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Goldendoodles

50% Golden Retriever + 50% Poodle = 100% Charm: Decoding Goldendoodles

At A Glance

The Goldendoodle is a designer dog breed and a cross between the playful Golden Retriever and the intelligent Poodle. But, depending on its parents, each Goldendoodle generation has its unique characteristics.

  • F1 Goldendoodle = Golden Retriever (100%) x Poodle (100%)
  • F1b Goldendoodle = Poodle (100%) x F1 Goldendoodle
  • F2 Goldendoodle = F1 Goldendoodle x F1 Goldendoodle OR F2 Goldendoodle x Poodle
  • F2B Goldendoodle = F1 Goldendoodle x F1B Goldendoodle OR F2 Goldendoodle x Poodle
  • Goldendoodles also come in a variety of coats, colors, and sizes.

Last Updated on: Nov 09, 2022




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One of the OG designer dogs, a Goldendoodle, is a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. But there’s more to the adorable Goldendoodles than just having parents from two different breeds!

There are not only different generations decided by the percentage of their parentage, but there are also many different types of Goldendoodles. So many that it can be a struggle to keep track of them.

Generations F1, F1B, F2, and F2B of this breed may share the same roots but differ in many ways. But before you learn more about the different types of Goldendoodles and their distinct characteristics, you might want to understand what the alphabets and letters mean.

Decoding the Labeling Standards In Goldendoodles

Before you get to the different types of Goldendoodles, it’s important to understand what the terminology used in their labeling signifies. It may seem confusing initially, but it will help you in the long run, especially if you plan on getting home a Goldendoodle.

The Letter “F”

“F” stands for Filial Hybrid and signifies that the dog is a hybrid and the offspring of two purebred dogs. The letter “F” always comes first when labeling the Goldendoodle generations.

The Number

The number following “F” is the primary indicator of the generation of a Goldendoodle. The number 1 is used for a first-generation Goldendoodle and 2 for a second-generation Goldendoodle.

The Letter “B”

This letter is typically at the end of the label for a specific generation and means a backcross. It indicates that the Goldendoodle generation was bred back to a purebred poodle. Breeding back to a purebred Golden Retriever also happens, but very rarely.

In some instances, you might see the double “BB,” meaning it was backcrossed with a poodle twice.

Now that the labeling terminology is out of the way, you can use this Goldendoodle generations chart to understand which type suits you and your family best.

cute brown goldendoodle

F1, a.k.a the Filial 1 Hybrid

This variety is a direct crossbreed between a pure Golden Retriever and a pure Poodle. In other words — 100% Golden Retriever x 100% Poodle = F1, which means the best of both breeds.

Being a first-generation hybrid, these Goldendoodles are often better versions of their parents, both physically and mentally. So, expect them to be full of vigor, highly intelligent, and have a gentle yet playful nature.

Deacon Navarro of Michigan agrees that this teddy bear-lookalike first-gen is also the most common of the lot. It’s your familiar half-and-half type that’s big on biological advantages. People, especially kids, fall in love with them at first sight because of their affable dispositions.

Social and outgoing, these dogs love being with their humans. Pick them only if you can spend quality time with them.

Allergy Potential: These dogs are not hypoallergenic. They’re great for people with no or only mild allergies.

Coat: May be wavy, curly, or straight and can grow up to 5 inches in length. The breed requires a haircut every few months, along with weekly combing, and regular grooming.

Shedding: Heavy to light

Grooming: Moderate to high

F1B, a.k.a the First Generation Backcross

When an F1 Goldendoodle is mated with a purebred Poodle, you get an F1B offspring, i.e., 100% Poodle x F1 Goldendoodle = F1B.

While you can also mate an F1 Goldendoodle to a purebred Golden Retriever, this is rare.

This type has 25% to 75% Poodle or Retriever makeup, depending on which breed was used in the backcross. This generation shows the vigor and personality of F1 dogs along with the dominant traits of the other parent breed.

