Do Bernedoodles Need Coats?
Are you wondering if Bernedoodles need coats? You’ve seen them on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, TikTok and we’re sure a million other places… Doodles in coats. They’re adorable, funny and usually they seem to be completely content with a coat on whether it’s for style or warmth. Let’s jump into this topic and find out if Bernedoodles truly require coats for cold weather comfort.
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Understanding Bernedoodle Breeds and Climate Preferences
Most Bernedoodles quite enjoy the cold weather and can generally handle the cold. Take Cooper for example. He usually doesn’t care one bit when it’s cold out. In fact, he seems to prefer the cold to the heat. In the summer, he loves to sit on the cool stone of the fireplace. And at night, he prefers to sleep on the hardwood floor than on the bed.
Bernedoodles are an adorable mix of Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs, with varying climate preferences. Poodles don’t handle cold weather well, while Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive in such conditions. The need for your Bernedoodle to wear a coat will heavily depend on how it was bred (i.e. Poodle to Bernese ratio), its individual traits and the climate you live in.
Photo by Lesli Whitecotton on Unsplash
If you live in a warm to moderate climate, your Bernedoodle will rarely, if ever, need a coat. In fact, dressing them up in such weather could cause overheating, which is harmful to warm-blooded animals like Bernedoodles. Think about being out in warm weather with a fur coat that’s attached to you. And then you get another coat thrown on top of that. WAY too hot!
Grooming Needs
Regular grooming is essential for Bernedoodles due to their long, wavy coats, especially if they have more Poodle in their mix. Grooming often helps prevent knots and tangles, but that also means a thinner coat. Even if colder climates, grooming will be necessary, which can make your Bernedoodle feel chilly.
When the temperature drops and you’ve recently given your Bernedoodle a haircut, you should seriously consider providing them with a coat. Even if your furry companion usually enjoys the cold, a fresh trim might make them susceptible to shivering, which will leave them feeling uncomfortable and wanting some warmth.
Bernedoodle Size
If you have a mini Bernedoodle, their smaller size may make them more vulnerable to cold weather. Even without a haircut, they may benefit from wearing a coat during chilly days.
The smaller size of mini Bernedoodles means they have a higher surface area-to-body ratio, making them more prone to losing body heat in colder temperatures. Their smaller bodies might not retain heat as well as larger Bernedoodles or other dog breeds, which will make them feel colder quicker.
Introducing Your Bernedoodle to a Coat
When introducing a coat to your Bernedoodle, patience is key. Some dogs may adapt quickly, while others, like Cooper, may take time. Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise to help your furry friend adjust to wearing their new coat comfortably.
When choosing a coat for your Bernedoodle, consider one that is specifically designed for their particular size. The coat should be well-fitted to prevent discomfort and, if possible, restriction of movement. Look for materials that provide insulation while also being breathable to avoid overheating.
Introducing your Bernedoodle to a coat might require patience and a gradual approach. Start by letting them get used to the coat indoors, offering treats and praise as positive reinforcement. Allow them to wear the coat for short periods initially, and then gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.
And lastly, ensure that the coat doesn’t cause any irritation or discomfort. Check for signs of chafing or rubbing and make any necessary adjustments to the fit.
Style
Maybe you want your Doodle pal to be in a stylish coat. Well don’t worry, coat options for dogs come in a good variety of styles, colors, and patterns. This will let you easily find one that suits your Bernedoodle’s personality. Investing in a coat that offers both style and protection will make your furry friend look adorable while also feeling cozy when you go out on this fall, winter and even some spring walks.
Top 7 Best Coats for Your Pooch
We wanted to share some recommended coats that will keep your pup toasty warm and comfy when they’re out on adventures with your or just enjoying a winter day in the back yard. We’ve got some recommendations (in no particular order) that range in cost, style and fitment, so let’s get into it.
1. Lelepet Warm Dog Coat
This is the first coat we wanted to recommend. This coat is great for every day winter activities. It will keep your dog warm and protected from the elements without restricting movements. It’s waterproof and has a fleece lining to ensure your Bernedoodle is toasty warm and it looks really stylish as well coming in 3 standard colors of red, green and blue!. It offers adjustment straps for your dog’s particular body type and we love that it has reflective strips in case your out and about with your pup during or after sunset. The coat is affordable while offering a lot of features and comfort for your pup. We do, however, want to point out that there are now clips in the chest area if you prefer to clip your pup in that way.
