So, you have decided to adopt Goldendoodle, as they seem to be the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Your next concern may be the various Goldendoodle generations, and you may be wondering what is the difference between f1 vs f1b Goldendoodle and does the generation really matters? Depending on the generation you pick, a lot of traits may change in your dog; hence, it is essential to explore this area well before you decide upon the specific generation that fits your lifestyle.
Various Goldendoodle Generations:
1. First-Generation Goldendoodle
This is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. These are first in their line; hence, they are known as the F1 generation.
2. F1B Generation:
This is a cross between F1 Goldendoodle and a Poodle. They consist of 75% genes of a poodle.
3. F2 & F3 Generation
When two F1 Goldendoodle parents are bred, you get the F2 generation. When two F2 Goldendoodle parents breed, you get the F3 generation.
4. F2B Generation:
This is a cross between F2 Goldendoodle and a Poodle. They consist of high genes of a poodle parent.
Goldendoodle Traits:
1. Coat Type:
Well, the main reason these breeds were mixed because they wanted to create a new breed that is smart, lovable, and highly trainable and can be a support pet such as a Golden Retriever but for people who suffer from allergies. Poodles have a hypoallergenic coat which means they shed really less and best breed for allergic people.
The first generation can have coat shedding less than Golden Retriever, but they will shed hence not suitable for allergic people.
The F1B generation consists of 75% of poodle genes; hence they have hypoallergenic coats and can be good for allergic people.
The F2 generation again is unpredictable as the litter characteristic will depend upon the traits of their F1 parents; hence you never know if they are hypoallergenic.
On the other hand, as poodle genes are mixed again with the F2 breed, hypoallergenic puppy's chances improve in the F2B mix.
The F3 generation Goldendoodle traits are random with a mix of so many genetic diversities. As a puppy, you will never know if the litter has more retriever or poodle characteristics.
Hence if you are looking to get a Goldendoodle because you have allergies, it is best to go for an F1B generation puppy as it for sure will have a hypoallergenic coat. You can also ask your breeder to get a coat test done before you bring the puppy home.
2. Temperament:
Choosing a dog also depends on the kind of temperament you want the dog to have. If you are looking for an overly friendly dog, retrievers are the best, and if you want your dog to have a calmer nature, then poodles are better. With Goldendoodle dogs, you may want to pick one with your preferred temperament, but with gene mixing involved, this may become tough.
You may get the best of both worlds with the F1 generation dog. The F1B generation tends to have more poodle traits. Hence, they may be nervous around strangers and alert. The golden retriever traits can resurface with F2 and F3 generations, but due to gene complexity, there is no surety. F2B will again seem to have more poodle traits.
The general thumb rule is, pick the F1 generation breed if you want retriever traits in the dog or go for F1B for poodle traits.
The Bottom Line:
Choosing the Goldendoodle generation depends on the traits you wish to be dominant in them. If you do not mind shedding, 1st generation is the best to pick as you get the best of both worlds. If you are looking for a non-shedding dog, go for an F1B generation puppy. Avoid getting F2 or higher generations as there are very few ethical breeders for these generation Goldendoodles, and you may end up with a puppy from a backyard breeder.