What is the Best Brush for a Bernedoodle? Here's our Top 3 Picks
Looking for the best brush for your Bernedoodle? You’re not alone. The Bernedoodle—a lovable mix between a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog—has become one of the most popular doodle breeds in recent years. And it’s easy to see why! Bernedoodles are fluffy, adorable, low-shedding, and full of personality. They’re affectionate, intelligent, great with kids, and incredibly loyal.
But here’s the truth about Bernedoodles that many new owners don’t realize...
Bernedoodles require serious grooming—especially brushing.
Despite being a low-shedding breed, the Bernedoodle is not low-maintenance. Their curly or wavy coats are prone to tangles and painful mats if not properly brushed several times a week. And if you don’t use the right brush for your Bernedoodle’s coat type, you might end up frustrated, with a matted dog that needs to be shaved down to the skin.
Matting doesn’t just look bad—it hurts. It pulls on your Bernedoodle’s skin, traps dirt and moisture, and can even lead to infections, parasites, and skin issues. That’s why finding the best brush for your Bernedoodle is the most important first step in your grooming routine.
In this post, we’ll show you exactly what kind of brush your Bernedoodle needs, how often you should brush, and how to keep that fluffy coat healthy, shiny, and mat-free—without the stress.
TOP 3 BRUSHES EVERY BERNEDOODLE OWNER SHOULD HAVE
Before brushing and combing your bernedoodle, you need the right grooming tools. These are the top three tools that will make grooming so much easier.
1. A High Quality Slicker Brush for Bernedoodles
The slicker brush is the number one dog brush recommended by grooming professionals for bernedoodles. It is actually the type of brush you want to start with when grooming your dog because it will help break up any knots and prevent matting.
The slicker brush is perfect for doodle coat maintenance at home. However, there are different types of slicker brushes, and not all slicker brushes work the same. After testing a variety of slicker brushes, we came to the conclusion that the Freshly Bailey long pin curved slicker brush is the best brush for bernedoodle owners.
This long pin slicker brush is great at working through dense and thick coats because of its larger than standard pins. It smoothly works its way through your doodle's coat making coat maintenance much easier. It removes tangles and mats, and it's the perfect brush for achieving that fluffy look effortlessly. But most importantly, it is loved by dogs!
The Freshly Bailey slicker brush is extremely lightweight, the long wood handle is ergonomic, and it is very comfortable and effective. The extra long pins and curved design make brushing a gentle and positive experience. Plus, it is reasonably priced compared to the Chris Christensen slicker brush.
2. A Metal Comb
A metal comb should be used after you have brushed your bernedoodle thoroughly with the slicker brush. The end result should be the ability to get the comb from the root to the tip of the hair.
We like the Dual-length Dog Metal Comb. It is the perfect comb to add the finishing touch to your bernedoodle’s coat. It has long and short stainless steel teeth to quickly and painlessly remove any remaining tangles or knots. Its rounded head pins keep your doodle’s skin from getting scratched. And the anti-slip handle protects your dog from any slippery accidents.
3. A Dematting Comb to Remove Matted Hair
A dematting comb is an excellent tool to have on hand when grooming your bernedoodle as it is specifically designed to remove mats. If you are keeping up with your grooming routine by brushing and combing your doodle at least 3 times per week, you should not need to use the dematting comb. But life happens and sometimes we may forget. In this case the dematting comb can come in very handy before having to take your pup to the groomer for a shavedown.
The Dematting Comb for Bernedoodles is a great option. It is effective at removing mats and getting deep into the dog’s coat. Plus, it is specifically designed for coats that are prone to matting like a doodle's coat.
Other Must-Have Bernedoodle Grooming Tool
One grooming tool we highly recommend to make each brushing routine much easier and smooth is a detangling spray. The detangling spray will help loosen all the tangles and give your dog a fresh smell between baths.
**Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Bernedoodle Sensitive Skin
The self cleaning slicker brush is another brush loved by doodle owners because it is super gentle and easy to clean. The pins are short yet coated for an added layer of protection. This is the perfect brush for any dog with sensitive skin. It is also the perfect starter brush if your dog hates to be brushed. They will surely love this one.
HOW TO PROPERLY BRUSH A BERNEDOODLE AND PREVENT MATTING
1. HAIR + WATER = MATS: ALWAYS brush a completely dry coat. If you bathe your dog, make sure you brush your dog's hair before the actual bath and use a high quality shampoo and conditioner. We love the 5-in-1 Pet Shampoo, it is great for bernedoodle hair.
If you bathe your dog's matted hair without detangling it, it will just get worse! Wait for the fur to dry after the bath, and then brush it again. Do not brush a wet coat.
2. LINE BRUSH YOUR DOG: Grab your slicker brush to brush your dog’s hair. Do not just brush the top of the coat as this does not really do anything to prevent matting. Start at the bottom of the coat, grab a handful of hair, and brush a line of fur away. You should be able to see the skin. As you go, brush the hair down making sure that with each line you get right to the skin. Do not drag the brush across the dog’s skin, but do a pull-away type of stroke. Move up as you go along, and make sure you brush your dog’s entire coat. Don’t forget about the tail and armpits.
If you have the self-cleaning slicker brush, just click, clean, and store when finished. Otherwise, make sure the bristles are thoroughly cleaned.
3. FINISH WITH A METAL COMB: After brushing with the slicker brush, take your metal comb, and comb your dog’s coat thoroughly until the comb moves easily through the hair. If the comb gets stuck in any particular section, go back and brush out the tangle with the slicker brush.
4. EXTRA STEP: If there are more tangles and matting after brushing and combing, you may want to use the dematting tool. Hold the matted fur closest to the skin with your fingers before brushing or pulling at the mat. Start at the end of the mat and work your way up. Always do short strokes when combing through a matted area.
5. CONSISTENCY: Create a positive grooming routine and make sure you brush and comb your bernedoodle at least 3 times per week.
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🐾 Frequently Asked Questions About Brushing a Bernedoodle
1. What is the best brush for a Bernedoodle?
The best brush for a Bernedoodle depends on their coat type, but most need a combination of a slicker brush for detangling, a dematting comb for mats, and a metal comb for finishing. At Freshly Bailey, we recommend using all three in rotation for a complete grooming routine.
2. How often should I brush my Bernedoodle?
You should brush your Bernedoodle at least 3–4 times per week—daily if they have a curly coat. Regular brushing helps prevent painful matting, reduces shedding, and keeps their coat healthy and fluffy.
3. Do Bernedoodles get matted easily?
Yes, especially those with wavy or curly coats. Their soft, dense hair tangles quickly if not brushed often. Without the right brush and technique, mats can form under the ears, in the armpits, and along the back legs.
4. What happens if I don’t brush my Bernedoodle regularly?
Neglecting regular brushing can lead to matting, which is uncomfortable and sometimes painful for your dog. Severe mats may require shaving the coat down completely—something most doodle owners want to avoid.
5. Can I use a human brush on my Bernedoodle?
No, human brushes aren’t designed for a Bernedoodle’s unique coat texture. You’ll need dog-specific grooming tools that can reach the undercoat and detangle effectively without pulling or damaging the fur.
6. What type of coat does a Bernedoodle have?
Bernedoodles can have straight, wavy, or curly coats. Curly coats are more prone to matting and require more frequent brushing, while wavy coats are easier to maintain but still benefit from routine grooming.
7. When should I start brushing my Bernedoodle puppy?
Start brushing your Bernedoodle as early as 8–10 weeks old. Even if they don’t have a full coat yet, early grooming helps your puppy get used to the process and builds trust.