If you’ve ever swooned over an adorable Goldendoodle on Instagram (don’t worry, we have too), you probably know they’re part Golden Retriever, part Poodle, and 100% lovable. But what you might not know is that these fluffy bundles come in different generations—F1, F1B, F2, and multigenerational—and each has its own unique traits.
To help us break down the doodle DNA, we spoke with Joshua Shade from Pride & Prejudoodles, a breeder who knows the ins and outs of these popular pups. Here’s what you need to know before you pick your perfect doodle.
Goldendoodle Generations Explained
First, let’s start with the basics of doodle genetics.
F1 Goldendoodles
An F1 Goldendoodle is the first generation, a direct cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. It’s the only generation that is exactly 50/50 in terms of its genetic makeup. While this mix can result in some adorable pups, shedding is still a major factor.
“F1 Goldendoodles tend to shed more than people expect,” says Joshua. “Even though they carry some non-shedding genes from the Poodle, the shedding gene from the Golden Retriever is dominant. So, shedding is still a concern.”
Unfortunately, F1s are not hypoallergenic—a common misconception. While they do carry recessively Poodle genes that may reduce shedding, it’s not enough to guarantee a
non-shedding coat, because the retriever’s fur genes are dominant. If you’re specifically looking for a low-shedding or hypoallergenic dog, an F1 may not be the best choice.
F1B Goldendoodles
An F1B Goldendoodle is bred by crossing an F1 Goldendoodle with a Poodle, which results in approximately 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever genetics. The primary benefit of this breeding is that hopefully half of the litter will shed less, or not at all.
“Because the F1 parent carries some Poodle genes for non-shedding, half of the pups from this pairing will inherit the non-shedding genes,” explains Joshua. “However, the other half will still shed.”
The genetic pool here is much more complex—shedding isn’t determined by a single gene but by over 27 possible genes, which means that even within an F1B litter, some puppies will have less shedding than others. DNA testing plays a key role in predicting these traits and can help breeders make informed decisions.
F2 Goldendoodles
F2 Goldendoodles are the result of breeding two F1 Goldendoodles together. As a result, they’re likely still 50/50 Golden Retriever and Poodle, just like F1s. Because of this, shedding can be unpredictable. Statistically 75% or so should still shed.
“F2s are often hit or miss when it comes to shedding,” says Joshua. “A quarter of the pups may shed less or not at all, but the rest will likely inherit the shedding traits from the Golden Retriever side. There’s no guarantee that F2s will be hypoallergenic.”
If you’re aiming for a low-shedding Doodle, F2s might not be your best bet. The key issue is the continued presence of the Golden Retriever’s shedding genes.
Multigenerational Goldendoodles
Multigenerational Goldendoodles are the result of breeding over four or more several, starting from the original breeds to F1 and continuing through several generations, and beyond. By this stage, breeders have been focusing on reducing shedding genes while working on other desired traits.
“These dogs are bred over multiple generations with a focus on eliminating the shedding gene from the Golden Retriever,” explains Joshua. “Through careful genetic testing, we identify which pups carry the right genes for a non-shedding coat and continue breeding from there.”
However, Joshua cautions that you can’t simply breed two Goldendoodles and expect results. It’s crucial to understand the genetics of both parents and conduct thorough DNA testing to ensure the puppies inherit the right traits. “Without proper testing, you risk producing puppies that could still shed or pass on undesirable traits.”
Choosing the Right Goldendoodle for You
If avoiding shedding is a priority, Joshua recommends focusing on later generations.
“A multigenerational Goldendoodle is your best bet if you’re looking for a low-shedding, hypoallergenic companion,” he says. “For families who love the Golden Retriever’s temperament but can handle shedding, an F1 can be a great option.”
Common Myths About Goldendoodle Breeding
There are plenty of misconceptions floating around about Goldendoodles, especially when it comes to shedding and coat types. Here are some of the most common myths—and the facts that debunk them.
Myth 1: F1 Goldendoodles Are Hypoallergenic
Fact: Many people assume that F1 Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, but this isn’t the case.
“While F1s do have Poodle genes that can reduce shedding, they carry those recessively, they still inherit the shedding gene from the Golden Retriever side which is the dominant gene,” says Joshua. “This means they can shed more than people expect, and they aren’t hypoallergenic.” If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog, an F1 may not be the best choice.
Myth 2: All F1B Goldendoodles Won’t Shed
Fact: F1B Goldendoodles, which are 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever, have a better chance of being non-shedding than F1s. However, non-shedding still isn’t guaranteed. “F1B Goldendoodles are more likely to shed less, but some will still shed, depending on their genetics,” says Joshua. “There are different genes that contribute to shedding, so even within an F1B litter, some pups will shed more than others statistically about half will shed a lot”.
Myth 3: You Can Line-Breed Goldendoodles to Get Perfect Results
Fact: Line-breeding—breeding dogs from the same lineage to emphasize certain traits—may seem like a shortcut to producing non-shedding or hypoallergenic Goldendoodles, but Joshua cautions against relying on this approach.
“Line-breeding can sometimes lead to undesirable traits being magnified, especially if you’re not conducting genetic testing,” he explains. “Without a clear understanding of the genetics at play, you could end up with a litter that sheds more or has other health problems.” This is a particular risk with doodles since shedding is actually the dominant gene.
Instead of relying on line breeding, Josh recommends DNA testing over several generations to ensure that the right genes are being passed down to reduce shedding and improve overall health.
Myth 4: You Can Easily Tell if a Goldendoodle Will Shed
Fact: It’s not always easy to tell if a Goldendoodle will shed or not, especially when they’re puppies.
“You really can’t predict shedding tendencies just by looking at it until a dog is around six months old,” says Joshua. “At that point, you can start to see how the coat is developing. It’s important to remember that even with the right genetics, a dog’s coat will evolve as they grow.”
Breeding for Health and Temperament
At Pride & Prejudoodles, the breeding process is about more than just cute puppies. Joshua shared insights into their meticulous approach to ensuring healthy, happy dogs.
- Genetic Testing
“We test for over 200 genetic conditions to ensure we’re breeding healthy dogs,” Joshua says. “If a pairing of dogs results in any harmful genes we won’t match them up.”
- Careful Selection
“Breeding isn’t just about looks. We bring in studs with specific traits and track our lineage back for generations. I have a few lines that I have had for up to eight generations. It’s a precise process aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes.”
- Prioritizing Health
“Our breeding dogs are young, healthy, and well-cared for. Their diets and care plans are tailored to keep them in peak condition because healthy happy moms produce healthy happy puppies,” Joshua emphasizes.
- Ethical Retirement
“When it’s time for our dogs to retire, they go to loving homes. Many of my retired dogs are in my friends and family’s homes.,” Joshua explains.
Investing in Quality
While Goldendoodles are a popular breed, Joshua encourages prospective owners to choose their breeder carefully.
“You can find Goldendoodles at a lower price point, but it’s important to consider the long-term costs,” he says. “Investing in a well-bred puppy now can save you from unexpected vet bills and health issues later.”
Ready for Your Perfect Goldendoodle?
Whether you’re looking for a low-shedding, hypoallergenic companion or simply love the Goldendoodle’s playful charm, understanding the different generations can help you make an informed decision.
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