F1 Vs F2 Goldendoodle: What is the Real Difference?

Last Updated on February, 2025

If you’ve ever considered bringing a dog into your life, you’ve probably heard of the Goldendoodle. This lovable crossbreed has taken the world by storm, stealing the hearts of many dog lovers far and wide. 

So, what’s the difference between an F1 and F2 Goldendoodle, you ask? 

Well, get ready to dive into the delightful realm of Goldendoodles. In this article, we’ll explore the unique characteristics and traits that set apart the F1 and F2 generations of this adorable hybrid dog breed.

It’s a battle of cuteness, temperament, and everything in between. 

Let the showdown between the F1 vs F2 Goldendoodle begin! 

Quick Summary

The main differences between F1 and F2 Goldendoodles are in appearance, coat and shedding, health, behavior, and cost.

F1 Goldendoodles tend to have a more predictable appearance and fewer health issues, while F2 Goldendoodles have more diverse coat colors and are considered more hypoallergenic.

There are multiple generations of Goldendoodles, including the F1, F2, F1B, F2B, and F2BB. Each generation has its own unique traits and characteristics.

What is a Goldendoodle? 

a goldendoodle laying on the bed

Before we dive into the exciting world of Goldendoodle variations, let’s start with the basics. So, what exactly is a Goldendoodle? Well, hold onto your seats because it’s more fascinating than you might think! 

A Goldendoodle is a hybrid dog that emerges from the union between a standard Poodle (or a toy or miniature) and a Golden Retriever.

The resulting puppies are dogs with the charm and friendly personality of purebred Golden Retrievers and the intelligence and hypoallergenic characteristics of Poodles. 

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What Does F1 and F2 Mean? 

Have you been wondering what those mysterious “F1” and “F2” labels mean when talking about the Goldendoodle generations? Fear not; we’re here to break it down for you. 

The ‘F’ before each generation stands for ‘filial’. This means that the dog is the offspring of two purebred parents. The numbers tell us which generation we’re talking about. 

So, an F1 Goldendoodle is a first-generation Goldendoodle, born from two purebred dogs, and an F2 Goldendoodle can be the offspring of two F1 Goldendoodles (more on the F2 parentage in a bit). 

How Many Goldendoodle Generations Are There? 

all goldendoodle generations

You might be surprised to learn that Goldendoodle generations are more than just a two-trick show! There’s a whole array of Doodle generations beyond the F1 and F2, like the F1B and F2BB, and many more. 

The journey starts with the F1 Goldendoodle, the offspring of a purebred Poodle and a purebred Golden Retriever.

Then, we have the F1B, where a Goldendoodle is bred back with a Poodle; this mix is often chosen for its hypoallergenic qualities for dog owners who are allergy sufferers. 

Things get even more interesting with the F2 Goldendoodle, which results from breeding two F1 Goldendoodles. As you can guess, this mix brings more variety into the gene pool. 

If you thought that was it, hold onto your hats because there’s the F2B and even the F2BB Goldendoodle, which involve a mix of F1 and F1B or F2 and F2B crosses, respectively.

These multi-generational Doodles are known for their consistency in looks and temperament. 

Beyond these, there are other combinations, but these are some of the most common generations you’ll likely come across. Each generation has its own unique traits and characteristics, making the world of Goldendoodles as diverse as it is enchanting.

F1 & F2 Goldendoodle: Parentage

Let’s take a look at the genetic makeup of F1 vs F2 Goldendoodles. 

f1 vs f2 goldendoodle

As previously mentioned, the F1 Goldendoodles are first-generation Goldendoodles, the offspring of a purebred Golden Retriever parent and a purebred Poodle parent. This creates the perfect 50/50 blend of the best qualities from both parents. 

When it comes to F2 Goldendoodles, things get a tad more interesting. These pups are second-generation hybrid dogs, which means one of their parents is an F1

Goldendoodle, but the other one could be an F2, F1B, or another F1 Goldendoodle. Most reputable breeders stick to the F1 and F1 Doodle breed makeup as it yields more predictable results. 

