F1 vs. F1B Goldendoodle: An In-Depth Side-by-Side Comparison

If you’re interested in getting a Goldendoodle, you must have seen dog breeders advertising with acronyms like F1 and F1B. Being a crossbreed between the Poodle and Golden Retriever, these acronyms stand for the specific Goldendoodle generations.

Both F1 and F1B Goldendoodles are amazing and beautiful dogs. Still, there are some significant differences between them in terms of appearance, the amount of shedding, ease of grooming, and more.

This article will help decipher these acronyms’ meanings and explain the main differences between F1 and F1B Goldendoodle. So by the end of this article, you’ll be able to decide which one is right for you.

Before we start with the details, here is a quick summary of the differences between the F1 and the F1B Goldendoodle:

What Does F1 Stand for?

Before discussing the details of the F1 Goldendoodle, it is best to understand first the actual meaning of “F1” in the word “F1 Goldendoodle.”

The letter “F” represents the word “Filial,” which basically means that the dog is not purebred but a crossbred dog.

Every Goldendoodle is a crossbred dog between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever, so the letter “F” will be included in their generational name.

The number “1” refers to the first generation offspring between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Simply put, F1 means the first filial generation of offspring of specifically different parental types.

What Is a F1 Goldendoodle?

The F1 Goldendoodle is a hybrid cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Poodle, which creates a first-generation F1 Goldendoodle that is a 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle.

In other words, an F1 Goldendoodle will be half Poodle and half Golden Retriever by genetics.

What Does F1B Stand for?

The meaning of F1B is similar to F1, except for the letter “B,” which stands for “Backcross.” Backcross simply means that an F1 dog is a backcross bred with a 100% purebred parent.

The letter “F” still stands for “Filial,” which basically means it’s a crossbred canine, and the number “1” also means it’s the first generation offspring between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.

Therefore, F2 means the second filial generation of offspring of specifically different parental types.

What Is a F1B Goldendoodle?

The F1B Goldendoodle is produced by crossing a purebred Poodle with an F1 Goldendoodle.

For breeders to get exactly 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever, an F1 Goldendoodle must be produced first. This F1 Goldendoodle must then be backcrossed with a 100% or purebred Poodle.

Technically, an F1 Goldendoodle may also be bred with a 100% purebred Golden Retriever.

However, a typical Goldendoodle breeder will always choose to breed an F1 Goldendoodle with a purebred 100% Poodle because of the hypoallergenic and non-shedding features it possesses.

Watch the video below to find out more about the differences between F1, F1B, and F2 Goldendoodles, explained by a Goldendoodle owner.

Why Do Breeders Breed F1B Goldendoodle?

Breeders almost always breed the F1B Goldendoodle as they prefer their non-shedding and hypoallergenic coat.

Thus, F1B Goldendoodle’s curly coat and hypoallergenic nature make it an excellent choice for owners with moderate dog allergies.

Not only that, but F1B Goldendoodles also have some health benefits coming from hybrid vigor. This means that they will be stronger and healthier than their purebred parents.

Now, let’s consider the differences between the F1 Goldendoodle and F1B Goldendoodle in terms of genetics, appearance, health, shedding, hypoallergenic level, ease of grooming, and so on.

Genetic Differences

F1 Goldendoodle

The genetic makeup of the F1 Goldendoodle is 50% from Poodle and another 50% from Golden Retriever. This is a result of the cross between a 100% or purebred Poodle and 100% or purebred Golden Retriever.

Many breeders find it very easy to breed F1 mini Goldendoodles because it is easier to match a toy Poodle and a smaller Golden Retriever.

F1B Goldendoodle

In contrast, the F1B Goldendoodle has a genetic makeup that is 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle. It originates from the F1 Goldendoodle and a purebred Poodle.

Physical Differences

F1 Goldendoodle

Both F1 Goldendoodle and F1B Goldendoodle are almost similar in appearance but slightly differ in coat types and size.

Due to the 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle genetic makeup, one can’t really predict what their coat will look like and how much they will shed. Most F1 Goldendoodles may have straight, curly, or wavy coats.

In terms of size, a Golden Retriever crossed with a Standard Poodle may have a mature weight of 50 to 70 pounds.

There’s also an F1 mini or medium Goldendoodle, which is a Golden Retriever crossed with a Miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle. They mature to about 25 to 45 pounds.

F1B Goldendoodle

F1B Goldendoodles typically have a curly or wavy coat. It has a lot more curls, and they are tighter curls, similar to a Poodle. Its similarity is mainly due to the 75% Poodle gene it has.

The size of an F1B Goldendoodle is much more predictable if its parents are similar sizes. For instance, a 19-pound F1 Goldendoodle and a 24-pound Poodle will yield F1B mini Goldendoodle pups weighing between 15 and 30 pounds as adults.

Further, Goldendoodles’ coat colors can be black, white, copper, gray, golden, red, or apricot. However, golden is probably the most popular coat color.

Oftentimes, white color can be seen on the Goldendoodle’s feathering, and the coat color has a tendency to lighten as they age.