If a Poodle is used, the F1B will likely have a curlier coat, shed less, and show a more Poodle-leaning personality. Such dogs are loyal, intelligent, and quite mischievous.

F1Bs with a Golden Retriever parent also shed less but have straight fur. In addition, they tend to be more even-tempered, intelligent, reliable, and affectionate by nature.

Allergy Potential: Most hypoallergenic of all the varieties. Relatively safe to have around, even for people with severe allergies.

Coat: May be wavy, curly, or straight, depending on the F1 parent. The F1B coat shows more color variations as compared to F1.

Shedding: Typically non-shedding 99% of the time. They also shed less than a Golden Retriever.

Grooming: Moderate to high

F2, a.k.a the Filial 2 Hybrid

This second-generation Goldendoodle has two F1s as parents. To put it simply, F1 Goldendoodle x F1 Goldendoodle OR F2 Goldendoodle x Poodle = F2.

These Goldendoodles have 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle DNA, the same as F1s, and share numerous similarities.

Like their parents, shedding is quite unpredictable in F2s. However, compared to the F1B generation, these Goldendoodles are often heavy shedders.

Allergy potential: Not ideal for people with moderate to severe allergies.

Coat: May be curly, wavy, or straight.

Shedding: Quite unpredictable. They may be full shedders (25% of them), low to heavy shedders (50%), or non-shedders (25%).

Grooming: Varies depending on which parental traits they inherit.

F2B or the Multigenerational Cross

Usually a cross of F1 Goldendoodle x F1B or F2 x Poodle, the F2B is a third-generation offspring.

With this variety, the dominant breed traits typically come from the Poodle. Though not a common generation, they are a solid breed that exhibits the Goldendoodle’s trademark vivacious personality.

Allergy potential: Generally hypoallergenic and great for people with moderate allergies.

Coat: Curly, wavy, or straight.

Shedding: May be non-shedding (25-50%), low shedding (0-25%), or heavy shedding (50%).

Grooming: Moderate to high

Check out the Goldendoodle generations chart below to know more about these breeds and the types within them.

Type 1st Parent 2nd Parent % Golden Retriever % Poodle
F1 Goldendoodle
(first-generation)
Golden Retriever Poodle 50% 50%
F1B Goldendoodle
(first-generation backcross)
F1 Goldendoodle Poodle 25% 75%
F1BB Goldendoodle
(first-generation backcross backcross)
F1B Goldendoodle Poodle 12.5% 87.5%
F2 Goldendoodle
(second-generation)
F1 Goldendoodle F1 Goldendoodle 50% 50%
F2B Goldendoodle
(second-generation backcross)
F1 Goldendoodle F1B Goldendoodle 37.5% 62.5%
F2B Goldendoodle
(alternate cross)
F2 Goldendoodle Poodle 25% 75%
F3 / Multigen Goldendoodle F1B Goldendoodle or higher F1B Goldendoodle or higher Varies Varies

Goldendoodles and You

All the different Goldendoodle generations are pretty clever and very sociable. They love to play, love their food, and enjoy hanging around their humans.

But before you jump the gun, know that these energetic dogs need a lot of activity. Expect a lifetime of dog races, fun playtime, and mentally stimulating puzzles. So, if you prefer a laidback lifestyle, a Goldendoodle may not be a good fit for you.

Because they are so popular, Goldendoodles are relatively expensive, too. They also require more grooming than your average dog.

However, most of them are pretty easy to handle and make good companions, even for kids.

Desiree Seitz from Pennsylvania observes, “They are popular because they are truly such great pets. The retriever in them makes them great family dogs, but the poodle in them makes them smarter (not always, though) and sheds less.”

If you’ve decided that a Goldendoodle is your canine of choice, it may be a good idea to consider the variety of colors and coats they can have.

goldendoodle mom playing with her puppies

Goldendoodle Coat Colors

Goldendoodles come in a wide range of exciting colors. Take a look at some common Goldendoodle coat colors to choose from.

Cream

Cream Goldendoodles are often mistaken for white Goldendoodles and Labradoodles because they share a similar light coat. However, some cream Goldendoodles may also develop pinkish skin prone to sunburn.

