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ToggleF1 vs. F1B Goldendoodle: What’s the difference?
If you’re new to the Goldendoodle world, I’m sure you’ve seen dog breeders advertising the letters F1 and F1B. I’m also sure that you’ve wondered what the difference was between an F1 vs. F1B Goldendoodle. There are significant differences between an F1 and F1B Goldendoodle in terms of the amount of shedding, how hypoallergenic they will be, and the amount of hybrid vigor they will receive. In this article, I will explain the main differences between an F1 vs. F1B Goldendoodle.

What Does F1 Mean?
Let’s first break down the meaning of “F1” in the word F1 Goldendoodle. The letter “F” stands for the word filial, which simply means that the dog is a crossbred dog and not a purebred dog. All Goldendoodles are a crossbred dog between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle so they will have the letter “F” in their generational name. Second, the number “1” simply means that this will be the first generation offspring between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.

What is a F1 Goldendoodle?
An F1 Goldendoodle is going to be 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever by genetics. The F1 Goldendoodle is a cross between a 100% Poodle and 100% Golden Retriever which yields a first-generation F1 Goldendoodle that is 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever. See the image below for a better understanding of the F1 Goldendoodle.
The F1 Goldendoodle is one of the more popular generations of Goldendoodles that are bred because both the Poodle and Golden Retriever are common dogs. However, this doesn’t mean that this is the best Goldendoodle generation. The downside of an F1 Goldendoodle is that their physical traits and personality will vary widely depending on which genes are dominant. Since the F1 Goldendoodle is 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever, you simply don’t know how much this Goldendoodle will shed, how hypoallergenic they will be, and what their coat will look like.
In general, Poodle genetics will create a wavy or curly coat that is more nonshedding and hypoallergenic. On the other hand, a Golden Retriever will have a smooth coat that sheds. In terms of personality, the Poodle will be more intelligent while the Golden Retriever is more loving and loyal.
The best aspect of the F1 Goldendoodle is that they gain a health benefit called Hybrid Vigor. Hybrid Vigor means that a crossbred dog will be healthier than their purebred parent dogs. This is because purebred inbreeding causes the same genetic defects to continually be passed down to their offspring. Since the F1 Goldendoodle is a crossbred dog, it will only inherit medical genetic problems that are common to the Poodle and Golden Retriever.
Summary of the F1 Goldendoodle:
- Hypoallergenic: Not Guaranteed.
- Coat Type: Unknown. It could be straight, wavy, or curly.
- Non-shedding: Not Guaranteed.
- Hybrid Vigor: Yes, it has the highest qualities.
What Does F1B Mean?
The meaning of F1B is the same as F1, except the letter “B” stands for Backcross. Backcross means that an F1 dog is a backcross bred with a purebred parent breed.
The”F” still stands for the word filial, which means it’s a crossbred dog and the number “1” still means it’s the first generation offspring between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever.
What is a F1B Goldendoodle?
The F1B Goldendoodle is 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever. In order to get an F1B Goldendoodle, you need to breed an F1 Goldendoodle and backcross it with either a 100% Poodle or a 100% Golden Retriever. Almost always, a Goldendoodle breeder will choose to breed an F1 Goldendoodle with a 100% Poodle because of the nonshedding and hypoallergenic features. Breeding an F1 Goldendoodle (50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever) with a 100% Poodle yields an F1B Goldendoodle which is (75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever). See the image below for a visual explanation of an F1B Goldendoodle.
The F1B Goldendoodle is the most popular Goldendoodle generation amongst breeders because it is more nonshedding and hypoallergenic than an F1 Goldendoodle. Since the F1B Goldendoodle is 75% Poodle, it has a significantly higher chance of a wavy or curly coat that doesn’t shed and is extremely hypoallergenic. These are more desirable features in a Goldendoodle which is why dog owners would elect for an F1B vs. F1 Goldendoodle.
The downside of the F1B Goldendoodle is that they get less of the Hybrid Vigor trait than the F1 Goldendoodle. Since an F1B is technically a “2nd” generation crossbred, they will inherit less of this Hybrid Vigor trait. As the generation of Goldendoodle increases, the less the Hybrid Vigor trait they inherit.
