The Goldendoodle is an incredibly sweet, playful and gentle mixed breed. It combines two favorite dog breeds to create a Golden Retriever with curly fur!
You have probably heard a lot about Goldendoodles.
Maybe you have even looked into buying a puppy, but you have come across F1 and F1B Goldendoodles.
What does this mean? Are they any different?
The short answer is yes, there is a difference. They are both still Goldendoodles, but based on your needs you might choose one over the other. Keep reading to find out what the differences are and discover 15 key differences…
Table of Contents
- What Does F1 Goldendoodle Mean?
- F1B Goldendoodle
- F1 vs. F1B Goldendoodle Differences
- Genetics
- Shedding
- Appearance
- Size
- Personality
- Suitability For Families
- Energy
- Health
- Price
- Differences Explained
- Summary
What Does F1 Goldendoodle Mean?
An F1 Goldendoodle is a dog that is exactly 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever. It is a result of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle being mated. Together these dogs create a first-generation called “F1”.
The “F” stands for filial which means that the puppy is a mixed breed dog (i.e. crossbreed).
The “1” means that the dog is part of the first generation that was created by the cross.
All Goldendoodles will have an “F” with some number as their given generation name. If two F1 Goldendoodles were crossed, they would generate F2 Goldendoodles. The “2” in this case means that these puppies are the second generation of the original parent breeds.
Genetically an F1 Goldendoodle will be a perfect mix between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Half of its genes will come from each parent breed.
It can be hard to predict exactly what an F1 Goldendoodle will look like. Even puppies from the same litter can be completely different because their looks and personality depend on which dominant genes they inherit from each parent.
For example, some pups inherit the coat of a Poodle and have a curly coat that is hypoallergenic. Some inherit the coat of the Golden Retriever and will have a straighter or slightly wavy coat that is not hypoallergenic.
F1B Goldendoodle
An F1B Goldendoodle is the result of a cross between an F1 Goldendoodle and Poodle.
This means an F1B Goldendoodle is a mix that is not exactly half Poodle and half Golden Retriever. Instead it will be 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever.
The “F” and “1” mean the same thing as for an F1 Goldendoodle, but the “B” stands for “backcross”. A backcross means that a Goldendoodle has been bred back with one of its parent breeds. In this case it is the Poodle.
A breeder can choose to backcross a Goldendoodle of any generation with a Poodle, but almost always they choose to use an F1 Goldendoodle. This way they can make sure that they get a Goldendoodle that is 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever.
Because F1Bs are 75% Poodle they are more likely to inherit the Poodle’s coat. This means they have a higher chance of being hypoallergenic and non-shedding.
F1B Goldendoodles can still inherit a bit of the Golden Retriever’s wavy coat, but it is much less likely than with an F1 Goldendoodle.
If you need a hypoallergenic puppy then you might consider adopting an F1B over the F1. This is one of the main advantages that F1B vs. F1 Goldendoodles have and it is why it is more popular among breeders, especially for minis.
There are also other differences that distinguishes them which we will explore below.
F1 vs. F1B Goldendoodle Differences
Genetics
F1 Goldendoodles (pictured above) are a mix between a purebred Golden Retriever and a Poodle. This means that they will be 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle.
F1B Goldendoodles are not a mix between two purebred dogs. Instead they are a mix of an F1 Goldendoodle with a Poodle. Since a Goldendoodle is 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle, the F1B Goldendoodle will be 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever.
Both mixes are Goldendoodles but what makes them different is how much of their genetics comes from the Golden Retriever versus the Poodle.
An F1 Goldendoodle will be more of an exact mix between the two parent breeds. Sometimes F1s can be as big as a Golden Retriever, but have the curly hairstyle of the Poodle. Other times they can have the smooth coat of a Golden Retriever, but have a smaller Poodle body.
Most of the time they will fall somewhere in the middle being slightly bigger than a Poodle with a wavy coat.
