What is all this "F" talk about Doodles?

In the world of Doodles, especially when referring to designer dogs like Doodles (e.g., Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, etc.), terms like F1, F2, F1B, etc. describe the generations of the hybrid breed. Here's a breakdown of what they mean:

🔹 F1 (First Generation)

• Definition: 50% Poodle + 50% other breed (e.g., Golden Retriever)

• Example: Poodle × Golden Retriever = F1 Goldendoodle

• Traits: Often the most genetically diverse; coat types and shedding levels can vary widely.

🔹 F1B (First Generation Backcross)

• Definition: F1 Doodle bred back to a Poodle (or less commonly, the other parent breed)

• Example: F1 Goldendoodle × Poodle = F1B Goldendoodle

• Traits: Usually 75% Poodle, 25% Retriever. Typically curlier coat and more hypoallergenic—great for allergy-sensitive homes.

🔹 F2 (Second Generation)

• Definition: F1 Doodle × F1 Doodle

• Example: F1 Goldendoodle × F1 Goldendoodle = F2 Goldendoodle

• Traits: Coat types and traits can be less predictable, as recessive genes can reappear. Greater variety in appearance and shedding.

🔹 F2B (Second Generation Backcross)

• Definition: F1 Doodle × F1B Doodle or F1 Doodle × Poodle

• Traits: Around 62.5% Poodle, 37.5% other breed. Aims to stabilize desired traits like low shedding or specific coat types.

🔹 F3 or Multigen (Multigenerational)

• Definition: Doodle bred from two F1B or later-generation Doodles

• Traits: More predictable in terms of coat, size, and temperament. Often bred for consistency in low-shedding and allergy-friendly traits.

Quick Summary Table:

Generation	Parentage	Typical Poodle %	Traits
F1	Poodle × Other Breed	50%	Most varied coat & shedding
F1B	F1 × Poodle	~75%	Curlier, more hypoallergenic
F2	F1 × F1	50%	Unpredictable traits
F2B	F1 × F1B or F1 × Poodle	~62.5%	Balanced traits
F3/Multigen	Advanced Doodle × Doodle	Varies	Most stable traits