Chocolate Bernedoodles: Color, Coat & Care Guide

If you’ve ever locked eyes with a chocolate Bernedoodle, you know exactly why they stop people in their tracks. That warm, rich cocoa-colored coat paired with their sweet-as-sugar personality? It’s a combination that’s hard to resist.

But here’s the thing—“chocolate” isn’t just a random nickname. It’s rooted in canine genetics, and it comes with its own quirks when it comes to color, coat, and care.

In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a chocolate Bernedoodle truly chocolate, the different coat patterns you might see, why some fade over time, and how to keep that gorgeous coat looking its best.

What Makes a Bernedoodle's Coat “Chocolate”?

The term “chocolate” in dogs refers to a brown-based coat caused by a genetic change at the B locus. Specifically, it’s the bb combination that turns all black pigment (including the coat, nose leather, eye rims, and paw pads) into shades of brown.

In a chocolate Bernedoodle, you’ll often notice:

• Brown skin points instead of black

• Amber or hazel eyes rather than deep brown

• A warm, earthy coat that can range from milk chocolate to deep mocha

Fun fact: Most of the time, that chocolate color comes from the Poodle side of the family. Bernese Mountain Dogs are genetically programmed for black-based tri-color coats, so you need the Poodle parent to bring that brown gene to the table.

Related Bernedoodle posts:

Micro Bernedoodle size & weight info

Bernedoodles vs Goldendoodles & Sheepadoodles

Genetic testing for Bernedoodles

Chocolate Bernedoodle Patterns

“Chocolate” just describes the pigment base. The actual pattern of a Bernedoodle’s coat—whether it’s tri-color, phantom, parti, or solid—comes from other genes. Here are the most common looks:

• Chocolate Tri-Color Think classic Bernese pattern, but swap the black for chocolate brown. You’ll still get tan or rust points and white markings, just with a softer, warmer overall look.

• Chocolate Phantom Bernedoodle Phantom patterning means chocolate brown with lighter tan points—on the eyebrows, cheeks, legs, and under the tail—often without large white patches.

• Chocolate Parti (or Abstract) Parti means large white spotting over the chocolate base. Abstract is similar but with smaller white patches (think chest, paws, or a nose blaze).

• Solid Chocolate Just what it sounds like—uniform brown from head to tail. These can look especially striking when the coat is rich and deep in tone.

The pattern you see is a mix of genetics at the A locus (tan points), K locus (black or dominant color expression), and S locus (white spotting). That’s why breeders who do DNA color testing can predict patterns pretty reliably.

Will a Chocolate Coat Stay Chocolate?

Here’s the truth: not all chocolate Bernedoodles keep their rich, dark coloring forever. Many carry a gene called progressive greying (G locus), which gradually lightens eumelanin (black or brown pigment) over time.

On a chocolate coat, this can mean your pup starts deep espresso but fades to café-au-lait or taupe by the time they’re a couple of years old. Some even develop a silvery undertone.

Other factors that can cause fading:

• Sun exposure – prolonged time outdoors can bleach the coat

• Swimming and bathing – especially with harsh shampoos

• Lineage – some lines simply hold color better than others

If you love that deep, dark chocolate, ask your breeder about G locus testing and request to see photos of older relatives. It’s the best clue for predicting how much (or little) your Bernedoodle might fade.

Coat Types & Furnishings in Chocolate Bernedoodles

The chocolate gene affects pigment, not coat texture. A chocolate Bernedoodle can have any of the typical doodle coat types—curly, wavy, or straight—and any amount of facial furnishings.

• Furnishings (RSPO2 gene) Furnished Bernedoodles have the “teddy bear” look—full eyebrows and a fluffy muzzle. An improper coat (IC) has less facial hair, looking more like a flat-coated retriever. Most Poodles are furnished, so the majority of Bernedoodles inherit at least one furnishings gene.

• Curl (KRT71 gene) The curl gene determines whether your Bernedoodle’s coat is straight, wavy, or curly. More curl generally means less shedding, but more grooming.

• Shedding Shedding levels are influenced by both curl and furnishings. A well-furnished, curlier chocolate Bernedoodle is often lower-shed, but remember— no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

Bottom line? The chocolate coat color doesn’t dictate whether your dog will shed—it’s all about the coat-type genes they inherit.

Articles about doodle colors:

Tri color Bernedoodle genetics coat info

All doodle color patterns

Grooming & Maintenance for Chocolate Coats

Whether your Bernedoodle is wavy or curly, that chocolate coat needs some TLC.

• Curly coats Require daily to every-other-day brushing to prevent mats, plus professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.

• Wavy coats Lower-maintenance but still need brushing a few times a week to keep them healthy.

Specific to chocolate coats:

• Sun bleaching – A rich chocolate can fade to reddish tones with too much UV exposure. Use a UV-protective spray if your pup spends a lot of time outside.

• Tear and saliva staining – Lighter chocolate or cream areas can show reddish-brown staining more easily. Keep facial fur clean and dry.

• Color-safe products – Choose gentle, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to preserve pigment.

If you keep up on coat care, your chocolate Bernedoodle will stay looking like they just walked out of a doggy spa.

Choosing a Breeder & What to Ask

If you have your heart set on a chocolate Bernedoodle, choosing the right breeder is key. Here’s what to ask for:

1. B locus results – confirms the puppy is bb (true chocolate) or both parents carry the b gene.

2. G locus results – to see if fading is likely.

3. RSPO2 furnishings test – ensures at least one furnishings gene for the doodle look.

4. KRT71 curl results – so you know the expected coat type.

5. S locus – predicts how much white spotting (if any) your puppy might have.

And don’t forget: color is fun, but health testing matters most.

Myth-Busting: Chocolate Edition

• Myth: Chocolate Bernedoodles are healthier than other colors. Truth: Coat color doesn’t impact health. Responsible breeding does.

• Myth: A non-fading chocolate is “better quality.” Truth: Fading is simply genetic—it’s not a sign of poor breeding.

• Myth: Chocolate Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic. Truth: While many shed less, all dogs produce allergens.

A chocolate Bernedoodle is a head-turner—no doubt about it. From deep mocha solids to tri-color stunners, their coloring adds an extra layer of charm to an already lovable breed.

But here’s the scoop: focus on finding a healthy, well-socialized puppy from an ethical breeder.

That way, you’re getting a lifetime of companionship—not just a pretty coat.

Whether they stay dark or fade to a softer latte shade, your chocolate Bernedoodle’s personality will always be the sweetest thing about them. And really—what more could you ask for?

Jenna and the JLDD Team