Bernedoodle Colors:
Unveiling Diverse Coat Patterns

Bernedoodles are a hybrid breed, created by crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle. This mix creates a hypoallergenic dog that has a variety of coat colors and patterns, due to the many colors found in the Poodle breed.

Typically, breeders go after specific coat colors and characteristics by picking parent dogs with the right genes. Getting the perfect Bernedoodle coat colors can be tricky and needs a good grasp of genetics. But, committed breeders put in the time and work to breed dogs with not just the right colors, but also great health and personality.

Let’s dive into the Bernedoodle colors so you know better how to pick your future family dog!

Merle 

The merle coat is one of the most sought after colors of a Bernedoodle. It resides from gene that creates a marbled or speckled pattern on the coat. Merle Bernedoodles can have blue, red, or chocolate merle patterns, with a mix of dark and light color patches throughout the coat.

This pattern is less common in Bernedoodles, and therefore, can have a higher price point and be difficult to find. Starlight Bernedoodles specializes in producing Merle puppies and assures they are being bred in a safe and thriving manner – check out our link on breeding Merle puppies HERE.

Traditional Tri-Color 

This is also a very sought-after color pattern, which resembles the Bernese Mountain Dog. It consists of black, white, and tan or rust-colored markings. The black is the dominant color, while the white appears on the chest, paws, and face.

Tan or rust accents can be found around the eyes, on the legs, and under the tail. The tan points on the eyes, cheeks and paws can be many different tones and is highly dependent on the red intensity of the parents genetics that are passed onto the puppy.

Phantom 

A somewhat rare color pattern featuring a solid base color (usually black or brown) with lighter markings on the eyebrows, cheeks, chest, legs, and under the tail. The lighter markings can be tan, silver, or cream. Breeders will call pups with a little amount of white on the chest phantom or Tri-Color. Typically the phantom is a bit less expensive than the traditional Tri-Color, so keep an eye out for that!

Solid Black

A solid black coat without any other colors mixed in. Finding a completely black Bernedoodle is pretty rare. This is because it needs a hidden gene from both parent dogs.

Typically, what breeders classify as solid black is when they are mostly all black with some white on their feet or a little bit of tan. This is typically the lowest price point for a Bernedoodle.

Parti

This is a mix of black and white fur, often resembling the coat pattern of a Border Collie or a black and white Poodle. The black/white markings can come in a variety of patterns, which makes them very unique! Breeders will often call a puppy with a very little tan above the eyes a parti. Typically parti puppies are a higher price point than black/white and solid black but is less than the traditional Tri Color. 

Parti Bernedoodles are easily distinguishable by their white base coats which make up at least half of their body, and the secondary color that is usually marbled throughout. They are often mistaken for Phantom Bernedoodles, which lack the marbling and have solid patches of color instead. Parti Bernedoodles however have irregular or random patches of their secondary color.

Black and White (Not Parti)

A black and white Bernedoodle will typically have a black body with traces of white fur. The white can be found on their face, legs, chest, feet or tail. This is different from the Parti that typically has 50% of its body white. Black and white pups are usually a lower price point in comparison to a Parti or Phantom.

Sable

A coat with a mix of dark-tipped hairs over a lighter-colored base, giving the coat a multi-colored, textured appearance. Sable Bernedoodles may have a variety of base colors, including cream, silver, or brown, with black or brown tips on individual hairs. These are also a somewhat rare color to find and requires good planning by the breeder to pair the right Mom and Dad.

Keep in mind that, due to the mix of genetics in Bernedoodles, each individual family-friendly dog's coat may be unique and might not fit perfectly into one of these categories. Keep in mind that Bernedoodle colors and patterns can change as they get older. Some puppies might have pretty big color changes as they grow up.

Bernedoodle shedding is an entirely different topic we'll explore in more detail in another blog post!

As a Bernedoodle breeder in the Sacramento area, we're here to help with any questions you might have. If you're interested in Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Sacramento, don't hesitate to contact us! We'd be more than happy to assist you. To join our waiting list, please visit the puppy application page and secure your spot for a lovable Bernedoodle puppy.