About Doodles

There are different types/kinds/generations of Doodles (aka Doods), but the most common are called F1, F1B and Multi-Gen. Along with those different generations brings three different coat types. Below is some general information about types, coats, allergies, shedding, and other details about Doodles. There are many excellent sites you can visit to find out more information about Doods, including http://www.goldendoodles.com, where most of this information was obtained from.

First off, you may ask, what does the “F” stand for?

Here is a detailed definition, from Dictionary.com, which should answer this question:

F = filial [fil-ee-uh l]
adjective
of, relating to, or befitting a son or daughter: filial obedience.
noting or having the relation of a child to a parent.
Genetics. pertaining to the sequence of generations following the parental generation, each generation being designated by an F followed by a subscript number indicating its place in the sequence.

GENERATIONS:
Many people wonder about what makes what when it comes to Doodle generations and naming. Here is some helpful information about the kinds of Doodles available. We at HOPE HILL DOODLES LLC currently primarily breed F1 and F1b Doodles, as we believe they produce the “best” Hybrid Vigor.

We have used the “Golden Retriever” in our examples, below. However, where “Golden Retriever” is listed, you can substitute any other Purebred breed like; Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, etc., for your desired breed, resulting in; Aussiedoodle, Labradoodle, Bernedoodle, etc.

Name & Kind of Doodle:
F1 = Golden Retriever x Poodle
F1b = F1 Goldendoodle x Poodle
F2 = F1 Goldendoodle x F1 Goldendoodle
An F2 pairing produces the highest amount of flat coated doodles, as both dogs will carry the “Improper Coat Gene” and “No Face Furnishings” from their Purebred parents. This pairing will not be bred by HOPE HILL DOODLES LLC.
F2b = F1 Goldendoodle x F1b Goldendoodle
F3 Doodles are also known as Multi-generation or “Multi-gen” Doodles:
F3 = F1b Goldendoodle x F1b Goldendoodle OR
F3 = F1b Goldendoodle x F2b Goldendoodle OR
F3 = F2 Goldendoodle x F2 Goldendoodle OR
F3 = F2b Goldendoodle x F2b Goldendoodle

Additional Information:
Please note that a Goldendoodle crossed back to a Golden Retriever is not an F1b! This cross is never recommended when non-shedding is the goal. This cross could shed as much as a  purebred Golden Retriever. This pairing should only be done with a lot of thought to preserve other qualities such a temperament and intelligence. These dogs will not have the curly teddy bear look of the F1 or the F1b, but they will, however, be very easy to groom. There is also no such thing as an F1bb. Some are crossing their F1b back to a Poodle and have made up this name F1bb, and frankly, this breeds the Golden Retriever right out of them. Most of those litters would be 100% Poodle. Just remember that the most Hybrid Vigor is achieved by the first generation F1. Hybrid Vigor is lost with every Cross-back…..BUT what is gained on a Poodle Cross-back such as in an F1b, F2b or an F3 is more of the non-shed and hypo-allergenic qualities. The curlier the dog, the more non-shed and hypo-allergenic it is, but they do require more grooming! Also remember that Goldendoodles, in all cases, are a hybrid dog…therefore every litter can have some wavy (more Golden Retriever genes) or very curly (Poodle genes)…..even F1b and F2b litters.

TYPES:
F1 Doodle:
“F1″ is the term for a first generation cross between a Golden Retriever (or Australian Shepherd or Labrador or other breed) and a Poodle (50% x 50%). F1’s tend to have straight, borderline wavy or wavy coats (“Hair” coat), but some are curlier, and vary as to their degree of shedding and allergy friendliness. They are very low maintenance in terms of grooming. F1’s tend to be best for those with mild allergies due to their unpredictability in how much or how little they will shed. This is just a general guideline of course, as each persons allergies may be different.

