Breed

F1B Goldendoodle: Your Complete Guide

BY DOGACADEMY PUBLISHED: May 7, 2022 UPDATED: October 26, 2023
20 minutes

Goldendoodles have gained popularity due to their stellar temperaments and allergy-friendly coats. Not to mention, they’re super cute! Today, we will be talking specifically about the F1B goldendoodle, which is created by breeding a purebred poodle with a first-generation goldendoodle.

You’ll learn everything you could possibly want to know about this mixed breed. We’ll be sharing information about the F1B goldendoodle’s history, size, temperament, trainability, energy levels, grooming needs, health risks, and much much more. If you have a question about F1B doodles, we have an answer!

A Quick Look at F1B Goldendoodles

Before you keep reading, check out this chart on F1B goldendoodles to quickly get a sense of whether or not this is a breed that could fit into your lifestyle.

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Weight/Height Varies greatly; can come in almost any size
Coat Type Curly
Grooming Needs five out of five bones
Shedding three out of five bones
Temperament Friendly, playful, affectionate, loyal
Good With Kids four out of five bones
Good With Other Animals two out of five bones
Intelligence four out of five bones
Easy to Train four out of five bones
Energy Level four out of five bones
Barking Habits two out of five bones
Lifespan 10-15 years

 

What Is the History of F1B Goldendoodles?

No one really knows exactly when the first goldendoodle was created, but this mixed breed began finding popularity among breeders in the late 1990s. It is believed that the success of the labradoodle led to the conception of the goldendoodle.

The goal in crossing the golden retriever with the poodle was to create a dog with a desirable temperament and a “hypoallergenic” coat. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, the poodle’s long, curly hair is low-shedding.

The F1B goldendoodle is a further attempt at creating a dog with a golden retriever’s personality but a poodle’s coat. F1Bs are created by crossing a first-generation (F1) goldendoodle with a purebred poodle or golden retriever.

Usually, breeders choose the poodle as the purebred parent in order to achieve a  coat that is less irritating for people with allergies. In this instance, the dog would be considered 75% poodle and 25% golden retriever.

White doodle sitting on a wooden deck

What Do F1B Goldendoodles Look Like?

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F1B goldendoodles usually have a curly coat that is more reminiscent of the poodle than the golden retriever. The color of the coat may take after the golden retriever in hue, but doodles can come in many different colors. These dogs have floppy ears and may have either curly hair or long straight hair on their muzzles. They come in a variety of sizes, too!

What Size Is an F1B Goldendoodle?

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It’s hard to give an exact height and weight reference for the goldendoodle because they can come in a variety of sizes. The poodle itself comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. There is even such a thing as a teacup poodle, which is the smallest of the four sizes, though the AKC does not recognize this size.

Because the goldendoodle is not purebred, there is no uniform size that these dogs are expected to be. There are no guidelines. However,  you can find goldendoodles in all size categories (except for giant) simply because purebred poodles exist in each size category.

At the end of the day, the size of an F1B goldendoodle will depend on the parents’ sizes. So, if you want a smaller dog, look for smaller parents and vice versa!

What Is an F1B Goldendoodle’s Coat Type?

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F1B goldendoodles can have straight coats that are similar to a golden retriever’s coat, wavy coats, or curly coats. Wavy and curly coats tend to be more common, but anything is possible as this is a mixed breed.

What Is an F1B Goldendoodle’s Temperament?

F1B goldendoodles make wonderful family dogs as they are super friendly and do well with children. They are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their families. They’re also easy to train as they tend to be people-pleasers. They definitely have what is often considered the ideal temperament for a dog!

Goldendoodle running on beach with a ball in its mouth

Are F1B Goldendoodles Affectionate?

If you’re looking for an incredibly friendly dog who loves being loved, then the F1B goldendoodle will not disappoint. The breeds this dog hails from are both affectionate and don’t know the meaning of stranger — that is to say, everyone they meet is their new best friend.

Are F1B Goldendoodles Good With Kids?