2. Laifug Cold Weather Dog Coat
For something fun, stylish and most importantly, warm, we recommend the Laifug Cold Weather Dog Coat. As you can see, this coat has sleeves for your Bernedoodle’s legs to keep more of their body covered from the elements. This coat is wind and water proof making it great for your every-day chilly activities including walks and hikes. ensuring your Bernedoodle will stay warm on wintery days. And there great variety in the styles you can choose. One thing to consider, however, is that if your pup isn’t fond of wearing clothing, like our Cooper, this may not be the right coat for them since it does go over their arms and legs. Another consideration is that this coat does not have front D ring clips, so you can only clip them onto a leash from behind.
3. BUVUB Heated Dog Coat
Concerned your Bernedoodle gets overly cold in chilly environments? We got you covered with the BUVUB heated dog coat. This is an excellent option if you keep your Bernedoodle’s coat short as the BUVUB coat comes with a battery pack that will heat up heating elements within the coat keeping your pup warm for up to 5 hours! The coat is nice looking, but doesn’t have alternate colors and styles. Still, if your goal is to keep your pup warm in even the coldest of conditions, then this is the right coat for you and your pup. We do want to highlight that BUVUB asks that you only use the power bank they provide with the coat. And we’d also advise that you keep a close eye on your pup to ensure they don’t overheat if you’re using the coat for an extended amount of time and at high settings. Put your own hand in the coat to ensure it isn’t getting too hot for your furry friend. As long as they’re enjoying it, they’ll be able to stay warm for hours!
4. OUOBOB Dog Coat
For something affordable, warm, comfortable, and stylish, check out the OUOBOB dog coat. This coat is waterproof, reflective, warm and comes in a ton of colors. This coat is lightweight with a fleece interior to keep your Bernedoodle comfortable in wintery conditions. The color is adjustable so you can tailor the coat’s fit to your dog’s exactly shape. With a very reasonable price point, you can’t go wrong with this dog coat. The only thing we wanted to point out is that like some of the other coats, there is no front clip in the chest area.
5. Kuoser Dog Winter Coat
What’s better than one winter coat? Two for the price of one! The Kuoser dog winter coat offers fleece on one side for dry, cool days, and a waterproof side for those wetter conditions, including snow. The coat is both water and wind proof making it a great option for style, price and comfort. While there’s no actual front clip, you should be able to attach a leash on a harness that’s worn under the coat.
6. QBLEEV Dog Winter Coat
Windproof and waterproof, nylon and fleece, soft and cozy… the QBLEEV winter dog coat is going to keep your pup warm. The jacket is adjustable to take on and off and has reflective strips for those dusk/night time strolls and adventures. This coat comes in at a great price point and has an awesome selection of colors and styles. If you’re looking for just the right look for your pup, the QBLEEV is sure to have something that will appeal to you and keep your Bernedoodle looking sharp all winter long.
7. Ruffwear, Vert Dog Winter Jacket
Lastly, we saved the Ruffwear coat for the end because of its high price tag. It’s waterproof and insulted to ensure your companion is warm on that brisk morning walk or snow covered hike. The jacket is well-made, durable, and easy to clean using cold water in a machine wash on a gentle cycle. Though the color options are limited, we like the bright and vibrant colors Ruffwear offers leg loops so that the coat doesn’t fly up if you’re out in windy conditions. This coat is definitely more for folks who want a top of the line coat for their pup.
Closing
So do Bernedoodles need coats? As we’ve outlined in this article, it depends on the needs of each individual pup, coupled with the environment they’re exposed to. Make sure to keep an eye on your puppy’s behavior in colder weather, and if you notice any signs of discomfort or shivering, we strongly encourage you get them a coat.
Finally, if you need to give your furry pal a trim in the winter, ensure your Bernedoodle has a cozy coat to keep them warm outdoors. And don’t be afraid to make it a stylish coat! By providing the right winter wear, you’ll ensure your furry companion stays comfortable and happy during the colder months.