F1B Doodle:
“F1B” is the term for the cross between an F1 Goldendoodle (or Aussiedoodle or Labradoodle or other Doodle) back to a Poodle. They often have a coat which can vary between wavy to curly (“Fleece” coat) and are usually low to non-shedding and generally allergy friendly. Moderate time is required for grooming. Typically within a litter, a couple puppies will have a straighter coat, more like an F1, but that it will still shed a bit less than an F1. Often the F1B’s are recommended for those with moderate allergies, although this is just a general guideline, as each persons allergies may be different.

Multi-Gen Doodle (we currently don’t offer these):
“Multi-Gen” is the term used for Doodles that are the result from breeding Doodles for several generations (such as an F1B to another F1B). Multi-Gen Doodles have a wavy to curly coat (“Fleece” coat) or completely curly coat (“Wool” coat) and are the most allergy-friendly out the three types of doodles, although they do often require more maintenance in terms grooming and come with a bigger price tag. Multi-Gen’s are often recommended for those with severe allergies or for those who want to be the most certain of very little shedding, although this is just a general guideline, as each persons allergies are different.

COATS:
Doodles can vary greatly in looks based on the different coat types and on how their owners groom them. The looks can vary, even among the same type of coat. Along with the different generations (F1, F1B, Multi-Gen) brings three different coat types: the ‘Hair’ coat, the ‘Fleece’ coat, and the ‘Wool’ coat.
“Hair” coat = Straight / borderline Wavy / Wavy
“Fleece” coat = Wavy / Curly
“Wool” coat = Curly

DETAILS ABOUT COATS, SHEDDING, AND ALLERGIES:
There is no true 100% allergy free/friendly dog. One may be allergic to the dog saliva and will therefore be allergic to all dogs. On the other hand, many allergy sufferers have found that they are allergic to dog dander and have a high tolerance to certain breeds of dogs, such as the Doodle.

Remember ALL dogs shed to some degree. It is natures way of replacing the coat. However, specific breeds have been found to shed a lot less than others, which is why the Doodle is a popular choice (and for MANY more reasons).

It is common for a Doodle with a “Hair” coat (usually an F1) that sheds to still shed considerably less than a lab (although there have been reports of some that shed as much as a lab). Different people have different definitions of what it means to be shed and allergy friendly. There is no total guarantee on Doodles in terms of shedding, although as breeders, we do our best to give you our best educated opinion based on our knowledge and experience. Some dogs can have a combination of hair coats.

SIZES:
The size of the Doodle depends on its parentage. A general rule of thumb is to add both the parents weights together and divide by 2 to get an average adult weight on the puppies. Within any litter there may be puppies that fall above or below the projected adult weights.
Standard – A Doodle that is predicted to be 45 lbs or more at adulthood.
Medium – A Doodle that is predicted to be 30-45 lbs at adulthood.
Miniature/Petite – A Doodle that is predicted to be 15-30 lbs at adulthood.

COLORS:
Doodles are available in a variety of colors. The choices range from red, apricot, chocolate, caramel, phantom, silver and different variations of cream, café and black.

TEMPERAMENT:
Doodles are an intelligent and obedient family companion. They are everybody’s friend and devoted to their family. They are friendly towards children, other dogs and pets, and easy with strangers. They are social dogs, happiest when with people. Doodles are likely to get into mischief and develop behavior problems if they spend most of their lives alone. Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and love of learning make them very easy to train. They are medium-to large sized family dogs with easy dispositions.

HYBRID VIGOR AND DOODLES:
Most Doodles are a first generation cross, and as such they exhibit hybrid vigor. This is a phenomenon in animal breeding referring to the fact that the first cross between two unrelated purebred lines is healthier and grows better than either parent line. The hybrid cross between these two parent breeds are terrific family dogs, friendly, intelligent, affectionate and easy to train. With each successive generation, vigor is lost, but other benefits may be found (hypoallergenic / shed free / allergy free).

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Psalm 62:5
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.