Mini vs. Medium Bernedoodles: Coat Types, Generations (F1, F1B, F2, Multigen) & What “Low-Shed” Really Means

Bernedoodles are basically the “mountain-lodge best friend” of the doodle world: loyal, goofy, smart, and usually attached to you like Velcro… but with coats that can range from wash-and-go-ish to welcome to your new part-time grooming career.

If you’re searching things like mini Bernedoodle vs medium Bernedoodle, Bernedoodle generations explained, F1 vs F1B vs F2 Bernedoodle, low shedding Bernedoodle coat types, or unfurnished Bernedoodle, this is for you.

Mini vs. Medium Bernedoodles: Size Overview (and why it matters)

Mini Bernedoodles are popular because they’re easier to travel with, easier to lift, and easier to fit into real life (cars, couches, and your personal space).

Medium Bernedoodles are the “best of both worlds” option: still manageable, but with a little more substance—often a sturdier dog for active families.

Typical adult size ranges (there’s variation, because genetics like to keep us humble):

• Mini Bernedoodle: often ~25–40 lbs

• Medium Bernedoodle: often ~40–60 lbs

What drives size most?

• The Poodle size used (Mini vs Standard lines)

• Parent genetics (and yes, “throwbacks” happen)

Bernedoodle Coat Types: Wavy, Curly, Straight (and what people actually mean by “fleece”)

When people Google Bernedoodle coat types, they usually mean these three:

1) Wavy coat (often called “fleece”)

• The most requested coat because it’s that “teddy bear” look.

• Often lower shedding than straight coats (but not always “non-shedding”).

• Can mat if neglected—especially behind ears, armpits, collar area.

2) Curly coat (often called “wool”)

• Typically the lowest-shedding option.

• Often best for families searching hypoallergenic Bernedoodle (more on that below).

• Needs consistent grooming and brushing to avoid tight mats.

3) Straight coat (often called “hair” or “flat”)

• Usually the highest shedding coat type.

• Can be gorgeous, but if you’re allergic or hate hair on your black leggings… this may not be your soulmate coat.

Important truth: Coat type = shedding + grooming needs + “allergy-friendliness.” It’s not just a look. It’s a lifestyle.

Furnished vs. Unfurnished Bernedoodles (the “beard and eyebrows” thing)

This is one of the most misunderstood terms people search: unfurnished Bernedoodle meaning.

Furnished Bernedoodle

• Has the doodle “facial furnishings” (mustache, beard, fluffy eyebrows).

• More likely to have a low-shed coat when paired with wavy/curly texture.

Unfurnished Bernedoodle

• Has a smoother face (no beardy doodle look).

• Often feels ultra soft—people love the velvety feel.

• Shedding varies, but unfurnished coats are often more shedding than furnished coats because furnishings are commonly linked with doodle-type low-shedding traits.

So yes—unfurnished Bernedoodles can be ultra soft, and some can be lower shed than you’d expect, but they are not the most reliable choice if your #1 goal is “as low shedding as possible.”

If you want the best odds at low shed, you’re usually looking for:

• Wavy-to-curly coat

• Furnished

• Multigenerational or F1B (depending on pairing)

Bernedoodle Generations Explained: F1 vs F1B vs F2 vs Multigen

People search this constantly because generations affect coat predictability, shedding, and temperament consistency.

F1 Bernedoodle (First Generation)

50% Bernese Mountain Dog + 50% Poodle

• Often amazing temperaments.

• Coats can be less predictable.

• Shedding ranges from moderate to low depending on coat genetics.

F1B Bernedoodle

F1 Bernedoodle + Poodle (often ~75% Poodle / 25% Bernese)

• Commonly chosen for lower shedding and more consistent coat outcomes.

• Often curlier or wavier, with higher “doodle coat” odds.

• Great option for families searching low shedding Bernedoodle.

F2 Bernedoodle

F1 Bernedoodle + F1 Bernedoodle

• This is where coat genetics can get extra unpredictable.

• You may see a wider spread of coat types (straight, wavy, curly).

• Not automatically better or worse—just more variety.

Multigenerational Bernedoodle (Multigen)

F2 and beyond (Multigen = multiple generations of Bernedoodle-to-Bernedoodle or carefully planned pairings)

• Often bred for more consistency in coat and temperament when done intentionally.

• Can be a strong choice for families wanting:

  • predictable coat type

  • lower shedding

  • steady temperament

Bottom line: If you want the most consistent low-shed outcomes, you’re typically looking at F1B or well-bred multigen lines with proven coat history.

Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Let’s say this lovingly but clearly: no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. Anyone promising that is either misinformed… or selling magic beans.

What you can do is choose a Bernedoodle that’s more allergy-friendly:

• Low shedding coat (often curly or wavy)

• Furnished

• Higher Poodle influence (often F1B or multigen)

• Consistent grooming schedule (because dander builds up)

If allergies are serious in your home, do these smart things:

• Meet adult relatives from the line if possible

• Spend time with similar-coated dogs

• Keep a strict grooming routine

• Talk with your allergist (because your sinuses deserve respect)

Grooming a Mini or Medium Bernedoodle: What you’re signing up for

If you Google Bernedoodle grooming schedule, here’s the real-world answer.

At-home brushing

• Wavy coats: 3–5x per week (more if longer)

• Curly coats: 4–7x per week (yep)

• Straight coats: 1–3x per week (but more shedding cleanup)

Professional grooming

• Most Bernedoodles do best with grooming every 6–8 weeks

• Puppies should start early with comfort grooming (face, feet, sani, nails) so it’s normal—not traumatic.

Matting reality check

Matting isn’t just ugly—it can be painful and lead to skin issues. The biggest mat zones:

• behind ears

• collar/harness area

• armpits

• inner thighs

• tail base

If you want a longer “teddy bear” coat, brushing isn’t optional. It’s the rent you pay for the aesthetic.

Most Googled Bernedoodle Coat Questions (Quick Answers)

Which Bernedoodle coat sheds the least?
Typically curly (wool) coats, often furnished, especially in F1B or multigen.

Which Bernedoodle coat is softest?
Many of the wavy (fleece) coats are the sweet spot for “soft + low shed.” Some unfurnished coats are insanely soft too—just usually less reliable for low shed.

Is a straight coat Bernedoodle still a Bernedoodle?
Yep. Genetics are doing genetics. Straight coats often shed more.

What generation is best for allergies?
Often F1B or multigen with a proven low-shedding history—still not a guarantee, but better odds.

Choosing the Right Mini or Medium Bernedoodle for Your Home

If you want:

• Best chance at low shed / allergy-friendly: look for furnished + wavy/curly + F1B or multigen

• Classic Bernese look (often unfurnished/straighter): expect more shedding, but you may get that super soft coat feel

• Easiest coat maintenance: usually shorter haircut + consistent schedule (not a specific generation)

And please—choose a breeder who can explain coat genetics without getting weirdly vague about it. If they can’t talk coats, health testing, and temperament like a grown-up… run.

Mini and Medium Bernedoodles are incredible family dogs when they’re bred intentionally and raised with structure and socialization. But the coat conversation matters—because coat type + furnishings + generation is what determines whether you’re getting:

• a low-shed cuddle bug
  or

• a fluffy shedding machine who redecorates your house with hair.