Bernedoodle Coats: Tri-Color, Merle & Everything in Between

Let’s be honest—one of the big reasons people fall head over heels for Bernedoodles is their coats. They’re like walking works of art, with colors and patterns that can make you stop in your tracks. From the signature Bernese-style tri-color to rare merles and brindles, every Bernedoodle has their own “wardrobe.”

But here’s the thing: those gorgeous coats aren’t random. They’re the result of some pretty fascinating genetics passed down from the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. If you’ve ever wondered why one Bernedoodle looks like a storybook dog while another could pass for a modern art painting, you’re about to find out.

The Science Behind Bernedoodle Colors

Think of coat color genetics like a set of light switches. Each “switch,” called a locus, controls part of the pattern or shade.

• A locus (Agouti): Decides sable/fawn coloring or tan points (phantom markings).

• K locus (Dominant black): Can block other patterns, create brindle stripes, or let the agouti patterns show through.

• S locus (White spotting): Controls how much—and where—white appears, like the Bernese chest blaze.

• M locus (Merle): Adds a marbled or patchy effect to black or brown pigment.

• G locus (Progressive graying): Common in Poodles; slowly lightens dark coats over time.

These genes can work together in all kinds of combos. That’s why no two Bernedoodles look exactly alike—even in the same litter.

Tri-Color Bernedoodles

If there were a “cover model” for the breed, the tri-color Bernedoodle would be it. These pups sport a black base, rust or tan “eyebrows” and leg markings, and crisp white accents.

How it happens: Tan points come from the A locus, while white is thanks to the S locus.

Variations: You might hear “traditional tri,” “sable tri,” or “phantom tri.” It’s all about how intense the tan is or whether black is replaced with sable shading.

Buyer tip: No two tri-colors are exactly alike. Ask to see both parents to get an idea of what to expect.

Bi-Color Bernedoodles

Bi-colors are the simpler (but still stunning) cousins of the tri-color. Usually black & white or brown & white, they skip the tan points.

How it happens: Solid pigment + white spotting from the S locus.

Pattern types:

• Irish white – white blaze, chest, feet, and tail tip.

• Parti – heavier white coverage, sometimes over half the coat.

Fun fact: Some bi-colors may quietly carry the phantom gene and develop a little tan as they get older.

Merle Bernedoodles

Merle Bernedoodles are the showstoppers of the group. Blue merle? Think slate gray with black patches. Red merle? Light caramel or beige with deeper brown patches.

How it happens: The M locus dilutes parts of the coat in a marbled, patchy way.

Health considerations: Gorgeous, yes—but breeding merle requires care. A double dose of the merle gene can cause hearing and vision issues. Responsible breeders never pair two merles.

Buyer tip: Always ask for DNA proof that your puppy’s parents were paired safely—merle × non-merle.

Articles about doodle colors:

Tri color Bernedoodle genetics coat info

All doodle color patterns

Chocolate Bernedoodles

Merle Sheepadoodle colors and patterns

Phantom Bernedoodle

Phantoms are sleek and striking, with a black or brown coat and tan points in specific spots—eyebrows, muzzle, chest, legs, and under the tail. Think Doberman or Rottweiler markings, but on a doodle.

How it happens: Tan points from the A locus show through when the dog doesn’t carry the dominant black gene.

Variations: Add white spotting, and you’ll hear “phantom tri.”

Sable Bernedoodle

Sables are the shapeshifters of the Bernedoodle world. Puppies start off darker, with each hair tan or cream at the base and black at the tip. As they grow, many lighten dramatically—sometimes so much they look like a completely different dog.

How it happens: Sable pattern from the A locus, sometimes lightened even more by the G locus.

Buyer tip: If you want a darker adult, ask your breeder for photos of grown dogs from the same line.

Brindle Bernedoodle

Brindles wear “tiger stripes”—dark pigment over a lighter base. On a curly or wavy Bernedoodle coat, it can look more like soft swirls.

How it happens: The brindle gene lives at the K locus and shows up on tan or sable areas.

Fun fact: Brindle can also appear on phantom markings, giving you a “brindle phantom.”

What to Ask Your Breeder

Pretty coats are great, but health and responsible breeding come first. Before you fall for a photo, ask:

• Have the parents been DNA-tested for coat color genes (A, K, S, M, G)?

• If merle is involved, can you confirm it’s a safe pairing?

• Can I see adult photos from the same lines to understand color change?

• Any tips for maintaining coat quality (and color) long-term?

A reputable dog breeder will have no problem sharing this info.

Bernedoodles come in every shade and pattern under the sun—from the iconic tri-color to rare brindles and dazzling merles. Knowing the “why” behind the look helps you avoid surprises, especially since some pups change a ton as they grow.

At the end of the day, a Bernedoodle’s coat is just the cherry on top. The real magic is in their personality, health, and how perfectly they fit into your family.

FAQ: Bernedoodle Colors

1. Do Bernedoodle puppies change color as they grow? Absolutely. Sables, phantoms, and black coats from the Poodle side are especially likely to lighten thanks to the progressive graying gene.

2. What’s the rarest Bernedoodle color? Merle and brindle are less common. Combinations like tri-sable or brindle phantom are even harder to find.

3. Is merle in Bernedoodles safe? Yes—if the dog only has one copy of the merle gene. Two copies raise the risk of vision and hearing problems.

4. Will grooming affect my Bernedoodle’s coat color? Not genetically. But sun exposure and fading genes can lighten coats. Some owners keep the coat a bit longer to shield it from the sun.

Jenna and the JLDD Team