F1 & F2 Goldendoodle: Similarities 

Before we pitch these two Doodle breeds against each other, let’s discuss some of their similarities first. They might share more specific traits in common than you might think. 

Physical Features 

Let’s talk numbers.

The F1 and F2 Goldendoodle share some pretty similar stats as listed below: 

  • A height that can fall between 13 to 24 inches when fully grown.
  • A weight of 15 to 90 pounds on the scale. 
  • A lifespan of typically 10 to 15 years. 

Temperament 

Temperament also doesn’t vary that much between the first generation and the second generation, as their personality traits remain one of the features most consistent about them. 

So, here’s the scoop on their character: 

  • These Goldendoodles are big-hearted and loving to the core.
  • They have hypoallergenic coats but of varying degrees. 
  • Playtime is their middle name, and they’re super easy-going. 
  • They are intelligent dogs and loyal companions. 
  • To keep these Goldendoodles in top shape and high spirits, they need a solid 30-minute high-energy workout. 

A word of caution; if you leave them alone for too long or skip out on their exercise, they might turn into little mischief-makers. They get a bit antsy and could redecorate your house without your consent! 

F1 & F2 Goldendoodle: Differences 

Now, let’s take a look at the key differences between these two Goldendoodles. These differences may make or break your decision on which Goldendoodle might be your preference. So, be sure to pay close attention. 

Appearance, Coat and Shedding

f1 vs f2 goldendoodle

F1 Goldendoodles are known for their teddy bear-like appearance. Regarding looks, they’ve got the best of both their Golden Retriever parents and their Poodle parents packed into their adorable frames.

Golden Retrievers usually aren’t known for their low shedding, whereas Poodles are. With F1 Goldendoodles, you get many coat types that can vary widely.

Some flaunt those sleek, Golden Retriever-like coats while others flaunt wavy, setter-style coats. You also get those with curly coats, similar to a Poodle. 

The same litter can have puppies that look like full-blown Poodles, others resembling a Golden Retriever, and a bunch that’s somewhere in between.

Some of these puppies come with low-shedding coats that are easier to maintain, while others might have high-shedding, more demanding ones. These coat types vary widely as it’s all in the genes! 

F2 Goldendoodles bring a little extra diversity to the table, and it often means they’re considered to be even more hypoallergenic dogs.

Their coat type can range from wooly coats that demand some serious brushing to fleecy coats that don’t shed and are ultra-hypoallergenic but need regular trims. 

If you’re looking for a Goldendoodle with a more hypoallergenic coat while still keeping that 50% Golden Retriever charm, the F2 Goldendoodle might be your best bet. 

But wait, there’s more! F2 Goldendoodles come in different coat colors as well, thanks to their diverse genes.

Breeders sometimes even specialize in specific colors such as white, cream, apricot, red, phantom, silver, and sable. In some rarer cases, you might stumble upon striped F2 Goldendoodles or even those that are all black or all chocolate. 

Health 

f1 vs f2 goldendoodle

F1 Goldendoodles are the perfect 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever, and that heritage grants them a smoother ride on the health front compared to the F2 Goldendoodle.

When they do have health issues, it’s usually linked to health issues faced by the purebred parent. 

Poodles have wrestled with conditions like hip dysplasia, bloat, and Addison’s disease throughout their history. Conversely, Golden Retriever breeds might grapple with elbow and hip dysplasia, thyroid troubles, and skin problems. 

To keep those health risks at bay, a responsible breeder must ensure that both parents are thoroughly health-checked before breeding. 

Regarding which of these two Goldendoodle generations has better health, it would be the F1 Goldendoodle, as it doesn’t suffer from any inbreeding or genetic issues like an F2 Goldendoodle would. 

Behavior 

Goldendoodles are celebrated for their warm and affectionate personalities.

However, there’s a bit of a twist in the tale when we talk about the behavior of first-generation Goldendoodles and the second Doodle generation.

