F1, F1B, F2, F2B, Multi Generation Goldendoodles Guide (2024)

Multigen Goldendoodles are specially bred to harmonize the non-shedding traits of Poodles with the affable nature of Golden Retrievers, extending across several generations for optimal characteristics. When considering a Goldendoodle for your family, recognizing the distinctions between each generational stage—F1, F1B, F2, F2B, and the following multi-generational levels—is essential for finding a furry companion that aligns with your home environment and lifestyle.

Yes, the variations in Goldendoodle generations do influence their coat types and shedding and can also have a bearing on their temperament, making the choice of generation a significant one for potential owners. The least shedding and most hypoallergenic options are often found within the F1B or multi-generational Goldendoodles, thanks to their higher Poodle genetics ratio.

In this guide, we’ll provide a clear definition of each Goldendoodle generation, compare their characteristics, and offer insights to help you make an educated decision. Whether you’re seeking a playmate with a specific coat type or a loyal companion with a suitable temperament, understanding these generational differences is key to a harmonious match. So let’s embark on this journey to decipher the layers behind each generation and find the Goldendoodle that’s just right for you.

What Are Multigen Goldendoodles?

A multigen Goldendoodle is the offspring of two Goldendoodles that are beyond the F2 (second) generation. This indicates that both the puppy’s parents and grandparents are crossbreed Goldendoodles, rather than purebred Poodles or Golden Retrievers. These dogs are bred with the intention of enhancing and stabilizing desired traits like coat type and temperament.

What’s So Good About Multigen Goldendoodles?

Multigen Goldendoodles are sought after for their consistent qualities, particularly in coat type and temperament. Since they’re bred from Goldendoodles of previous generations, these traits are more predictable and stable, which include:

1. Hypoallergenic Qualities: With successive generations, breeders can enhance the hypoallergenic properties of the Goldendoodle’s fur, making them suitable for families with allergies.
2. Non-Shedding Coats: They are more likely to inherit the non-shedding coat characteristic of the Poodle, which can be a big plus for cleanliness around the house.
3. Temperament Consistency: Multigens often display a uniform disposition, combining the intelligence and trainability of Poodles with the friendliness and loyalty of Golden Retrievers.
4. Health Vigor: The careful breeding of multigens can result in a robust gene pool that reduces the risk of certain hereditary conditions.
5. Variety of Sizes and Colors: They come in a range of sizes—from mini to standard—and an array of colors, allowing prospective owners to choose a pet that fits their preferences and lifestyle.

These traits make multigen Goldendoodles a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a reliable, loving, and low-shedding canine companion.

Understanding the Letters and Numbers in Goldendoodle Generations

Diving into the world of Goldendoodles, you’ll encounter a mix of letters and numbers that signify different generations of breeding. These genetic labels, such as F1, F1B, F2, and F2B, are key to understanding the lineage and characteristics of each individual Goldendoodle.

Goldendoodles of the F3 generation are generally referred to as multigen dogs. Usually, breeders use several generations or backcrosses to a Standard Poodle to produce an F3 puppy.

Now, let’s look at those popular breeds in more detail!

What is an F1 Goldendoodle?

An F1 Goldendoodle is the first generation hybrid offspring of a purebred Poodle and a purebred Golden Retriever, combining the traits of both breeds. This generation typically features a balance between the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat and the Golden Retriever’s friendly and devoted nature.

Hybrid Vigor

Goldendoodles are described as having “Hybrid Vigor.”

Extensive inbreeding between purebred dogs usually results in genetic defects, such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and skin conditions, becoming more likely. Hybrid Vigor simply means that a crossbreed dog will have less chance of inheriting health issues than a purebred breed.

However, subsequent generations of crossbreed dogs lose some of the Hybrid Vigor qualities of the original F1 animal.

Coat Types

The coat of an F1 Goldendoodle can vary, commonly presenting in three distinct types:

• Straight (resembling more of the Golden Retriever’s coat)
• Wavy (a mixture of the Poodle’s curls and the Golden Retriever’s straighter hair)
• Curly (more closely resembling the Poodle’s coat)

The variation arises from the genetic contribution of each purebred parent, with no two F1 Goldendoodles having identical coats.

What Is an F1B Goldendoodle or First Generation Backcross?

The F1B Goldendoodle, a hybrid dog that is 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle, comes into existence through the crossbreeding of an F1 Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle. The “B” stands for ‘backcross,’ a breeding technique used to emphasize certain traits—in this case, the Poodle’s single coat that is known for minimal shedding.

