When I started breeding Bernedoodles, I noticed that I had curly and wavy Bernedoodles in the same litter. I wanted to learn more about what creates a Bernedoodle's adorable coat. Either coat will produce the famous shaggy and goofy look that makes Bernedoodles so cute. The answer lies in what dogs make Bernedoodles and how their genetics are passed down!
The Parent Breeds: Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle
Bernedoodles are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. Each breed brings different coat qualities to the table:
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a straight, double-layered coat that’s thick and sheds heavily. Their coats are perfect for insulation in cold weather but require frequent grooming to manage shedding and matting.
Poodles are a curly haired dog breed. Unlike Bernese Mountain Dogs, Poodles have a single-layer, hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally, making them a favorite among people with allergies.
Combining these two breeds produces Bernedoodles with a range of coat types, from wavy to curly, each with unique characteristics.
Differences Between Wavy and Curly Hair Coats in the Bernedoodle Dog Breed
1. Wavy Coats:
Appearance: Wavy coats are looser and softer, giving the dog a slightly “shaggy” look. They are often described as a “beachy wave.”
Texture: Typically, wavy coats feel softer and silkier compared to curly coats. They tend to be fluffier and have a more relaxed texture.
Maintenance: Wavy coats are generally easier to groom than curly coats but still require regular brushing to prevent matting. They shed less than a Bernese Mountain Dog coat but may shed a bit more than a curly coat.
Genetics: Wavy coats are often the result of a mix between the Bernese Mountain Dog’s straight coat and the Poodle’s curly coat, producing a middle-ground texture.
2. Curly Coats:
Appearance: Curly coats are tighter and denser, giving the dog a more "poodle-like" look. The curls can vary in tightness but often look like ringlets or corkscrews.
Texture: Curly coats feel more coarse and dense, which helps trap loose hairs, leading to less shedding.
Maintenance: Curly coats require more regular grooming, with frequent brushing and trimming to prevent matting. Although they are typically hypoallergenic, they can be prone to knots if not properly maintained.
Genetics: Curly coats are primarily influenced by the Poodle’s coat genetics, resulting in a hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat type.
The Genetics Behind Coat Types in Bernedoodles
Understanding coat types in Bernedoodles comes down to the KRT71 gene, often called the "curly gene." This gene has two alleles (variants) that determine whether the coat will be curly or straight:
T (Curly): This allele is responsible for the curly coat texture.
C (Straight): This allele produces a straight or wavy coat, depending on other coat-related genes.
When a puppy inherits two copies of the curly allele (TT), they will have a curly coat. If they inherit one curly allele and one straight allele (CT), the result is often a wavy coat. Puppies with two straight alleles (CC) will have a straighter coat, though true straight coats are rare in Bernedoodles due to the Poodle’s strong influence.
Summary of Genetic Combinations:
TT (Curly + Curly): Results in a curly coat
CT(Straight + Curly): Results in a wavy coat
CC (Straight + Straight): Results in a straight coat (rare in Bernedoodles)
Conclusion
In Bernedoodles, coat types vary due to the influence of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle genes. Whether a Bernedoodle’s coat is wavy or curly depends largely on the KRT71 gene and the combination of alleles inherited from each parent. Both coat types have their own appeal and unique qualities, from the laid-back look of a wavy coat to the dense, hypoallergenic nature of a curly coat.
No matter which coat type your Bernedoodle has, proper grooming and regular care will keep them looking and feeling their best. The diversity in coat types is just another reason why Bernedoodles are awesome—they offer a little something for everyone, whether you prefer a wavy, low-shedding companion or a curly, hypoallergenic friend!
Comments