Furnished vs. Unfurnished Bernedoodle: What’s the difference?

When you're searching for the perfect Bernedoodle puppy, you might come across terms like “furnished” and “unfurnished.” But what do these words really mean and how do they affect your future dog’s coat, grooming needs, and shedding levels?

In this post, we’re breaking down the furnished gene, what it means for Bernedoodles, and how to choose the right coat type for your lifestyle.

What Does “Furnished” Mean in Bernedoodles?

In the doodle world, “furnished” refers to the distinctive facial hair, like eyebrows, mustaches, and beards, that comes from the Poodle side of the family. Typically a furnished Bernedoodle has that classic doodle look: wavy or curly coat, longer hair on the face, and a plush, fluffy appearance; but can also have a straight coat.

This trait is controlled by the RSPO2 gene, commonly called the furnishings gene. A puppy inherits one copy from each parent if the parent is fully furnished. If they inherit at least one copy of the furnishing gene, they will have a furnished coat. If the puppy inherits 2 copies of the gene they are considered fully furnished.

What is an “Unfurnished” Bernedoodle?

An unfurnished Bernedoodle is missing that Poodle-style facial hair. Instead, they look more like a traditional Bernese Mountain Dog—with a shorter, flatter coat and no “doodle beard.” But an unfurnished Berendoodle could still have a wavy coat.

Unfurnished puppies usually shed more, and their coat is generally easier to maintain, though not as allergy-friendly.

Some families prefer this simpler, more natural look.

Grooming Differences

Feature	Furnished Bernedoodle	Unfurnished Bernedoodle
Facial Hair	Yes (beard, mustache, eyebrows)	No
Coat Texture	Varies	Varies
Shedding	Low	Moderate
Grooming Needs	Regular trims, brushing	Less grooming
Allergy Friendliness	Higher	Lower

Does Furnishing Affect Personality?

No. The furnished or unfurnished trait doesn’t impact temperament at all. Both types of Bernedoodles are smart, affectionate, and family-friendly. The key difference is just in their appearance and grooming needs.

How Do I Know Which One I'm Getting?

Reputable breeders will often genetically test their parent dogs and can tell you if your puppy will be furnished or not. At Bernedoodle Boutique, we genetic test parents and puppies. We’re happy to walk you through the coat types and help you find the best match for your home. Contact us and we'll get to work finding your perfect match.

Can You Tell Just by Looking?

Sometimes. Around 5 to 6 weeks of age, the differences become more visible. Furnished puppies start developing fluffier faces, while unfurnished puppies’ faces stay sleek and clean.

But if it really matters to you, always ask your breeder for genetic testing or confirmation.

Final Thoughts

Whether furnished or unfurnished, Bernedoodles make incredible companions. The key is understanding the difference so you can choose the coat type that fits your family’s lifestyle, grooming preferences, and allergy needs.

Still unsure which is right for you? Contact us here. We’re happy to help you figure it out. Know what you're looking for? Fill out a Puppy Application to start the adoption process.