Genetics

The Furnishings Gene: Why Doodles Have Mustaches (and Some Don't)

That mustache and shaggy beard your doodle has? That's the furnishings gene at work. Here's what it is, how it's inherited, and why 'improper coat' Poodles are a concern.

July 5, 2024 · 4 min read

What Are Furnishings?

Furnishings refer to the longer, wirier hair on a dog's face — the mustache, beard, and eyebrows — plus longer hair on the legs and body that gives Poodles and terriers their characteristic 'coiffed' appearance. This trait is controlled by the RSPO2 gene at the IC (improper coat) locus. The F allele produces furnishings; the f allele produces a smooth (or 'improper') face with short hair.

Furnished vs. Unfurnished Dogs

• F/F or F/f (At least one F allele): Furnished — Poodle-style long facial hair, bearded appearance. Low to non-shedding tendency correlates with this genotype.
• f/f (No F allele): Unfurnished or 'improper coat' — smooth face, short facial hair. Dogs with improper coat typically shed more and have less of the Poodle-style appearance.

Improper Coat in Poodle Crosses

If either parent in a doodle breeding is f/f (unfurnished), some puppies may receive ff genotype and show improper coat — smooth faces and higher shedding. A Cavapoo with an improper coat loses the typical 'doodle look' and often sheds more than an F1 Cavapoo from a fully furnished pairing. DNA testing breeders for RSPO2 status helps predict and prevent improper coat puppies in litters where furnished coat is expected.