F1B goldendoodles are generally a great choice for families with kids. They’re very friendly, playful, and have the energy to keep up with children. They also tend to be gentle and tolerant.

However, it’s still important to supervise children and dogs. It’s your job to make sure your children treat your dog with respect and kindness. Furthermore, if you choose to get a small iteration of the goldendoodle, then it’ll be easier for children to accidentally injure the dog, especially if the dog is toy or teacup-sized.

Are F1B Goldendoodles Good With Other Animals?

Even though F1B goldendoodles do well with dogs and sometimes cats, we wouldn’t generally recommend them to people who enjoy keeping small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. This is because these types of pets are seen as prey animals.

The goldendoodle is bred from two hunting breeds. That’s right, both the golden retriever and the poodle were once used as hunting dogs; in fact, hunters still use these breeds today. If you do have small pets, make sure to keep them safe from your dog.

Are F1B Goldendoodles Aggressive?

F1B Goldendoodles are not at all aggressive! They love meeting new people and are great with other dogs. They’re not known to have any food guarding or territorial issues either.

Of course, every dog is an individual, and socialization during puppyhood is vital. Dogs that do not receive proper socialization are far more likely to become fearful or aggressive as adults.

Goldendoodle puppy lying in grass

Do F1B Goldendoodles Bark a Lot?

F1B doodles aren’t known for being yappy, but that doesn’t mean they never bark. We would consider them the type of dog that barks to alert their owners.

As we said before, every dog is an individual, and some dogs may bark more than others. Some doodles may only bark at strangers, whereas others may bark at animals in the yard or cars on the street.

Are F1B Goldendoodles Intelligent?

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F1B goldendoodles are considered an intelligent mixed breed because they are quick learners and have superb observation skills. In fact, they are so good at observing that many people believe they can even tell what emotions their owners are feeling!

Are F1B Goldendoodles Easy to Train?

If you want a dog that is easy to train, you should definitely consider the F1B goldendoodle. This breed learns quickly and is eager to please. Their affection and loyalty often result in them being quite obedient once trained.

Because they are so easy to train, hiring a professional is not necessary. However, we always recommend that people join a group class of some sort as it provides opportunities for their dogs to learn how to ignore distractions and listen instead.

Though doodles are already eager to please, using reward-based training will motivate them even more. Using positive reinforcement is the best way to train a goldendoodle.

Are F1B Goldendoodles Energetic?

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F1B goldendoodles of any size have a fair amount of energy. After all, they are born of two hunting breeds that need to have the endurance to spend hours in the field.

Luckily, many goldendoodles enjoy playing games like fetch. Fetch is a fantastic way to help your dog burn off some energy. Of course, doodles will also love joining you in activities like walking, hiking, swimming, or even biking (make sure to talk to your vet before involving your dog in any strenuous activities).

You’ll need to provide your doodle with at least an hour of exercise per day. It’s easy to tell if your dog isn’t getting enough exercise as they will act bored. They may try to get your attention and get you to play with them, bark more often, or turn to take their boredom out on something else. If you’re lucky, that something else will be their own toy, but too often, it is your shoe.

Are F1B Goldendoodles Good Apartment Dogs?

Regardless of size, goldendoodles can do well in apartments as long as they get enough exercise. Apartment living may be easier with smaller goldendoodles than with larger ones. In the end, it is all about one’s commitment to providing the dog with enough mental and physical enrichment. If that can be done, then goldendoodles can live anywhere.

Are F1B Goldendoodles Good Watchdogs?

Many goldendoodles will bark to alert you of the presence of a stranger in the vicinity, which can make them good watchdogs. However, if you’re hoping for a dog that can protect your home (or even protect you), we wouldn’t recommend this breed.

This is because the goldendoodle is just far too friendly. They will be more likely to greet intruders with wagging tails than anything else. Their teddy bear faces don’t look intimidating either, especially if they’re on the smaller side.

Large white goldendoodle lies on a blue couch

Are F1B Goldendoodles Good Service Dogs?

F1B goldendoodles do make good service dogs. This is in part because of their eagerness to learn. Service dogs must be smart and obedient, and goldendoodles are prone to being both.

