Doodle Generations
What are Goldendoodle Generations?
The combination of two of the most popular dogs, the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, creates an outstanding breed called the Goldendoodle. The Goldendoodle is known not only for their good looks but for their charming personality as well. Their friendly, outgoing, playful demeanor can be attributed to the Golden Retriever while the intelligence, loyalty and invaluable non-shedding genes are courtesy of the Poodle. Although all Goldendoodles share some percentage of the great qualities of both their purebred parents, the term “generations” gives an idea of what percentage of the genetics each crossbred pup will hold. Generations can also help predict probability of a desired characteristic trait, such as curly, wavy or straight coats or the health guarantee of being hypoallergenic. Learning what generations mean will help to locate the Goldendoodle that is just right for you or your family.
F1 Goldendoodle:
Golden Retriever + Poodle = F1 Goldendoodle
The “F” in generations stands for “filial.” This term simply identifies a dog as a crossbred rather than purebred. The 1 following denotes a first-generation offspring. F1 Goldendoodles hold 50% of the purebred poodle and 50% of the purebred Golden Retriever. Coats are typically wavy but can be curly or straight as well. While Golden Retrievers only contribute red, cream or apricot to the color selection, poodles contribute shades of black, chocolate, white and brown. Although still very minimal, the likelihood of shedding is greater with an F1 Goldendoodle over other generations. Because of the likelihood of inheriting the highest quality of health and longevity of lifespan, first generation Goldendoodles are the most preferred
F1B Goldendoodle:
F1 Goldendoodle + Poodle = F1B Goldendoodle
The letter “B” in generations stands for “backcross.” In an F1B, one parent is a purebred (typically the Poodle), while the other parent is a crossbred (usually an F1 Goldendoodle). A breeder can choose to breed a purebred Golden Retriever with an F1 Goldendoodle, however it is less common. Because Poodles hold the non-shedding gene and with F1B’s holding 75% of the purebred Poodle parent, the likelihood of inheriting a non-shedding, hypoallergenic pup is very high. These characteristics make F1B’s one of the most sought-after generations of Goldendoodles. F1B’s tend to inherit curly or wavy coats of hair in any of the color hues, with black Goldendoodles being most popular.
F1BB Goldendoodle:
F1B Goldendoodle + Poodle = F1BB Goldendoodle
Still being a first generation having one purebred Poodle parent, the F1BB differs from an F1B in that their Goldendoodle parent is a 2nd generation (F1B) rather than a first generation (F1) Goldendoodle. The 85% percentage of Poodle is greatest in an F1BB with the remaining 15% being Goldendoodle. This generation is most conducive to severe allergy sufferers due to the highest guarantee of being non-shedding. With traits and features taking after the standard Poodle, the curly coats of hair in an F1BB may require slightly more maintenance than other Goldendoodle generations.
F2 Goldendoodle = F1 Goldendoodle + F1 Goldendoodle
The 2 in generations indicates the mating of 2 first generation crossbred dogs. An F2’s mother and father will both be first generation F1 Goldendoodles. The guarantee of hypoallergenic qualities is very high in an F2 Goldendoodle.
F2B Goldendoodle = F1 Goldendoodle + F1B Goldendoodle
An F2B Goldendoodle means that both parents are Goldendoodles, however, one parent is an F2 while the other is an F1B. Because the F2B holds majority of the poodle (62.5%) and less of the Golden Retriever gene (37.5%) the characteristic traits of the poodle are more predominant. This applies to the personality characteristics as well as physical characteristics resulting in curlier or wavier coats of hair.
F2BB or Multi-Generation Goldendoodle = F2B Goldendoodle + Poodle
An F2BB is a 4th generation Goldendoodle, often referred to as Multi-generation as well. Multigeneration is a simple term used to describe any Goldendoodle beyond F2. They will have one F2B Goldendoodle parent and one purebred Poodle parent. Majority of the genes will come from the poodle (81.25%) while the F2B parent will contribute less (18.75%) to the gene pool. Like an F2B, the physical and characteristic traits of the poodle will be most predominant in an F2BB or Multigeneration Goldendoodle.
Which generation is best?
There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to deciding upon a specific generation of Goldendoodle. Percentages of each breed will predict the look you are going for, but if severe allergies are a health concern for you or a loved one, than look into a generations with a higher percentage of poodle such as the F1BB or second generation Goldendoodles. Many of the hereditary health risks or disorders can be avoided through mixed breeding but this requires the knowledge and integrity of a good breeder. Reputation is key. Genetic diversity can create a breed that is full of vigor and vitality and qualities that are most desirable in a pup. The Goldendoodle has become one of the most popular breeds because when it comes to top notch temperament, health and appearance, these pups hit all the marks!
Written by:
Carrie Tippmann