Anybody who loves doodles loves the Goldendoodle (also called the Groodle), but what is an F1b Goldendoodle? This furry bundle of joy is a mix of pure golden love and curly charm. They take after their Poodle parents a bit more, meaning they have adorable curls that make you want to reach out and squeeze them.
But what does F1b mean, and is it better than an F1 or F2 Goldendoodle? Because this is still an emerging breed, it’s vital to know as much about them before you start Googling “F1b Goldendoodle puppies for sale near me.” So we consulted The Goldendoodle Handbook: The Essential Guide For New & Prospective Goldendoodle Owners for everything you need to know.
So What Is An F1b Goldendoodle?
An F1b Goldendoodle (or Groodle) is a 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever dog. This means that an F1 or first-generation Golden Retriever Poodle cross is bred again to a Poodle to try to ensure the Poodle’s low shedding, hypoallergenic curly coat. F1b Goldendoodles are usually more sensitive and energetic than most other Goldendoodles.
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Golden Doodles are a “B” version, which stands for “backcross.” The “F” stands for “Filial,” which refers to the generation. So it means F1b means it’s a first-generation cross that is backcrossed to one of the parent breeds.
This means that technically an F1b Goldendoodle could also be a cross between an F1 Goldendoodle and a Golden Retriever, giving them more Golden characteristics like a shedding coat and easy-going temperament. However, usually, it means the dog is “backcrossed” with a Poodle. Still, if you are looking for an allergy-friendly dog, check with the breeder that your Goldendoodle puppy is 75% Poodle, not & 75% Golden Retriever.
With the F1b Doodle, it’s like they wanted to add an extra dollop of Poodle hypoallergenic magic to the already delightful mix. So, they took an F1 Goldendoodle (50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever) and crossed it back with a Poodle. It’s like a doggy remix, creating an even more curly and hypoallergenic pup.
What is the Difference Between F1b and F1 Goldendoodles?
The F1 Goldendoodle and F1B Goldendoodle share many similarities, such as their friendly and affectionate personalities. However, there are distinct differences in their temperament, looks, and coat.
The F1 Goldendoodle’s temperament can vary based on their genetic makeup. As a first-generation crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, F1 Goldendoodles may have more diverse temperaments. Some may exhibit traits of their Golden Retriever parent, such as being outgoing and energetic, while others may have a more reserved and calm temperament like their Poodle parent.
On the other hand, the F1B Goldendoodle’s temperament tends to be more predictable. As a result of breeding an F1 Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle, F1B Goldendoodles typically inherit more of the Poodle’s traits. This often means they are more shy, reserved, intelligent, and easy to train.
The F1 Goldendoodle’s appearance can vary widely, depending on their parents’ genes. Some F1 Goldendoodles have loose, wavy coats similar to their Golden Retriever parent, while others have tight, curly coats like their Poodle parent. Their coat colors can range from cream to red to black.
In contrast, the F1B Goldendoodle’s coat tends to be more consistent. They usually have tight, curly or wavy coats, similar to a Poodle’s. This coat type tends to be more hypoallergenic and sheds less than an F1 Goldendoodle’s coat. Their coat colors can also vary, but they often inherit more of the Poodle’s color genes
Goldendoodles Generations Explained
To best explain what you need to know about the different generations of Goldendoodles and to help you choose the right one for you, we’ve made this Goldendoodle chart to compare:
| Cross | Coat | Temperament | |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 Goldendoodle | Purebred Golden Retriever X Purebred Poodle | Loose & wavy coats with some shedding | The F1 has the most Golden Retriever-like temperament. They are usually more confident, relaxed, and easy to manage. This is a good family dog. |
| F2 Goldendoodle | F1 Goldendoodle X F1 Goldendoodle | This is the most unpredictable generation. Some have flat, shedding coats like the Golden Retriever, and some have Poodle-type coat (and everything in between) | The F2 mixes the personality traits of the Poodle and Golden Retriever |
| F1b Goldendoodle | F1 Goldendoodle X Poodle | Far more curly, single coats with little to no shedding. | Usually a far more active active dog, extremely intelligent, but also highly sensitive |
| F1bb Goldendoodle | F1b Goldendoodle X Poodle(88% poodle and 12% Golden Retriever) | The most reliably poodle-like hypoallergenic coat | Extremely hyperactive, hypersensitive, and hyper-intelligent. |
| F3 or multigenerational Goldendoodle | F2 X F2 Goldendoodle or F1b X F1b | Typically wavy coats with little shedding. | Well-bred F3s should have calmer temperaments and good natures more like the Golden Retriever. |
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History Of The F1b Goldendoodle
The F1b Goldendoodle resulted from the Doodle trend that began in the 1990s. It started in Australia when Wally Conron, a breeding manager for the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia, began crossing Labradors with Poodles to create the Labradoodle. Wally wanted to breed guide dogs that don’t shed so that people with disabilities and pet allergies could still get a dog.
