Doodle Coat Types, Textures & Colors
Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles come in a beautiful range of coats. Here's a simple guide to the genetics behind them and what you can expect in your puppy. 🐾
Contrary to popular belief, the generation (F1, F1B, Multigen, etc.) does not determine a Doodle's coat type. Coat type is shaped by three key genes: curl, length, and furnishings. Let's take a closer look.
The Three Genes That Shape a Doodle Coat
Coat Curl — KRT71
Determines how tight or loose the curls will be. A puppy can be straight, wavy, or curly depending on which curl genes each parent passes on. Even two wavy parents can produce a curly pup if both carry a curl gene.
Coat Length — FGF5
Gives Doodles their signature fluffy, luxurious look. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers/Bernese Mountain Dogs carry the long-hair gene, so all Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles have long coats.
Furnishings — RSPO2
The gene behind the classic Doodle mustache, beard, and eyebrows. Furnishings are dominant — only one parent needs to carry it. Puppies without it have an "improper" (flat) coat that sheds more. We do not breed improper coats.
Coat Textures
Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles typically fall into three main coat textures.
Straight Coat
No curl genes inherited. Smooth and fluffy (not flat), always with furnishings for that signature Doodle face.
Wavy Coat
One curl gene and one non-curl gene. The most popular texture — soft, slightly tousled, and low-maintenance.
Curly Coat
Both parents pass on curl genes. Tight, Poodle-like curls that need more regular grooming.
Love the Golden Retriever look without the shedding? A wavy coat with furnishings, kept in a short trim, gives you that same appearance with a low- to no-shed coat.
Common Doodle Coat Colors
Doodle coats come in a wide range of shades. Many puppies also lighten or "clear" as they mature.
Cream
Apricot
Red
Chocolate
Black
Silver
Coat Patterns
Beyond a single solid color, Doodles can carry a variety of markings and patterns.
Parti
50% or more white with patches of a second color. Bold and eye-catching.
Abstract / Mismark
A mostly solid coat with small white markings — often on the chest, chin, or paws.
Phantom
A solid base with defined tan or cream points above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, and legs.
Tri-Color
The classic Bernedoodle look — black, white, and rust markings in a distinctive pattern.
Sable
Puppies born darker that lighten as they mature, often keeping dark-tipped guard hairs.
Merle
A marbled pattern of lighter and darker patches. Beautiful but requires careful, responsible breeding.
In Summary
Your Doodle's coat comes down to genetics — not generation. By testing for curl, length, and furnishings, we work toward puppies with beautiful, allergy-friendly, low-shedding coats.
