Bernedoodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They’re loved for their gentle, playful, and laid back personalities, as well as for their colorful and curly fur. As with all dogs, however, Bernedoodles require regular haircuts and groomings.
Because of their unique fur, ranging from straight to tight curls, Bernedoodles tend to need more haircuts than the average dog. Bernedoodles only shed a little bit, which means the only way they lose fur is if you cut it off. These frequent haircuts and grooming sessions can get expensive and add up quickly.
If you want to save money and cut back on grooming sessions, consider investing in a pair of dog clippers for your Bernedoodle. Below, I’ve listed our top list of dog clippers for Bernedoodles.
Why should I consider getting dog clippers?
The main reason to consider getting dog clippers is because it will save money in the long run. This is because getting your dog groomed, especially a designer breed like a Bernedoodle, is expensive. Consider this:
- Most dog breeders and Bernedoodle owners recommend getting their Doodle groomed every 6 to 8 weeks.
- If you go on the long end, 8 weeks, that amounts to seven haircuts per year.
- Each grooming session for a Bernedoodle costs anywhere from $75 to $200 in the US, with $100 being the average.
- That comes out to an average of $700 per year. And that’s on the low end! Many Doodle owners have their dog groomed once per month, which comes out to $1,200 annually.
When you consider that most dog clippers cost between $100 and $300, it certainly makes financial sense to invest in a good pair of dog clippers.
In the next section I’ve listed other reasons to groom your dog at home but I wanted to address probably the first question that came to your mind when thinking about the cost of dog clippers.
Do clippers for humans work for dogs?
Even though getting a pair of dog clippers is cheaper than paying for grooming session after grooming session, dog clippers are still expensive. This begs the question of whether or not clippers to cut human hair will work on your Bernedoodle.
Unfortunately, you can’t use human hair clippers on dogs. Clippers designed for people simply can’t handle the amount of hair and fur that most Bernedoodles have. If you try to go this route, you’ll likely ruin your clippers and botch your Bernedoodles haircut.
Other reasons to groom your dog at home
While cost savings is the main reason that more and more people are purchasing clippers to groom their dogs at home, it isn’t the only reason. Here are a few other things to consider:
- You can give your dog as many haircuts as you want to without having to worry about money.
- You can give your dog the exact trim or haircut you’re looking for. Even the best groomers will use their own discretion when giving haircuts, which means they may do something you don’t want them to.
- Taking your dog to the groomer is kind of like taking a kid to daycare. They’ll be surrounded by other dogs that could potentially carry diseases. Therefore, you reduce the risk of your dog getting sick by not taking them to the groomer.
- Grooming can also be a stressful time for nervous dogs. By grooming them at home, you can keep them calm and turn grooming into an enjoyable bonding experience.
Just because you have a pair of dog clippers doesn’t mean you can’t ever take your dog to the groomer again. After all, it’s a great way for your dog to socialize with other dogs and people, and it also gives you a little break from taking care of them.
Instead, having a set of dog clippers means you can give your Bernedoodle a quick trim between visits to the groomer. This is especially important around the eyes and ears, as these areas tend to grow faster than other parts of the body.
If you’re intimidated at the idea of performing your own doggy haircuts and trimmings, there’s no need to be. YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have tons of tricks and tips to help you get started. From there, it may take a few tries before you get the cut just right, but it’s worth the effort!
What should I consider when purchasing a clipper for a Bernedoodle?
Now that you know some of the benefits of purchasing clippers and trimming your dog at home, let’s look at how to choose the right pair!
Cordless vs electric
Going cordless vs electric is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing clippers for your Bernedoodle. Corded electric clippers can run non-stop and may have more power, but they’re more difficult to use because the cord keeps getting in the way.
As such, we highly recommend a pair of cordless dog clippers. High-quality cordless clippers can be just as powerful as electric ones, and they’re much easier to use. As long as you charge your clippers after each session or change the batteries as needed, running out of power won’t be an issue.
