Bernedoodle Summer Cut Styles
Bernedoodles, with their fluffy, curly, or wavy coats inherited from their Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parents, are adorable but can overheat in the summer sun. A well-chosen summer haircut keeps your pup cool, comfortable, and stylish while minimizing matting and tangles. Below, we explore the best summer cut styles for Bernedoodles, perfect for warm weather and active lifestyles. Each style is designed to balance practicality with that signature Doodle charm, ensuring your furry friend stays fresh and fabulous.
1. Summer Cut
The Summer Cut is a go-to for hot weather, keeping your Bernedoodle cool without sacrificing cuteness. This style trims the body hair to less than an inch (typically using a ⅞-inch clipper comb) and the legs to about half an inch, while leaving the tail long and fluffy but neatly trimmed with shears. The face is clipped shorter than a winter cut, with the exact length up to you, ensuring clear vision and a tidy look. Ideal for active Bernedoodles in warm climates, this low-maintenance cut reduces grooming frequency and prevents overheating. Just be clear with your groomer to avoid an overly shaved look.
Features:
- Body: <1 inch (⅞-inch clipper comb)
- Legs: ~0.5 inch
- Tail: Long, fluffy, trimmed with shears
- Face: Short, customized length
- Best for: Warm climates, active dogs, low-maintenance owners
2. Puppy Cut (Teddy Bear Cut)
The Puppy Cut, also known as the Teddy Bear Cut, gives your Bernedoodle an irresistibly cuddly appearance, perfect for any age. The coat is trimmed to a uniform 1–2 inches across the body, creating a fluffy, layered look. The head is cut in a rounded shape, enhancing that teddy bear vibe, while the legs and sides are layered for a neat, plush appearance. This cut is great for summer as it reduces matting and keeps your pup cool, especially for mini Bernedoodles. Regular brushing is still needed, but it’s manageable for busy pet parents.
Features:
- Body: 1–2 inches, even and layered
- Head: Rounded, fluffy
- Legs and sides: Layered for a plush look
- Best for: All Bernedoodle sizes, moderate maintenance, cute aesthetic
3. Kennel Cut
For the ultimate low-maintenance summer style, the Kennel Cut keeps your Bernedoodle’s coat short—less than half an inch all over the body. This near-shaved look prevents matting, reduces dander (great for allergy sufferers), and keeps your pup cool and clean, especially if they’re active or boarding. It’s also ideal for mother Bernedoodles nursing puppies to avoid tangles. Be specific with your groomer, as “kennel cut” can mean different things, and bring a picture to ensure the right length. Note that it may take time for the coat to grow back.
Features:
- Body: <0.5 inch, near-shaved
- Best for: Hot weather, minimal grooming, allergy-friendly homes
4. Lamb Cut
The Lamb Cut is a chic summer option, especially for Bernedoodles with curly, Poodle-like coats. The torso and chest are trimmed short to keep your pup cool, while the legs retain longer, fluffy fur for a stylish contrast. The face, feet, and tail are closely clipped, with a fluffy topknot left on the head for flair. This cut balances summer comfort with a neat, elegant look but requires regular brushing to prevent matting in the longer leg fur. It’s perfect for owners who want a sophisticated yet practical style.
Features:
- Torso and chest: Short, ~0.5–1 inch
- Legs: Longer, fluffy
- Face, feet, tail: Closely trimmed
- Head: Fluffy topknot
- Best for: Curly-coated Bernedoodles, stylish owners, moderate maintenance
5. Mohawk Cut
For a bold, fun summer look, the Mohawk Cut is a standout. Starting with a Kennel Cut base (short all over), a strip of longer hair is left along the head, sometimes extending down the back, and can be dyed with dog-safe colors for extra pizzazz. This playful style is perfect for Bernedoodles with versatile coats and owners who want their pup to turn heads. It’s low-maintenance due to the short base but requires occasional trimming to maintain the mohawk’s shape. Great for summer events or just a quirky vibe.
Features:
- Body: Short, <0.5 inch (Kennel Cut base)
- Head/back: Strip of longer hair, optional dye
- Best for: Fun-loving owners, summer events, low-maintenance base
6. Doodle Do Cut
The Doodle Do Cut is a trendy, layered style that highlights your Bernedoodle’s natural curls or waves. Unlike the even Puppy Cut, this style keeps the fur slightly varied in length to enhance texture and volume, preventing matting while maintaining that iconic “doodle” fluff. It’s trimmed to about 1–1.5 inches on the body, with a slightly longer, sculpted head and tail for a polished yet playful look. Ideal for summer, it keeps your pup cool and cuddly while showcasing their coat’s unique texture.