Health Differences

F1 Goldendoodle

One of the best things about the F1 Goldendoodle is they have a health benefit known as hybrid vigor. This means that a hybrid dog will be healthier and more robust than its purebred parent dogs.

This is because the inbreeding of purebred dogs allows the same genetic defects to be transferred to each successive generation continually.

The F1 Goldendoodle is excluded from this because it is a crossbred dog. So it will only inherit genetic disorders that are common to both parents, the Poodle and the Golden Retriever.

F1B Goldendoodle

Conversely, the F1B Goldendoodle has less hybrid vigor trait than the F1 Goldendoodle. This is because the F1B Goldendoodle is practically a 2nd generation crossbred, so they will definitely inherit less of the hybrid vigor trait.

In this case, as the Goldendoodle’s generation increases, the hybrid vigor trait they inherit decreases.

Shedding Differences

F1 Goldendoodle

Shedding for these dogs can be a bit of a mixed bag. Some F1 Goldendoodles shed a little, and others do not shed at all.

Their shedding is further complicated by the fact that it is difficult to tell if an F1 Goldendoodle will actually shed until it gets its adult coat at 12 to 18 months old.

F1B Goldendoodle

On the other hand, the F1B Goldendoodle is a typical non-shedding dog. If at all these dog sheds, you’ll only observe it on rare occasions. Therefore, the F1 Goldendoodle clearly sheds more than the F1B Goldendoodle.

Hypoallergenic Level Differences

F1 Goldendoodle

The F1 Goldendoodle is less hypoallergenic than the F1B Goldendoodle. This is because the F1 Goldendoodle is 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle and often sheds like its parent, the Golden Retriever. Thus, it is suitable for people with mild allergies.

F1B Goldendoodle

The F1B Goldendoodle is more hypoallergenic than the F1 Goldendoodle because F1B Goldendoodle has a higher percentage of genetic makeup from Poodle which is 75% compared to 50% for the F1 Goldendoodle.

Its 75% Poodle genetic percentage makes it more hypoallergenic and less shedding like Poodles. Thus, suitable for people having moderate to severe allergies.

Grooming Differences

F1 Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles generally do not shed, so they require grooming at regular intervals. However, because the F1 Goldendoodle sheds more often, its coat will require more grooming than the average dog.

F1B Goldendoodle

F1B Goldendoodle’s coat requires more grooming than the F1 Goldendoodle.

Since they are Goldendoodles with curly coats, they require considerable grooming to avoid matting and tangling of the fur. Hence, the F1B Goldendoodle’s hair must be regularly cut every 2 to 3 months.

Prices & Expenses Differences

F1 Goldendoodle

The price of F1 Goldendoodles can rise to $2,000, depending on the size. They’re cheaper because they are easier to breed than other generations of Goldendoodles.

Like any other dog, you’ll also incur expenses on dog accessories such as bowls, beds, collars and leashes, toys, and crates.

You will also need to budget for their maintenance needs, like food, grooming, healthcare, and other essential dog needs.

The initial expenses for a medium-sized Goldendoodle are around $505 to $2,710, but if you have a large Goldendoodle, prepare about $620 to $3,150.

F1B Goldendoodle

In contrast, F1B Goldendoodles are priced upwards of $2,500. They are more expensive because of their non-shedding and increased hypoallergenic features.

In terms of expenses, prepare around the same budget for the initial costs similar to the one for the Goldendoodle. However, you might need to spend more on grooming expenses for this dog than for an F1 Goldendoodle.

On the other hand, having owned a Goldendoodle myself, I tried to learn how to groom my dog to save up on the cost of having to bring my dog to professional groomers.

I only spent once on the cost of high-quality brushes, combs, and a reliable clipper, which saved me a lot in the long run.

F1 Goldendoodle vs. F1B Goldendoodle: Which One to Choose?

In general, both F1 Goldendoodle and F1B Goldendoodle are very adorable and excellent family dogs.

However, a specific generation between these two generations of Goldendoodles can be perfect for your family depending on certain factors such as allergy, dog’s health, lifestyle, and environment.

If you’re the type of person with mild allergies and can tolerate light shedding, then the F1 Goldendoodle is the best dog for you.

But if you or your family members have moderate-to-severe allergies and do not even like vacuuming up the hair your dog leaves, the F1B Goldendoodle will be much better for you.

Due to the F1 Goldendoodle’s high hybrid vigor, they tend to have more health benefits than the F1B Goldendoodle. Hence, the F1 Goldendoodle may require fewer trips to the veterinarian.

Further, if you’d love your dog to wear a curlier or wavier coat, you should look out for F1B Goldendoodles. Though they are excellent for those with allergies, these dogs also require significant grooming to prevent their fur from matting and tangling.

On the other hand, if you like straight coats, then the F1 Goldendoodle is a better pick.

Budget-wise, the F1B Goldendoodle will require more funds to acquire compared to the F1 Goldendoodle. However, their initial maintenance cost should be almost the same, with the F1B needing a slightly higher amount for grooming.

Further, you should not be worried about introducing Goldendoodles to your kids and toddlers. Both F1 and F1B Goldendoodles generally get along well with children.

