What Is a Tricolor Bernedoodle?
A tricolor Bernedoodle has three distinct coat colors. The classic look most people associate with a traditional tricolor Bernedoodle includes a black base with rich rust or tan points and white markings.
The placement and amount of each color can vary considerably from puppy to puppy. Blazes, chest markings, socks, facial markings and rust points are all part of what makes each puppy unique.
Traditional Black, Rust & White Tricolor Bernedoodles
Traditional tricolor Bernedoodles are known for the classic black, rust and white pattern inspired by the Bernese Mountain Dog. Some puppies have bold white blazes and larger white markings, while others have more subtle white and rust placement.
At O’Hearon’s Amazing Puppies, River × Arlo gives us beautiful real-world examples of how traditional tricolor markings can vary even within the same litter.
Merle Tricolor Bernedoodles
Merle tricolor Bernedoodles can also display three-color markings, but the merle pattern changes the appearance of the darker portions of the coat. Instead of a solid dark base, merle creates areas of lighter and darker pigmentation that can produce a marbled or mottled appearance.
Nova's Spring 2026 OAP examples of both black tricolor and merle tricolor Bernedoodles, allowing families to see how different these patterns can look in real puppies.
Tricolor Bernedoodle Color Genetics
Bernedoodle color is influenced by multiple genes working together. Genetics can affect base color, tan or rust points, white spotting, merle patterning and other visible characteristics.
Understanding the parents’ genetics helps breeders make more informed pairing decisions, but genetics does not mean every puppy in a litter will have identical markings. Each puppy receives its own combination of inherited traits.
Can Tricolor Bernedoodles Have Blue Eyes?
Some Bernedoodles may have blue eyes or partial blue pigmentation depending on their genetics. However, blue eyes are not a requirement for a puppy to be tricolor, and eye color should not be confused with coat pattern.
OAP does not guarantee exact markings, color distribution or eye color. Puppies can also change as they mature, which is another reason we encourage families to choose the whole puppy rather than one cosmetic feature.
More Than a Beautiful Color
Color may be one of the first things a family notices, but it is never the only consideration behind an OAP pairing. Our breeding decisions consider health, temperament, structure, coat quality and the overall goals of the pairing.
Our goal is not simply to produce a particular look. We want beautiful Bernedoodles that are thoughtfully bred to become wonderful family companions.
Looking for a Tricolor Bernedoodle?
Explore our current puppies and upcoming litters, or submit an application to tell us what you are looking for in your future Bernedoodle.