Choosing a Bernedoodle’s coat type is more about how much time you want to spend with a brush—not about avoiding sneezes.
What are the main types of Bernedoodle coats?
Bernedoodles have three main coat types:
- straight
- wavy
- curly
At first glance, they might not seem that different, but each coat comes with its own look and maintenance level.
Straight coat
This is the lowest-maintenance of the three. Straight coats are still really fluffy and poofy, and the hair floofs straight out. Most people find these the easiest to brush and keep tidy. If you’re looking for less grooming work, this is a solid choice.
Wavy coat
Wavy coats are pretty close to straight—just a bit more bend and bounce to the hair. Some wavy coats are almost straight, others will have that signature doodle wave. When it comes to care, there’s not much difference between straight and wavy coats.
Curly coat
Curly coats are the ones people think of when they picture a “classic” doodle. They’re unmistakably curly—like a poodle. These coats do require more brushing and regular grooming to prevent matting, but some people love the look enough to make it worth the extra effort.
Do coat types depend on the generation?
Yes. Generation does matter.
- First-generation (F1) Bernedoodles (one Bernese, one Poodle parent) always have wavy coats.
- F1b (F1 Bernedoodle bred back to a Poodle) will be mostly curly coats, sometimes a few wavy ones in a litter.
- Multi-generation litters can have all three coat types—straight, wavy, and curly—and which you get depends on the coat genetics of the parents.
The science behind it is in the genetics: dogs carry one or two “curl” genes. Depending on what the parents have, you can get a mix in the litter.
Which Bernedoodle coat is easiest to manage?
Hands down, straight coats are the easiest. Wavy coats are pretty simple, too. Curly coats take more effort and more frequent brushing and trims.
I always recommend straight or wavy coats for people who want less upkeep or have mobility issues. The difference between straight and wavy is pretty minimal in day-to-day life—most of my customers just want a dog that’s fluffy and easy to keep neat.
How much grooming does each coat type need?
No matter what kind of coat you get, regular brushing is key. Ideally, brush your dog every day—but a few times a week is usually good enough for straight or wavy coats. For all coat types, it’s good to get a professional or full groom every 6-8 weeks, but also excessive brushing will save you from less professional grooming. You can go much longer for a professional groom if you are very persistent in brushing.
Curly coats are more prone to matting, so missing several days of brushing can lead to knots and tangles that are a pain to work out later. But it’s not an overnight issue—if you skip a day or two, your dog isn’t going to become a tumbleweed. Just stay on top of it.
How important is professional grooming?
For most people, I recommend a professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. But if you’re the diligent type who brushes your dog every single day, you might be able to get by with fewer haircuts, especially for straight or wavy coats.
If you love grooming at home, you can certainly do it yourself, but you want to make sure you’re doing a proper cut all the way down, not just a surface brush.
Shedding, allergies, and dander: does the coat type make a difference?
This is one of the biggest myths on the internet. Google will tell you curly coats are always better for allergies, straight coats shed more, and so on. But from what I’ve seen, it’s more about generation than coat type.
- F1b and multi-generation Bernedoodles tend to be much better for people with allergies—curly, wavy, or straight.
- F1 Bernedoodles will shed a bit more, but even they are way less shedding than a pure Bernese.
- Ultra bernedoodles (which means more Bernese then poodle) we have found the f1 ultras to really be about the same as a regular f1 on shedding. Multigen ultras we’ve found to be really low on shedding.
As for dander, some people (and some websites) swear coat type matters. In my experience, the generation of the dog is a much bigger factor.
And just so you know: there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. Even poodles aren’t 100% hypoallergenic, but Bernedoodles, especially F1b and multi-gens, are about as close as you can get.
Which coat is best for people with allergies?
F1b or multi-generation Bernedoodles, no matter the coat type. If you have severe allergies, you can go with a curly F1b if you want extra peace of mind, but I’ve known straight and wavy multi-gen Bernedoodles that are just as allergy-friendly.
Is there a “best” coat type for an active lifestyle?
If you’re outdoorsy—hiking, camping, lots of outdoor play—the real trick is brushing your dog out after adventures, not so much which coat you choose. Burrs and seeds will stick to any coat. As long as you keep up with grooming, any of the coat types can work.
Easiest coats for older owners or those who want less work
Straight or wavy coats are the best if you want less brushing, less matting, and less fuss. That’s what I recommend for my customers who want an easy-care Bernedoodle.
What about ear issues?
Curly coats can lead to more hair in the ears, which can be a recipe for ear infections. All doodles have some risk of this, but curly is the most prone. It’s something to be aware of—not a deal-breaker, but if you’ve had dogs with ear problems before, it’s worth considering.
How do you choose the right coat type?
Pick what catches your eye and fits your lifestyle.
If you fall in love with a curly puppy, that means a bit more grooming—but the look is worth it for a lot of people. If you want an easier time or have trouble lifting a dog onto a table for brushing, go for straight or wavy.
No matter what, keep in mind: coat type has nothing to do with personality. All Bernedoodles are sweet and lovable. Whichever you choose, you’ll probably end up with your favorite dog ever.
In closing
Coat type matters for grooming, but it doesn’t change your dog’s heart. Bernedoodles are wonderful no matter what—and whichever one sits at your feet, you’ll love them more than you thought possible.