F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle: Is There a Difference?

Written by August Croft
Updated: February 24, 2023
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Key Points:

  • One of the key differences between F1, F1B, and F2 Goldendoodles is their coat type. F1 Goldendoodles have a coat that is a mix of their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. F1B Goldendoodles have a coat that is more Poodle-like, as they are the offspring of an F1 Goldendoodle and a Poodle. F2 Goldendoodles have a coat that is a mix of F1 Goldendoodle and F1 Goldendoodle parents.
  • Another difference between these three types of Goldendoodles is their shedding tendencies. F1 Goldendoodles may shed moderately, as their coat is a mix of their parent breeds. F1B Goldendoodles tend to shed very little, as their coat is more similar to that of a Poodle, which is a low-shedding breed. F2 Goldendoodles may shed more than F1B Goldendoodles, but less than F1 Goldendoodles.
  • While temperament can vary greatly between individual dogs, there are some general differences between F1, F1B, and F2 Goldendoodles. F1 Goldendoodles tend to have a more balanced temperament, as they are a mix of their parent breeds. F1B Goldendoodles tend to be more intelligent and trainable, as their coat is more Poodle-like.

The Goldendoodle is a desirable family companion because of its hypoallergenic coat- but what are all of the differences between an F1 vs F1B vs F2 goldendoodle dog? While this may all sound like a lot of nonsense at the moment, we will be going over these different categories of goldendoodles in great detail so that you can learn all of the differences between them. 

Additionally, we will address the reasons that all of these different goldendoodle family trees exist, including their hypoallergenic qualities and overall cost. If you are considering adopting or breeding a goldendoodle, here’s everything you need to know about their ancestry and genetic capabilities.

Let’s get started and learn all about these different types of goldendoodles now! 

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Comparing F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle

F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodles
F1 goldendoodles have golden retriever and poodle parents, F1B goldendoodles have poodle and F1 goldendoodle parents, and F2 goldendoodles have F1 goldendoodle parents entirely.

©A-Z-Animals.com

F1 GoldendoodleF1B GoldendoodleF2 Goldendoodle
Parents or AncestryGolden retriever and poodleF1 goldendoodle and poodleF1 goldendoodle and F1 goldendoodle
AppearanceThe most golden retriever in appearance; has a loose wavy coat that still shedsThe most poodle in appearance; has wavy or curly coats that shed the least of the threeMost unpredictable in its appearance given the amount of genetic crossbreeding happening
Originally Bred ForSlight hypoallergenic uses; primarily as a family companionThe most hypoallergenic and intelligent, given its additional poodle breedingPotentially hypoallergenic uses, but bred to establish both dog breed personalities
BehaviorLess hypoallergenic than other options and more playful; the most like a golden retriever out of the threeIntelligent and best for households with allergies or ones that want less shedding; the majority of poodle personality and behaviorThe biggest wild card out of the three, but likely has the best split of their personality; the most like both a poodle and a golden retriever
CostMost expensiveMay go either way depending on the demandLeast expensive

Five Cool Facts About the Goldendoodle

Goldendoodle puppy playing with ball on beach
The Goldendoodle is a relatively new breed that was first bred in the United States in the 1990s.

©W.H. Photography/Shutterstock.com

The Goldendoodle is a popular hybrid dog breed that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Here are five cool facts about this lovable and friendly breed:

  1. They were first bred in the 1990s: The Goldendoodle is a relatively new breed that was first bred in the United States in the 1990s. The breed was created by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle, and the resulting offspring were called Goldendoodles.
  2. They come in different sizes: Goldendoodles come in a variety of sizes, ranging from miniature to standard. Miniature Goldendoodles are typically between 15 and 30 pounds, while standard Goldendoodles can weigh up to 90 pounds.
  3. They are hypoallergenic: Goldendoodles are known for being hypoallergenic, which means that they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people with allergies. This is because they have a Poodle-like coat that sheds very little.
  4. They are great with children: Goldendoodles are known for being gentle and patient with children, making them a popular family pet. They are also great with other pets, such as cats and other dogs.
  5. They are intelligent and trainable: Goldendoodles are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are eager to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.

Overall, the Goldendoodle is a friendly, lovable, and versatile breed that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Whether you’re looking for a hypoallergenic family pet or a trainable and intelligent companion, the Goldendoodle is definitely worth considering.

Key Differences Between F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle

F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodles

©Anasty/Shutterstock.com

There are many differences between F1, F1B, and F2 goldendoodles. The primary difference is in their ancestry, as F1 vs F1B vs F2 goldendoodles all have different dog breed parents. F1 goldendoodles have golden retriever and poodle parents, F1B goldendoodles have poodle and F1 goldendoodle parents, and F2 goldendoodles have F1 goldendoodle parents entirely.