They also excel as psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) and emotional support animals (ESAs) because of their uncanny ability to “sense” someone’s emotions. They have an easy time providing the support someone needs because of their stellar observation skills.

They’re also fantastic as therapy dogs because of their friendly, open personalities. They’ll enjoy visiting places like hospitals and nursing homes where they can make new friends.

How to Care for an F1B Goldendoodle

F1B doodles will need at least weekly brushing, and most owners prefer to keep their coats trimmed. Otherwise, they require the same type of care as other dogs: they need their teeth cleaned regularly, nails clipped as needed, and ears checked for infection regularly.

Do You Need to Groom an F1B Goldendoodle?

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Like all goldendoodles, F1Bs also require a decent amount of grooming. Their coats need to be brushed at least once per week, but more frequent brushing is required for longer coats.

Most doodle owners prefer to have their coats trimmed regularly so that they do not need to brush them as often. If you like the look of a grown-out coat, then you will need to brush almost daily to prevent the hair from clumping and matting.

Do F1B Goldendoodles Shed?

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How much a doodle sheds really depends on which breed it takes after more: the poodle or the golden retriever. If the F1B has a purebred golden retriever crossed with an F1 doodle as a parent, then you may expect it to shed more.

However, if the purebred parent is a poodle, then there is a higher chance that the coat will take after the poodle’s coat. The doodle would not shed very much in this case and may be a good option for someone with allergies who hopes to own a dog.

Do remember, however, that no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Even if an F1B goldendoodle doesn’t shed a lot, they will still lose hair here and there as well as release some amount of pet dander into your home.

What Should an F1B Goldendoodle Eat?

An F1B goldendoodle should eat the highest quality food you can afford. The best dog foods follow AAFCO guidelines, have been formulated by a veterinary nutritionist, and have undergone feeding trials.

To determine how much to feed your doodle, you can start by checking the recommended serving size on the bag. From there, you can adjust the amount based on whether or not your dog’s weight fluctuates.

Otherwise, you can calculate the number of calories your dog should eat on a daily basis. You can do the math yourself or use an online calorie calculator. The former option may be slightly more accurate as you can take into account factors such as your dog’s age.

Goldendoodle sits in the grass looking away

What Health Problems Do F1B Goldendoodles Have?

Because F1B goldendoodles inherit genes from both golden retrievers and poodles, they are at risk of inheriting the diseases of both breeds. These health risks include hip dysplasia, subvalvular aortic stenosis, sebaceous adenitis, Addison’s disease, retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Doodles who are similar in size to a standard poodle or golden retriever are also at risk for bloat. Smaller doodles may be at risk of inheriting patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes.

Because we have to consider the health issues of two breeds instead of one, it may seem like the F1B goldendoodle is at a higher risk of inheriting problems than its purebred parent. However, this isn’t necessarily true.

There is a lot of debate over whether or not mixed breeds are healthier, with purebred aficionados arguing they aren’t and breeders of designer dogs arguing they are. There are some studies that suggest purebred dogs are more likely to inherit 10 out of 24 diseases, with mixed breeds only being more likely to inherit 1 out of the 24 (the other 13 diseases were just as likely to be inherited by mixed breeds as purebreds).

However, you could sink hours into this debate and still feel unsure about which side is right. Instead of getting caught up in debate, we suggest that if you want to add an F1B goldendoodle to your family, you should choose a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs. These tests ensure that the parent dogs are without disease that they could pass on to their offspring.

How Long Do F1B Goldendoodles Live?

F1B goldendoodles live about 10 to 15 years on average, though smaller doodles may live a year or two longer.

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Are F1B Goldendoodles Expensive?

When purchasing an F1B doodle from a breeder, you should expect to pay over $1,000. The price may be higher depending on the dog’s size, with some of the smaller doodles tending to cost more. Be cautious if you see a doodle being sold for a low price.

