The “Flat Coat” Surprise

One of the biggest disappointments for new Labradoodle owners is picking up a puppy that grows up to look… just like a wire-haired Terrier or a scruffy Lab. No fluffy face, no beard, and—worst of all—lots of shedding.

This is not a fluke. It’s simple genetics: specifically, the RSPO2 gene, often called the “Furnishings” gene.

Furnishings = The Beard & Eyebrows

“Furnishings” refers to the longer hair on the face (beard, mustache, eyebrows).

• F: Furnished (Dominant)
• f: Unfurnished / Improper Coat (Recessive)

Poodles are FF (Always have furnishings). Labradors are ff (Never have furnishings).

The F1 Generation Math

When you breed a Poodle (FF) with a Lab (ff), all puppies get one gene from each parent. Result: 100% of F1 puppies are Ff. Since F is dominant, they will all look “doodley” with facial hair.

The F2 Generation Danger Zone

The problem arises in F2 (F1 x F1) or unverified Multigen breedings. If you breed two F1 dogs (Ff x Ff), the Punnett square reveals:

• 25% FF (Furnished, curly)
• 50% Ff (Furnished, wavy)
• 25% ff (Flat coat, shedding, looks like a Lab)

That 25% ff group is what breeders call “Improper Coats.” These dogs shed heavily and lack the hypoallergenic qualities people pay for.

How to Avoid It

Ethical breeders test the DNA of the parents. If a breeder is pairing two Labradoodles, they MUST test for the RSPO2 gene to ensure they aren’t creating flat-coated puppies (unless that is their specific goal).

If you are looking for a reliable “teddy bear” look, an F1b (F1 x Poodle) is statistically your safest bet, as the Poodle parent contributes a guaranteed dominant F gene.