Allergy sufferers often feel like they have to miss out on the companionship and unconditional love that a dog has to offer. They can’t imagine living their life with watery eyes, a runny nose, and uncontrollable sneezing. Many dogs are now being advertised as being hypoallergenic, but is it true? Are Bernedoodles truly a hypoallergenic breed?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the Bernedoodle could be close. They can inherit a straight coat that sheds a lot from their Bernese Mountain Dog. However, they can also inherit a wavy or curly coat from their Poodle parent that sheds very little. You should consider getting an F1B Bernedoodle.
For more information on how the Bernedoodle compares to other designer dog breeds, this breakdown has everything you need to know.
Is Any Dog Truly Hypoallergenic?
If you suffer from allergies, you want to get a dog who will be as gentle as possible on your sinuses. Many breeders tout their designer dogs as being hypoallergenic, but this is misinformation. According to the American Kennel Club, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. However, some breeds will be easier on your allergies than others.
Allergy sufferers often believe that the fur is what causes their symptoms. As a result, they may look for a low-shedding breed.
In reality, they are allergic to the protein found in the dog’s urine and saliva. When the dog grooms itself, the protein in their saliva binds to their dead skin flakes or dander. This dander is released into the air when the dog sheds. The more fur that gets released, the more dander you will find in your home. This triggers your allergy symptoms to flare up.
If you want a dog that is as close to hypoallergenic as possible, then you need a dog that does not shed much. Non-shedding or low-shedding breeds are the best for allergy sufferers, even though it will not eliminate their symptoms.
How does the Bernedoodle compare to other dog breeds like the Yorkiepoo or the Aussiedoodle?
Do Bernedoodles Shed? A Lot?
The Bernedoodle is a combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a long coat that is prone to a lot of shedding, while the Poodle has a curly coat that sheds very little. What type of coat can you expect when you cross these two breeds?
The truth is that it is tough to predict what type of coat your new puppy will have before its birth. They could inherit a coat that is similar to either of their parent dogs. Alternatively, they could have a coat that inherits the best of both breeds.
There are three distinct types of coats that a Bernedoodle can inherit. The first is a straight coat from their Bernese Mountain Dog parents. It may have a slight wave, but they will shed quite a bit with this type of coat.
The second is a curly coat most often seen on the Poodle. This coat sheds very little but does require more upkeep and grooming. You will need to brush almost daily and give your dog frequent trims at the groomer to keep their fur from becoming tangled and matted. However, it will be the best option for your allergies.
The last type is a wavy coat, sometimes also referred to as a fleece coat. This coat is a mixture of both the Bernese Mountain Dog’s straight coat and the Poodle’s curly coat. Much like the curly coat, a wavy coat does not shed much but will require some upkeep.
Breeders can often tell early on what type of coat your pup will have when they grow up. It is best to defer to their experience if you are concerned about getting a hypoallergenic dog for your allergy symptoms.
Are Mini Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?
Many people are interested in the smaller versions of the Bernedoodle, including the Mini Bernedoodle. The good news is that the miniature versions of this breed are just as likely to inherit a mostly hypoallergenic coat as their standard-sized counterparts.
A Mini Bernedoodle can inherit any of the same three coat types as the Standard Bernedoodle. The only difference is the size of the adult dog.
If you suffer from allergies, you may want to consider getting a Mini Bernedoodle. A smaller dog is likely to shed less than a larger dog, regardless of what type of coat they have. As a result, smaller breeds can be easier on the allergies than larger breeds.
Are F1 Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?
An F1 Bernedoodle means that your dog will have equal genes from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent and their Poodle parent. They are created 50/50 from both parent breeds. It is quite possible that an F1 Bernedoodle could be hypoallergenic, but it is not always a guarantee.
There is the possibility that they will inherit the long and straight coat that sheds quite a bit from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent. You will have to accept that risk when getting an F1 puppy from a particular litter.
If you want to ensure that your dog has a fleece or curly coat, then you may want to consider getting an F1B Bernedoodle. These can come in whatever size you prefer.
What is the Most Hypoallergenic Bernedoodle?
The most hypoallergenic Bernedoodle is going to be an F1B Bernedoodle. This specific type of dog is created by breeding a Bernedoodle back to a Poodle. This gives you 75 percent Poodle genes and just 25 percent Bernese Mountain Dog genes.
With this specific type of cross-breed, you have a much greater chance that your dog will inherit a curly coat from their Poodle ancestry. At the very least, they are more likely to have a wavy coat that still sheds far less than the long, straight coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog.
For those who suffer from allergies, you should consider getting an F1B Bernedoodle instead of an F1. While this may be a bit more difficult to find from a breeder, you will ultimately be grateful when they are easy on your allergies.
How to Minimize Allergies with a Bernedoodle
If you have canine allergies, you can still experience the companionship of a loving Bernedoodle. However, you will need to take a few extra steps to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Here are a few helpful hints to help you minimize your symptoms.
Regular Grooming
No matter what type of coat your Bernedoodle inherits, you should always groom them regularly. Brushing is the easiest way to minimize the amount of shedding that gets released into your home. You should always strive to brush your dog at least once a day. This allows you to gather up all of their loose hair into one convenient pile that can easily be swept up and discarded.
In addition to daily brushing, you should also give them a weekly bath with shampoo and conditioner formulated for dogs. You may also want to get them regular trims from the groomer.
Home Remodeling
If you suffer from allergies and are determined to get a dog, you may want to consider doing a bit of remodeling to get rid of your carpet. Pet hair and dander can become embedded in the fibers of your carpet, making it difficult to get rid of even with a powerful vacuum. Instead, you should switch to one of these types of flooring:
- Tile
- Hardwood
- Luxury vinyl plank
- Laminate
- Linoleum
These hard surface floors will be easier to sweep clean and to know that you will get up all of the pet hair and dander.
Change Air Filters
You should strive to change your air filters once a quarter, but allergy sufferers should be doing this chore more often. If you have allergies and own a dog, you may want to consider changing your air filters every month. Using a better quality HEPA filter can also help you filter more allergens out of the air in your home.
Limit Your Dog’s Spaces
Allergy sufferers need a safe place in their home to retreat to when their symptoms feel overwhelming. The best way to ensure you have this space is to limit where your dog can roam in your home. It is a good idea to keep them out of areas where you spend a lot of time, such as your bedroom or home office.
When the weather permits, you can also keep your dog in your backyard as much as possible. Always make sure they have access to fresh water and shade. If the temperatures are too high or too low, you need to bring them inside.
Getting the Right Dog for Your Allergies
If you suffer from allergies, you may want to consider getting a dog that is as hypoallergenic as possible. The Bernedoodle, particularly the F1B Bernedoodle, may inherit the curly or wavy coat found with the Poodle parent. When this is the case, they will shed very little and will be easy on your allergies. Be sure to let your breeder know you want a hypoallergenic dog so that they can help match you with the perfect puppy!
