F1 Versus F2 Versus F1b Doodle Generations – How Are They Different and Which Is the Best?
Introduction
Doodles are quite popular and have grown in popularity over the past few decades. They are all little bundles of joy that are low maintenance, friendly dogs with various looks and generally good temperament levels.
However, when people go to get a doodle dog, the vast variety of doodle generations may make them quite confused. The matter is made all the more confusing as all doodle generations are super cute, making it even harder to decide which one to get. Many dog owners, even after getting a dog, are not sure of the generation as they are unable to understand the terminology used to describe the different poodle generations such as F1 and F1b.
When one is not able to understand the terminology, how can one understand which generation of the doodle dog would be the best for them, should they get an F1 goldendoodle, an F2 doodle, or an F1b doodle and why?
What Is a Doodle Dog and Why Are They So Popular?
Doodle dogs are a cross between a poodle and another dog breed. This is a way to combine the appealing genetic traits from two different dog breeds into one. The original idea behind creating a doodle was to create a “hypoallergenic” dog.
However, no dog is truly hypoallergenic – it’s just that some dogs may produce less allergens or shed less than other dogs. Depending on the mix, these dogs vary in shape, size, color, and coat texture.
Doodles are quite popular now, and there are a few reasons why many people prefer to get a doodle.
Most Doodles Are Clever
Doodles are commonly known to be extremely smart and trainable since they have poodles as one of the parent breeds, and the poodle is a clever dog. So, no matter the generation, this trait will most likely be observed in a doodle.
Doodles Are Family-Friendly and Devoted
Doodles are great for families as they are known for their temperament. They are usually quite sensitive and can prove to be a very patient companion. Most doodles are bred with breeds that are known to be family-friendly such as the labrador or the golden retriever. This makes most doodle generations gentle and tolerant with kids too. They are also easier to keep in the house.
Doodles’ Coats Shed Less
Poodles have curly, non-shedding coats and when they are bred with other dog breeds they create generations that shed significantly less than dog breeds other than doodles. This is true to all doodles, be it F1 vs F2 vs F1b doodle generations. However, F1 and F2 generations may shed a little more as compared to other doodles. The curly coats of many doodles also push up the level of their cuteness significantly, and the curlier the coat, the less the shedding.
Doodles Are Quite Versatile
With doodles, there is a huge variety to choose from as they differ in shapes, colors, and sizes too. The smallest goldendoodle can weigh less than 10 pounds, and bigger poodles can weigh over 80 pounds. The poodle coat can feature different colors including solids, merle, sable, phantom, and many more.
However, even though all doodles commonly have the mentioned traits and qualities; it is still important to educate yourself with the generations before getting a doodle.
Understanding the Doodle Generation Terminology
There are different doodle generations including F1, F2, F1b, and so on. To understand each, one must know the meaning of the “f” and “b” used to identify each generation. A number such as 1 or 2 indicates the generation number, so an F1 doodle would be a first-generation doodle and an F2 would be a second generation.
The “f” basically stands for “Filial Hybrid.” This simply means that the dog in consideration is a crossbreed or a hybrid dog that was bred from two purebred dogs. The presence of the letter “b” in a poodle’s generation type simply means that the poodle is a backcross. A backcross is a term used for a generation that was bred using a hybrid generation doodle and a purebred as parents.
Understanding F1 vs F2 vs F1b doodle generations, however, is not essential. One just needs to know what they prefer in regards to a pup’s personality and coat type, and a reputable breeder will guide you to the right choice for your family.
F1 Versus F2 Versus F1b Doodle Generations
For hybrid breeds such as doodles, generations were introduced as there are numerous combinations present resulting in many types of doodle generations that are slightly different from one another.
What Is an F1 Doodle?
An F1 doodle is a dog that is a cross between a poodle and another purebred dog. This usually results in a 50-50 genetic makeup of an F1 doodle. So, for example, if a poodle is bred with a golden retriever, the resulting F1 Goldendoodle will have a genetic makeup that will be 50% poodle and 50% golden retriever.
Along with an F1 Goldendoodle, a few other F1 doodles are quite common too. Labradoodle is one such doodle that has a labrador retriever and a poodle as its parents. Another well-known F1 doodle is the Aussie doodle that is produced by breeding an Australian sheepdog and a poodle. Other common types include bernedoodle (Bernese mountain dog and poodle) and sheepadoodle (old English sheepdog and poodle).
How Is F1b Different Than F1 Doodle?
An F1b doodle is a first-generation backcross doodle. This means that the parents of an F1b doodle are an F1 doodle (hybrid) and a poodle. So, one of the parents of F1b doodle is not purebred. The genetic makeup of an F1b doodle is, usually, 75% poodle and 25% of the other original breed parent. So, for example, an F1b aussiedoodle would be 75% poodle and 25% Australian shepherd.
What Is an F2 Doodle?