This makes the F1B Goldendoodle an excellent choice for individuals with allergies, like my friend’s husband, who can now enjoy his pet’s company with significantly less need for antihistamine tablets, thanks to Bruce, their low-shedding F1B Doodle. The F1B Goldendoodles not only tend to be very light shedders, which is a boon for allergy sufferers, but they also retain some level of Hybrid Vigor, contributing to their overall health and vitality.

Coat Type

The coat of an F1B Goldendoodle is typically more Poodle-like, due to the higher percentage (75%) of Poodle genetics. This means the coat is often curly or wavy, which contributes to its low to non-shedding quality and makes it a popular option for those with allergies or who prefer a dog that leaves behind less hair in the home.

What Is an F1BB Goldendoodle?

An F1BB Goldendoodle is a second backcross Goldendoodle, which is created by crossing an F1B Goldendoodle back to a purebred Poodle once again. This generation of Goldendoodle comprises approximately 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Golden Retriever, further intensifying the Poodle’s hypoallergenic and non-shedding coat characteristics while still maintaining some of the Golden Retriever’s desirable traits.

Coat Types

The coat types of an F1BB Goldendoodle are predominantly similar to the Poodle’s, given their high Poodle genetic content. You can expect the F1BB Goldendoodle to have a coat that is often curly or very wavy, which contributes to being low-shedding or even non-shedding.

This quality makes the F1BB Goldendoodle an ideal choice for individuals with severe allergies, as well as for those who wish to minimize pet dander and hair in their living spaces.

What Is an F2 Goldendoodle (Second Generation)?

An F2 Goldendoodle, or Second Generation Goldendoodle, is the result of breeding two F1 Goldendoodles together.

This generation blends the genetics of the parent F1 Goldendoodles, which themselves are direct crosses of purebred Poodles and Golden Retrievers. Because both parents are F1 Goldendoodles, the genetic outcome can be less predictable, resulting in a variety of coat types and shedding tendencies within the same litter.

Coat Type

The coat type of an F2 Goldendoodle can be unpredictable and may exhibit a wide range of characteristics, as both parents are F1 Goldendoodles with a 50/50 mix of Poodle and Golden Retriever.

F2 Goldendoodles can have straight, wavy, or curly coats, reflecting traits from either breed in their lineage. This variation in coat type means that some F2 Goldendoodles may be more prone to shedding than others, and their suitability for allergy sufferers can also vary.

What Is an F2B Goldendoodle (Second Generation Backcross)?

An F2B Goldendoodle, or Second Generation Backcross, is a cross between an F1 Goldendoodle and an F1B Goldendoodle. This breeding brings together a direct 50/50 cross of a Poodle and Golden Retriever (F1) with an individual that is 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever (F1B).

The resulting F2B puppies typically have a genetic makeup of 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Golden Retriever, aiming to retain more Poodle-like non-shedding and hypoallergenic coat qualities while still preserving some of the desirable Golden Retriever traits.

Coat Type

The coat type of an F2B Goldendoodle tends to lean more toward the Poodle’s characteristics due to the higher percentage of Poodle genetics. This means their coats are commonly wavy to curly, offering a greater likelihood of low-shedding and hypoallergenic qualities compared to an F1 or F2 Goldendoodle.

However, there is still some variability, and individual F2B Goldendoodles may exhibit a range of coat types from slightly wavy to very curly.

What Is an F2BB Goldendoodle (Second Generation Backcross)?

An F2BB Goldendoodle, or Second Generation Backcross, is a breed that results from the cross of an F1B Goldendoodle with an F1BB Goldendoodle, combining the backcrossed Goldendoodle generations. This combination typically results in a dog with a high percentage of Poodle genetics, around 81.25% Poodle and 18.75% Golden Retriever.

The F2BB Goldendoodles are bred to further reinforce the hypoallergenic and non-shedding coat qualities, making them well-suited for families with allergies and a preference for minimal shedding.

Coat Type

The coat of an F2BB Goldendoodle is predominantly Poodle-like due to the high percentage of Poodle genetics, which is approximately 81.25%. This means that the coat will most likely be curly and very similar to that of a purebred Poodle. As such, the F2BB Goldendoodle typically boasts a low-shedding to non-shedding coat, advantageous for allergy sufferers and those wishing to reduce the presence of pet hair in their homes.

What Is an F3 Goldendoodle or Multigeneration Goldendoodle?

The F3 Goldendoodle, also known as a Multigeneration or Third Generation Goldendoodle, is the result of breeding two F2 Goldendoodles or an F2 Goldendoodle with an F2B Goldendoodle. Essentially, it involves breeding dogs that are at least two generations removed from the purebred Poodle and Golden Retriever ancestors.

These dogs represent the continuation of the Goldendoodle breed beyond the initial hybrid generations, aiming to stabilize certain desirable traits such as coat quality, temperament, and overall health. The term ‘multigenerational’ can also apply to Goldendoodles that are beyond the F3 generation, representing a continuation of breeding within the Goldendoodle lineage.

