Tri color mini Bernedoodle Guide
- A Bernedoodle tri-color breed is a beautiful looking dog, but this does then open up the question of how a Bernedoodle can end up with this particular appearance.
- After all, there’s no doubt that the tri-color is one of the most highly sought-after varieties out there, so it’s clear that people love it.
- Even the waiting lists to then own one of these dogs tend to extend way into the future that people will wait over a year to own one.
- But the truth is that this particular mix of colors comes down to the skill of the breeder. Not just any old breeder has the ability to go ahead and breed this dog. So, how do they do it, and how difficult is it?
The Answer
- The answer for how to breed a Bernedoodle tri color is certainly a whole lot easier than the actual act. What you need is a highly experienced breeder with a significant level of skill and understanding of DNA testing.
- You see, it’s all about selecting the correct parents to increase your chances of having a litter of tri-color pups. However, there’s a whole lot more in this entire process that we need to explore.
- However, at this point, it’s enough to know that it’s all about selecting the correct parents, but that doesn’t come with a guarantee of absolute success either.
The Problem That Breeders Face
- If you were looking at just a bi-color dog, then it would be easy to determine the mix when you look at the parents. It’s still not a 100% guarantee that you will get those colors.
- Bernedoodle breeders have constantly battled with this fact. They look at the parents and carry out various tests, which we discuss later, and they may have a good idea of what the pups will be like.
- However, nature can have a different idea as to what the pups will then be like.
- That does also mean breeders need to wait for the litter to be born to then see the outcome. You can see how this may cause some stress for the breeder, especially if they have potential owners who look for a specific color combination.
It’s the Poodle Side That’s Important
- To produce a tri-color Bernedoodle, it’s the Poodle side that plays the key role. The Bernese Mountain Dog has its own colors, but the Poodle has so many different colors contained within the breed that it’s tough to then know what could happen with a litter.
- But it’s not just a case of getting a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle and putting them together to breed.
- Doing that would involve nothing more than an absolute potluck as to what the litter would then look like.
- Thankfully, experienced breeders have more sense about their approach than this.
- You see, even though the Bernese Mountain Dog is the one that effectively gives the markings, the color of the Poodle can play an integral role.
- You need to remember that if you have an apricot Poodle and their genetics mixed in with the genetics of a black, white, and rust Bernedoodle, then the apricot color can really make a difference.
- Think of the color of the Poodle as being the one thing that can completely change the outcome.
- That is why a normal breeder cannot really work at breeding a tri-color Bernedoodle of their choosing as they need to deal with too many variables.
The Different Tri Colors
- It’s also important to quickly note that different tri-color Bernedoodles do exist. The most popular version is the Bernedoodle with the Bernese Mountain Dog colors of black, white, and rust.
- Their color distribution is often with black being the more dominant color while some have a white face with others having limited white in their appearance.
- However, that’s not the only option. You also have the phantom tri-color Bernedoodle, but the confusing thing is that they still contain the same color combination as the most popular tri-color Bernedoodle.
- The difference is the way in which the colors are distributed. With a phantom tri-color, they tend to have a black face, white predominantly on their chest, and tan legs. They may have some slight color variations, but it won’t change too much from that.
- On top of this, you also have sable and a whole host of other color combinations that are slightly rarer in nature than the two mentioned above. However, they do exist, and it’s all due to the skill of the breeder.
The Full List of Colors
Actually, we can look at the full list of potential colors that can exist in a tri-color Bernedoodle. Keep in mind that you can mix any of them together, and that shows how tricky it can then be to ultimately breed the specific color combination you want.
- Brown
- Apricot
- Black
- White
- Sable
- Tan
- Cream
- Red
Just from these eight colors, you can have a crazy mix in a tri-color Bernedoodle. However, the black, white, and tan or brown combination remains the most popular of all.
Coat Patterns Also Play a Role
- But it’s not only the colors that change with a tri-color Bernedoodle. The coat patterns will also play a role.
- For example, the most popular form tends to involve a tri-color Bernedoodle having a white face. However, they can also come with a white chest, or the white may even have more prominence on their legs.
- But here’s the thing. Even an experienced breeder cannot predict how the markings will show up on a litter. They can only have some insight into the potential color combinations rather than how they will then appear on the dog.
- But we love this fact. We love the idea that each dog in a litter will come out looking different. That is a huge appearance of the tri-color Bernedoodle, and it certainly contributes to the general appeal of the breed.
But an Important Point
- But here is an important point to mention, some tri-color Bernedoodles will see their color markings fade as they age.
- Eventually, some may go from having three colors into having two colors, and that’s something that no breeder can predict.
- So just realize that this may happen to your tri-color Bernedoodle. It’s not unusual, and it certainly does not mean something is then wrong with your dog.
Genetic Testing is Key
- The one thing that is key here is genetic testing. It’s known that certain genes relate to coat color, and by testing the parents it can improve your chances of a tri-color litter.
- However, it’s still not perfect.
- Breeders have spent countless years trying to perfect the art of getting a tri-color Bernedoodle, but they do know one thing in particular, the Bernese is important.
- You see, the tendency is for the color markings to come from the Bernese Mountain Dog. That is why those black, white, and rust colors come through as the more predominant ones.
- But then you need to add in the fact that the Poodle has around 10 different colors as listed by the AKC. That does mean another color can effectively add itself to the mix resulting in a Bernedoodle litter taking on a wide range of potential color combinations.
So What Do You Do?
- Let’s say you want to own a tri-color Bernedoodle, and you want to have one that has the classic black, white and brown coloring. What do you do?
- The key here is to perhaps contact a number of breeders who do focus on breeding tri-color Bernedoodles.
- The reason why we suggest you contact a number of them is due to that very real risk of a breeder not actually having the color combination you would like.
- By asking more breeders, and showing an interest in one of their dogs, it does increase your chances of taking ownership of your desired dog.
- But even then, you may find yourself needing to wait a considerable period of time before you have the opportunity to take your new dog home.
Final Thoughts
In order to breed a Bernedoodle tricolor, you need to understand genetic testing and the odds of certain color combinations appearing in a litter. However, as we have said throughout this post, nothing is guaranteed.

Only experienced breeders should find themselves in a position whereby they can breed the colors they want.

In saying that, it does involve a lot of litters where the color combination was not what they hoped for, but those puppies remain highly wanted.
There’s just something cute about a tri-color Bernedoodle. The way their color markings spread over their coat makes each one unique.
When you have a unique-looking dog, then its adorable factor increases, and who wouldn’t want that?
But if you want a tri color Bernedoodle, then go for it. Not only do they look amazing, but their temperament is also out of this world. We know they will make a wonderful addition to your family.