What is a Chocolate Merle Bernedoodle? Photos + Answers

Every doodle lover knows these dogs come in a rainbow of gorgeous colors—but some shades stop you in your tracks. One of the rarest (and most eye-catching) is the chocolate merle Bernedoodle.

With a marbled brown coat and sometimes even hazel or blue eyes, these pups are nothing short of stunning.

But at JennaLee Designer Doodles (JLDD), we know that beauty is only half the story. Our priority is always matching families with puppies whose personalities and energy levels fit their lifestyle. 

Coat colors for chocolate doodles may fade or change, but the bond you build with the right puppy lasts a lifetime. In this post, we’ll break down what “chocolate merle” really means, how rare it is, and what families should know before falling head over heels for this unique look.

What Does “Chocolate Merle” Mean?

The term “chocolate merle” refers to both the color and the pattern of the coat. The chocolate color comes from a genetic variation that dilutes black pigment into a warm, rich brown. You’ll often see it not only in the fur but also in the eye rims, paw pads, and even the nose, which appears brown instead of black.

The merle aspect refers to a gene that creates a marbled or mottled pattern, producing lighter and darker patches throughout the coat.

When these two traits come together, you end up with a chocolate merle Bernedoodle—a dog with swirling shades of mocha, latte, and cream. Some even inherit striking blue or hazel eyes.

Related articles:

Tri Colors Bernedoodles - What You Should Know

How Rare Are Chocolate Merle Bernedoodles?

Very rare. You need both the chocolate gene and the merle gene to align in the same puppy, and not every litter will produce even one. This rarity makes chocolate merle

Bernedoodles highly sought after, but it’s important to remember that rarity should never overshadow the bigger picture. Picking a puppy solely based on coat color is like buying a car just for the paint job—it might look amazing, but it’s the engine (or in this case, temperament) that really matters.

Breeding & Health Best Practices

Merle genetics are beautiful but require careful, responsible breeding. If two merles are bred together, puppies may suffer from vision or hearing issues. That’s why ethical breeders like JLDD only pair one merle parent with a non-merle partner.

This practice ensures that puppies are both stunning and healthy. At the end of the day, health always comes first, and coat color is just the icing on the cake.

Chocolate Merle Bernedoodles: Matchmaking with the Right Owner(s)

Our biggest focus is matchmaking. Two chocolate merle siblings may look alike, but their personalities can be completely different—one might be adventurous and full of energy, while the other is mellow and more content to snuggle on the couch. That’s why we spend time getting to know each puppy and each family. 

Our matchmaking process ensures that families bring home not just the look they love but the temperament that fits their lifestyle. And let’s face it—personality doesn’t fade like coat color sometimes can.

Grooming & Care

Chocolate merle Bernedoodles can have coats ranging from wavy to curly, depending on how much Poodle influence they inherit. These coats require regular brushing several times a week to prevent mats, along with professional grooming every six to eight weeks.

Bathing is usually needed about once a month, or whenever your doodle gets dirty from play. Because doodles can be prone to buildup, regular eye and ear cleaning are essential. Lighter merle patches may also show dirt or tangles more quickly, which is another reason staying on top of grooming helps keep them looking and feeling their best.

Cost & Availability

Because of their rarity, chocolate merle Bernedoodles often fall on the higher end of the doodle price spectrum. But this is where families should be careful—unethical breeders or puppy mills sometimes exploit demand by skipping vital health testing or proper socialization.

Every puppy comes with the assurance of health-tested parents, a written contract and health guarantee, full vaccinations and vet checks, and lifetime support for their new families. That way, you can be confident you’re bringing home a puppy whose beauty is matched by a strong foundation of care and responsibility.

FAQs

Are chocolate merle Bernedoodles hypoallergenic?

They can be, depending on coat type. Curlier coats tend to be more allergy-friendly than wavier coats.

Do merle Bernedoodles have health issues?

When bred responsibly—meaning one merle parent paired with a non-merle partner—these dogs are no more at risk than any other Bernedoodle. The concern only arises with double-merle breedings.

Will their coat color change?

Yes. Like many doodles, their coats may lighten or fade as they grow, but the marbled effect of the merle gene usually remains.

How big do they get?

Chocolate merle Bernedoodles can range from mini (25–35 pounds) to standard (up to 90 pounds), depending on the size of their parents.

Are they good with kids?

Absolutely. With proper training and socialization, Bernedoodles are famously gentle, affectionate, and eager to please, making them wonderful family companions. Learn more about which doodles are good with kids here.

A chocolate merle Bernedoodle is truly one-of-a-kind. Their swirling, coffee-colored coats are gorgeous, but what really makes them special is the love and loyalty they bring to their families.

At JennaLee Designer Doodles, we believe in putting health, temperament, and family fit first. That’s why our matchmaking process ensures every puppy finds the perfect home—whether they’re a chocolate merle, tri-color, or classic black and white.

Ready to meet your match? Reach out today to learn more about our upcoming litters and the JLDD matchmaking process.

Jenna and the JLDD Team