What is the Difference Between an F1 and F1B Goldendoodle?

Last Updated on April 25, 2023

A Goldendoodle is a Goldendoodle is a Goldendoodle, right? Wrong.

If you’re looking for one of these teddy bear-like puppies, you may have noticed breeders advertising F1 and F1B Goldendoodles.

But what exactly is the difference? There are quite a few, from shedding right through to health concerns.

Keep reading to discover more about these different types of Goldendoodles and which one is best for you.

Breed Comparison: A Quick Overview

Different generations of Goldendoodles get various names.

These letters that you see in front of a puppy’s breed give a clearer indication of the breeding history of a dog and the parent breeds that created a particular cross.

Two of the most commonly advertised forms of Goldendoodles are F1 and F1B dogs.

The letter F in F1 and F1B Goldendoodles comes from the word filial. Filial simply means that a dog is a crossbreed and not a purebred dog.

Goldendoodles are a crossbreed between Golden Retrievers and Poodles; all puppies will have an F somewhere in their generational name. 

Now the number 1 in F1 refers to these puppies being the first-generation cross, so they are the offspring of a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Poodle.

By genetics, an F1 dog is 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever. In F1B generation dogs, the B part of the name stands for backcross.

This means these dogs are the cross of one purebred parent and one crossbreed.

Goldendoodle History

In the 1990s, a variety of Poodle mix breeds, known as Doodles, became very popular due to their hypoallergenic, non-shedding coats.

Wally Cochran, an Australian breeder who began developing Labradoodles in 1988 for blind people who suffered from allergies, kickstarted this trend.

Following the success of the Australian Labradoodle, several other Doodle breeds were born, including the Goldendoodle, Schnoodle, Bernedoodle, and Sheepadoodle.

The Goldendoodle is a trendy cross because of its teddy-bear like appearance and loving personality.

Differences in Genetics

F1 Goldendoodles are the most commonly found as Golden Retrievers, and Poodles are both pretty popular dogs.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that this particular Goldendoodle crossbreed is the best.

The physical characteristics and temperaments of F1 Goldendoodles can vary greatly depending on which of the parent genes prove to be more dominant. 

On the other hand, F1B dogs are 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever. They are created by crossbreeding an F1 Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle. 

The breeder usually selects the Poodle as the purebred parent over the Golden Retriever as the Poodle genes are favored to create the non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat that makes these dogs so popular.

Can you Tell Which is an F1 and Which is an F1B Goldendoodle?

It can be challenging to tell an F1 and F1B Goldendoodle apart just by looking at them. These two types of Goldendoodle are very similar in appearance.

The coats of these two crosses are the most apparent distinguisher. 

The F1B Goldendoodle will typically have the curly or wavy coat of the Poodle parent, while the F1’s coat could resemble either of his purebred parents.

Usually, their coats are more shaggy and wavy than the tight curly coat associated with the Poodle breed.

If an F1 Goldendoodle is a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle, the most common type of cross, they will typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds (23 and 32 kg). 

If the English Golden Retriever was used as the parent dog over the American Golden Retriever, your Goldendoodle might be slightly heavier and stockier.

Either way, these dogs are unlikely to weigh over 100 pounds (45 kg).

That said, Mini Goldendoodles, a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle, are also possible with these dogs weighing between 25 and 45 pounds (11 and 20 kg).

It’s easier to create the miniature varieties of these dogs with an F1B breed as the parent sizes are more predictable.

Most Toy or Mini Goldendoodles will not be an F1 cross, as more of the Poodle parent’s genetics are needed to create these dogs in a smaller size.

Miniature Goldendoodles are typically created by crossing an F1 Goldendoodle with a Miniature Poodle. 

As puppies, Mini Goldendoodles weigh just 4 to 9 pounds (2 to 5 kg), while a standard Goldendoodle puppy will already weigh over 9 pounds (5 kg).

Goldendoodles grow the most in the first six months of their life, usually reaching half their adult size by the time they are four months old.

The gold color of the Golden Retriever coat is the most popular and common coat color.

F1B Goldendoodles can sometimes be found in darker colors as they take on the various shades of the Poodle parent breed. 

The Poodle colors which can be passed down to their offspring include black, white, copper, gray, red, or apricot. White tips are often seen on the coat, which can also lighten as your dog ages.

If you’re particularly looking for a rare black or apricot Goldendoodle, you will be looking at an F1B puppy.

F1 vs. F1B Goldendoodle Temperament and Personality

In terms of personality, the Poodle part of your dog will be highly intelligent, while the Golden Retriever part will be loving and loyal.

