All About Doodle Coats

Broadly speaking, shedding in dogs is controlled by 2 genes: The MC5R gene can be thought of as being most directly responsible for how much a dog might shed- a result of, “TT” at this locus suggests light shedding, while a result of CC or CT suggests heavier shedding.

Unfurnished dogs usually have a shorter, smoother face and may appear a short-haired breed, even if they're a mix. Unfurnished dogs will shed,  the amount is dependent on their shedding gene. 

Some examples of unfurnished dog breeds are Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Labrador, and Irish Setters.

A furnished dog has longer facial hair, including eyebrows, a mustache, and a beard. This trait gives them a fuller, fluffy coat and is the most important gene for reduced/no shedding. Dogs can carry one or two copies of the furnishing gene. A dog that carries 2 copies is referred to as "Fully Furnished" and the most likely to be non-shedding and least aggrivating to people with allergies. 

The curl gene doesn’t influence shedding, but it does play a significant role in shaping the dog’s appearance and grooming. Wavy coat types are usually simpler to care for than curly ones, but they still need regular brushing and occasional trimming to stay in good condition.

Straight furnished coat types are usually the easiest to care for and less predisposed to quick tangling and matting, but they still need regular brushing and occasional trimming to stay in good condition.

​

Poodles are furnished and curly, like Finncik pictured above. Curly coats tend to be the highest maintenance when it comes to brushing and grooming needs.