Furnishings Gene in Dogs: The IC Locus and Doodle Coat Types

If you breed Doodles — Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, or any Poodle mix — the furnishings gene is one of the most important genetic tests you can run. It determines whether puppies get that fluffy, furnished look with a beard and eyebrows, or a flat-faced, smooth-muzzled "improper coat."

What Are Furnishings?

Furnishings are the longer, wiry hair that grows on the muzzle (forming a beard), above the eyes (eyebrows), and sometimes on the legs. They are caused by a mutation in the RSPO2 gene, which sits at the IC (improper coat) locus. Breeds like Poodles, Schnauzers, Wire Fox Terriers, and Airedale Terriers all carry the furnishings mutation.

Furnished vs Improper Coat

Furnished (F/F or F/f): The dog has a beard, eyebrows, and typically a wavy to curly coat. At least one copy of the furnishings allele is present. Most Poodles are F/F.

Improper coat (f/f): The dog has a smooth muzzle with no beard or eyebrows. Improper coats are common in dogs that have been crossed with non-furnished breeds. The coat is typically straighter and sheds more.

In Doodle breeding, improper coat is considered undesirable because it produces shedding puppies that do not have the classic Doodle appearance buyers expect.

How to Predict Doodle Coat Types

When crossing a Poodle (F/F) with a Golden Retriever (f/f):

• All F1 puppies will be F/f — furnished, but carrying one improper coat allele
• Coat curliness depends on the curl gene (KRT71), discussed separately

When breeding F1 (F/f) to F1 (F/f):

• 25% will be F/F (fully furnished)
• 50% will be F/f (furnished, carrier)
• 25% will be f/f (improper coat)

This is why F1b (backcross to Poodle) breeding exists — it dramatically increases the proportion of furnished, low-shedding puppies.

Testing for Furnishings

All major canine DNA companies test for the furnishings locus. If you are selling Doodle puppies as "non-shedding" or "allergy-friendly," testing your stud for furnishings is not optional. An improper-coat stud crossed with an F1 dam will produce a significant percentage of shedding puppies.

Which Breeds Are F/F

Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Wire Fox Terriers, Airedale Terriers, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and most Schnauzer variants are F/F. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and most sporting breeds are f/f.