Apricot

This is one of the most popular coats in Goldendoodles, and the apricot color only contributes to the dog’s teddy bear-like appearance.

Red

Red Goldendoodles are another popular coat color because of how bright the red mahogany shade is and how much it resembles teddy bears.

Brown

Brown is a standard coat color found in Goldendoodles. The hues may range from deep mahogany to dark walnut. The color is usually inherited from the Poodle parent’s dominant gene.

Black

An all-black coat is unique among Goldendoodles as it comes from a recessive gene. So, a Goldendoodle will have a black coat only if both Golden Retriever and Poodle parents have that gene, making it extremely rare.

Gray

Gray Goldendoodles are usually black or dark-colored pups that shed their puppy coat for a gray or rustic silver coat.

Parti

The Parti coat is a combination of white and another color, usually tan or apricot. It results from recessive genes overruling a typically single-colored coat.

merle goldendoodle dog

Merle

Merle Goldendoodles are characterized by mottled or naturally faded color patches. These patches are often red, black, blue, or brown.

Phantom

Phantom Goldendoodles are defined by two colors — one that covers most of their body and another covering their lower legs and the area around their eyes and muzzle.

Tan

The coat of tan Goldendoodles combines the colors of apricot and cream Goldendoodles. They inherit the light fur shade from the Golden Retriever parent.

Blue

Blue Goldendoodles are often confused for gray or silver doodles. It’s a rare, dark gray coat with patches.

Brindle

Brindle is defined by a red base with black stripes on the coat.

Chocolate

This coat is a rich dark brown commonly associated with teddy bear-like dogs.

Sable

The Sable coat starts with a solid black or dark brown puppy coat. And as the pup grows into its adult coat, the overall coat lightens yet maintains black tips.

Silver

It’s easy to get confused with the gray, blue, and silver Goldendoodles. On the Goldendoodle types chart, silver refers to a rare lighter shade that resembles the natural silver hair in older people.

Tuxedo

Tuxedo Goldendoodles are defined by their rare black-and-white coat. This appearance is more likely to occur in second- or third-generation Doodles.

two goldendoodles at the beach

Goldendoodle Coat Texture and Appearance

A full grown Goldendoodle might not have the same coat texture and appearance it did when it was born. After all, a Goldendoodle will shed its puppy coat before it turns one year old.

Length (FGF5 Gene)

Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers carry long hair genetics, so it’s no surprise that Goldendoodles have a generally long coat, especially compared to Labradoodles.

Curl (KRT71 gene)

A Goldendoodle can have curly, wavy, or straight hair, depending on the curl gene inherited from its parents.

  • Curly Coat: A teddy bear-like coat with less shedding than straight hair.
  • Wavy Coat: A coat that requires less brushing than curly coat doodles.
  • Straight Coat: The type of Goldendoodle coat that sheds the most.

Goldendoodle by Sizes

Given the contrast in sizes between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, we can expect Goldendoodles to come in different sizes.

What the Fact! Did you know that the different variations in sizes of the Goldendoodle are thanks to its Poodle lineage?

Since poodles come in different sizes, like toy, miniature, and standard, the same sizing applies to Goldendoodles, too. Goldendoodle types generally come in three sizes.

So, studying the different types of Goldendoodle sizes is important to determine which would suit your household.

According to the Goldendoodle Association Of North America, the following are the Goldendoodle types based on sizes:

Petite Goldendoodle

Petite Goldendoodles are teacup breeds that can sometimes be smaller than cats. Many people associate them with tiny teddy bears, which is why they’re so adored by many.

Both males and females have an average weight of 20 to 35 pounds and stand around 15 inches tall. However, some Petite Goldendoodles can be as short as 8 inches at the shoulder and as light as 7 pounds as adults.

Mini Goldendoodle

According to research, Miniature Poodles are more genetically diverse than Standard Poodles. This is inherited by the Mini Goldendoodle, which stands at roughly 16 to 20 inches and weighs 35 to 50 pounds.