Features:
- Body: 1–1.5 inches, layered for texture
- Head and tail: Slightly longer, sculpted
- Best for: Curly or wavy coats, owners who love the doodle aesthetic
7. Modified Lion Cut
The Modified Lion Cut gives your Bernedoodle a regal, lion-like appearance tailored for summer comfort. Unlike the traditional Lion Cut, which leaves a dramatic mane, this version trims the body and legs short (0.5–1 inch) to keep your pup cool, while maintaining a fuller, rounded “mane” around the head and a fluffy tail tip. The face is clipped short for a clean look, but the mane adds a playful, majestic flair. This cut is ideal for curly or wavy-coated Bernedoodles and requires regular brushing to keep the mane tangle-free. It’s a bold yet practical choice for summer.
Features:
- Body and legs: Short, 0.5–1 inch
- Head: Fuller, rounded mane
- Tail: Fluffy tip, trimmed
- Face: Short, clean clip
- Best for: Curly or wavy coats, owners wanting a bold yet cool look, moderate maintenance
8. The Short Clip (aka “Summer Cut”)
The Short Clip, often called a Summer Cut, is a classic, no-fuss style designed for maximum comfort in hot weather. The entire coat is clipped to a uniform 0.5–0.75 inches, including the body, legs, and face, with the tail slightly longer but neatly trimmed. This cut minimizes matting, keeps your Bernedoodle cool, and is easy to maintain, making it perfect for active dogs or owners with busy schedules. It’s similar to the Summer Cut but slightly shorter overall, offering a sleek, streamlined look that still showcases the Bernedoodle’s charm.
Features:
- Body, legs, face: 0.5–0.75 inches, uniform
- Tail: Slightly longer, neatly trimmed
- Best for: Hot climates, active dogs, low-maintenance owners
9. Classic Poodle Cut (Summer-Friendly Version)
The Classic Poodle Cut, adapted for summer, brings a touch of elegance to your Bernedoodle while keeping them cool. The body is clipped short (0.5–1 inch) to beat the heat, with the legs, face, and feet closely trimmed for cleanliness. Distinctive pom-poms are left on the tail, legs, and sometimes the head, giving a polished, Poodle-inspired look. The summer-friendly version keeps these pom-poms smaller and more manageable than the show-dog style, reducing grooming needs while maintaining flair. It’s perfect for curly-coated Bernedoodles and owners who love a refined aesthetic.
Features:
- Body: Short, 0.5–1 inch
- Legs, face, feet: Closely trimmed
- Tail, legs, head: Small, sculpted pom-poms
- Best for: Cu rly-coated Bernedoodles, owners seeking elegance, moderate maintenance
Tips for Choosing and Maintaining a Summer Cut
- Consider Coat Type: Curly coats (Poodle-like) suit styles like the Lamb, Doodle Do, Modified Lion, or Classic Poodle Cut, while wavy or straight coats work well with the Puppy, Summer, or Short Clip. Straight coats may shed more, so shorter cuts like the Kennel or Short Clip can help.
- Climate Matters: Opt for shorter cuts (Summer, Short Clip, Kennel) in hot, humid areas to prevent overheating. Avoid long styles like the Winter Cut in summer.
- Communicate with Your Groomer: Bring photos to avoid miscommunication, as terms like “Summer Cut” can vary. Ask the groomer to describe their plan before starting.
- Regular Brushing: Even short summer cuts need brushing 2–3 times a week to prevent tangles, especially for curly or wavy coats. Use a slicker brush or comb.
- Grooming Frequency: Schedule professional grooming every 3–4 months for short cuts, or more often if matting occurs. Trim nails weekly and clean ears after baths to prevent infections.
- DIY Grooming Tools: For home touch-ups, invest in clippers, grooming scissors, thinning shears, and a detangler spray. Start with training to get your Bernedoodle comfortable with tools.
Final Thoughts
These summer cut styles—Summer Cut, Puppy Cut, Kennel Cut, Lamb Cut, Mohawk Cut, Doodle Do Cut, Modified Lion Cut, Short Clip, and Classic Poodle Cut (Summer-Friendly Version)—offer a range of options to keep your Bernedoodle cool, comfortable, and stylish. Whether you prefer the low-maintenance Short Clip or the elegant Classic Poodle Cut, choose a style that suits your dog’s coat type, your lifestyle, and the summer climate. Regular grooming and clear communication with your groomer will ensure your pup stays fresh from floof, making every summer adventure a breeze. For more inspiration, check out before-and-after photos on platforms like Pinterest or consult a professional groomer familiar with Doodle cuts.
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