An F1B Goldendoodle will look more like the Poodle since its genetic makeup is 75% Poodle. This means that they will mostly have hair that is hypoallergenic and curly.
The hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle is associated with the Furnishings gene. To be hypoallergenic a dog needs two copies of this gene. F1B Goldendoodles normally inherit two copies of this gene making them fully hypoallergenic.
F1 Goldendoodles inherit either zero or one which is why most of the time they are not hypoallergenic.
Shedding
People with allergies frequently adopt dogs like Poodles because of their hypoallergenic coats.
An F1 Goldendoodle is part Poodle, but remember that it is also half Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic so this mix might or might not be hypoallergenic. It all depends on whether it inherits the coat of the Golden or the Poodle.
How much F1 Goldendoodles shed also depends on the genes they inherit. If they get the Poodle’s curly coat then they will be low shedding.
F1B Goldendoodles are mostly all Poodle so they normally inherit hypoallergenic fur. F1B Goldendoodles tend to be hypoallergenic and non-shedding. With an F1B Goldendoodle you are almost guaranteed to get a hypoallergenic dog.
If you suffer from dog allergies then you might prefer getting the F1B vs. F1 Goldendoodle.
You will not be guaranteed a hypoallergenic non-shedding puppy if you get an F1 Goldendoodle.
It is not possible to tell whether a puppy will be low-shedding or not until they are about 12 to 18 months old.
F1 Goldendoodles still don’t shed a lot compared to other dogs so they might be suitable for someone who has very mild allergies. They also do not need as much grooming as the F1B because their wavy coat is easier to maintain.
F1B Goldendoodles need a lot of grooming just like the Poodle. Their curls must be trimmed quite often to avoid them getting tangled and matted.
Appearance
Most of the time F1 and F1B Goldendoodles (pictured above) will have a similar appearance. They tend to have the wider muzzle of the Golden Retriever with a head slightly broader at the back than the front. Their eyes are oval shaped and their ears flop close to their cheeks.
Both Goldendoodles also have the same coat colors of apricot, black, copper, cream, gray, red or white.
Apricot is the most popular color for both types of Goldendoodles. This apricot / golden color is inherited from the Golden Retriever, but it is not as dark as red goldens.
What makes F1 vs F1Bs different in appearance is their coat.
The curls on the F1B Goldendoodle will often be tighter than those of the F1 Goldendoodle.
F1 Goldendoodles can have straight, wavy or curly coats. Their coat is normally slightly wavy or shaggy, somewhere in between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Coat length is about three inches, but usually it is longer in the tail, body, ears and legs.
If they get the Golden Retriever’s genes they can also have some feathering on the tail and legs.
F1Bs lean more towards their Poodle parent and tend to have curly or wavy coats.
| F1 | F1B | |
|---|---|---|
| Coat | Straight, wavy, curly | Curly, wavy |
| Size | 20 to 24 inches | 20 to 22 inches |
Size
When fully grown an F1 Goldendoodle can measure between 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 75 pounds. This huge range in size is due to the fact that Golden Retrievers are a bit larger than Poodles.
An F1B Goldendoodle has the same size range, but they tend to be a bit smaller because they have more Poodle genes.
A Poodle can grow to be 15 inches or more in height and 40 to 70 pounds in weight. But they also come in teacup sizes which are used to breed mini goldendoodles.
In general F1B Goldendoodles grow to be over 20 inches tall, but not all of them might grow to be 24 inches and 75 pounds like the larger F1 Goldendoodle.
F1 Goldendoodles are on average a few inches larger than most F1Bs.
| F1 | F1B | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 20 to 24 inches | 20 to 22 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 75 pounds | 45 to 75 pounds |
F1B Goldendoodles will not be smaller than 20 inches, but because of their Poodle genes they lean more towards the smaller side of the 20 to 24 inch range. F1 Goldendoodles tend to be closer to 24 inches in height.
Personality
What shines about the Goldendoodle’s personality is their friendliness, lovingness and gentleness. They are always the heart of the party and just want to be the center of attention and make friends with everyone they meet.
