- Last updated: December 12, 2023 by
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Jeff
Doodle Generations - F1 versus F1b versus F2...
The designations describe the generation of the plant or animal, as it relates to the parents and/or grandparents. Let’s throw down a few quick definitions, and we’ll go ahead and define the terms in the context of Doodles. Definitions are from this Wikipedia page.
- F1 – “An F1 hybrid (also known as filial 1 hybrid) is the first filial generation of offspring of distinctly different parental types.” Translation = F1 Doodle means first generation cross between two different breeds. Poodle + Golden Retriever, for example.
- F2 and multigen – “The result of self or cross-pollination of F1s,” In other words, an F2 Doodle would be the result of crossing an F1 Doodle with another F1 Doodle. For multigens in the Doodle world, this term is sometimes used interchangeably with F2 but more often used to describe the mix of 2 different Doodle breeds. (An Australian Mountain Doodle, for example, which is a cross between an Aussiedoodle and Bernedoodle.)
- F1b – The “b” is short for “backcross”. From Wikipedia – “Backcrossing is a crossing of a hybrid with one of its parents or an individual genetically similar to its parent…” So, in the Doodle world, the F1b means that a breeder has taken an F1 (perhaps an F1 Goldendoodle) and backcrossed the dog with a dog from the original breed of one parent. A purebred…almost always the Poodle.
There are other Doodle generations, of course, but for today we’ll limit our discussion to these.
The F1 Doodles.
F1 Doodle = Poodle + Golden Retriever (or Poodle + Border Collie, Poodle + Great Pyrenees, Poodle + Bernese Mountain Dog, and so on.)
Since F1 Doodles are 50% Poodle, they will tend to shed less and therefore typically cause fewer problems with allergies than a purebred Golden Retriever, Great Pyrenees, etc. Many families want this possibility, and this is often the reason families begin their search for their new Doodle. (Although there are other qualities that the families soon learn to love even more!)
So why not just get a Poodle, you ask?
If most families begin their search looking for a low shedding, low allergenic dog, then why not just adopt a Poodle? Well, it turns out many of these families love the personalities or temperaments of the other breeds. I’ve spoken with hundreds of people who tell me something like, “I grew up with Golden Retrievers and I love them…I just can’t do the shedding!” Or, “I grew up around Border Collies and I love those dogs. But my spouse is allergic, so I’m looking for a pup with Border Collie smarts, but with less allergies.”
The F1 Doodle is often a good solution for these families.
So for those families searching for less shedding and potentially less allergies, but who ALSO want the personality and temperament of the purebred in their family pet, the F1 provides this combination most often.
Because F1s are half purebred (Retriever (Pyrenees, Collie, etc), they may still shed slightly. But they’ll almost always shed significantly less than their purebred counterparts. Their coats can be wavy, more like the Retriever, or they might be curlier, like the Poodle. They are extremely intelligent and learn very quickly, and provide a terrific option for those who struggle with shedding and allergies!
The F1b Doodles.
F1b Doodle = F1 Doodle + Poodle. In this scenario, we are backcrossing the Doodle (any type) with another Poodle.
Because the F1b is a cross between a Poodle and an F1 Doodle, the result will be 75% Poodle and 25% Retriever (Pyrenees, Collie, etc). This means that the dog might shed even less and therefore cause less problems with allergies. However, because the dog is only 25% Retriever (Pyrenees, Collie, etc), it may have fewer traits that pet owners find attractive in those dogs.
F1bs are still very intelligent and are typically very easily trainable. Poodles are of course the second smartest dogs on the planet! (Behind only Border Collies.) The coats of the F1b can vary more and often offer more color variations. The coats can still be wavy, but will usually be curlier, like the Poodle. And because they’re “more Poodle”, there is even greater chance to have less shedding and fewer allergy issues. But remember, genetics is not a perfect science!
The F2 Doodles. (And other generations.)
F2 Doodle = F1 Doodle + F1 Doodle
A less common Doodle generation is the F2 Doodle. These dogs are once again 50% Poodle and 50% Purebred (Pyrenees, Collie, Retriever, etc), since two of the grandparents were Poodles and two were Purebreds. These dogs are far less common than F1s and F1bs and what traits a particular pup will possess will likely be less predictable.
F2s make terrific pets but most owners opt for the F1 or the F1b. And other generations, F2bs, F3s and multigens, they are also less common
Remember, nothing is guaranteed in genetics.
Remember, there is no guarantee in genetics. Similar to humans, certain traits can be passed in spite of the odds. But certain Doodle generations can greatly increase your chances of finding the perfect new family member, so do your research! Take your time and you’ll find closest thing to the perfect Doodle! Please feel free to send us your questions and we’ll help you in your search!
