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Bernedoodles are pretty dogs- hairy, gentle-looking, and playful breed of dogs that many keep as pets. If you own a Bernedoodle, you probably know all the attributes mentioned above. Perhaps you got a Bernedoodle because you think this breed doesn’t shed. However, it seems your dog sheds, and you are concerned.
Before we go into details of why Bernedoodles shed, a little background information will give insight into why some of this breed shed and why some don’t. Let’s look at some fun facts about Bernedoodles.
- A Bernedoodle has two origins; the parents are the Bernese mountain dog and a Poodle
- Poodles are crossbred with Bernese mountain dogs in different patterns to produce Bernedoodles of varying characteristics
- The Bernedoodle has the loyalty of the Bernese and goofiness of a poodle
- Being a hybrid, no two Bernedoodles are the same
- Bernedoodles are very intelligent, just like the poodles
- Bernedoodles are known to be low shedding to non-shedding dogs.
Why is my Bernedoodles shedding?
In reality, every dog sheds; it’s just a matter of how much. Some Bernedoodles shed so much that regular cleaning is necessary. Some shed very little- in that they similarly shed little hair the way healthy human hair comes off in a few strands.
The difference in the gene of Bernedoodles determines how much they shed. There are different generations of this breed; the F1, F2, F1B, F2B, etc. The F1 Bernedoodles is a generation that has low shedding because of the 50:50 ratio gene of both parents, which means that they will shed but not as much as a purebred Bernese would.
For the F1B, F1BB, or F2B generations, these generations have a dominating Poodle gene that runs higher than that of the Bernese. Usually, the poodle gene in this generation is between 65% to 87%, meaning that this generation is non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Usually, dog lovers with allergies prefer these types of Bernedoodles.
So, if you take custody or purchase a Bernedoodle of the F1, F2, or F3 generations, your dog will likely shed. If your dog is the F1B, F2B, or F1BB type, then there will be little or no shedding at all.
Bernedoodle coat types
Recognizing what each coat type represents can also help make the right choice when looking for a non-shed Bernedoodle. There are basically three types of coat:
- Straight
- Wavy
- Curly
Straight
The straight coat type indicates a good amount of the Bernese mountain dog gene. The Bernese has a straight fur type. So, a Bernedoodle with a straight coat is less hypoallergenic and may shed a little. Usually, regular brushing and bathing are essential to reduce how much Bernedoodle sheds.
Wavy
The wavy coat is another type of hair which is more common than the straight type. The wavy coat is a mid-type that doesn’t shed or sheds very little.
Curly
The curly coat type is highly hypoallergenic and non-shed. Bernedoodles with this type of coat are very common and safe for pet lovers with allergies. However, the downside is that Bernedoodles with curly hair need regular brushing and bathing to prevent mattes and tangles.
The information just considered gives you a better understanding which is more useful when purchasing or getting a dog. What if you own a shedding Bernedoodle already? Read further to see the practical steps you can take.
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Ask a Vet Live NowHow can I reduce how much my Bernedoodles sheds?
So your Bernedoodle sheds hair? There are ways to help reduce how much they shed.
Note: It’s typical of most dogs to shed based on weather. In summer, most dogs will naturally shed. And in winter, they will shed less. Keeping this principle in mind will help you decide how frequently you will use the steps to be discussed.
Brush your Bernedoodles
Brush your Bernedoodle regularly. Take your time to schedule when you want to brush your dog as brushing helps to remove strands of detached hair. Purchase a specialized dog brush to brush your Bernedoodle the right way.
Ensure you do this every few days. When you do, your dog will reduce shedding hair around the house. The other advantage is that no tangles or mattes will form on your dog’s coat.
Bathe your Bernedoodle
The second and yet important method is bathing. First, purchase a de-shedding shampoo for the fur. Then bathe your dog. Endeavor to bathe the dog at least twice a month. Bathing a Bernedoodle helps to rid the dog of dead hair and by using a good shampoo, your dog will shed less over time.
Note: As much as bathing is recommended, do not bathe a Bernedoodle too much (it’s not a daily exercise). Bathing too much causes dryness and itchiness.
Feed your Bernedoodle right
Good dog food is great for the coat. Ideal dog food contains vitamins, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients help to develop a good coat and reduce how much a Bernedoodle sheds.
Added to eating good food is the need for your dog to rest properly. Proper rest helps to prevent stress. A stressed dog is liable to shed. Asides from rest, regular exercise is essential. Walk your dog and have a regular plan of playtime.
Additionally, keep your Bernedoodle well hydrated. Water is essential to the health of a Bernedoodle. It helps to keep the coat in good condition and also prevents shedding.
Why is my Bernedoodle shedding excessively?
If your Bernedoodle is shedding excessively despite trying the brushing and bathing techniques, then it could be as a result of serious health problems. To know precisely the cause of excessive shedding in your Bernedoodle, see a veterinarian. A Veterinarian is a trained professional who will run a diagnosis on your dog to see what is wrong and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.
Note: Do not try to self-medicate your dog.
In conclusion, we’ve seen possible reasons why your Bernedoodle sheds. Also, we considered how brushing, bathing, and good food could help reduce how much your dog sheds. And if you don’t own a Bernedoodle yet, do well to use the guides above to pick one that doesn’t shed.
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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