Budget
As with all things, your budget will affect which dog clippers you choose. Dog clippers can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 and beyond (although most cost between $100 to $300), and you tend to get what you pay for in terms of quality. The cheaper the clippers are, the sooner they will give out and the more ineffective they will be. Therefore, if you plan to give your dog regular haircuts at home, investing in higher-priced clippers is a must.
Blade and comb width
Choosing clippers with fairly wide blades and a wide comb attachment is also a good idea. This will make your haircuts faster and easier, because you’ll have a lot of ground to cover. The only time wide blades and comb attachments aren’t beneficial is if you have a mini Bernedoodle.
Durability
The more durable your dog clippers are, the more haircuts you’ll get out of them. Therefore, even though they cost slightly more, high-quality and durable clippers are a good investment that pay off in the long run.
Vacuum attachment
Having a vacuum attachment on your doggy clippers is an added bonus. These attachments are connected to the clippers so that whenever you make a cut, the hair is immediately sucked into the vacuum.
While vacuum attachments are convenient in theory, they dramatically increase the cost of your clippers. Additionally, some vacuums don’t work the best and tend to clog easily if you aren’t careful. This could cause issues with the clippers and make your haircut take much longer than it should.
Our top 3 clippers for Bernedoodles
Thanks to the increasing popularity of grooming dogs at home, there’s no shortage of dog clippers to choose from. Dog clippers are available with a wide range of price tags, features, and qualities, and here are some of the best on the market:
- Heininger Opal
- Andis Pulse ZR2
- Wahl KM Cordless
| Info | Heininger Opal | Andis Pulse ZR2 | Wahl KM Cordless |
| Price | $425–$500 | $300–$400 | $200–$300 |
| Key Features | Cordless, two speeds, 4 hour battery life, great for all types of fur | Five speeds, ceramic edge blade, cordless, 3 hour battery life | Two speeds, cordless, 2 hour battery life, lightweight |
| Quality Level | Professional grade | High-quality to professional | High-quality to professional |
| Available At | PBS Animal Health | Chewy | Ryans Pet Supplies |
If you’re on a tighter budget than these clippers allow, you can also select a more budget-friendly option, such as the Wahl Pro Ion or the Pawshelf Professional Dog Clippers. Each of these options will get the job done, but they may not last as long or have as many features as higher-dollar options.
What are some additional tools I’ll need to groom my own Bernedoodle?
Buying high quality dog clippers are just the first step toward being able to cut your Bernedoodles hair at home. If you want to do the job right and have as little of a mess as possible, you’ll also need the following tools and equipment.
Scissors
As with human haircuts, you won’t be able to use your clippers for every aspect of the haircut. There will be areas where you need to trim with scissors. When those times come, you’ll want a pair of high-quality scissors to make quick, precise, and safe cuts.
Grooming Table
Although it’s not a requirement, having a grooming table will make your life infinitely easier. A grooming table will give you a place to set your dog so that they’re at your level while you groom them. In addition to helping you give cleaner and better haircuts, your back will also thank you if you invest in a grooming table.
Blow Dryer
A blow dryer will help you clear hair away as you cut it and clear up your line of sight. Having a blow dryer will also make your haircuts safer, as they reduce the risk of accidentally cutting your dog. If you don’t want to use your personal blow dryer, consider investing in an affordable dog-specific blow dryer.
Vacuum
If you don’t invest in a pair of clippers with a built-in vacuum, you’ll certainly want to have a vacuum on hand. Doggy haircuts create a massive mess of hair and dander, and it’s important to have a high-quality vacuum to sweep it up.
Nail Clippers and Bathing Supplies
If you’re going to go to the trouble of giving your dog a haircut, you might as well give them the whole grooming experience. That means having a good set of dog nail clippers as well as Bernedoodle-approved shampoo and conditioner.
After clipping their nails, we use a Dremel pet nail grinder to take off any sharpness that’s still there.
