Dog Care
Bernedoodle care and growth management
A standard Bernedoodle is a large dog in a soft package — growth management matters as much as grooming.
By Marcus Vance · Updated 2026-06-28 · 7 min read
Growth and exercise
Feed a large-breed growth diet for standards, keep the puppy lean, and hold off on repetitive impact work until eighteen months.
Coat
Wavy and curly coats need brushing several times a week and grooming every six to eight weeks. The adolescent coat change around eight to twelve months causes a sudden matting spike; increase brushing then rather than after the mats appear.
Temperament work
Many Bernedoodles are mildly reserved with strangers. Broad, positive socialisation before sixteen weeks pays for itself for the rest of the dog's life.