One of the draws of getting a Mini Bernedoodle is that they are low-shedding. Is this always true though?
The thing that makes mini Bernedoodles, and any Doodle for that matter, low-shedding is all found in their genetics. Two important things to look at are
Furnishings
IC Locus (Improper Coat)
According to Paw Print Genetics, the type of mini bernedoodle coat that would shed will have both of these markers:
no furnishings
IC (Improper Coat)
Otherwise, your mini bernedoodle will have some degree of non-shedding. how much depends on if they have 1 or 2 furnishings, or if there is a mutation on one of those markers.
Okay, so all of that sounds really complicated, right? And, it is! Luckily, there is a simple way to check if a Doodle has Furnishings.
Ready?
Check their face!
A mini bernedoodle with a smooth, slick coat likely has no Furnishings or Improper Coat. A mini bernedoodle with fuzzy eyebrows and a fluffy beard around their muzzle is what you want to look for as a sign that they'll be low-shedding.
Additionally, their coat should fluff up from their body and have at least a wave to it.
Another way you can think about it is this if the Doodle you're looking at has the same texture of coat as a Bernese Mountain Dog, they're more likely to shed like a Bernese Mountain Dog. We're not looking at the colors here, this is a texture thing.
For reference, here is Stella, our Bernese mama:
Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs have coats with a similar texture, long, silky fur. A Doodle's coat should be soft, but it won't have that fine silky texture you'd find in the Bernese Mountain Dog or Golden Retriever.
When looking for a Mini Bernedoodle, you can ask the breeder for a copy of the genetics from the parents. Many tests come with an analysis that explains what everything means, but even if it doesn't you can either look up the info yourself or call the company that tested the DNA for assistance.
We have a litter of Mini Bernedoodles on the way! They will arrive this fall. Check out our available puppy page to see what cute, low-shedding Doodle puppies we have now.