If you don’t want to buy each of these things individually and would prefer to have them all in one convenient package, consider a comprehensive dog grooming kit. The grooming kit from Pupwell even includes lessons and informative videos about how to give your Bernedoodle a great haircut!
Does the coat type affect what clippers to use?
Contrary to what you might think, the type of coat and hair your dog has really doesn’t affect the type of clippers you should use. As long as you choose high-quality clippers designed specifically for dogs, they will get the job done regardless of your Doodle’s coat.
Can I cut my Bernedoodles coat too short?
Technically, you can cut your Bernedoodles coat as short as you want to and it won’t affect their health or ability to re-grow their fur. However, Bernedoodles look best when their hair isn’t cut too short. Therefore, it’s important to take your time and give your Doodle a haircut that flatters it and doesn’t take away from its cuteness.
How soon should I begin grooming my Bernedoodle puppy?
We recommend waiting until your Bernedoodle puppy is 4 or 5 months old before their first puppy cut. There’s really no reason to give them a haircut any younger, and there’s a good chance it will only scare them. This will make haircuts more difficult in the future and increase the odds of having a nervous Nelly for a dog.
In addition to waiting until your pup is at least 4 to 5 months old, it’s also a good idea to mentally prepare them for grooming before you take them in. This can include giving them a small trim around the eyes and ears before giving them a full-blown haircut.
It’s also helpful to blow dry their fur and fluff their coat within the first few months. This will help prepare them for the sound and rushing air of the blow dryer.
What are some grooming tips and techniques?
Whether you plan to groom your dog at home yourself or take them to a professional, here are a few grooming tips and tricks:
- If you have a nervous dog, give them Serene Dog Calming Aid before giving them a haircut.
- For your first couple at-home haircuts, start with an easy cut, such as the feet, face, and fanny haircut. This is also a good haircut between professional grooming appointments so that your groomer can focus on the most important areas.
- If you’re not sure how short to cut your Bernedoodle, we recommend not cutting too short right away. If it’s too long after the first round of trimming, you can always cut it shorter, but you can’t put hair back on your dog.
The most common mistakes to avoid with DIY haircuts
- Don’t cut too aggressively or short, as you might end up cutting into your dog’s skin and scarring them literally and figuratively.
- Not bathing and completely drying prior to giving the dog the haircut and not brushing the dog out completely and combing to check for mats at the skin, prior to starting the clipper work.
- Running blades over a dirty dog, as this not only breaks down and dulls the equipment faster, but it also leaves the dog looking less than professionally trimmed.
- Not blowing out and cleaning the dog after giving them a haircut, as you’ll have a mess in the house if you forget to do this.
I want to thank our trusted groomer, The Pampered Pup, for being a valuable resource for this article. If you need a professional groomer in Northern Indiana, check them out.
What do people on Reddit think about clippers for Bernedoodles?
Are you still uncertain about which clippers are the best for your Bernedoodle or if grooming at home is something you might be interested in? If so, it’s always helpful to hear from real people who have been in the same boat as you. Check out this Reddit thread for more advice and consider this quote from one helpful user:
“This is what I have; you should try something at least this size (even you invest in a different brand) I have 2 Bernedoodles (1 mini, 1 standard) and I’ve found that having a grooming tool with the vacuum works best for my household because it constantly removes the hair from the blades making things much more convenient for them (and me). There’s barely anything to clean once we’re done using the clippers and the only mess comes from me using scissors to give them clean lines.
There’s a lot of different ones to choose from, I’d recommend looking for the one with the largest storage for the hair and make sure it has all the length guiding combs you think you may need (I have 2 of these vacuums, one is really small for grooming my Doodles but it has 5 different guide combs and an attachment for a nail trimmer; the downside is that I have to empty it maybe 7 times during one groom!“
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to grooming your Bernedoodle. Whether it’s your first puppy cut or your fiftieth, the most important thing to successfully grooming your own Doodle is having a good set of clippers. If you have good clippers and follow the tips, tricks, and guidelines in this article, you’ll be giving your Bernedoodle high quality haircuts for years to come!