Does a Bernedoodle Shed?
The Bernedoodle is one of the goofiest and most clever mixed dog breeds out there. Taking care of a Bernedoodle can bring you a lot of joy and memorable moments. As with other dog breeds, however, you need to familiarize yourself with facts related to the breed before taking it under your care. You may be wondering: Does a Bernedoodle shed? How do I properly care for a Bernedoodle?
What is a Bernedoodle?
For the unversed, the Bernedoodle breed is a crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, hence the name Bernedoodle. The breed exhibits the playfulness and cleverness of a Poodle and the loyal and loving temperament of a Bernese Mountain Dog.
The Bernedoodle is also referred to as Bernese Mountain Poo and makes a wonderful companion at home for families with children and other dogs.
History of Bernedoodle
The breeding of the Bernese Mountain Poo started in 2003. This is why there is still limited information available for this crossbred. The breeding is attributed to Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels; however, a crossbred may have “accidentally” existed before the initiation of the 2003 breeding process.
The main reason for this crossbreeding was to develop a wonderful dog companion. So, this breed is made for companionship and not for dog shows despite their intelligence and cuteness.
Currently, the breed is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club since it is relatively new. The Bernedoodle, however, is recognized by other associations such as the Designer Breed Registry, the International Designer Canine Registry, the American Canine Hybrid Club, and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.
Does a Bernedoodle Shed?
Bernedoodles do shed. The amount of their shedding depends on the generation of Bernedoodle they belong to. Since the Bernese Mountain Poo is a crossbreed, you won’t know exactly which genes run through an individual dog’s system. Does it have more of the Bernese Mountain Dog or more of a Poodle genetic makeup?
For example, generations F1 and F2 Bernedoodles tend to shed more than their F1B and F2B counterparts. Poodles are considered low shedders, but Berners shed a lot. If there is one thing that you can be sure of with a Bernedoodle is the fact that it will shed less than a purebred Bernese due to the blended Poodle genes.
Even if you get a Bernedoodle with more Poodle genes, there is no guarantee that it will shed less. In fact, there are some genetic anomalies and medical conditions that result in excessive dog shedding.
Bernedoodle Generation Overview
Does a Bernedoodle shed? It depends on the generation it belongs to. Understanding each generation will allow you to recognize which Bernedoodle best suits your lifestyle.
F1 Bernedoodle
This generation contains 50% Poodle genes and 50% Bernese Mountain Dog genes. This is the first cross between a Berner and a Poodle. Thus, they are considered healthier than their purebred parents since they do not inherit genetic anomalies passed down from purebred dogs. They can, however, inherit hereditary diseases common to both breeds. The shedding rate of F1 Bernedoodle is variable and their coat type cannot be determined at best until they are born.
F1B Bernedoodle
This generation has 75% Poodle genes and 25% Bernese Mountain Dog genes. Normally, F1B Bernedoodle is a hypoallergenic dog and non-shedding. It is also a healthy crossbreed with a wavy or curly coat.
F1BB Bernedoodle
This generation has 87.5% Poodle genes and 12.5% Bernese Mountain Dog genes. F1BB is the most hypoallergenic generation among the 1st generation of Bernedoodle. This group is also considered as the most non-shedding in the 1st gen.
F2 Bernedoodle
The F2 generation has also 50% Poodle genes and 50% Bernese Mountain Dog genes. The coat of this generation cannot be predicted. They are born with either straight, wavy, or curly coats. Shedding level is also unpredictable.
F2B Bernedoodle
F2B contains 62.5% Poodle genes and 37.5% Bernese Mountain Dog genes. They have wavy or curly coats. They can be hypoallergenic and non-shedders. However, there are some rare occasions that canines from this group still shed.
F2BB Bernedoodle
This group has 81.25% Poodle genes and 18.75% Bernese Mountain Dog genes. The F2BB Bernedoodle coat is mostly curly, making them an adorable pick. They are also one of the best hypoallergenic and non-shedding generations of Bernedoodle.
All Bernedoodles vary in coat types and appearance due to the crossbreeding process. The F2 generation is created while crossing an F1 Bernedoodle with another F1 Bernedoodle. This process should be done for seven generations so that the Bernedoodle can be registered as a purebred. But the more generations it produces, the more likely that the genetic problems of their purebred ancestors appear.
Types of Coats of Shedding Bernedoodles
The types of coats of Bernedoodles vary depending on which generation they come from, as well as the number of genes they have inherited from their purebred parents. Due to the crossbreeding process, no one can guarantee the coat that a Bernedoodle pup will have upon birth.
The three main types of coats of Bernedoodle breeds are the following:
Straight Coat
Otherwise known as the “hair coat,” this is the type of coat that sheds easily. The length of the straight hair depends on the length of the parents’ hair. While this is called straight hair, it can also be laced with some wavy and curly locks. The straight coat is the least hypoallergenic among the coat types.
Wavy Coat
The wavy coat looks like fleece covering the Bernedoodle. This is the most common type of coat seen among this breed. This is also a low-shedding and somewhat hypoallergenic coat.
