Everything You Need to Know About Merle Bernedoodles

If you’re considering a Merle Bernedoodle, they’re a striking choice, with their zany, curly coats. However, there’s a whole lot more to these dogs than good looks. They’re a combination of brains and looks, thanks to their Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog bloodlines. Let’s find out what makes them unique and what to know if you’re considering bringing one into your life.

Witness That Mind-Blowing Merle Coat

Merle Bernedoodle puppies have a diluted base color mainly due to a special gene, which helps create these truly unique, marbled patterns. It’s fascinating to see how patches of lighter colors feel swirled into the darker ones. You will witness reds, grays, blues, and even those fascinating “phantom” markings popping up. These shades are mixed perfectly with the standard brown, black, or white a Bernedoodle is commonly known for.

The best part is that no two Bernedoodle puppies are alike. Some may have a delicate speckled effect, while others may come with large, bold areas of that diluted color. The merle may be all over the body, but mostly on the head and legs. It’s this unpredictability that makes each one so unique.

The Bernedoodle Mix

Merle Bernedoodle puppies are so popular now because they’re friendly, intelligent, and based on their coat, low-shedding and potentially hypoallergenic. However, the genetics can get a little complicated depending on the generation of the Bernedoodle. Let’s break down the most common ones:

• F1: This is your standard 50/50 bled: half Poodle and half Bernese Mountain Dog. Their coats are generally wavy, but also show loose curls. It feels as if they’ve got a perm but some curls are sort of hanging loose. 
• F1B: This option is 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese Mountain Dog. These dogs will typically have curlier coats and tend to be more hypoallergenic. 
• F2: This is slightly different, it’s when you put two Bernedoodles together. You’re at 50% Poodle and 50% Bernese Mountain Dog again. The coat is usually quite unique, with wavy yet loose curls.
• Ultra: This one is more Bernese Mountain dog about 75% and 25% Poodle. Due to the combination, they have more open curls, and are a bit larger in general.
• Multi-gen: This is a catch-all category for any mix that doesn’t perfectly fit the previous categories. It can be hard to predict exactly what the coats will look like here, but a good breeder can talk you through the specifics for each puppy.

Regardless of generation, every Bernedoodle requires proper care, including vaccinations, routine vet checkups, parasite prevention, and proper dental care. Also, keep in mind that Merle gene will at times cause health issues, particularly when two Merle-coated dogs are bred and they create what’s referred to as a “double Merle.” This is why responsible breeding is vital in ensuring the health of Merle Bernedoodle pups.

Endnote

Merle Bernedoodle puppies are a popular choice, but if you’re searching for one, make sure to inquire about the generation split of the puppies with breeders. Be sure to select a reliable breeder, as they’ll give you insight into each puppy’s unique genetic makeup.