The goldendoodle has been a sought after pup for quite some time. It’s no surprise considering Goldendoodle generations come in an assortment of coat colors, fur types, personalities, and sizes, thus making them a popular choice for people looking for the perfect pup to fit their lifestyle.
While each Goldendoodle is unique in their own right, their genetic backgrounds are equally diverse, giving rise to the various generation classifications, including F1, F1b, F1bb, F2, F2bb, F3, and multi-generation.
Understanding these codes might seem tricky if you’re not a breeder, but don’t worry, we’re here to make it easier for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind creating the Goldendoodle generation classifications. Plus we will break down what each code means in terms of coat characteristics, pricing, temperament, sizing, shedding, and health.
Join us as we unravel the world of Goldendoodle generations and help you make an informed choice for your next furry companion.
Why Were Goldendoodle Generation Classifications Created?
Doodle (aka Poodle crossbreeds) generation classifications were introduced to help breeders and prospective dog owners understand the genetic makeup and characteristics of individual mixed breed dogs. The primary reasons for creating these classifications are:
- Predictability: By categorizing doodles into different generations, breeders and buyers can have a reasonable expectation of a dog’s appearance, temperament, and health characteristics. This allows for a more informed decision-making process when selecting a puppy.
- Allergen Friendliness: Some individuals have allergies or sensitivities to dog dander. Understanding the generation of a Goldendoodle can help people choose a dog with a coat that is closely related to the poodle’s coat and is less likely to trigger allergies. Just remember there are no guarantees.
- Consistency: The goal of breeding is to produce dogs with consistent traits and qualities. Generational classifications help breeders work towards this goal by providing a clear framework for selective breeding.
Goldendoodle Generation Classifications are not always consistent
While the Golden doodle generation classifications provide a framework for understanding certain characteristics, they are not entirely predictable due to several factors:
- Genetic Variability: Even within the same generation, individual puppies can inherit different combinations of genes from their parents. This genetic variability can result in variations in coat type, color, size, temperament, and health all within a single litter.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, including diet, exercise, and socialization, can play a significant role in a Goldendoodle’s development.
- Selective Breeding Goals: Some breeders prioritize specific traits over others in their breeding programs. This can lead to variations in the traits and characteristics of Golden doodles from one breeder to another, even within the same generation.
Goldendoodle Generations Chart – Info-graphic
Decoding the Goldendoodle Generations
What does “F” stand for?
The “F” in the terms “F1” and “F1b” etc. stands for “Filial”. It is a genetic term used to describe the generation or degree of hybridization in a breeding program.
In the context of Golden doodles and other hybrid dog breeds, “F1” and “F1b” refer to different generations of dogs resulting from specific crosses. Here are a couple of examples:
- F1 (First Generation): An F1 Doodle is the product of breeding a purebred non-poodle with a purebred Poodle. The resulting puppies are considered the “first filial generation” because they are the first generation of offspring from two distinct purebred parent breeds. In this situation the doodle will have a 50% genetic makeup from each parent breed.
- F1b (First Generation Backcross): An F1b Doodle, on the other hand, is the result of crossing an F1 Doodle (first generation) with a Poodle. The “b” in F1b stands for “backcross.” This generation introduces more Poodle genetics into the mix, typically resulting in a dog with a higher percentage of Poodle genes. The non-poodle purebred dog can also be used as the backcross, but this is less common.
F1, F1b, F2, F2b, F3 and Multigeneration Explained
Now, let’s break down the various Golden doodle generations and what each one signifies:
F1 Goldendoodle (First Generation)
The F1 Goldendoodle is the result of breeding a Golden Retriever (Golden) with a Poodle. This generation typically has a 50% Golden and 50% Poodle genetic makeup. Their coats can vary, with some leaning more towards the Golden side and others favoring the Poodle’s curly, low-shedding coat.
- Coat: F1 Golden doodles may have a range of coat types, from wavy to curly. Coat length and shedding tendencies can vary within this generation.
- Price: F1 Golden doodles are often less expensive than subsequent generations, making them a popular choice for those on a budget.
- Temperament: Their temperament combines the friendly and playful nature of the Golden with the intelligence and trainability of the Poodle.
- Shedding: Shedding can be moderate in F1 Goldendoodles, depending on their specific coat type. Most will shed less than a Golden.
- Health: F1 Goldendoodles can still inherit some genetic health issues from their parent breeds, but they tend to be healthier than purebred dogs due to their mixed genes.