F1 Goldendoodles are trustworthy and well-rounded dogs. You can depend on them to brighten up the house with their energy without being too overwhelming. They can be a bit silly too, a trait they get from the Golden Retriever.
After all the jokes and running around with the kids all they want to do is become your biggest cuddle buddy.
F1B Goldendoodles are happy to play too, but like the Poodle they often want to show off. They will never say no to any command you give them and love tricks. They are eager to please and just want to show how smart they are.
F1 Goldendoodles do not even care as much about “showing off” like Poodles do and tap into that silly side of the Golden Retriever. They often give you a sense of more calmness and quiet.
Both dogs are very similar in temperament. They have loyal and loving personalities.
The Golden Retriever and Poodle are energetic, fun, loving and friendly dog breeds. What might make your mix slightly different are those little personality quirks that exist between the parent breeds.
F1 Goldendoodles might be a bit sillier and think they are forever puppies forever like a Golden. F1Bs might be a bit more barky and protective of their family because Poodles like to keep safe those they love.
| F1 | F1B |
|---|---|
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Suitability For Families
Both the Golden Retriever and Poodle are excellent family pets. This is why Goldendoodles are such a popular choice for families.
F1 and F1B Goldendoodles are very similar in personality so they are equally great family pets. There is no one dog that would better suit a family. They are especially good dogs for first timers and families with children because of their smarts and patience.
What might make them better for a specific family is what each family wants from their dog.
Golden Retrievers are very sociable, lively, playful and silly dogs. There won’t be a moment that you won’t be laughing with them. Poodles are extremely intelligent, proud, affectionate and protective. They might not always be cuddling with everyone, like the Golden, and they might give the side-eye to strangers.
These key differences also make the F1 and F1B Goldendoodle different.
The F1 Goldendoodle (pictured above) is a true family dog. Combining the sweet nature of the Golden Retriever with the intelligence of the Poodle gives you a dog that loves just about anyone and can adapt to any situation. Families will love how easy it is to train this dog and how gentle and patient it is when playing.
F1B Goldendoodles are not much different. They are great family pets because of their friendliness, playfulness, and willingness to love everyone they meet.
But if you are looking more for a protective family dog then the F1B just might have the edge. Because of the protective side they get from the Poodle they make a good guard dog. F1Bs sniff out danger and often meet strangers with incessant barking.
Energy
Golden Retrievers and Poodles are energetic working dogs. They were bred originally for hunting so they needed to have the motivation to move and chase other animals. Their energy is a trait that the Goldendoodle will inherit.
If you are looking for a relaxed, laid-back dog then the Goldendoodle is not it.
The Golden Retriever and Poodle are pretty even when it comes to energy levels. This means F1 and F1B Goldendoodles will require the same amount of exercise. They will need at least 60 minutes of high activity exercise each day.
One great activity for your Goldendoodle is swimming because both parent breeds love to get wet.
How much of the genetics of each parent breed a Goldendoodle has doesn’t do much to change how energetic they are.
Some Goldendoodles might be a bit less active than others, but in general F1 Goldendoodle vs. F1B Goldendoodle are equally active and energetic.
Health
Some of the health issues that affect both F1 and F1B Goldendoodles include: hip dysplasia, eye conditions, skin diseases and heart conditions.
When it comes to health the F1 Goldendoodle has the upper hand.
The F1 Goldendoodle is a perfect 50/50 mixed breed so it has more of what is called “hybrid vigor”. This is the term used to describe the phenomenon in which mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier than purebred dogs.
Inbreeding purebred dogs has caused the same genetic health issues to be passed down to each generation. Mixed dogs are less likely to inherit these health issues because there is more variety in their gene pool. Gene pool variety is why they tend to be healthier.
The F1B Goldendoodle also has hybrid vigor so it will be healthier than purebred dogs. But as it is 75% Poodle it is more commonly associated with genetic health problems that affect the Poodle. Some of the Poodle’s most common diseases are hip dysplasia, eye problems, epilepsy and von Willebrand’s disease.
