issues? Let’s take a look at some other common causes of excessive Bernedoodle shedding. 

Time Of Year

If your pup has inherited the Bernese Mountain Dog coat type, it’s most likely that they also come with an undercoat. Although they tend to shed all year round, the heaviest Bernedoodle shedding occurs in the summer and winter months. 

Puppy Coat

Somewhere around 6 months of age, you might notice that your Bernedoodle sheds more than usual. This is due to the fact that they are transitioning their puppy coats into their adult coats. Some pups experience very minimal, less noticeable shedding this time, while others leave around clumps of hair while transitioning into their new adult coats. 

Diet

An unhealthy and unbalanced diet is one of the main culprits that can lead to hair breakage and excessive shedding in Bernedoodles. It’s usually due to the fact that a dog doesn’t get enough essential nutrients from its diet. 

Additionally, Bernedoodles can start shedding more hair if you switch their diet too rapidly. If for some reason you have to switch up their dog food, do it gradually over time to avoid any digestive issues and excessive hair loss. 

Health Issues

Skin sensitivities, allergies, and food allergies can all cause excessive shedding. For example, it’s not uncommon for Bernies to start shedding hair if their diet consists of something that is not sitting well with their body. 

Likewise, allergies and skin sensitivities can also cause shedding and even lead to bald patches on your pup’s body. What’s more, certain medications and serious medical conditions can also lead to excessive hair loss. 

Anxiety

Anxiety and stress are also common causes of hair loss in Bernedoodles. There are various reasons why your Dood might experience anxiety. Some of them include separation anxiety, not getting enough attention from their owners, changes in their usual routine, moving, changes in the family, or even boredom due to inadequate mental and physical stimulation. 

If your pup is experiencing stress or anxiety, they might start to lick and scratch themselves more than usual. Naturally, this can cause the hair to fall out and even result in bald patches. 

Fleas, Ticks, & Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and parasites can trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation. Of course, this can often cause excessive shedding. Additionally, all of those pesky bugs are likely making your pup feel itchy. As a result, they’ll go out of their way to relieve the itchiness, which in turn can lead to hair loss. 

How Do You Keep A Bernedoodle From Shedding?

Brush Often

The easiest way to keep your Bernedoodle from shedding is by regularly brushing its hair. We recommend you do it daily, as it’s truly the best and easiest way to combat shedding. As you’ll be removing dead hair from the depths of the fur every day, you won’t have to deal with loose hair around the house nearly as much. 

For Bernedoodles, your top choice would be either a high quality pin or slicker brush, and a sturdy comb to target those stubborn tangles. In our guide on the Best Brushes For Bernedoodles, we’ve highlighted some of the best slicker brushes, pin brushes, and steel combs that both Doodle owners and pro groomers swear by. 

Proper Nutrition

We can’t forget that a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for keeping a Bernedoodle’s skin and hair healthy. If your pup doesn’t get enough essential nutrients from its diet, it can affect their coat health quite drastically. Opt for dog food formulas that are made with real, high quality ingredients, and contain a good amount of fatty acids from sources like salmon and omega-3. 

Additionally, if your Bernie is struggling with a food sensitivity or allergy, you might want to switch out the main protein source in their diet. 

In this article, we’ve done the research for you and reviewed some of the best Bernedoodle dog food formulas that are high quality, nutritious, and can help with various health concerns. 

Bathing & Grooming

Bathing and hair trimming are super important to combat shedding in Bernedoodles. If you’re looking to minimize your Bernedoodle’s shedding, you might want to try dog shampoos that are specially formulated for shed control. 

There are lots of de-shedding or anti-shedding dog shampoos that help remove loose undercoat with minimal fuss. In addition to that, you should also make sure that you’re using a dog shampoo that doesn’t cause any skin irritation or allergic reactions. 

Make sure you check out our guide on the Best Shampoos For Bernedoodles, where we’ve reviewed the highest quality dog shampoos for various Bernedoodle conditions.

Reducing Stress

You’ll also want to make sure that your Dood doesn’t experience any unnecessary stress. Give your pup lots of love and attention and provide them plenty of opportunities to exercise throughout the day. 

If your dog’s anxiety is caused by changes in your family, environment, or daily routines, make sure you establish new routines and schedules. This is one of the easiest ways to give your pup some added sense of safety and security. 

Do Bernedoodles Shed: FAQ

Do Bernedoodles Shed? Final Thoughts

Like other Doodles, Bernedoodles are generally low-shedding dogs, making them the perfect choice for people who are after a pup that doesn’t leave a trail of loose hair around the house. Although Bernedoodles come in a variety of coat types and each of them with various shedding levels, it’s guaranteed that a Bernedoodle won’t shed nearly as much as its purebred Bernese Mountain Dog parent. 

Above all, make sure you regularly brush your Dood, stay on top of their grooming routine, and feed them a nutritious diet, as this is the best way to combat Bernedoodle shedding. We hope this guide has given you some great insights into Bernedoodle shedding levels and which type of Bernie you should choose if you’re after a low-shedding pup.