The first time someone asked me “what generation of a Goldendoodle are you looking for?” I thought it was a trick question.

You should have heard my sophisticated intellectual response – “huh?”

At the time I had no idea there were choices. But there are.

And for families with moderate or severe allergies, these are important choices.

Although it might seem trivial, the generation tag of a Goldendoodle can have an impact on several of it’s characteristics, especially shedding.

Therefore, it is important that you understand the differences between generations…

The most common are F1, F1B, F2 or F2b

F1 – First generation Goldendoodles are products of a pure retriever and pure poodle making the results 50% of both. This is probably the most desirable generation because of it’s marked intelligence, loving demeanor, and hypoallergenic qualities. However – most F1’s shed lightly and tend to have a shaggy/wavy coat but can have a very curly coat.

Jaxson and Harley are F1 generation Goldendoodles. Harley has more of a curly coat, because I choose to blow dry and brush, therefore curls are not that prevalent unless we air dry.

F1B – First Generation Backcross: When you cross breed an F1 with a poodle the term F1B is used to describe the offspring. Now you’ve got a 25% retriever and 75% poodle. This popular generation is 99% likely to be non-shedders thus making them the most hypoallergenic of all the doodle generational breeds. Thus making them the best options for families with moderate to severe allergies. Even though there is the 25/75 split, they still benefit from the hybrid vigor* and are known to exhibit the same favorable traits and behaviors as the F1 #lessshedding

Noticeable differences with the F1B are the many color variations like – apricot, champagne and red.

F2 –  These are second generations – the offspring of two F1 doodle parents. They are equal parts poodle and retriever. With similar qualities as the F1 and more likely to lightly shed than the F1B.

F2B or multigenerational – This is a second generation backcross. Meaning an F1 was bred with an F1B. Less common that the other generations. Although three generations in the making, F2B’s are technically second generation dogs

• 1st generation pup – Golden Retriever x Poodle  – F1
• 1st generation pup – Goldendoodle x Poodle  – F1b
• 2nd generation pup – Goldendoodle backcross x Goldendoodle – F2B

The F1 Goldendoodle is considered the healthiest generation because it displays what is known as “hybrid vigor*.”

The more you inbreed, the more genes Goldendoodles will have in common and the more health issues to which they may be prone. When both parents have traits in common, puppies are more likely to display a disease.  If only one parent carries the trait, the gene is recessive in the puppy.

Poodles and retrievers do have some diseases in common.  That is why it is crucial to find a breeder who is doing all the right health testing.

*I am not a breeder nor a veterinarian. I am a Doodle Mom searching and sharing a better understanding about everything Goldendoodle.

References – 

Doods and Generations

Everything Doodle

*Come back tomorrow for the letter “H” as we talk “Health & Hybrid Vigor”

This year over 500 bloggers from across the world will participate in the A-Z blogging challenge.

We will attempt to blog everyday during the month of April (minus Sundays) completing the entire alphabet in one month.

Our Theme? – “Everything Goldendoodle”  ❤️