The Generations of Goldendoodle Explained
• What do all the F's and numbers mean?
Understanding the terminology is important, and quite simple once you understand what the letters and numbers mean. Here is a breakdown:
• F stands for Filial Hybrid.
• The number stands for the the generation the dog is.
• B stands for Backcross.
*For information on what generation our puppies are please scroll down to the bottom*
F1 - First Generation of Goldendoodle
• 50% Golden Retriever + 50% Poodle
The F1 Goldendoodle is the first generation Goldendoodle that is a cross between a purebred 100% Golden Retriever and a purebred 100% Standard Poodle. The result is a Goldendoodle that is 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle.
The F1 Goldendoodle is the classic Goldendoodle that most people think about when they hear the term “Goldendoodle”. However, F1 Goldendoodle genetics can vary quite extensively which will affect how they look. For instance, they can have coats that shed and some coats that are non-shedding. In addition, these coats can be smooth like the Golden Retriever, wavy, or curly like the poodle.
F1B - First Generation Goldendoodle Backcrossed to a Poodle
• 25% Golden Retriever + 75% Poodle
An F1B Goldendoodle is a cross between an F1 Goldendoodle and one of the original purebred lines — either a 100% Standard Poodle or 100% Golden Retriever. An F1B Goldendoodle is usually a cross between an F1 Goldendoodle and a 100% Standard or Miniature Poodle as breeders prefer a non-shedding and hypoallergenic dog coat. Since an F1B Goldendoodle is a mix between an F1 Goldendoodle and a Poodle, it is referred to as a Backcross and hence the reason why it’s called F1B.
The F1B Goldendoodle generation is typically referred to as the Hypoallergenic Golden Retriever because it inherits a larger amount of Poodle traits. This includes the signature hypoallergenic and non-shedding coat that many owners seek. This means that the F1B Goldendoodle typically produces a curly coat and would be an excellent choice for owners with moderate dog allergies. However, Goldendoodles with curly coats require a significant amount of grooming to prevent matting of the fur.
F1BB - F1B Goldendoodle Backcrossed to a Poodle
• 12.5% Golden Retriever + 87.5% Poodle
The F1BB Goldendoodle is a cross between an F1B Goldendoodle (25% Golden Retriever + 75% Poodle) and an original purebred 100% Poodle or 100% Golden Retriever. Most owners will typically choose to breed the F1B Goldendoodle with a 100% Standard or Miniature Poodle to make the Goldendoodle even more hypoallergenic and non-shedding. Since this is the second Backcross with a purebred Poodle, it gets a second “B” in its name and is referred to as an F1BB Goldendoodle.
An F1BB Goldendoodle is the most hypoallergenic and non-shedding of all the first generation Goldendoodles due to a large amount of Poodle genetics. This means that Goldendoodle will likely come with an extremely curly coat that will need to be brushed every day and groomed every couple of months to prevent the fur from matting. However, this Goldendoodle generation is great for people with pet allergies and don’t want to have to pick up dog hair everywhere.
F2 - Second Generation Goldendoodle
• 50% Golden Retriever + 50% Poodle
The F2 Goldendoodle is the second filial generation of Goldendoodle. This is a cross between an F1 Goldendoodle and another F1 Goldendoodle. They are are the most varied generation of the Goldendoodle. The F2 generations produce specimens that are somewhat similar to the F1 generation since they are the same percentage of Golden Retriever and Poodle. However, most breeders will not breed an F2 Goldendoodle due to this generation being the most unpredictable generation of genetics in terms of coat type, coat hair, and variation of shedding.
F2B - F1 Goldendoodle + F1B Goldendoodle
or
F1B Goldendoodle + F1B Goldendoodle
• 37.5% Golden Retriever + 62.5% Poodle or 25% Golden Retriever + 75% Poodle
The F2B Goldendoodle is a cross between an F1 Goldendoodle and an F1B Goldendoodle. Alternatively, some breeders will choose to breed an F1B Goldendoodle and another F1B Goldendoodle which would result in the F2B being 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever.
This F2B Goldendoodle generation has significant poodle genes which results in a mostly wavy or curly coat. This means that it’s like the Goldendoodle will have less shedding and be more hypoallergenic. However, like most hybrid dogs there are always exceptions to the genetic rules. The F2B Goldendoodle generation is often referred to as a Multi-generation Goldendoodle since they are the 3rd generation of offspring.
F2BB - F2B Goldendoodle Backcrossed to a Poodle
• 18.75% Golden Retriever + 81.25% Poodle
The F2BB Goldendoodle is a cross between an F2B Goldendoodle and a Standard or Miniature Poodle. Since this is at least the second Backcross with a purebred Standard Poodle and part of the 2nd generation, it gets a second “B” in its name and is referred to as an F2BB Goldendoodle.
An F2BB Goldendoodle is the most hypoallergenic and non-shedding of all the second generation Goldendoodles due to a large amount of Poodle genetics. This Goldendoodle also has the 2nd most Poodle genetics after the F1BB Goldendoodle. It is extremely likely an F2BB Goldendoodle will a curly coat that will need to be brushed every day and groomed every couple of months to prevent the fur from matting. However, this Goldendoodle generation is great for people with severe pet allergies and don’t want to have to pick up dog hair everywhere.
The F2BB Goldendoodle generation is going to be referred to as a Multi-generation Goldendoodle since they are the 4th generation of offspring. Many breeders won’t use the term F2BB but will use the term Multi-generation Goldendoodle.
F3 - Multi Generation Goldendoodle
The F3 Goldendoodle is also called the Multi-generation Goldendoodle. This is the 3rd generation or greater of Goldendoodle. Typically, F3 Goldendoodles are bred with an F1B or Greater Goldendoodle and another F1B Goldendoodle. F3 Goldendoodles contain a significant portion of Poodle genetics so it is great for people with pet allergies. The F3 Goldendoodle generation coat can vary from a heavy wave to very curly which makes them very allergy-friendly. Multi-generation Goldendoodles are used to describe any Goldendoodle beyond the 2nd generation. This includes some of the Goldendoodle generations listed above like F1BB, F2B, and F2BB.
Bonnie & Bertie’s Litter are F3 Multi Generation Miniature Goldendoodles
• Bonnie (Dam) - F3 Miniature Goldendoodle (31.25% Retriever + 68.75% Poodle)
• Bertie (Sire) - F1B Miniature Goldendoodle (25% Golden Retriever + 75% Poodle)
• Puppies - F3 Miniature Goldendoodle (28.13% Golden Retriever + 71.87% Poodle)
Bonnie is a cream F3 Goldendoodle (Multi Generation) and Bertie is an F1B Goldendoodle. (First Generation Backcrossed). The Mother line of our puppies is well known and can be traced back to their Great-Great Grandmother with a whole family tree to show. Our puppies will of course be seen with their Mother (Bonnie), and we can show you pictures of their Grandmother (Sukey) and their Grandmother (Betty). We also have lots of pictures of the puppies’ Uncle Bruno too (also from the same Mother line) and he may also be seen with the puppies!
Bertie is a red F1B Goldendoodle (First Generation Backcrossed). Both Bonnie and Bertie are exceptionally well bred and both come with a full clear health certificate so will not pass down any unwanted horrible diseases to their puppies.