Both male and female Mini Goldendoodles have the same average weight, unlike other breeds, where males tend to be heavier than females.

Standard Goldendoodle

A standard-sized Goldendoodle’s height is typically 22 inches or taller. Males can weigh between 55 and 70 pounds, while females weigh around 50 to 60 pounds.

A slightly smaller standard Goldendoodle, ranging from 17 to 20 inches in height and up to 50 pounds in weight, may be referred to as a medium Goldendoodle.

Keep in mind that these measurements are only estimates. The final size category of a dog is determined at adulthood.

goldendoodle dog swimming

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

Goldendoodles are generally hypoallergenic. According to dog parent Chance Driscoll, they make a great choice for those who want a sporting group dog but can’t handle shedding or have allergies.

What Does F1B Goldendoodle Mean?

It means first-generation backcross. F1Bs come from one F1 Goldendoodle and one purebred Poodle parent.

What Is The Difference Between F2 and F2B Goldendoodle?

F2 has two F1s as parents, while F2B is a mix of F1 and F1B. They are second-generation Goldendoodle types.

What Type of Goldendoodle is Best For Allergies?

The F1B generation is the most hypoallergenic crossbreed of the lot.

How Big Will an F1B Goldendoodle Get?

An F1B Goldendoodle pup typically grows to be mini or standard as an adult dog.

How Long Do Goldendoodles Live?

A healthy Goldendoodle has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Of course, genetics can play a role, too.

The toy/teacup size usually lives the longest, averaging 13 to 16 years.

Goldendoodles are also subject to health risks inherited from their parent breeds.

Even though they are generally of sound health, providing them with proper care and nutrition is still vital for keeping this mixed breed in good health. Like other crossbreeds, the risk of genetic diseases remains.

Are Goldendoodles Smart?

Golden Retrievers and Poodles are among the most intelligent breeds, alongside Border Collies and German Shepherds. So, it’s no surprise that Goldendoodles are also razor sharp.

They have keen social awareness and remarkable problem-solving abilities. Moreover, they pick up on commands quickly, so training them won’t be a challenge.

Additionally, Goldendoodles are quite in tune with their human companions’ emotions, so expect a reassuring nuzzle or an affectionate lick from them whenever you feel down!

Are Goldendoodles High-Maintenance?

Goldendoodle dogs are affectionate, playful, and intelligent. But they are also a generally high-maintenance breed. They need professional grooming services every six to eight weeks to keep them clean and prevent their coats from matting. You can groom your pet at home, too, if you know how to trim and handle its coat.

Some people assume smaller Goldendoodles are easier to maintain than larger ones. However, they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy. And given how energetic they can be, they might actually enjoy joining you on hikes and other outdoor adventures.

Do Goldendoodle Coats Change A Lot?

A Goldendoodle’s coat may change over time. It’s a subtle change in some dogs and dramatic in others. Either way, Goldendoodles generally shed their puppy coat when they’re four to eight months old. Then, they start growing out denser, stiffer adult coats, which tend to be a tad lighter.

What are Furnishings and Improper Coats (gene RSP02)?

Furnishings are a mutation in the gene RSPO2 that affects a dog’s coat. It leads to a wiry hair texture and more hair growth on their legs and faces. It’s known as an “improper coat” because it’s outside the breed’s standard appearance. While it’s not a disease that affects your dog’s health, it can be passed down to its offspring.

two dogs walking at the beach

Understanding the different generations and types of Goldendoodles can go a long way in helping you find your perfect furry companion. We hope the Goldendoodle types chart we’ve explained gives you an idea of all the different types of Goldendoodles.

Different Goldendoodle generations offer a variety of unique personality traits, coats, and patterns. While there is still some degree of guesswork at play (the DNA lottery is quite unpredictable relative to traits), you can still get an idea of what to expect in your chosen Goldendoodle!

Each generation is special in its own unique way. It all depends on how compatible you are with the Goldendoodle you choose!

 

Goldendoodles Goldendoodle generations types of goldendoodles

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Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.


Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.