When it comes to designer Doodles, their charm is undeniable—but not all Doodles are created equal. From their coat textures to their personalities, Flat Coated Doodles and Straight Coated Doodles each bring something unique to the table. Whether you're considering adding a Doodle to your family or you're already a proud owner curious about the distinction, this guide is here to help.

We’ll explore what makes these two coat types different, their grooming needs and help you discover which Doodle complements your lifestyle best.

Introduction to Doodle Dog Breeds

Affectionate, intelligent, and endlessly adorable, Doodles have become one of the most popular designer dog breeds. These dogs are typically a mix of Poodles and other breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Aussies, or Bernese Mountain Dogs. This combination gives them a wide variety of coat types, sizes, and personalities.

Unfurnished Flat Coated Australian Mountain Doodle Blue Merle Tri

The most noticeable difference among Doodles? Their coats. Among these coat types, Flat Coated and Straight Coated Doodles are two of the most intriguing—not to mention hot topics of debate in Doodle-loving communities.

Understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision about which one is right for your family.

Overview of Flat-Coated Doodles (Unfurnished)

Appearance and Grooming Needs

Flat Coated Doodles have an unfurnished coat, meaning they lack the "furnishing" gene responsible for creating the fluffy, low-shedding Poodle-like coat. Their fur is typically softer and flatter, resembling more of the non-Poodle parent breed.

Grooming: Flat Coated Doodles generally require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Brushing 2–3 times a week helps keep their coat healthy and smooth.

Shedding: Flat-coated Doodles shed more than their straight-coated counterparts, making them less suitable for allergy-sensitive households. They will have the look of the non-poodle heritage.

Overview of Straight-Coated Doodles

Appearance and Grooming Needs

Straight Coated Doodles have furnished coats, which means they carry at least one furnishing gene. This results in the coats that are more commonly associated with Doodles that continue to grow - but have very little wave. At Stokeshire, we consider these coats to be lower maintenance as they do not require as much combing as wavy or curly-coated doodles require.

Grooming: Straight-coated Doodles still require a groomer and regular brushing but are less susceptible to matting.

Shedding: These Doodles typically shed less than Flat Coated Doodles, making them a better choice for households with allergy concerns. However, no Doodle is entirely hypoallergenic. Ideally, we would like your pup to have two copies of the Furnishing genes if allergies are an issue.

Loving Your Doodle Journey

Whether you choose a Flat Coated or Straight Coated Doodle, you’re gaining a loving, loyal companion. Each type has unique qualities, but both bring joy and affection to their families. For those drawn to the classic look of a Golden Retriever, Aussie, or Bernese Mountain Dog and aren’t concerned with shedding, Flat Coated Doodles offer the best of both worlds. Their intelligence and trainability, inherited from the Poodle lineage, make them a wonderful addition to any household.

Explore more tips for Doodle owners on our blog, or contact Stokeshire Designer Doodles to find your perfect pup today. We’re here to turn your Doodle dreams into reality.