F2 doodle is a second-generation doodle with parents that are both hybrids. So, basically, both parents of F2 doodles are F1 doodles. This is different from the previous generations as at least one of the parents is always a poodle or a pure breed. The genetic make of an F2 doodle is, like an F1 doodle, a 50-50 mix of the poodle and the original purebred parent.
Which Generation of Doodles Is Better?
All doodles are great companions and none is better than the other. The choice only depends on an individual’s preference in terms of the physical appearance, hypoallergenic coats, and cost of a doodle. The diet, activeness, and health of all doodles are more or less the same if bred by good breeders.
When it comes to a doodle’s diet, there’s no difference between F1, F1b, F2, or F2b doodles. Regardless of a doodle’s generation, it’s important you feed them a healthy and balanced diet that’s full of nutrients. If you’re not sure what dog food formula to choose, here are some useful guides for various doodle breeds.
Physical Appearance
An F1 doodle, an F2 doodle, and an F1b doodle may differ in terms of how they look. The physical appearance of an F1 doodle is much more predictable than those of other generations. F1 and F2 doodles may even resemble the parent other than the poodle more.
However, F1 doodles usually have wavy coats instead of curly ones. On the contrary, backcross generations such as F1b doodles have a greater chance of having curlier hair. F2 doodles, or the second generation doodles, may have coat types that can range anywhere from straight to curly.
Hypoallergenic Coats
For people looking for a low to non-shedding, hypoallergenic doodle, their best bet would be to go for the F1b doodle. This is due to the genetic makeup of an F1b doodle, which is 75% poodle and 25% of the other original breed parent. This means that there is a higher chance of the doodle inheriting a poodle’s trait of a low-shedding coat. There are other generations of doodles such as the F1bb doodle, which is an extremely allergy-friendly generation of doodles.
Cost
The cost factor can also affect the choice of some individuals when getting a pet doodle. Usually, an F1 doodle is the least expensive option. The backcross generations such as F1b cost slightly more due to their hypoallergenic coats. The cost is also determined by where you live, the size of the puppy, the breeder’s reputation, and breeding standards.
What Is a Multi-Generation Doodle?
Anything beyond the second generation of doodles is considered multi-generational. This basically means that both the parents of the multi-generation doodle and the grandparents are not purebred. People get multi-generation doodles due to their desirable traits. This is because such doodles have even lesser coat shedding; hence, making them one of the best options for severe allergy sufferers.
Which Generation of Doodles Is Easier to Take Care of?
The amount and type of care required are the same for all doodle generations, and all other types of dogs too. Generally, all they need is proper care, love, and attention. However, there are a few main things to take care of especially.
Immunizations
In the case of doodle puppies, one needs to begin immunizations from when they are around six weeks old. These immunizations are highly important and can help protect a doodle puppy from many diseases such as distemper, parainfluenza, hepatitis, rabies, and so on.
Moreover, spaying a puppy when it is six months old is also important as it greatly reduces your dog’s risk of suffering uterine infections, breast tumors, and problems associated with being exposed to heat.
Dental Care
A dog’s teeth, no matter their type, require regular cleaning and examination. If not done from an early age, a dog becomes more prone to dental diseases such as periodontal disease.
General Grooming and Hygiene
A doodle with considerably curly hair needs daily brushing. However, if your doodle’s coat is wavy or straight, brushing it once or twice weekly should be sufficient. Moreover, a doodle puppy needs a bath once every three weeks, unless it is very active outdoors in which case it would need a bath more often.
Engage Them Mentally and Physically
Since doodles are known to be intelligent, they need things to engage their minds in. It’s important to take your doodle on a walk every day to provide mental as well as physical health. Allowing them sniffing time outside will also help them mentally as it is through scent that these little beings make sense of the world around them. Their playful nature also requires them to step outside in the open and play.
Diet and Nutrition
The amount of food a doodle needs differs on the basis of its type, size, and age too. Puppies that are 8 to 12 weeks old usually require four meals a day. To best understand the dietary needs of your doodle, consulting a vet would be the best option. However, no matter the type or age, any dog requires a high-quality diet to keep them happy, strong, and energetic.
Daily Checking of Fleas and Ticks
Since many doodles have wavy to curly hair, they are more susceptible to fleas and ticks. Therefore, it is important to check them regularly to make sure that they remain free of all such parasites. A flea comb can be used to find and get rid of them.
Conclusion
Doodles, no matter the generation, are all cute, cuddly, and require proper care. They are known to be friendly and devoted. However, some people may prefer one type of generation over the other due to factors such as color, size, shape, hypoallergenic coat, and cost of the different generations.
For people who have allergy issues and would prefer a dog with low to non-shedding coats, an F1b doodle would be the best choice. Moreover, F1b doodles also have a greater chance of having curlier coats. For those worried about the cost, getting an F1 doodle would be the least expensive option.