- Size: F1 mini Goldendoodles can have a large size variance within the same litter due to the different size of the parent breeds. Sometimes you will need to wait until your Goldendoodle is fully grown before you know their true size. Standard sized Goldendoodles will typically fall in the medium to large range.
F1b Goldendoodle (First Generation Backcross)
The F1b Goldendoodle is the result of crossing an F1 Goldendoodle with one of the parent breeds. Most often this crossback is done using a Poodle. This cross typically has a higher percentage of Poodle genetics, usually around 75% Poodle and 25% Golden.
- Coat: F1b Goldendoodles usually have a curly, low-shedding coat, making them an option for someone with pet dander allergies.
- Price: Due to their hypoallergenic qualities, F1b Goldendoodles are often priced higher than F1s.
- Temperament: They inherit the intelligence and trainability of the Poodle, along with the Golden’s friendly and playful nature. But they may lean more towards the Poodle’s personality.
- Shedding: Shedding is typically less than an F1 Goldendoodle, but they may still shed more than a poodle.
- Health: F1b Goldendoodles tend to be healthier due to their increased Poodle genetics. But they are now more susceptible to health conditions that affect the poodle.
- Size: F1b mini Goldendoodles tend to be smaller than F1 minis, thanks to their increased mini Poodle genetics. They are more likely to fall into the mini Goldendoodle category, making them a popular choice for those seeking smaller companions.
F1bb Goldendoodle (Double Backcross)
The F1bb Goldendoodle is created by breeding an F1b Goldendoodle with a Poodle. You can also crossback to the Golden Retriever, but this is less common.
This results in a dog that is approximately 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Golden Retriever.
- Coat Type: F1bb Goldendoodles will typically have a curly coat, which is less likely to shed than an F1 Goldendoodles. This makes them a good choice for someone who prefers low-shedding dogs.
- Price: Due to their increased Poodle genetics and desirable non-shedding coat, F1bb Goldendoodles are often more expensive than F1 Goldendoodles. The higher price reflects the breeding process and the effort involved in producing a dog with specific coat characteristics.
- Temperament: The F1bb Goldendoodle leans towards the poodle’s personality, losing most of the Golden’s personality.
- Shedding: One of the primary reasons people choose F1bb Goldendoodles is their low shedding.
- Health: F1bb Goldendoodles will be more susceptible to inherited health issues of the poodle due to the increase in Poodle genetics. It is best to use a breeder that tests for these health conditions.
- Size: Due to the increased Poodle genetics, F1bb Goldendoodles tend to lean toward the average size of the Poodle.
Trying to decide between a mini Goldendoodle and a standard Goldendoodle. Check out our post in the subject to see which one might be a better fit.
F2 Goldendoodle (Second Generation)
The F2 Goldendoodle is the result of breeding two F1 Goldendoodles. This generation has the most variations when it comes to coat type, temperament, shedding, health and size. Although breeders like to say that this generation retains a 50% Golden and 50% Poodle genetic makeup, the reality is that no one knows which genes are being passed down to the offspring. This results in a greater variability within the F2 generation.
- Coat: Coat types in F2 Goldendoodles can range from loose waves to curly, with moderate shedding.
- Price: F2 Golden doodles are generally more expensive than F1b or F2b generations.
- Temperament: Their temperament can vary, but they typically exhibit a blend of traits from both parent breeds.
- Shedding: Shedding can be moderate in F2 Goldendoodles, depending on their specific coat.
- Health: F2 Goldendoodles may inherit some genetic health issues from either the poodle or Golden, but generally enjoy hybrid vigor.
- Size: F2 Goldendoodles, like F1s, can range from mini to large in size, depending on the specific genes inherited from their parents.
F2b Goldendoodle (Second Generation Backcross)
The F2b Goldendoodle is the result of crossing an F2 Goldendoodle with a Poodle. You can also crossback to the Golden Retriever, but this is less common.
Just like with the F1b, this generation has a higher percentage of Poodle genetics, usually around 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Golden. However, once you get past the first generation, it is hard to tell which genes are passed down without genetic testing.
- Coat: F2b Goldendoodles have a curly, low-shedding coat.
- Price: They are typically priced similarly to F1b Goldendoodles.
- Temperament: F2b Goldendoodles can have a temperament that combines the intelligence and trainability of the Poodle with the friendly, playfulness of the Golden.
- Shedding: Shedding is minimal in F2b Goldendoodles, making them a better choice for allergy sufferers that really want a Goldendoodle.
- Health: F2b Goldendoodles tend to be healthier due to their higher Poodle genetics, but are susceptible to the health conditions that can affect the Poodle.