Curly Coat
Bernedoodles with curly coats are considered the best choice if you want a hypoallergenic option. A curly coat is non- to low shedding with a soft texture as seen on Poodles. Bernedoodles of this coat type need to be brushed daily and require frequent trimming since the shed hair often stays on their body.
Mini Bernedoodle Shedding
Mini Bernedoodles are developed in various ways. One of the most common ways is to crossbreed a Berner with a Miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle. When crossbreeding a small dog and a large dog, the large dog acts as the dam while the small one is the sire.
So, does a Bernedoodle shed if it is miniature in size?
Similar to the different generations of a standard Bernedoodles, the shedding capacity of the mini Bernedoodle is also relative on how much percentage of the parent Poodle was transferred to the pup. An F1 mini Bernedoodle may shed while an F1BB or an F2 multigenerational may shed less.
Can I Stop My Bernedoodle from Shedding?
Since some generations of Bernedoodles are shedders, you might be wondering if there are ways for you to stop this from happening. Shedding is a natural thing in all canines. There is little you can do about stopping it. You can, however, help lessen the amount of hair they shed in several ways.
Bathe Your Dog Regularly
Bathing your dog will help decrease the amount of hair being shed, especially if you use a de-shedding shampoo. It is recommended to bathe a Bernedoodle once a month to remove any dead hairs from its body. Increase the frequency of bathing to at least twice a month during warmer months since dogs often shed more during these seasons to keep themselves cool. Remember not to bathe your dog too often as this may cause dry skin that can lead to itchiness and flaking or dog dander.
Brush the Coat Frequently
Some Bernedoodles don’t shed much, but that does not mean they require less attention. Brushing the coat frequently is a must-do for every Bernedoodle pet parent. It is recommended to brush their coat every day, if possible. If you are busy, every other day will work though you need to brush it more frequently during warmer months.
The best brush to use for Bernedoodles is one with thick and versatile steel pins. The pins work wonders in removing loose hair.
Provide a Well-Balanced Diet
A poor diet leads to extreme shedding in most canines. Stay away from cheap dog foods that do not offer the right nutrition that your dog needs. Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids help improve your dog’s skin and coat. Tuna, salmon, and other fish meat are good sources of these acids. Olive oil and flaxseed oil are also ideal.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Dehydration, both in humans and animals, causes dry skin and relatively affects hair health. Dehydration in dogs causes poor coat health, which leads excessive shedding. Make sure that your dog always has access to adequate and clean drinking water. If your dog is not much of a water drinker, you need to find ways to encourage it to drink or you can incorporate foods that have high moisture content in its diet.
Reduce Anxiety and Stress
Bernedoodles can be easily stressed out, especially when left alone. This breed suffers from separation anxiety, and their loyalty is just so immense that separating an adult Bernedoodle from its family causes it to feel apprehensive.
Stress and anxiety decrease the general well-being of all canine breeds. It is best to avoid all stressors that may lead to poor health. Keep your Bernedoodle happy with enough playtime, exercise, and bonding moments with you.
Control Fleas and Parasites
Fleas and parasites are major culprits of falling hair and shedding. If your dog has any of these, treat it as soon as possible. There are specialized shampoos and medications that the vet can recommend for your beloved Bernedoodle.
Why is My Bernedoodle Shedding More than Normal?
Does a Bernedoodle shed? Yes. But, what if it sheds more than normal?
Excessive shedding is not normal for any canines. Though there are a lot of breeds that are considered heavy shedders, the Bernedoodle is not part of that group. If you notice any problems with the shedding rate, extreme hair loss, and even bald spots, it is time to visit the vet for a check-up.
Some medical conditions set off excessive shedding in dogs. Fungal and bacterial infections should be dealt with using antibiotics treatments. Allergies can also trigger extreme shedding. Other conditions that may lead to unwarranted shedding are cancer, kidney and liver problems, thyroid issues, and Cushing’s disease.
If your dog already has a diagnosed medical condition and is taking drugs for it, these drugs may be held responsible for the excessive shedding. Ask the vet for the side effects of your dog’s medication so that you’ll know what to expect.
Are Bernedoodles Okay for People with Allergies?
There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. Though some dogs have fewer tendencies to cause allergies in humans, they can still be considered allergens. The Bernedoodle is one of the most popular Poodle mixed breeds that people with allergies like because they shed less.
Remember that you also need to get a Bernedoodle from the right generation. The most ideal for allergic people are those with curly coats. F1BB Bernedoodles are considered the best because they have more Poodle genes in them, so they have fewer tendencies to trigger an allergy.
Bernedoodle and its Various Sizes
Bernedoodle comes in a variety of sizes: standard, tiny, and miniature. These sizes are meant for different lifestyles. For example, if you live in a small apartment, consider getting yourself a tiny or miniature Bernedoodle. A standard Bernedoodle needs a larger space and a place to run around to release their pent-up energy.Generally, the breed does not require a lot of space. Just make sure that you can meet their physical and mental needs. You can take a Bernedoodle out for a walk in the park for its physical exercise and provide some mental stimulation at home with games. Bernedoodles, no matter what size, love to be around their humans as much as possible. So, take a lot of time to bond with them to make them happy canines – something, they deserve to be.
