Goldendoodle Handbook
So, What generation Goldendoodle is best for me? You have finally decided on getting your first Goldendoodle. You have done your research, and you see your perfect picture dog in mind. But, when you start doing more research, you realize that there are many generations of Goldendoodle. You may be wondering which one is the best? Does it really matter what generation Doodle you get? Let’s explore this question a little more about the generations and the characteristics of each one.
First-Generation Goldendoodle
A first-generation Goldendoodle is the result of a Golden Retriever and Poodle cross. These Doodles are the first Doodles in their line, making them F1 lineage. Most breeders only have a selection of F1 Doodles and for a good reason.
Coat Types
- These Goldendoodles are the easiest to predict of all the Doodle dog generations. Their coats are always a low-shedding type that is wavy loose barrel waves. Litters in this generation can vary from one pup to the next. In a litter of 5, you may have three wavy coats and two curly coats. But, they will never have the tight curls of a Poodle. When you imagine a Goldendoodle, chances are you imagine an F1 generation.
Predictable
- The first-generation Goldendoodle is very predictable. There are usually no wild cards, such as straight coats or improper coats. They typically have a very predictable size, color, and to an extent, coat type. They are always a fun breed with a great temperament that everyone loves.
Health
- These Goldendoodles are considered the healthiest of all the generations available. This is because family histories can be traced so easily with pure-bred parents. Breeders are careful to track pure-bred registered dogs and track any health issues that may arise. They also carefully health screen the pure lines not to pass on any genetic diseases.
- The best Goldendoodle breeders will have a medical history of both parents and all close relatives. Having a medical history dramatically reduces the chances of your Doodle developing anything later in life.
History
- Another reason the first-generation Doodle is so popular is that their gene pool is so diverse. Most Doodles that come from a reputable breeder have extensive back history and family trees. This diverse gene pool gives them the advantage to not develop genetic deformities from inbreeding. Knowing these family trees can also help in predicting how puppies will look and act, which makes it easier for the breeder to find perfect homes for them.
Goldendoodle
F1B Generation
An F1B generation is a cross between a first-generation Doodle and a pure-bred Poodle. These Doodles are also great Doodles for multiple reasons.
Coat type
- The number one reason breeders created this cross is for their non-shedding coat. These coats are very curly, just like the Poodle, and are hypoallergenic. While you may have to groom these Doodles more often, they are great for allergy and asthma sufferers. There are never any wavy coats in this generation because they are 75% Poodle.
Size Differences
- Many breeders breed their F1B Doodles to be toy sizes. These small breeds only weigh 15-30 pounds, which is excellent for owners who live in apartments or prefer smaller dogs. These Doodles still have the fun-loving personality as the larger Doodles and are just as energetic.
Predictable
- These F1B Goldendoodles are also a great option because they are very predictable. Breeders know exactly what sizes, colors, and coat type they are getting with each litter. So, if you have your heart set on a black mini Goldendoodle chance are, you won’t have to wait long for one.
Health
- The F1B cross is a very healthy breed as long as all the parents come from healthy lines. This generation has very little chance of inbreeding and genetic deformities, as long as the family tree is known.
History
- The F1B generation is not so far from their pure-bred ancestry that you can not trace a family tree. This is great because it reduces the chances of inbreeding or genetic mutations. Most breeders who bred for the F1B generation, only use Doodles that they have also produced themselves. Using their own Doodles for this cross increases the likelihood that they know all family medical backgrounds.
What Goldendoodle is Best For Me?
2nd Generation Goldendoodle
The second-generation of Goldendoodles are a little harder to find from a reputable breeder. These Doodles can be very healthy if medical history is known and bred appropriately. The risk with a second-generation Doodle is that they could be from puppy mills or backyard breeders. To ensure that this is not the case, only buy a second-generation if they have bred both the parent Goldendoodles themselves. If they have bred the parents themselves, they will know family history and medical details too.
Coat Types
- With the F2 generation, there is a mixture of wavy, curly, and even straight coats. It is impossible to predict what coat types will come about, which is why most breeders do not breed for F2. There is also a risk of getting an improper coat in the F2 generations.
Health
- The second-generation can be just as healthy if appropriately bred. But in the hands of the wrong breeder, you can have genetic mutations arise that are not in any previous generations. Genetic mutations can be from inbreeding or medical history being unknown. Health tests can help detect any abnormalities, but not all.
Sizes
- Sizing with second-generation Goldendoodles can vary greatly. Even within a litter, you can have different sizes. This is especially true for second-generation mini Goldendoodles. Most breeders do not breed this cross because it can be life-threatening to the mother if the pups are too large. You can never be sure if the resulting puppies will be small, like the parents. Or if they will be large like their first-generation grandparents.
History
- As mentioned already, unless your breeder has bred the second-generation themselves from their F1 generation, it can be almost impossible to find out the family history. Without knowing this, you do not know if the parents are close relatives, if undesirable behavior has occurred, or medical history.
3rd Generation Goldendoodle
- A third-generation Goldendoodle is likely never to be seen. These Doodles would be so unpredictable that any reputable breeder wouldn’t dare to try it. Not only are things like coat and size unpredictable, but also temperament. When you get this mixed with a hybrid breed, there is no telling what you could end up with. With inbreeding and improper breeding, you could end up with a Doodle that hates people. And that my friend is very un-Doodle-like.
- 3rd generation Doodles are likely from backyard breeders who had an accidental litter. These puppies would not be the healthiest and would only cost a few hundred dollars. They likely would not have genetic testing done on either parents or puppies and could end up selling pups with extreme genetic mutations that can cause serious medical problems in the future.
- Our suggestion is to stay away from any so-called breeder who has an F3 Doodle or higher. These Doodles may not even be real Doodles at all. They could be a hybrid of several breeds that only loosely resembles a Doodle.
So, Which Is Best?
- That depends on what you are looking for in your Goldendoodle. If you would love a Goldendoodle and don’t mind a little shedding, a 1st generation is the best option for you. They have minimal shedding that daily brushing can control. They have that classic teddy bear look that you can’t help but squish. They are generally healthy and bred with purpose.
- If you love the Goldendoodle, but prefer one that is non-shedding an F1B generation might be the best for you. These Doodles can still come in a variety of sizes and colors, but with less shedding that the first-generation Goldendoodle. These Goldendoodles are still very healthy and can have the family medical history to back that up. They are adequately bred, and you won’t have any unexpected traits.
- We would never recommend getting a Doodle that could have genetic deformities or produced in unethical ways. That being said, there are very few Doodle breeders that breed F2 and higher. It is not impossible to find a breeder that knows what they are doing, but you have to be extra cautious. Ask as many questions as possible, view the breeding facility, ask about medical history, and never make a deposit until you have seen the dog. Since the second generation is unpredictable, you will want to make sure that you have seen the puppy and interacted with it before putting money down.
- And, it is best to stay away from any “breeder” that has a 3rd generation or higher. These are not breeders, and this is a huge red flag sign of a puppy mill.
In Conclusion
Only you will know which Doodle is the best option for your family and needs. As long as you do your research and double-check all their resources to understand what you are getting. A healthy dog that is well cared for and is loved is the most important thing. Any family pet you bring into your lives will be the best choice for your needs.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