Wally’s crossbred dogs had mixed success as guide dogs, but it still sparked the Doodle craze that led to many other Poodle mixed breeds, like the mini Sheepadoodle. The Golden Retriever is also a common breed for designer breeds, creating dogs like the Golden Cavalier.
However, because the Golden Retriever is a heavy shedder, Goldendoodles are often not hypoallergenic dogs when they inherit the Golden’s coat. So breeders may usually choose to add more Poodle blood to ensure more puppies with a Poodle’s low-shedding, allergy-friendly coat.
The F1b Goldendoodle is a backcross of an F1 Goldendoodle with a Poodle. This was done to enhance the hypoallergenic coat of the breed further, as the Poodle is known for its non-shedding and low-allergenic qualities.
Since their creation, F1b Goldendoodles have become increasingly popular as family pets due to their affectionate, gentle nature and trainability. They are often used as therapy dogs and are known for their ability to connect with humans and provide emotional support.
What Does The F1b Goldendoodle Look Like?
The appearance of a Goldendoodle depends on the coat genes inherited from its parents. The coat type can range from shaggy or smooth with slight waves to tight curls like the Poodle. Since the F1b Goldendoodle still has both Golden Retriever and Poodle parents, they are likelier to have a low or non-shedding single coat with tight curls than an F1 Groodle. But this is not guaranteed; some still inherit the silky Golden Retriever double-coat.
While Golden Retrievers are known to shed a lot, Goldendoodles shed significantly less or sometimes not. With an F1b Goldendoodle, you have the best chance of getting a low shedder or even a dog that does not shed.
There are 13 possible colors and patterns in Goldendoodles, including:
- Chocolate;
- Red;
- Apricot;
- Champagne;
- Black;
- Merle;
- Brindle;
- Cream;
- Silver beige;
- Abstract;
- Phantom;
- Tan;
- White;
- Black and white;
- Gray or blue;
- Silver, silver beige;
- Sable; and
- Particolored.
In terms of physical features, this breed mix typically possesses wide-set brown to amber eyes, ears that fold over, and a thick tail. Many have webbing between their toes like the Golden Retriever, but the F1b Groodle usually has a longer nose and leaner body than the F1 or F2 Goldendoodle.
How Big Does The Standard F1b Goldendoodle Get?
The Standard F1b Goldendoodle is a medium-to-large breed dog. Their height ranges between 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm) at the shoulder, and they weigh 45 to 70 pounds (20 to 32 kg).
How Big Does The Mini F1b Goldendoodle Get?
A full-grown Miniature F1b Goldendoodle ( a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle) generally stands between 13 to 20 inches (33 to 50 cm) at the shoulder. Usually, it weighs between 15 to 35 pounds (7 to 16 kg). You can get a Toy Goldendoodle when A Miniature Goldendoodle is bred with a Toy Poodle. These may be even smaller than the typical Mini Goldendoodle.
F1b Goldendoodle Temperament, Trainability & Intelligence
There are three words to describe the F1b Goldendoodle: sensitive, intuitive, and hyperactive. These dogs make excellent emotional support animals as they are highly empathetic. However, with their sensitive natures, they can also be reactive, anxious, and fearful if one does not socialize them properly as puppies.
Because of their Poodle heritage, they can be genetically prone to being afraid of loud noises, so be careful during thunderstorms and fireworks. Building these dogs’ confidence from a young age is extremely important, as avoiding any negative experiences or harsh treatment.