Summary of the F1B Goldendoodle:
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Coat Type: Wavy or curly
- Non-shedding: Yes
- Hybrid Vigor: Yes, but less so than an F1 Goldendoodle
Differences between F1 vs. F1B Goldendoodle
There are significant differences between an F1 vs. F1B Goldendoodle because an F1 Goldendoodle is 50% Poodle vs. an F1B Goldendoodle that is 75% Poodle. Most dog owners prefer to get a breed that has more Poodle genes because the Poodle coat is nonshedding and hypoallergenic. In general, an F1 Goldendoodle will shed more, be less hypoallergenic, but have better health via Hybrid Vigor. On the other hand, an F1B Goldendoodle will have a wavy or curly coat that sheds less and is more hypoallergenic.
In general, many dog owners will choose the F1B Goldendoodle vs. F1 Goldendoodle because they want a coat that sheds less and doesn’t give them allergies. However, the downside of an F1B Goldendoodle is that the more nonshedding the coat is, the more you will have to groom your Goldendoodle to prevent the fur from tangling and getting mattes. This includes regularly cutting your Goldendoodles hair every 8 to 12 weeks.
The upside to getting an F1 Goldendoodle is that they will inherit the most Hybrid Vigor qualities between two purebred dogs. Hybrid Vigor means that the F1 Goldendoodle will be healthier than their purebred Poodle or Golden Retriever parent. An F1B Goldendoodle inherits some Hybrid Vigor qualities, but less so than the F1 Goldendoodle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do F1 Goldendoodles shed?
F1 Goldendoodles are a low-frequency shedding dog, meaning they don’t shed too much! You can expect some shedding, of course, but far less than other breeds. Many people consider F1 Goldendoodles to be zero shedders, but this is a myth. The low-shedding might seem like they don’t shed, but your Goldendoodle will shed, and you must be ready for it.
Their shorter coats mean less hair when they shed, and it generally doesn’t irritate people with milder pet allergies. You can brush your Goldendoodle weekly, too, to help prevent excess hair shedding and keep their fur loss to a minimum.
F1 Goldendoodles will shed their fur seasonally. As they are double-coated dogs, you will notice more shedding in the summer and winter as their coats adjust to the new temperatures. They still shed far less than other double-coated breeds, but be prepared to have the vacuum at the ready!
Providing that you regularly brush your dog, have the correct shampoo, and feed them a balanced and nutritious diet, you should not notice too much shedding from your F1 Goldendoodle.
Are F1 Goldendoodles hyper?
Yes, F1 Goldendoodles can be hyper! Both the Poodle and Golden Retriever are hyper, energetic, and playful dogs. Mixing them results in a breed that is just as playful and energetic!
Their energy levels and hyper-ness vary depending on the age of your Goldendoodle, but they are still prone to some zoomies at any age! The best way to deal with it is plenty of exercise and playtime. Again, how much exercise will vary depending on the age of your Goldendoodle, but a daily walk and playtime is recommended.
Stimulating toys like Kongs can be useful to curb those energy levels and keep your dog busy, as well as an old-fashioned game of fetch in a field. Playtime and a walk where your dog can be off the lead and running free should help burn off the energy and keep your Goldendoodle as happy as possible.
Provided you enjoy a walk and have some time every day to play with them (roughly 30 minutes), the dog’s hyperness shouldn’t be much of an issue for you. Especially if you have some children to play with the dog, your F1 Goldendoodle will never be bored!
Are F1 Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?
While there is some debate about this, most owners and breeders consider F1 Goldendoodles to be hypoallergenic dogs. Their shedding is minimal, and many owners cite that these dogs have not triggered any reactions to those with allergies to fur.
However, you should still proceed with caution. An F1 Goldendoodle is a 50% Golden Retriever, a breed with a much higher likelihood of shedding. These dogs aren’t usually recommended for allergy sufferers, so you should proceed with caution.
Many parents and owners have noted that there were little or no allergic reactions with F1 Goldendoodles, but that doesn’t mean the risk isn’t there. You should strongly consider this before purchasing an F1 Goldendoodle if you or anyone you live with has allergies.
Instead of an F1 Goldendoodle, you might want to consider an F1B or F2B Goldendoodle. These dogs feature more Poodle genetics that tends to shed less and therefore not irritate allergies sufferers as much or at all. As there is such a mix of opinions out there, it can be hard to know what’s best, but whichever Goldendoodle you choose, the risk of irritating allergies is fairly low!
Which is better: F1 or F1B Goldendoodle?
When deciding which is better, the F1 or F1B Goldendoodle, you need to consider what is more important. Narrowing down the attributes you want from your dog can help you decide which Goldendoodle best suits your home.
For example, if you want a hypoallergenic dog, you would be better suited to the F1B Goldendoodle. They tend to shed far less and are considered the more hypoallergenic option. Those with allergies reported far less or no reactions when living with F1B Goldendoodles than F1 Goldendoodles.
