We love our doodles’ and the many shapes, colors and sizes they come in!  This is one of the characteristics of the breed that attracts so many owners. Doodle colors can range from black to white and every color in between. While a dog’s coat is not the most important factor when it comes to selecting your puppy, it is a deciding factor for many families who adopt from us. While there are a handful of colorful dog breeds out there, the doodle family may be the most colorful and have the most variety in coats in regards to color, pattern and texture! However, there’s a lot to understand. While color and coat genetics can be complicated, we try to break things down here and provide you with a rough guide of the vast color wheel of doodles. So let’s get started!

• Tri-Color: Any variation of three distinct colors typical of Bernedoodles. The most common color pattern found in Bernedoodles is the traditional tricolor. These pups boast a striking combination of black, white, and brown. The base color is typically black, with white markings on the face, chest, and paws. The rich brown hue appears on the eyebrows, cheeks, legs, and sometimes on the tail. This classic tricolor coat reflects the heritage of the Bernese Mountain Dog.

• Phantom: Similar to tri-color, but without a white blaze on the face. Phantom Bernedoodles may still have white on their paws, tail, or chest. Phantom Bernedoodles exhibit a captivating two-tone pattern. The primary color is usually black or brown while the second color appears as markings on specific areas such as the eyebrows, cheeks, chest, legs, and under the tail. The secondary color can range from brown, apricot, cream, silver, or even blue.

• Sable: A rare color that can have a base of cream, silver, or brown, with black or brown tips on the hairs. Sable Bernedoodles also typically have white paws, chest, and tail, and some white on the face and blaze. They have a base color that ranges from light cream to dark brown, with individual hair strands showing multiple shades, sometimes up to three on each follicle. The result is a beautiful blend that creates depth and dimension in their coat. Sable Bernedoodles often have darker tips on their ears, tail, and back.

• Merle: A striking pattern that replaces the base coat with blue merle for black-based puppies or chocolate merle for brown-based puppies. Merle Bernedoodles also have phantom or tan points with white. Merle Bernedoodles exhibit a stunning and unique coat pattern characterized by patches or streaks of diluted colors, often on a base of black or brown. The diluted colors can be gray, blue, or even red, resulting in a mesmerizing and marbled effect. Merle Bernedoodles are highly sought after for their striking and one-of-a-kind appearances.

• Parti: Parti Bernedoodles are known for their show-stopping coat patterns. These pups have a predominantly white base color, with large patches of any other color, such as black, brown, red, or even apricot. The distribution and size of the patches can vary, creating a playful and eye-catching appearance that makes each dog unique.

• Tuxedo and Abstract: Tuxedo and abstract coats are variations of the parti coat. The tuxedo variation means there is white specifically on the neck, chest and feet. Abstract means there is some white on your doodle - maybe a couple feet or a splash of white on the chin, but the overall white amounts to less than 30% of his total coat so he is not a true parti.

• Brindle: Brindle Bernedoodles have two colors that form a striped pattern. The brindle markings can be on part of the dog’s body such as in a brindle-parti or across his entire body.

• Solid: While Bernedoodles are often associated with multi-colored coats, they can also come in solid colors. These include black, brown, cream, apricot, and even silver. Solid-colored Bernedoodles exude elegance and simplicity, showcasing the beauty of a single hue.

Understanding the “Blaze” Trait:

The "Blaze" refers to a specific marking pattern, often characterized by a prominent white stripe or patch on the face of certain Doodle Dog breeds. It's a defining feature that sets these dogs apart, drawing attention to their facial structure and adding to their individuality.The Blaze trait is closely linked to the piebald or parti gene inherited from lineage sources such as the Bernese Mountain Dog or Australian Shepherd. These genes contribute to the distinct facial markings seen in Bernedoodles.

Beyond being a mere physical trait, the “Blaze” in Bernedoodles adds an extra dimension of charm and character to these beloved canine companions. It highlights their facial features, accentuates their expressions, and becomes a distinct identifier within the breed.

Moreover, the “Blaze” trait often serves as a defining characteristic for breeders and enthusiasts, contributing to the breed's aesthetics and individuality. It's a sought-after feature that adds to the allure of Bernedoodles and their diverse coat patterns.

The "Shepherd's Lantern" tale refers to the distinctive white tip often found on the tails of Bernedoodles. This feature is not just a physical trait; it has inspired various anecdotes and folklore within the herding community. Here are some fun facts and information on the origin of this tale:

Historical Context: The Border Collie breed originated in the border region between England and Scotland, primarily used for herding sheep. The white tip on the tail is thought to serve a practical purpose, aiding shepherds in spotting their dogs at a distance, especially in low visibility conditions.

Folklore and Anecdotes: The term "Shepherd's Lantern" is often associated with folklore that suggests the white tip helps guide the dog during herding, acting as a signal to both the sheep and the shepherd. The white tip of the tail would be held high in the air as the collie guided the shepherd home in the dark. This has been romanticized in stories, emphasizing the bond between the shepherd and their dog.

Genetic Factors: The white tip is a result of genetic variation in the breed. Although not all Bernedoodle have this feature, it is commonly associated with the breed's aesthetic and functional characteristics.

What are Furnishings

Furnishings are arguably one of the first things you’ll notice about a dog that helps you identify it as a quintessential “doodle.” Furnishings are longer facial hair including eyebrows, mustache, and beard found on most Bernedoodles. Genetic technology has taught us that furnishings are what confer the low- to non-shedding coats on Bernedoodles that help make them such optimal family dogs

The primary concerns for any dog breeder must be health, temperament, and conformation, but who can deny that the outward appearance of a Bernedoodle pulls at our heartstrings! In addition to their adorable ragamuffin look, many people find the low shedding and allergy friendly qualities of the coat of Bernedoodles very attractive.