When you are looking for a goldendoodle puppy, you might come across these weird classifications, like F1, F2, and so on.
What makes this half golden retriever, half poodle dog so popular and why it can be the perfect addition to your family?
In this article, we'll be discussing the very first generation of goldendoodles- the F1 Goldendoodle.
What is a 1st Generation (F1) Goldendoodle?
A 1st generation Goldendoodle is a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Poodle. This means they are 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle. They also enjoy hybrid vigor, which is increased health and vitality due to the mixing of two breeds.
They inherit certain physical and personality traits from each purebred parent breed, like the Golden Retriever's friendly and loyal personality, and the Poodle's intelligence and non-shedding coat.
With that said, every puppy is different so F1 Goldendoodles can't be said to have a completely non shedding coat, which makes doesn't make it a good choice for people with allergies.
If you are looking for a non-shedding or low-shedding goldendoodle, look for an F1b generation or higher. We'll talk more about that later.
F1 Goldendoodle vs F1b Goldendoodle: Which one is better?
You might have seen F1B Goldendoodles advertised and wondered what the difference is between an F1 and F1B.
An F1 Goldendoodle is mix between 50% Purebred Golden Retriever and 50% Purebred Poodle.
An F1b Goldendoodle is mix between a Purebred Poodle and an F1 Goldendoodle.
The main difference between the two is that F1b Goldendoodles are more likely to inherit the non-shedding coat of the Poodle, while F1 Goldendoodles may inherit the shedding coat of the Golden Retriever.
This makes it a renowned choice for people with dog allergies.
Temperament and Personality
The F1 Goldendoodle is a perfect dog for literally anyone who is looking for a furry friend. It has numerous positive traits, like being loyal, loving and inteligent.
1st Generation Goldendoodles are clever, thanks to the genes it inherits from both purebred parent dogs. It excels in obedience training and quickly picks up new tricks.
This dog loves being around people and gets along with other dogs and pets quite easily. They make excellent family dogs as they are gentle and good natured around children.
Their happy-go-lucky personality means they are up for anything, whether it's going for a run or just snuggling on the couch.
First Generation (F1) Goldendoodle Size
The F1 Goldendoodle comes in three different sizes:
Standard
Medium
Mini
The Standard F1 Goldendoodle weigh anywhere between 50 to 90 pounds and has a height of 20 to 24 inches.
The Medium F1 Goldendoodle weigh 40 to 50 pounds and has a height of 17 to 20 inches.
The Mini F1 Goldendoodle weigh 15 to 35 pounds and has a height of 13 to 20 inches.
Grooming: Fur and Shedding
The F1 Goldendoodle has a soft coat that can be wavy or curly. On the tail, the hair is often longer and feathery.
The coat can be low to no-shedding, but this can't be guaranteed as some F1 Goldendoodles may inherit the shedding coat of the Golden Retriever parent.
This generation of goldendoodle requires more grooming than other generations, as the coat can become matted if not brushed regularly.
If you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog, an F1b Goldendoodle is a better choice as they are more likely to inherit the non-shedding coat of the Poodle.
Exercise Level
If you aren't a crazy active person but like to go on walks and some runs, the F1 Goldendoodle is the perfect dog for you.
The first-generation Goldendoodle has an average energy level, so expect about spending one hour of walking or running with your furry friend per day.
This means you don't have to spend several hours a day tiring out your Goldendoodle like you would have to with one of its parent breeds, the poodle.
Walks, hikes, and some playtime in the yard is all this pup needs to stay happy and healthy.
Training
F1 Goldendoodles are very clever, hence the two purebred parents are known as two of the smartest dog breeds (Golden Retrievers and Poodles). It's a good choice for first time dog owners since they are very easy to train.
This pup is eager to please and will quickly learn tricks and commands. They love learning new things, so make sure to keep their minds active with training or dog puzzles.
They are often used as service dogs or therapy dogs because of their trainability.
This dog is very responsive to training, but like all dogs, they need patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to excel.
F1 Goldendoodle Price: How Much Does a 1st Generation Goldendoodle Cost?
The average cost of an F1 Goldendoodle ranges from $800 to $5000, depending on your location, the breeder, the size of the dog and whether or not you want a show-quality dog.
The price also changes on the size of the dog.
The price also depends on the coat type, as a wavy or curly coat will be more expensive than a straight one.
Are they right for you and your family – pros and cons to consider
Here are some things to consider when deciding if an F1 Goldendoodle is right for you:
Pros:
• Eager to please – this means they are easier to train
• Good natured around children – makes them great family dogs
• Low to non-shedding coats – perfect for those with allergies
• Average energy level – doesn't require as much exercise as other breeds
Cons:
• Can be expensive – depending on the breeder and coat type
• Requires regular grooming – to prevent matting
• Most likely will inherit the Golden Retriever's shedding coat – making them not hypoallergenic
Frequently Asked Questions
Are F2 Goldendoodles (2nd Gen) healthier than F1 (1st Gen) Goldendoodles?
No, F1 Goldendoodles are considered to be more healthier thanks to hybrid vigor, the result of cross-breeding two different purebreds.
Are F1 Goldendoodles Hyper?
No, F1 Goldendoodles are usually not hyper. However, like all dogs, they can have high energy moments. It's important to give them the daily exercise they need to burn off any extra energy.
This is especially true when it comes to puppies.
Are F1 Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?
No, most F1 Goldendoodles are not hypoallergenic as they inherit the Golden Retriever's shedding coat. However, there is a chance that they could inherit the Poodle's non-shedding coat.
Do F1 Goldendoodles shed a lot?
No, F1 Goldendoodles usually don't shed a lot. However, they will shed more than an F1b Goldendoodle (second generation) as they inherit the Golden Retriever's shedding coat.
What do Two F1 Goldendoodles make?
Two F1 Goldendoodles will make an F2 Goldendoodle.
What should I Breed my F1 Goldendoodle with?
First of all, if you are not a professional breeder, you should not breed your F1 Goldendoodle.
Breeding dogs is a lot of responsibility and should only be done by those who are knowledgeable and experienced in dog breeding.
If you are set on breeding your F1 Goldendoodle, you should breed them with another F1 Goldendoodle or a Poodle.
Conclusion
Now you know what an F1 Goldendoodle is, I hope that this article has helped you in your decision-making process.
This pup is a great choice for first-time dog owners or those looking for a low to the non-shedding dog. They are easy to train and make great family dogs.
I wish you happy doodle ownership!