Both Goldendoodles also thrive and adapt very well to all living environments. However, they do better with the space provided by a fenced yard where they can run around and play.

What Are the Other Types of Goldendoodle?

Apart from the F1 Goldendoodle and F1B Goldendoodle, there are also other types or generations of Goldendoodles. They include:

F1BB Goldendoodle

This is a mix between an original purebred Poodle and an F1B Goldendoodle, which is 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Golden Retriever. Of all the first-generation Goldendoodles, the F1BB Goldendoodle is the most hypoallergenic and sheds the least.

This is mainly due to the abundance of Poodle genetics. As a third-generation offspring, the F1BB Goldendoodle would have fewer hybrid vigor traits than the F1B or F1 Goldendoodle.

F2 Goldendoodle

This is the Goldendoodles’ second filial generation (half Golden Retriever and half Poodle). It is produced from the mix between two F1 Goldendoodles.

This generation is somewhat similar to the F1 generation due to the fact that they have the same percentage of Golden Retrievers and Poodles.

This generation is deemed the most unpredictable in terms of genetics, so most breeders do not breed them.

F2B Goldendoodle

The F2B Goldendoodle is a mix between an F1B Goldendoodle and an F1 Goldendoodle. This Goldendoodle generation is 37.5% Golden Retriever and 62.5% Poodle. Alternatively, the F2B Goldendoodle can be bred from two F1B Goldendoodle.

This will yield the F2B Goldendoodle being 25% and 75% Poodle. Because the F2B Goldendoodle is the third generation of offspring, they’re often referred to as multi-generation Goldendoodle.

Multi-generation Goldendoodles is a term used to describe any Goldendoodle generation beyond the second generation, such as F2BB, F2B, and F1BB.

F2BB Goldendoodle

F2BB Goldendoodle is a mix between an original purebred 100% Poodle and an F2B Goldendoodle. This generation will produce 18.75% Golden Retriever and 81.25% Poodle.

Due to the abundance of Poodle genetics, they have the highest hypoallergenic and non-shedding traits among the entire second generation of Goldendoodles.

F3 Goldendoodle

This is the third generation of Goldendoodles. They are also called multi-generation Goldendoodles. They’re produced from a cross between two F1B Goldendoodles.

Alternatively, they can also be bred from two different F2 Goldendoodle. These dogs contain a significant percentage of Poodle genetics, so it is excellent for owners with pet allergies.

Places to Find F1 and F1B Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Whether you are interested in the F1 or the F1B Goldendoodle, it is important to reach out to their reputable breeders who are very familiar with the genetics of these dogs.

To save you the hassle of finding places where you can get an F1 or F1B Goldendoodle, here are some reputable sources where you can easily find them:

• AKC Marketplace – The breeders in the AKC marketplace ensure compliance with ethical breeding practices. However, since the organization focuses on purebred dogs, you can reach out to breeders of Poodles and Golden Retrievers if they have Goldendoodles available or if they have referrals for reliable breeders of these dogs.
• Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) – GANA is one of the country’s most reputable organizations focusing on Goldendoodles. Breeders in GANA follow a strict code of ethics that prioritizes the soundness and betterment of the Goldendoodle breed.
• Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is an online advertising site that does not condone puppy mills and prioritizes finding caring homes for healthy puppies, including Goldendoodles. They have a very user-friendly interface where you can filter the available dogs based on price, location, size, and even gender.

Both the F1 and F1B Goldendoodles may also be available for adoption at rescue centers.

Most Goldendoodles puppies adopted from rescues are already trained and have been given the appropriate veterinary care prior to being released for adoption.

If you’re looking to adopt an F1 or F1B Goldendoodle, check the following sources:

• International Doodle Owners Group Rescue (IDOG) – Established in 2006, this non-profit organization works with various organizations to reduce the number of Doodles that are euthanized. They have a simple yet critical adoption application process to ensure that their rescued Doodles end up with the right families.
• Doodle Dandy Rescue – With a team of more than 500 volunteers, they rescue, rehome, and rehabilitate Doodles within Texas, including Goldendoodles, as well. Their average adoption fee is $600, but it will also depend on the procedures done for these dogs.
• Norcal Poodle Rescue (NCPR) – Since its inception in 1985, NCPR has already rescued and rehomed more than 2,000 Doodles, including Goldendoodles. Their adoption fees range from $250 to $750 and will depend on the age and health status of the dog.

Regardless of whether you acquire your F1 or F1B Goldendoodle through a breeder or a rescue organization, research is always important to ensure that you end up with the best Goldendoodle for you.

RELATED: How Much Does a Goldendoodle Cost? (2023 Price Guide)

Final Thoughts

Both the F1 and F1B Goldendoodles have several variations in physical and personality features. With the F1 Goldendoodle being half Golden Retriever, they are very unpredictable due to their varying genes.

Conversely, the F1B Goldendoodle is 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle, increasing its Poodle characteristics in the mix, such as its being hypoallergenic and non-shedding.

So if you’re looking to get one of these Goldendoodles, study carefully which between the F1 and the F1B Goldendoodle will be a better fit for your family. Qe would love to hear your thoughts about these two versions of the Goldendoodle through the comments below!