The F1b Goldendoodle is bursting with personality and is known for being incredibly friendly, playful, joyful, and smart. They’re the type of dog who will happily wag their tail at everyone they meet and will melt your heart with their soulful eyes. However, with more Poodle influence, they are not always as happy-go-lucky as the Golden Retriever and can be a little more high-strung.
One thing to remember about an F1b Goldendoodle is that these dogs have startling levels of intelligence. Many can train their owners far better than their owners can train them. You need to puppy-proof your home well because they will work out how to open doors, latches, cupboards, or get up to shelves. They love water and enjoy swimming. They also love having a job, so activities like dock jumping are an excellent choice for this dog.
F1b Goldendoodle Health
As the F1b Goldendoodle is 75% Poodle, it tends to have less “hybrid vigor” than an F1 Groodle. This is because it is far more likely to inherit health problems from the Poodle parent while still being vulnerable to issues from their Golden Retriever Grandparent. Health issues to look out for include:
- Cancer;
- Heart and lung conditions;
- Allergies and food sensitivities;
- Hip and elbow dysplasia;
- Hypothyroidism;
- Diabetes;
- Obesity;
- Dental disease;
- Patella luxation (shifting kneecaps); and
- Eye problems such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), glaucoma, or cataracts.
A reputable breeder will always screen their breeding dogs for these genetic problems before breeding.
General Care Of An F1b Goldendoodle
Grooming Needs
The F1b Goldendoodle’s coat requires regular grooming to keep it clean and tangle-free. Their curly or wavy hair should be brushed at least 2-3 times weekly to prevent matting and remove loose hair. You may need professional grooming every 8-12 weeks to keep their coat manageable.
They have sensitive skin, so choosing a gentle and suitable dog shampoo is vital. Additionally, regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are essential to their grooming routine. Mini Goldendoodles are very prone to dental disease.
Dietary Needs
Your Goldendoodle needs a diet specific to their age, size (mini and standard Golden Retriever Poodle mixes need different diets), and health. Several health issues can affect their diet, including problems like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which they can get from too little taurine in their diets.
Exercise Needs
The F1b Goldendoodle is a hyper-energetic and active breed that requires regular exercise to stay mentally and physically stimulated. Aim for at least 60 minutes of daily exercise, including walks, playtime, and interactive activities. These dogs thrive on exercise and adore swimming, fetching, and running.
Engaging them in mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or obedience training, can also help channel their intelligence and prevent boredom.
Housing Needs
The F1b Goldendoodle does best in homes with access to outdoor space where they can exercise and explore. Mini versions may need less space but still need a ton of exercise. A safe and secure environment is essential, whether it’s a securely fenced yard or supervised outdoor activities. Goldendoodles are social dogs and prefer being close to their families, so providing them with ample indoor space and comfortable bedding is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Does An F1b Goldendoodle Puppy Cost?
Depending on the breeder and the dog’s bloodline, you can expect to pay $1500 to $6000 for an F1b Goldendoodle. As more and more Doodles flood the market due to rising popularity, you can also adopt a Goldendoodle from organizations like Doodle Rescue Collective.
How long does the F1b Goldendoodle live?
The F1b Goldendoodle generally has a relatively long lifespan, typically 10 to 15 years. However, it’s important to note that individual factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health, can influence their lifespan.
Are F1b Goldendoodles okay with kids?
F1b Goldendoodles are good with children and good family dogs for active families. However, they are energetic, and the bigger dogs can knock small children over accidentally. Always supervise these dogs with small children or frail adults.
Are F1b Goldendoodles Okay With Other Pets?
F1b Goldendoodles are fine with other dogs and pets. They do like to chase small animals; many of them are natural hunting dogs, so be sure to socialize them properly and teach them how to interact politely with other animals.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the F1b Goldendoodle is a charming and sought-after breed that captures the best qualities of both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Their hypoallergenic and often non-shedding coats offer a fantastic option for individuals with allergies or those looking for a low-maintenance dog. Their friendly, affectionate nature makes them great family pets, while their intelligence and trainability contribute to their versatility as therapy or service dogs.
Meet Your Experts
Tamsin De La Harpe
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions.Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions.Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.
