Bernedoodle Coat Colors
Bernedoodles are known for their beautiful and unique coat patterns, and at Oodles of Bernedoodles, we offer a variety of patterns for you to choose from. Our Bernedoodles come in several coat patterns, including tri-colored, merle, phantom, and parti-colored.
Tri-Color
Merle and Traditional
There are two types of tri-color coats: the traditional tri-color in brown or black, and the merle tri-color. The traditional tri-color is characterized by a solid-colored coat and distinct markings in black, white, and brown. Merle tri-color Bernedoodles have a marbled, swirled coat pattern which is created by introducing the merle gene into a tri-color breeding. This coat type is a unique and beautiful variation of the traditional tri-color Bernedoodle.
Phantom
Traditional and Merle
The phantom coat of a Bernedoodle is highly sought-after due to its unique two-tone coloring. This coat can be found in different variations, with the most common being black and brown. The phantom coat comes in two types, non-merle and merle. Non-merle Bernedoodles have solid coloring in their phantom markings, while merle Bernedoodles have a mottled or blotched pattern.
Sable
Sable and Merle Sable
Sable Bernedoodles boast multi-colored hair, lighter at the base and darker towards the tips, creating a dynamic contrast, especially noticeable as the coat moves. This pattern varies widely among individuals, with some having a pronounced sable pattern and others more subtle. These dogs often experience color changes as they grow, potentially shifting from darker to lighter shades or vice versa. The sable palette can range from brown to silver, reflecting their diverse genetics. In merle sable Bernedoodles, this sable pattern is combined with the merle gene, adding a marbled effect with shades of grey, black, and white, creating an even more distinctive and varied coat appearance.
Bi-Color
Bi-coloring is a more general term that refers to any dog with two colors. The placement and pattern of these colors aren't as specifically defined as in the phantom coloring. For example, a bi-colored dog could have large patches of a secondary color on the back, sides, or face, which wouldn't necessarily fit the precise pattern of phantom coloring.
Brindle
Traditional and Merle
A brindle coat is a complex pattern that features alternating stripes of two different colors. In traditional coats, the base color is typically black or brown, while the stripes can range in color from cream to orange to gray. In merle coats, the base color can be any color, and the stripes are a lighter variation of the base color, creating a marbled effect. This pattern is caused by the interaction between different genes that control pigment production and distribution.
Solid Color
Bernedoodles can come in quality solid colors in a variety of colors such as chocolate, black, cream, red, and yellow.
Blue Merle
The blue merle coat pattern is a striking and complex mosaic that commands attention with its distinctive beauty. It's characterized by a silvery-blue base color intermingled with patches and speckles of black, creating a marbled or mottled effect that is both whimsical and elegant. This pattern results from a genetic variation that dilutes the base color, allowing the darker spots to emerge randomly across the coat. While traditionally associated with breeds such as the Collie or Australian Shepherd, the blue merle pattern can also grace the lush coats of Bernedoodles, contributing to their allure. Each blue merle dog is unique, with no two patterns being exactly alike, making them a canvas of nature's artistry.
Red and White
The "Red and White" Bernedoodle is distinguished by its vivid and contrasting coat coloration. This variant exhibits areas of rich, red fur complemented by stark white markings. The red shade can vary from a bright, coppery red to a deeper, rust-like red, contributing to the distinctiveness of each individual dog. Typically, the white appears prominently on the chest, paws, and along the facial area, often including a distinct white blaze on the forehead. This color pattern is not just visually appealing but also quite rare, making "Red and White" Bernedoodles particularly sought after.
Furnishings
Curly, Wavy and Sleek
A "furnished" Bernedoodle has the genes that give it the distinctive facial hair commonly associated with Poodles and many Doodle breeds. This includes longer hair on the eyebrows, mustache, and beard, giving them a shaggier, teddy bear-like appearance.
The difference between furnished and non-furnished affects more than just aesthetics. It can influence grooming needs and sometimes people's allergies, as the non-furnished variety may shed more similarly to a Bernese Mountain Dog, while a furnished Bernedoodle may have a coat that sheds less and is more like that of a Poodle.
Fading
What happens as puppies age?
At Oodles of Bernedoodles, we understand that as your Bernedoodle ages, the vibrant colors of its coat may fade. While we try to select dogs with non-fading genes, some colors may still change over time. Rest assured, however, that our breeding program is dedicated to producing Bernedoodles with healthy, beautiful coats.