This allergy-free dog comes at a price, though, F1B Goldendoodles tend to be more expensive than F1 Goldendoodles, and you should factor this added cost into your budget when deciding which Goldendoodle is best for you.
You should also consider the grooming needs of the dog. Generally, an F1B has curlier hair than an F1 Goldendoodle and needs far more grooming. It will be more effort to groom your dog, and you should consider this carefully when making your decision.
While we think both F1 and F1B Goldendoodles are fantastic dogs, if you are after a hypoallergenic dog, the F1B should be your choice, although it will cost you more. Similarly, if you want a lower-maintenance dog to groom, the F1 Goldendoodle is the better choice. Consider what you want and need carefully before making your final decision.
Are F1 Goldendoodles good dogs?
Yes, F1 Goldendoodles are good dogs! Generally speaking, these dogs are intelligent and loving dogs that make excellent pets. F1 Goldendoodles can be trained easily and love being everyone’s best friends. They should settle in and want to be near your family, with a strong desire to please you.
These are dogs that enjoy lots of praise and playtime! They also enjoy walks, hunting, and water, making them fantastic dogs for an active couple or family. You will need to be mindful that these dogs can be wary around strangers. They are always the first to notice a stranger and are very alert about this, but it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Here, we think all dogs are good dogs, and the F1 Goldendoodle is no exception! Providing you can offer them an active lifestyle with plenty of playtime and affection, the F1 Goldendoodle will be a good dog to introduce to your home.
They are ideal for homes with children too, and as they are the first generation, they tend to have fewer health risks or complications in later life. These factors and their low shedding make F1 Goldendoodles a good dog to introduce to your home.
Can you breed an F1 Goldendoodle with an F1B Goldendoodle?
Yes, you can. If you breed an F1 Goldendoodle with an F1B Goldendoodle, you get an F2B Goldendoodle. These third generation offspring are commonly referred to as multi-generation Goldendoodles.
An F2B Goldendoodle carries 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Golden retriever genes. Some breeders breed an F1B Goldendoodle with another F1B Goldendoodle, producing an F2B dog that carries 75% Poodle and 25% Golden retriever genes.
Thanks to the large percentage of Poodle genes in an F2B Goldendoodle, the puppies usually have very curly coats and are very light shedders, making them more hypoallergenic. That said, since the dogs are hybrids, there are sure to be exceptions to that rule. That’s what makes owning a Goldendoodle so exciting – you don’t know exactly how your puppy will turn out until he grows up!
Are F1B Goldendoodles healthy?
F1B Goldendoodles are healthy, yes! These dogs are known as Hybrid Vigor dogs, meaning they are healthier than the purebred parents! It means you won’t need to worry as much about health complications and long-term issues in the same way you would with a purebred Poodle or Golden Retriever.
However, as F1B Goldendoodles are second-generation or F1 Godlendoodle’s offspring, they lose some Hybrid Vigor characteristics. It shouldn’t impact their health too much, but you will need regular vet checkups to ensure your dog remains as healthy as possible.
Providing that your F1B Goldendoodle is fed a healthy and balanced diet and has regular exercise, then they should remain healthy for most of their life. You will still need to be aware of health conditions that these dogs can develop, though.
Goldendoodles are prone to eye diseases, skin conditions, heart conditions, and hip dysplasia throughout their lives. Regular vet check-ups and ensuring you purchase your dog from a reputable breeder helps to minimize the risk of these illnesses. Overall, F1B Goldendoodles are healthy dogs, but you need to be aware of any health issues that could develop over time.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed our comparison of F1 and F1B Goldendoodles and found the information helpful. Please share the article if you loved it!
F1 and F1B Goldendoodles have notable differences when it comes to personality and physical attributes. Since both breeds are essentially hybrid dogs, their genetic makeup varies from puppy to puppy, depending on which parent dog’s genes are dominant in each of their offspring. That means that the color, size, and personality of the puppies can’t be accurately predicted.
Generally, F1 Goldendoodles tend to have straighter coats that shed more, so these dogs aren’t considered to be hypoallergenic but are the better choice if ease of grooming is important to you. F1B Doodles, however, are 75% Poodle, so their coats are usually wavy or very curly and they shed very little. Both breeds are friendly, sociable, and make wonderful family pets. However, the F1B crossbreed is considered to be more intelligent and trainable than the F1 Goldendoodle that’s typically more loving and loyal.