While the F1B tends to inherit these health conditions it does not have a shorter lifespan. Both types of Goldendoodle are expected to live for between 10 to 15 years.
If you adopt a Goldendoodle puppy from a reputable breeder that has done all of the recommended genetic testing on the parents, you should have a puppy that is completely healthy.
Price
Goldendoodles are what is known as a “designer breed.” They were bred with the idea of creating a dog with the best qualities of its parent breeds. While designer dogs are mixed they can still be more expensive than the parent breeds.
An F1 Goldendoodle can cost as much as $2,000 since it is so popular. In comparison the average family Golden Retriever can cost between $900 and $1,500. Only purebred show ring Golden Retrievers will go up to $2,000.
The F1B Goldendoodle (puppy pictured above) will also be very expensive as it is bred to be a hypoallergenic non-shedding breed. They are bred for people who suffer from severe allergies and puppies will start at $2,500.
You can easily find a Goldendoodle puppy as they are both very common.
F1Bs are more popular and cost more because they are hypoallergenic. F1B Goldendoodles are so in-demand you might have to wait a bit to get your puppy. You can always adopt a goldendoodle.
Differences Explained
| F1 | F1B | |
|---|---|---|
| Genetics | 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle | 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle |
| Shedding | Low Shedding | Hypoallergenic and non-shedding |
| Coat | Straight, wavy, curly | Curly, wavy |
| Size | 20 to 24 inches | 20 to 22 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 75 pounds | 45 to 75 pounds |
| Personality | Silly, sociable and playful | Eager-to-please, smart and protective |
| Price | $2,000 | $2,500 |
F1 Goldendoodles are exactly half Golden Retriever and half Poodle. This means that they will be the perfect mixture of both of these beloved dog breeds.
Their coat can range from straight to curly, but most of the time they will fall somewhere in between with a wavy or shaggy coat. Whether an F1 Goldendoodle is hypoallergenic really depends on the genes they inherit. Generally they will be low shedding, but not hypoallergenic.
F1B Goldendoodles have more Poodle genes than Golden Retriever genes because they are made when a Goldendoodle is backcrossed with a Poodle. This means that 75% of their genes will be Poodle. This makes them hypoallergenic and non-shedding dogs.
Their fur will mostly be tightly curled, but this also means that it will need to be groomed a bit more often than the F1 to avoid tangled and matted hair.
Which is better really depends on whether you want a hypoallergenic and non-shedding dog or not.
The F1 and F1B are very similar in appearance, energy levels and suitability for families.
Some of their key differences are:
- F1s are on average a few inches larger.
- The curls on the F1B Goldendoodle will often be tighter than those of the F1.
- F1B Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic and non-shedding.
- F1s might be a bit sillier and do not even care as much about “showing off” like Poodles. They think they are forever puppies and tap into that silly side of the Golden Retriever.
- F1Bs sniff out danger better and often meet strangers with incessant barking because of the protective side they get from the Poodle.
- When it comes to health the F1 Goldendoodle has the upper hand.
- F1Bs are more popular and cost more because they are always hypoallergenic. F1B Goldendoodles cost over $2,500 vs $2,000 for an F1 puppy.
Summary
If you just want a Goldendoodle for their cute teddy-bear looks and loving and playful personality it should not matter which type of goldendoodle you adopt.
For people who have dog allergies the F1B Goldendoodle is generally a better choice.
The main reason why people choose to buy an F1B over an F1 is because it is hypoallergenic.
Breeders breed F1B puppies because they are nearly guaranteed that the puppies will be hypoallergenic and non-shedding. F1 Goldendoodles cannot make the same promise because these puppies are just as much Golden Retriever as they are Poodle. It is more likely that they will be low-shedding than hypoallergenic.
There really are not too many differences when it comes to temperament, energy levels and family suitability.
Let us know your favorite Goldendoodle in the comments below.
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