Bernedoodle Puppy Cut: Why It’s The Best & What To Ask For

Feeling overwhelmed with all the haircut options for your bernedoodle but know that they need a grooming session? The bernedoodle puppy cut is the only one you’ll need! Not only does this haircut style maintain their super cute look, but it’s hard to mess up, easy to maintain, and easy to adjust based on specific needs. Let me tell you why!

The post is all about the bernedoodle puppy cut, and why it’s the only haircut style you’ll need for your bernedoodle furry friend!

What is a bernedoodle puppy cut?

The bernedoodle puppy cut is a haircut style specific to bernedoodles (but all doodles really) that helps them look like a fluffy puppy, due to the nature of the look! Sometimes referred to as the teddy bear look, it’s guaranteed to make your pup look adorable and fluffy. 

There are tons of haircut options to choose from, and all of them have their own place. However, if you’re unsure of what you want, this one is your go-to, because of how standard and universal it is. It’s pretty simple, in the sense that you can a uniform cut, usually 1-2″, all around.

What to ask for?

Most groomers will know what you want when you ask for a puppy cut, but ALWAYS clarify! The puppy cut is when they cut the same length all around. It usually ranges between 1-2” inches, but this can vary based on specific standards. For example, if you live in extreme heat climates, even shorter might be more beneficial. Use your fingers as a guide to show them how long or how short you want their hair to be. 

Though “all around” should mean everything from head to tail, oftentimes, we recommend leaving the tail a little longer. To deter from creating a weird-looking shorter tail, the tail should be left longer. 

There can also be slight modifications based on your bernedoodle’s lifestyle. If you love the look of longer hair on their face, you can have them leave the face a little longer. If you know they love the water or running in the mud often, their feet and legs can be cut shorter. However, unlike choosing a different haircut style like the lamb cut or the kennel cut, all parts of their body should look mostly uniform, with only slight adjustments if needed. The uniformity will create the puppy, fluffy look that bernedoodles are known for! <3

Here are two examples of bernedoodles (from Instagram) with this specific cut that you can show to the groomers: @nellie.thebernedoodle & @bobby.bernedoodle. There are also tons of doodle pages with this puppy/teddy bear look.

Tips, Tricks & Hacks for a Smooth Grooming Appointment

Maintenance is KEY!

Daily, weekly, and monthly at-home grooming maintenance is a MUST with bernedoodles. If they are matted for their grooming appointment, they WILL cut their entire hair off. It does not matter what style you wanted when you walked in, it will ALL be cut. It’s not because they have a personal vendetta against you or that they wanted to do it, but their razors can’t get through mats. Let’s say you asked for a 1-inch cut all around, but they have a mat on their arm, they are not able to push their 1-inch razor through the mat and will have to do a shorter cut. They also can’t spend 6 hours brushing your dog out. Let’s be real… they do not have all day for your dog. Therefore, do your bernedoodle a favor and brush out all of the mats before your appointment!

You must brush their coat at least 2-3 times a week, and daily if they have a curly coat. Learn how to start an at-home grooming routine here!

This will also help to get them used to the motion before they go. The groomers will be touching their paws, using a vibrating razor to shave them, and touching their ears, mouth, and tail frequently. Get them ready for these unfamiliar experiences, so they are not bombarded on their appointment day. 

Get them professionally groomed 2-3 times a year

Getting them professionally groomed 2-3 times is the optimal amount. There are things that you just cannot do at home, without the proper equipment and experience. Although you might like their hair long, it is A LOT of work to keep the mats off. They might not even like it, if they live in warmer year-round climates, like where we are in California! Plus, you WILL eventually find a haircut style that you love, that benefits everyone involved!

Walk your dog beforehand

Going to the groomers is a long, scary process for them. If they have a lot of energy, which doodles usually do, it would be wise to take them on a walk beforehand. It helps with getting any jitters, anxiousness, or stress out before they begin!

Find the right groomer

Finding the right groomer for your dog is a process. You want things done a certain way, and sometimes groomers will do things their way. It takes time, trial and error, and lots of effort to find the right one with the right haircut style. Some tips for finding the right groomer is always talk to the actual groomer taking care of your bernedoodle. If you can’t talk directly to the groomer, that is a red flag. You want to make sure that they do care about your dog before handing your furry friend over. 

Don’t skimp out on groomers. They have set prices for a reason. It might be more expensive, due to a multitude of reasons like their size and breed. Furthermore, I always recommend trying a personal groomer, whether they are a mobile groomer or just not so big of a company… Yes, you might pay a little extra, but you are paying to make sure your dog is getting the attention they deserve. They’ll remember you and your preferences, and your pup will do better with seeing the same person every time. Grooming appointments are not the place to be cheap, do it for your beloved bernedoodle and help them have the best experience possible.

Conclusion

Bernedoodles are so beautiful with ANY haircut. Their vibrant personalities only make them more adorable. However, grooming is an integral part of their life and should not be overlooked. Though it can be quite intimidating to hand over your dog to someone else, it doesn’t have to be a bad experience with a little bit of knowledge, effort, and research beforehand.

Happy grooming and hope you and your bernedoodle friend have a great rest of your day! Let me know in the comments if you tried the bernedoodle puppy cut!