But how does this determine the differences in these breeds? And why are some breeds more desirable than others? Let’s discuss all of this in more detail now.

F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle: Parents and Ancestry

F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle
F2 goldendoodles are bred using purebred goldendoodles exclusively, while F1B goldendoodles use a goldendoodle and a poodle.

©Rena Schild/Shutterstock.com

The primary difference between F1 vs F1B vs F2 goldendoodles lies in their parents, breeding, and ancestry. Goldendoodles are bred for a variety of reasons, and we will address those differences at length later. Let’s talk about the dog breeds that make all of these different goldendoodle hybrids!

F1 goldendoodles are the original goldendoodles. They are bred using purebred golden retrievers and poodles, while both F1B and F2 goldendoodles have a goldendoodle as at least one of the two parents. For example, F2 goldendoodles are bred using purebred goldendoodles exclusively, while F1B goldendoodles use a goldendoodle and a poodle.

F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle: Appearance

F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle
F1 goldendoodles have the loosest coat compared to F1B and F2 goldendoodles, given the amount of golden retriever DNA the hybrids have.

©Hannamariah/Shutterstock.com

The physical differences between F1 vs F1B vs F2 goldendoodles can be subtle. However, given that their parents and other dog breed qualities affect the way in which these puppies look and behave, you can imagine there are some subtle distinctions.

For example, F1 goldendoodles have the loosest coat compared to F1B and F2 goldendoodles, given the amount of golden retriever DNA the hybrids have. F2 goldendoodles are the most unpredictable in appearance given their strictly goldendoodle DNA, and F1B goldendoodles look the most like poodles, since their ancestry and breeding are primarily poodle.

F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle: Original Reason for Breeding

F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle
F1B goldendoodles are considered the most hypoallergenic out of all three of these goldendoodles, given their majority poodle DNA.

©everydoghasastory/Shutterstock.com

All goldendoodles are bred with hypoallergenic and low shedding needs in mind. However, there are some differences in the reasons why F1 vs F1B vs F2 goldendoodles are bred at all. While it all circles back to ancestry, let’s discuss some of these differences now.

F1B goldendoodles are considered the most hypoallergenic out of all three of these goldendoodles, given their majority poodle DNA. Poodles do not shed frequently and have hypoallergenic qualities, which many dog owners seek out nowadays. F1 doodles are slightly hypoallergenic, but may still shed and cause allergic reactions.

F2 goldendoodles are the biggest wild cards in terms of their coats and hypoallergenic properties, especially compared to the more genetically controlled F1 and F1B goldendoodle hybrids. However, F2 goldendoodles are desirable for their unpredictability and unique combinations, as the DNA of these dogs blends in a variety of ways!

F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle: Behavior

F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle
F2 goldendoodles are the biggest wild cards in terms of their coats and hypoallergenic properties, especially compared to the more genetically controlled F1 and F1B goldendoodle hybrids.

©Guy Banville/Shutterstock.com

Goldendoodles are prized for their friendly and affectionate natures, but there are some behavioral differences between F1, F1B, and F2 goldendoodles. If you are looking for a dog with the personality of a golden retriever, it is recommended that you stick with an F1 goldendoodle over an F1B or F2.

On the other hand, F1B goldendoodles will most resemble a poodle in personality and appearance, especially compared to an F1 or F2. When breeding two goldendoodles to create F2 doodles, you may be surprised at the personality that you end up with compared to the F1 or F1B possibilities!

F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle: Cost of Adoption

F1 vs F1B vs F2 Goldendoodle
F1B goldendoodles will most resemble a poodle in personality and appearance, especially compared to an F1 or F2.

A final difference between all of these goldendoodle hybrids is the cost of their adoptions. All of these are considered specialty dogs, bred for specific purposes, but you may be interested in knowing how much each one of these variations costs.

Most breeders say that F1 goldendoodles cost more than F1B or F2, given their entirely purebred background. F2 goldendoodles are the least expensive overall, especially when you consider the amount of options possible in F2 goldendoodle DNA. F1B doodles may be more expensive than F1 doodles on occasion, but this typically only happens when F1B doodles are in demand for their hypoallergenic natures.

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About the Author

I am a non-binary freelance writer working full-time in Oregon. Graduating Southern Oregon University with a BFA in Theatre and a specialization in creative writing, I have an invested interest in a variety of topics, particularly Pacific Northwest history. When I'm not writing personally or professionally, you can find me camping along the Oregon coast with my high school sweetheart and Chihuahua mix, or in my home kitchen, perfecting recipes in a gleaming cast iron skillet.

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