- Size: F2b mini Goldendoodles are generally smaller than F2s. Their size tends to be more consistent due to their increased Poodle genetics.
F2BB Goldendoodle (Double Backcross)
The F2bb Goldendoodle is the result of breeding an F2b Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle. You can also crossback to the Golden Retriever, but this is less common.
This generation possesses an even higher percentage of Poodle genetics than the F2b Golden doodle, making them approximately 81.25% Poodle and 18.75% Golden Retriever.
- Coat Type: F2bb Goldendoodles usually inherit a curly, similar to F1bb Goldendoodles.
- Price: Due to their advanced generation and the increased Poodle genetics, F2bb Golden doodles are often more expensive than both F1bb and F1 Goldendoodles. This higher cost reflects the selective breeding process and the focus on producing dogs with specific coat characteristics.
- Temperament: Like their F1bb counterparts, F2bb Goldendoodles tend to lean towards the Poodle’s temperaments due to their substantial Poodle heritage. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and friendly nature, but you will lose much of the Golden’s personality.
- Shedding: F2bb Goldendoodles have minimal shedding, similar to F1bb Goldendoodles. This characteristic is especially appealing for those seeking a clean home environment. Compared to F1 Goldendoodles, they are less likely to shed.
- Health: As with all Goldendoodles, F2bb Goldendoodles can inherit health issues from their parent breeds. However, due to the increased Poodle genetics that have an increased risk of health issues related to the Poodle.
- Size: F2bb Goldendoodles can vary in size. However, they tend to lean toward the smaller side due to their increased Poodle genetics. The size will still depend on the size of the Poodle parent used in the breeding process.
F3 Goldendoodle (Third Generation)
The F3 Goldendoodle is the result of breeding two F2 Goldendoodles. This generation, like the F2s, is believed to retain a 50% Golden and 50% Poodle genetic makeup. However, there is probably more variation in their genetic make-up than a 50/50 split. This results in greater variability in coat type and temperament within the F3 generation. It is rare to find a F3 Goldendoodle puppy for sale these days.
- Coat: Coat types in F3 Goldendoodles can range from wavy to curly, with moderate shedding.
- Price: F3 Goldendoodles are typically priced similarly to F2 Goldendoodles.
- Temperament: Their temperament can vary, but they generally exhibit a blend of traits from both parent breeds.
- Shedding: Shedding can be moderate in F3 Goldendoodles, depending on their specific coat.
- Health: F3 Goldendoodles may still inherit some genetic health issues but generally enjoy hybrid vigor.
- Size: F3 Goldendoodles can range from medium to large, similar to F2s, depending on the specific combination of genes inherited.
Multi-Generations Goldendoodle
Multi-generation Golden doodles are the result of breeding Golden doodles from various generations, including F1, F1b, F1bb, F2, F2b, F2bb, F3, and so on. These dogs have a more diverse genetic background. Breeders of later Goldendoodle generations focus more on specific traits they want to see in the dogs rather than the generation.
- Coat: Carefully bred multi-generation Golden doodles will have less variation in their coat types, with many breeders striving for a wavy, or slightly curly coat. However if the breeder is not careful with their breeding practices they can end up with a wide range of coat types.
- Price: The price of multi-generation Golden doodles can vary depending on their specific genetic makeup and traits. However they tend to cost more than the other generations.
- Temperament: Their temperament can vary greatly, as it is influenced by the mix of different generations in their lineage.
- Shedding: Shedding in multi-generation Golden doodles can range from minimal to moderate, depending on the individual dog and breeding program.
- Health: Multi-generation Golden doodles may inherit some genetic health issues from their lineage but often enjoy hybrid vigor due to their diverse genetics.
- Size: Multi-generation Golden doodles can vary in size, from mini to standard, depending on their genetic heritage.
Goldendoodle Generations in a Nutshell
Golden doodle generation classifications were created to help breeders and potential dog owners understand the genetic makeup and characteristics of these lovable mixed-breed dogs.
While Goldendoodle generations can provide a general guideline for what to expect, it’s important for potential owners to understand that individual puppies can still vary within these classifications.
When choosing a Golden doodle, it’s essential to work closely with a reputable breeder who can help match you with a puppy that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle, rather than relying solely on generation classifications.
Before getting a Goldendoodle make sure you know what you are getting into. While these lovable dogs are great for experienced dog parents, Goldendoodles may not be for everyone.
Thank you for Stopping by and reading Goldendoodle Generations Explained
Goldendoodle Generations Resources
- Bonnie Mini Doodles – South East England – Not associated with the author