If you’re on the hunt for a dog that’s a true Golden Retriever at heart, your best bet is sticking with the F1 Goldendoodle over the F2 or even the F1B.

If you’re looking for a Goldendoodle that’s more like a purebred Poodle, it would be best to go for the F1B vs the F1 or the F2. 

four goldendoodles sitting on a wooden bench

On the other hand, F2 Goldendoodles can have a mix of both Golden Retriever and Poodle. Breeders who breed two Goldendoodles for the F2 generation might give you a dog with a charmingly unexpected personality. 

Cost 

The cost of bringing a Goldendoodle family member into your life can vary with each generation, as these dogs are bred for specific purposes. 

Typically, breeders will tell you that the first-generation Goldendoodle tends to be pricier due to their purebred dog parents. There is a higher demand for them as they are guaranteed to have the iconic teddy bear appearance. 

On the flip side, F2 Goldendoodles are a more budget-friendly option. This is because of their lesser demand due to their unpredictability.

Final Verdict 

f1 vs f2 goldendoodle

Now that we’ve examined the characteristics of the F1 breed and the F2 breed, let’s break it down into a table to give you a clear comparison of these two dog types:

CharacteristicF1 GoldendoodleF2 Goldendoodle
Genetic Makeup 50% Golden Retriever, 50% Poodle.Mix of F1 Goldendoodle and another F1, F2, or F1B (third generation or multi-generational Doodle).
Appearance Can vary from Retriever-like to Poodle-like to somewhere in between. Offers wooly and fleecy coats and a multitude of coat colors. 
HypoallergenicModerate.Generally more hypoallergenic due to extra genetics.
Temperament Loyal, loving, playful, needs exercise.Similar temperament with added genetic diversity. 
Health Fewer health problems, existing issues are purebred-related. Due to genetic testing, health checks are crucial. 
Cost Generally costlier due to purebred heritage. Often less expensive due to unpredictability.

Our Recommendation 

One of the main reasons Goldendoodles are bred for are their hypoallergenic coats. If you are a dog owner who suffers from severe allergies, your best bet is to go for the F2, as it typically boasts a more hypoallergenic coat compared to the F1. 

However, if you’re looking for the most hypoallergenic Goldendoodle, the F1B takes the crown. Unfortunately, this breed often trades off a bit in the appearance department since it might not have that purebred parent gene. 

If you’re one of the lucky folks without allergies and just want a cute Goldendoodle companion, go ahead and choose the F1 Goldendoodle. You’ll find that the Doodle breed will not disappoint. 

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Other guides and tools you might need when training your dog:

FAQs 

Goldendoodle’s fur typically sheds between 4 to 8 months when transitioning from their puppy coat to their adult coat.

No, Goldendoodles do not require a lot of maintenance except for their coat. However, brushing their coat regularly will keep it in good condition and looking shiny.

When deciding between a male and female Goldendoodle puppy, it is important to note that there are no definite variations between the two in terms of personality. However, physical attributes such as height, weight, and appearance may vary. Ultimately, the best decision will depend on your personal preferences.

It depends on your preference. If you prefer a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, F2 (Goldendoodle) is the best option. However, if you do not have allergies and want an adorable and cuddly dog, F1 (Goldendoodle) is a great choice.

The F1B Goldendoodle, which is 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever, is typically viewed as the best option due to their low shedding qualities, making them a suitable choice for those with severe allergies.

Wrapping Up 

Each generation of Goldendoodles brings its unique blend of genes and characteristics to the table, catering to a wide range of dog owners. 

Whether you prioritize hypoallergenic coats, cherish that teddy bear appearance, or simply seek an affectionate companion, there’s a Goldendoodle for everyone. The ultimate decision rests on what traits align best with your desires and lifestyle. 

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Author
Laura Vinzy
Laura Vinzy is one of our contributors. She is also a certified professional dog trainer & currently lives in San Francisco with her husband and her two rescue dogs.

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