A mutation in the RSPO2 gene leads to a change in a dog’s coat hair length known as “Furnishings” which describes a wiry hair texture with increased hair growth on the face and legs. This mutation is associated with the presence of a canine moustache and long eyebrows as listed for the breed standard of certain breeds such as Lagotto Romagnolo, Portuguese Water Dog and Poodle crosses. Members of these breeds that are born without furnishings are classified as having an “improper coat” as defined by a failure to meet the breed standard. This mutation is inherited in a dominant fashion which means a dog only needs to inherit one copy of the mutation to develop longer facial hair. This test can be used to detect dogs that are carriers of a gene that lacks the furnishings mutation and can lead to puppies with improper coats. It is important to note that improper coat is not a disease and simply means the dog will have shorter facial hair which in some breeds is not a desirable trait as established by the breed standard.

All Breeds

A (CLEAR/NORMAL): These dogs have two copies of the normal gene and will neither develop furnishings nor pass this mutation to their offspring. This result can also be referred to as improper coat in certain breeds that require furnishings as part of the breed standard.

B (CARRIER/AFFECTED): These dogs have one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the mutation associated with furnishings. They will develop longer facial hair and will, if bred, pass the mutation associated with furnishings to 50% of its offspring, on average. These dogs also carry a copy of the normal gene that can be passed to 50% of its offspring, on average that could produce a puppy with an improper coat as defined by the breed standard for certain breeds.

C (AT RISK/AFFECTED): These dogs have two copies of the mutation associated with furnishings and will typically display longer facial hair and will pass this mutation to 100% of their offspring. These dogs do not carry a copy of the normal gene which can be passed to offspring and lead to an improper coat.