Coat Type

What Goldendoodle Generation Should I Choose?

Before you search for your new furry friend, you need to be clear about Choosing the right Goldendoodle generation depending on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and any specific needs such as allergies or the desire for a low-shedding pet. Here are some considerations:

• For Allergy Sufferers: If allergies are a concern, F1B, F2B, and further backcross generations (like F1BB or F2BB) typically have more Poodle-like, hypoallergenic coats that shed less.
• For Predictability in Coat and Temperament: Multigen Goldendoodles, including F3 and beyond, are bred for consistency in coat types and temperament, but each breeder’s line may vary, so inquire about their specific breeding practices.
• For a Balance of Traits: An F1 Goldendoodle generally offers a balance between the traits of Poodles and Golden Retrievers but may have variable shedding.
• For Less Shedding: If non-shedding is essential, backcross generations with a higher percentage of Poodle genetics are often favored.
• For Health and Vigor: Hybrid Vigor is commonly cited in first-generation crosses (F1), which can lead to better overall health, though reputable breeders also focus on health in later generations.

It’s important to research and communicate with breeders to understand the specific qualities of their Goldendoodle lines and consider your own circ*mstances, including time for grooming and tolerance for dander. Regardless of the generation, always prioritize choosing a dog from a responsible breeder who focuses on health and temperament.

How Much Are Multigen Goldendoodles?

The price of Multigen Goldendoodles can vary widely based on factors such as the breeder’s reputation, geographic location, lineage, and demand. Generally, prices may range from about $1,500 to $3,000 or more.

Some breeders may charge higher prices for Multigen Goldendoodles because of their specialized breeding practices aimed at achieving the best traits of the hybrid.

It’s important to research and engage with reputable breeders who conduct health testing and provide early socialization and support, as these practices can also influence the cost. Remember, a higher price doesn’t always guarantee higher quality, so due diligence in selecting a breeder is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions About F1, F1B, F2, F2B, and Multi-Generation Goldendoodles

In this part of our guide, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about multigen Goldendoodles.

Q: What does F1, F1B, F2, and F2B mean?

A: The letter “F” stands for “filial.” That means the dog is a hybrid dog breed rather than purebred.

The numbers after the letter F refer to the dog’s generation. Finally, the letters “B” and “BB” refer to what’s called backcross and double backcross multigen dogs.

For example, an F1B Goldendoodle is a first-generation backcross multigen hybrid.

Q: Which is better, F1B or F2B Goldendoodle?

A: The F1B Goldendoodle is generally considered better for individuals or families with allergies, as it has a higher percentage of Poodle genetics, resulting in a more hypoallergenic and non-shedding coat. If minimizing shedding and allergens is your top priority, the F1B may be the more suitable option.

Q: Which generation of Goldendoodle is best?

A: The generation considered “best” is subjective; however, many people prefer the F1B Goldendoodle for its higher likelihood of a hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat. If allergy concerns and low-maintenance grooming are your primary concerns, the F1B generation is typically recommended.

Q: Are F1B Goldendoodles more expensive?

A: Yes, F1B Goldendoodles often tend to be more expensive than their F1 counterparts. The higher price is generally due to the F1B’s popularity for having a more hypoallergenic coat, which is a desirable trait for many owners, especially those with allergies.

Additionally, the breeding process to produce F1Bs can be more involved, adding to their cost.

Final Thoughts

In wrapping up our comprehensive guide to the delightful array of Goldendoodle generations—F1, F1B, F2, F2B, and Multi-Generation—we trust this resource has illuminated the nuanced differences in coat types, temperament, and health attributes associated with each lineage. These affectionate canine companions inherit the best qualities of their Golden Retriever and Poodle forebears, yet every generation offers something unique, from the robust Hybrid Vigor of the F1 Goldendoodles to the coveted hypoallergenic coats of the F1B and beyond. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly pet, a dog that aligns with allergy concerns, or simply a furry friend with a specific coat type, understanding these generational distinctions is key in making an educated decision.

We invite you to delve deeper into each Goldendoodle generation’s traits, examine their varying levels of shedding, and explore their predisposition to health conditions, ensuring you find the perfect match for your home and lifestyle. Have these insights helped you make a choice, or do you have experiences to share? We’d be thrilled to hear about your Goldendoodle and the joy it brings to your life. Engage with us and our community in the comments below, and if you believe others could benefit from this guide, please share the wealth of knowledge found here at Five Barks.

Remember, the journey toward finding your ideal Goldendoodle companion starts with informed choices, so let us be your guide every paw step of the way!