The Aussiedoodle, a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle, is a beloved designer dog known for its intelligence, agility, and affectionate nature. One term that often comes up in discussions about Aussiedoodles is “unfurnished.” Let’s have a look at just what an unfurnished Aussiedoodle is compared to a “furnished” Aussiedoodle!
Defining “Unfurnished”
In dog breeding terminology, “furnishings” refer to the presence of longer facial hair, including the mustache, beard, and eyebrows seen on this dog:
These furnishings are typically inherited from the Poodle parent and are a distinctive feature of many doodle breeds.
An “unfurnished” dog, therefore, lacks these longer facial hairs and instead has a smoother, more streamlined facial appearance.
Genetics Behind Furnishings
The presence or absence of furnishings in Aussiedoodles is determined by genetics. Specifically, it is controlled by the RSPO2 gene.
This gene has two variants: F (furnished) and unfurnished (n). A dog with two copies of the furnished gene (FF) or one copy of each (Fn) will have furnishings.
In contrast, a dog with two copies of the unfurnished gene (nn) will be unfurnished. I had the chance to meet seven of Isla’s littermates at the shelter when I picked her out.
Her sisters were furnished but two of her three brothers were unfurnished. We wanted a female since our other dog is a male (male and female pairs have a much better chance of a peaceful relationship) so the fur wasn’t the deciding factor. I made the decision based on her personality and what I thought, after spending a couple of hours with her, was her potential for trainability.
Appearance of an Unfurnished Aussiedoodle
An unfurnished Aussiedoodle typically has a smoother face, lacking the pronounced eyebrows and beard that are characteristic of many doodles.
The rest of their coat can still be quite varied, depending on the specific genetic inheritance from their Poodle and Australian Shepherd parents. They might have wavy, curly, or straight coats, but their facial hair will be noticeably shorter and less pronounced.
Personality and Temperament
The lack of furnishings does not impact the Aussiedoodle’s personality or temperament. These dogs are known for their friendly, energetic, and intelligent nature, whether they are furnished or unfurnished! They are excellent companions, highly trainable, and often excel in agility and other dog sports.
Grooming Needs
While unfurnished Aussiedoodles may require less maintenance in terms of facial grooming, they still need regular coat care.
The grooming needs will depend on the type of coat they inherit. For instance, a curly coat may need more frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles, while a straighter coat might shed more and require less intensive grooming.
Health Considerations
There are no specific health issues associated with being unfurnished. However, like all dogs, Aussiedoodles should have regular veterinary check-ups and be monitored for any breed-specific health issues. Common concerns for Aussiedoodles can include hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and skin problems.
Choosing Between Furnished and Unfurnished
Deciding whether to choose a furnished or unfurnished Aussiedoodle largely comes down to personal preference regarding appearance and grooming habits–and the personality of the individual dogs.
Some people prefer the teddy bear-like look of a furnished Aussiedoodle, while others may find the sleeker look (and easier care) of an unfurnished dog more appealing.
An unfurnished Aussiedoodle is simply an Aussiedoodle without the long facial hair that characterizes many doodle breeds. These dogs are just as loving, intelligent, and energetic as their furnished counterparts. Whether furnished or unfurnished, Aussiedoodles can make fantastic pets for families, singles, and active individuals alike!
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