What is the Furnishing Gene in Bernedoodles and Why is it Important?

Bernedoodles are a popular crossbreed that is known for their friendly and playful personalities, as well as their low-shedding coats. However, not all Bernedoodles have the same coat type. Some Bernedoodles have a furnished coat, which means that they have longer hair around their muzzle, eyebrows, and legs. Other Bernedoodles have an unfurnished coat, which means that they have shorter hair all over their body. Bernedoodles with a furnished coat will appear fluffier, while unfurnished bernedoodles will have a flatter, silkier coat like a Bernese mountain dog.

The furnishing gene is responsible for the difference in coat types between Bernedoodles. Dogs with two copies of the furnishing gene (FF) and dogs with one copy of the furnishing gene (F) will have a furnished coat. Dogs with no copies of the furnishing gene (IC) will have an unfurnished coat. Dogs with one copy of the furnishing gene (F) will pass on this gene to about 50% of their offspring. However, if one parent has one copy (F) and the other parent has two copies, (FF) then all of their offspring will have at least one copy of the gene (F) and will be furnished. So, for the puppy to have 100% chance of being furnished, at least one of the parents needs to be fully furnished. For the puppy to be fully furnished, both parents need to be fully furnished. If both parents have one copy of the gene, there is about 50% chance that each parent will pass on that gene, so the puppy may or may not be furnished.

The furnishing gene is important for a Bernedoodle's coat for a few reasons. First, it helps to reduce shedding. There is a common misconception that doodles do not shed, because of the poodle coat. Realistically, there is no dog that doesn't shed (unless you want a hairless one) However, dogs with furnished coats tend to shed less than dogs with unfurnished coats. This is because their hair helps to trap loose hair and prevent it from falling out. This does not mean that there will not be any hair coming from your dog, just significantly less than a shedding dog. There is debate on whether or not this means a non-shedding dog will be hypoallergenic. Some say that non-shedding dogs have a different type of hair that does not aggravate allergies. The reality is, non-shedding dogs or doodles are significantly better for allergies than shedding dogs, but if someone's allergy is especially severe, they may still have a reaction. Personally, my bernedoodle sheds enough loose hair that I still find dog hair on my rug, but it does not bug my allergies. The only way to know for sure if your allergies will be aggravated by a non-shedding dog is to spend some time with one, preferably before purchasing a furry companion (pets are a 10-15 year commitment!) That being said, a non-furnished dog will not be hypoallergenic at all, so if you want the fluffy, low shedding doodle coat, make sure you get a puppy where at least one parent is fully furnished.

Finally, the furnishing gene helps to give the Bernedoodle its signature, fluffy coat. I don't know about you, but that's why I fell in love with Bernedoodles in the first place! (IT'S SO FLUFFY)

If you are considering buying a Bernedoodle, it is important to understand the furnishing gene. You can also have your dogs tested for the furnishing gene by a veterinarian or a genetic testing company. This will give you a better idea of what coat types to expect in your puppies.

Here at Little Bear Bernedoodles, all of our puppies are furnished! All of our parents have full genetic testing panels done to ensure they are passing on only the best genes on to their pups, including the furnishing gene. Get on our waitlist today to reserve your new fluffy family member!