The exact character of your particular pup will be primarily affected by its genetics but generally speaking; these dogs make excellent pets that get along well with all family members, from other dogs to cats and children.

With F1 Goldendoodles, you’re rolling the dice as to if your pup will be more similar to the super affectionate Golden Retriever parent or the hyper-intelligent Poodle.

These dogs could have any of the outstanding traits of both these popular dogs, while the F1B Goldendoodle is more likely to sway toward the Poodle personality due to the stronger genetics from this breed.

Which breed is easier to train

Goldendoodles are very eager to please dogs and thus relatively easy to train.

While Poodles can be pretty aloof dogs, the Golden Retriever brings a more down-to-earth, affectionate nature to these dogs, making them a dream to train.

In general, both F1 and F1B dogs will be gentle, calm, laid-back pups. 

No matter which crosses you choose, these intelligent dogs will quickly pick up new tricks; however, that also means that they can learn bad habits pretty easily.

The more Poodle they have in them, the warier they tend to be around strangers and so F1B Goldendoodles need to be socialized from a young age.

F1 vs. F1B Goldendoodle Care

Both F1 and F1B Goldendoodles have relatively high maintenance needs when it comes to grooming and exercise.

The coat of these dogs needs to be trimmed to keep them cool in summer, while in winter, it can be left to grow longer to form a fluffy blanket for your pet.

However, be sure not to let your dog’s coat matt as this can cause much discomfort.

F1 vs. F1B exercise

Both F1 and F1B Goldendoodles can be pretty hyper dogs. Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle are energetic breeds that love to play, run, and even swim.

As both Golden Retrievers and Poodles were bred as water retrievers, these dogs tend to have no problem with the water and are drawn to it.

These dogs require plenty of playtime and exercise, no matter their age.

A daily walk is an absolute must for your Goldendoodle, while these intelligent dogs will also enjoy puzzle games, playing with kongs, and playing fetch.

Make sure you engage in at least 30 minutes of playtime with your dog every day. Both the F1 and F1B Goldendoodle also will love to play with kids.

F1 vs. F1b Goldendoodle Shedding: What sheds less F1 or F1b Goldendoodles

It’s near impossible to tell how much an F1 Goldendoodle will shed as you simply don’t know if they will exhibit the traits of the Golden Retriever or Poodle parent more. 

If your F1 Goldendoodle takes on the coat of their Poodle parent, they could have a curly coat, but if they take on the coat of their Golden Retriever parent, their coat could be smooth and shed quite a fair amount.

The likelihood is that the F1 Goldendoodle will shed somewhat but have far less shedding than other breeds. 

These dogs are suitable for people with mild allergies to pet dander.

F1 dogs may experience heavier bouts of shedding twice a year with the changing of the seasons as their coats adjust to the changing temperatures.

Brushing your dog weekly will help get rid of any loose hair and keep shedding to a minimum. 

On the other hand, an F1B Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle parent will likely have a non-shedding or low shedding hypoallergenic coat.

This is the main attraction of the Goldendoodle breed, so it does tend to make F1B dogs more popular. 

However, these dogs also have higher grooming needs in that they will need to be brushed and cut more regularly to prevent mats and tangles from forming.

Goldendoodles with the curly hair of the Poodle parent, such as the F1B dogs, will likely need to get professionally groomed every 8 to 12 weeks. 

The coat can develop a foul odor and become very itchy for your pet if not appropriately maintained.

As they are more likely to have a hypoallergenic coat, F1B Goldendoodles are suitable for people with more severe allergies.

Either way, do remember that no dog will ever be 100% hypoallergenic, but regular baths, brushing, and grooming will help keep your pet clean and prevent less shedding, dander, and allergies.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to consult when it comes to grooming your F1 and F1B Goldendoodle:

Feeding F1 and F1B Goldendoodle 

As these dogs are pretty high energy, they can benefit from frequent feeding, as much as four times a day.

Adult dogs can be fed twice daily, provided they are given enough food to sustain their energy levels.

Your Goldendoodle’s food should contain plenty of protein and all the nutrients they need to support whole-body health.

F1 vs. F1b Goldendoodle Lifespan

Both F1 and F1B Goldendoodles have a life expectancy of between ten and fifteen years. Mini varieties tend to live slightly longer than large dog breeds.

F1 Goldendoodles are typically healthier dogs due to hybrid vigor. Hybrid vigor states that a crossbreed is generally a healthier dog than purebred parents.

