What is an Unfurnished Doodle?

 

Looking for a Doodle Without the High-Maintenance Coat? Meet the Unfurnished Doodle

What is an Unfurnished Doodle?

Do you love the warm, approachable charm of an Australian Shepherd? Or the steady, reliable loyalty of a Bernese Mountain Dog? Maybe you admire the easy-going, golden-hearted vibe of a Golden Retriever? If these breeds make your heart skip a beat—but you're also drawn to the intelligence and hypoallergenic potential of a Poodle mix (hello, Doodles!)—you might think you've struck gold. But there’s one common concern that stops some people short.

That famously fluffy Doodle coat, while adorable, can be quite high-maintenance. From the seemingly endless brushing to regular professional grooming sessions, it’s a commitment.

If you love the idea of a Doodle but not the need for constant grooming, there’s a solution you might not know about yet. Enter the unfurnished Doodle. Offering all the intelligence and charm of their Poodle and non-Poodle parents, these dogs trade the signature wavy or curly coat for a more natural, lower-maintenance look that resembles their non-Poodle parent. This blog will guide you through what makes unfurnished Doodles unique, their benefits, and how they might just be your perfect pup match.

F2 Unfurnished Bernedoodles

F2 Unfurnished Bernedoodle

Why Do Some People Prefer Unfurnished Doodles?

Lower Grooming Requirements

Unfurnished Doodles have coats that are generally easier to maintain. They don't require frequent professional grooming sessions, which can lead to significant cost savings—ranging from $400 to $1,000 annually .

Cleaner Appearance

Without the dense facial furnishings, these dogs are less prone to trapping food, debris, or moisture around their mouths, leading to a cleaner and more manageable appearance.

Natural Aesthetic

For those who appreciate the look of the non-Poodle parent breed, unfurnished Doodles offer a more traditional appearance, closely resembling breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog .

Understanding the Genetics of Unfurnished Doodles

The RSPO2 gene, often referred to as the "furnishings gene, " determines the presence or absence of furnishings. Dogs with two copies of the improper coat (IC) gene will be unfurnished. Genetic testing can identify these traits early on, allowing breeders and owners to anticipate the dog's adult appearance.

Shedding and Allergy Considerations

While unfurnished Doodles may shed more than their furnished counterparts, they typically shed less than the non-Poodle parent breed. However, they might not be the best choice for individuals with severe allergies. It's essential to consider individual sensitivities and consult with breeders about specific coat types .

Grooming Needs of Unfurnished Doodles

Unfurnished Doodles have a more manageable grooming routine. Regular brushing and occasional trims are usually sufficient to keep their coats healthy and clean. This lower maintenance is especially appealing to active families or those seeking a dog with fewer grooming demands .

Visual Comparison: Furnished vs. Unfurnished

Unfurnished Doodles offer a unique combination of the beloved Doodle temperament with a more natural appearance and lower grooming needs. They are an excellent choice for families seeking a companion that embodies the best of both parent breeds without the high-maintenance coat.

Furnished Therapy Dog

Furnished - low shedding - requires grooming

What is an Unfurnished Doodle? This is a rare red merle f2 unfurnished Bernedoodle

Unfurnished - shedding, lower allergy potential

Understanding the Terminology

  • Flat Coat or straight Coat: Refers to Doodles that lack the typical Poodle-like curl, resulting in a straighter, flatter coat. This term is often used to describe the overall appearance of the coat.​

  • Improper Coat: A term commonly used by breeders to denote Doodles that do not have the furnishings gene, leading to a coat that resembles the non-Poodle parent more closely.

  • Unfurnished: Specifically refers to the absence of furnishings—longer hair on the face, such as eyebrows and a beard. Unfurnished Doodles have a smoother facial appearance.

  • An unfurnished doodle lacks the typical facial hair—such as the mustache, beard, and eyebrows—found in most doodles. This results in a smoother-faced appearance, often resembling the non-Poodle parent breed, like the Bernese Mountain Dog or Golden Retriever. This coat type is also referred to as an "improper coat" or "flat coat."

  • Generally, yes. Unfurnished doodles tend to shed more than their furnished counterparts. However, they typically shed less than the non-Poodle parent breed. The shedding level can vary based on genetics and coat type.

  • Unfurnished doodles are less hypoallergenic compared to furnished doodles. The absence of furnishings means they may release more dander and hair, which can affect individuals with allergies.

  • Unfurnished doodles are lower maintenance in terms of grooming. Their coats don't require frequent professional grooming sessions, leading to significant cost savings—ranging from $400 to $1,000 annually.

  • Yes, an unfurnished doodle can have a curly coat. The presence or absence of furnishings is determined by the RSPO2 gene, which affects facial hair, not the curliness of the coat.

  • Unfurnished puppies typically have smooth faces without the fluffy facial hair seen in furnished doodles. Genetic testing can also determine the presence or absence of the furnishings gene.

  • Unfurnished doodles may not be the best choice for individuals with severe allergies due to their higher shedding and dander release. Furnished doodles are generally more suitable for allergy sufferers.

 

STOKESHIRE LITTERS THAT MAY PRODUCE UNFURNISHED PUPPIES

Some dogs exhibit weak furnishings, characterized by sparse or less pronounced facial hair. This phenotype arises from a variation in the RSPO2 gene, often denoted as F^w. Dogs with the F/F^w genotype will display furnishings, but they may be less prominent. Those with the F^w/IC genotype may exhibit weak or minimal furnishings, leading to a less fluffy facial appearance


Genetic Testing for Coat Prediction

Genetic testing can determine a dog's RSPO2 genotype, providing insights into coat type and aiding in breeding decisions. For instance, breeders can use this information to predict the likelihood of offspring having furnished or unfurnished coats. This is particularly valuable for breeds like Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles, where coat type significantly influences grooming needs and allergenicity.​​

Bringing a Unique Friend into Your Life

At the end of the day, whether you choose a traditional furnished Doodle or an unfurnished one comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Unfurnished Doodles beautifully combine the spirited temperament of a Doodle with a low-maintenance coat and the classic good looks of breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog, Australian Shepherd, or Golden Retriever.

If you’re dreaming of a dog whose personality shines through without extra grooming demands, unfurnished Doodles might just be the four-legged companion you’ve been searching for.