This is because crossbred or hybrid dogs don’t have the genetic deficits that pure breeding and inbreeding tend to create. 

This means that they don’t have nearly as many health problems as purebred Poodles or Golden Retrievers.

Unfortunately, F1B dogs don’t have the same hybrid vigor as F1 crossbreeds as they are technically second-generation crosses and could develop more health problems.

However, with proper nutrition and good exercise, there isn’t any reason why your F1B dog shouldn’t be able to lead a long, healthy life.

Some health conditions to be aware of with Goldendoodles include eye disease, skin conditions, hip dysplasia, and heart issues.

Regular vet check-ups and health certificates from a breeder will help lessen the risk of your dog developing these conditions.

Are F1 or F1B Goldendoodles More Expensive?

F1B Goldendoodles tend to be more expensive than F1 Goldendoodles.

This is because, with an F1 Goldendoodle, there is less reliability in what you’re getting as a puppy. You have to expect the unexpected.

The exact price will vary depending on the size, color, and location.

You can expect to pay between $600 and $800 for an F1 Goldendoodle, while F1B Goldendoodle puppies can fetch from $1000 to $2,500 or even more.

Before getting a Goldendoodle from a dog breeder, be sure to ask for proof of their ancestry and, if possible, try and meet the parent dogs.

A breeder should also be able to provide you with health clearance certificates for the parent dogs.

As these are popular breeds, be wary of puppy mills that put profit over the health and wellbeing of their animals.

The Goldendoodle Association of North America has a list of Goldendoodle breeders on their site if you are looking for a puppy in your area.

If you’re searching for a Goldendoodle at an adoption center or rescue site, it will likely be challenging to know whether he is an F1 or F1B dog.

Still, with most rescue dogs being older, you should get a good idea of the type of coat and any inherent health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What are the other types of Goldendoodle?

Further to F1 and F1B Goldendoodles, you might also find various other multigenerational Goldendoodles advertised by breeders.

An F1BB Goldendoodle is a mix between a F1B Goldendoodle and a purebred Poodle. Essentially these dogs would be 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Golden Retriever. 

An easy way to remember is the more ‘bs’, the more poodle.

So owners who want to retain much of the Golden Retriever’s characteristics would go for an F1, while those who prefer the Poodle might opt for an F1B or even an F1BB.

Another multigen cross, F2 dogs, are the second generation, meaning that an F1 Goldendoodle has been bred with another first generation Goldendoodle.

Similarly, a puppy born of an F2 Goldendoodle and a purebred poodle would be an F2b Goldendoodle.

Furthermore, you might also find the term F3 being used. This means you are three generations removed from the original Poodle and Golden Retriever parents. Sometimes these dogs are just known as multigenerational crosses.

F3 Goldendoodles can also be a cross between an F1B and another F1B Goldendoodle

F2 or F3 generations of Goldendoodles will be more predictable than F1 generation crosses.

However, they have potentially more health issues as the more intensely bred the dogs become, the greater the risk of inbreeding and genetic problems. 

There is also a variety of other Poodle mix breeds that look similar to the Goldendoodle in that they have that adorable teddy-bear look.

These include the Cockapoo, a cross between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel.

Also, don’t forget the previously mentioned Labradoodle, a mix between a Poodle and the world’s most popular dog, the Labrador Retriever.

Conclusion: Which is Better, F1 or F1B Goldendoodle?

Most owners tend to select an F1B Goldendoodle over their F1 counterpart as it’s more likely that you will get a dog that doesn’t shed.

If you have allergies and need a hypoallergenic dog, then the F1B Goldendoodle is likely the better option for you. 

However, these hypoallergenic dogs come at a price as they ‘e generally less healthy and more expensive than F1 Goldendoodles. They also have more intense grooming needs than F1 doodles. 

No matter which option you decide, both F1 and F1B Goldendoodles are fantastic dogs that will make an excellent addition to your family.

Just be sure that you are ready for everything getting a dog entails. 

Pets are a big commitment and require plenty of time and energy. You also need to ensure you have enough budget for food, toys, supplies, vet visits, and everything else a dog requires. 

Have you made that commitment and have a Goldendoodle at home. We’d love to know all about them. Let us know more about your dog in the comments below.

Further reading: More on your favorite dog breeds

• Golden Retriever vs. Labrador
• English Labrador vs. American Labrador
• Border Collie vs. Australian Shepherd
• Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler

Reference

• https://www.goldendoodleassociation.com/guest/memberbreeders.aspx