These dogs may have been bred by puppy mills or backyard breeders who simply want to turn a profit but do not care for the health of their dogs. Always make sure to ask breeders numerous questions so that you know they have health-tested their dogs and are caring for them properly.

There are also other costs to consider; most owners prefer to have their goldendoodles professionally groomed, which can cost upwards of $50 per session. However, how frequently you want to do this is up to you. Some people have their doodles groomed every 8 to 10 weeks, whereas others may prefer more frequent grooming. If you wanted to save money, you could learn how to trim your doodle yourself.

It’s also important to note that groomers typically charge more for larger dogs than smaller dogs because the former takes more time and effort. Similarly, smaller dogs may be less expensive when it comes to their kibble and even medical expenses.

Therefore, if you want a more budget-friendly doodle, consider a smaller size. Otherwise, doodles don’t cost any more or any less than other breeds when it comes to their care.

Goldendoodle puppy lays down and chews on hedgehog toy

How to Find an F1B Goldendoodle Breeder?

We know you already know how to use Google to search for puppies. Instead, we’d like to share a list of questions you should be asking any breeders you’re interested in purchasing a puppy from. These questions will help ensure that you’re getting a healthy puppy from an ethical source.

  • What are your credentials? You should learn about how long the breeder has been in business as well as how familiar they are with F1B goldendoodles.
  • Have the parent animals undergone health testing? Ask to see these tests.
  • Can I see where the dogs are kept? A respectable breeder should be happy to show you the dogs’ living conditions.
  • Can I meet the parent? This will give you a sense of the parent dogs’ temperaments and the potential temperaments of the puppies.
  • How do you socialize your puppies? Socialization is important for puppies to become friendly and confident.
  • Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccinations? You need to know your puppy’s health history so that you know which shots are still needed.
  • Do you offer a health guarantee with a contract? Some breeders guarantee the health of their puppies: should your puppy come down with a serious illness early on, the breeder may offer to reimburse the purchase price of the dog or even take the puppy back. This will also help you avoid purchasing from breeders who are irresponsible.
  • What do you require of potential adopters? Many breeders want to make sure their puppies are going to homes where they will be treated well and kept for life. Therefore, breeders may ask a number of questions about you, your situation, and your experience as a dog owner.

Can You Adopt an F1B Goldendoodle?

It will not be easy to find an F1B goldendoodle to rescue. While the goldendoodle mix itself is popular enough to have rescues dedicated to it, the F1B is an even more specific mix of golden retriever and poodle. This is why they are harder to find at shelters.

Furthermore, it is not uncommon for shelter dogs’ origins to be unknown. Even if it is clear that the dog is a doodle, the shelter may not know if the doodle is F1, F1B, or some other generation of doodle. Still, if you are interested in adopting, the best place to look will be a rescue dedicated to saving and rehoming goldendoodles specifically.

Are F1B Goldendoodles Purebred?

F1B goldendoodles are not purebred dogs. Goldendoodles in general are considered designer dogs because they are a mix created by crossing two purebred dogs. However, the F1B goldendoodle is a cross between a doodle and usually a purebred poodle (though in rare cases, the purebred parent is a golden retriever).

You’ll get different opinions on whether the F1B doodle even qualifies for designer dog status. Either way, the AKC does not recognize these dogs, and there is currently no standard for breeding them.

Goldendoodle puppy in a wooden bucket

Are F1B Goldendoodles Good for New Dog Owners?

Because F1B goldendoodles are so friendly, loving, and obedient, they tend to be a great option for first-time dog owners. The only thing we would caution inexperienced owners on is this breed’s energy level.

Any dog with lots of energy can be a challenge as they often get naughty when they’re bored. However, as long as someone can offer enough exercise, they should have no problem raising and caring for an F1B goldendoodle.

Is an F1B Goldendoodle the Right Dog for Me?

Goldendoodles are playful, energetic, and super friendly. This makes them great family dogs who get along swimmingly with kids. They’re also easy to train because they are loyal and want to please their owners.

By now, you probably have an idea of whether or not the F1B doodle is the right dog for you or not. Let’s quickly go over some of the factors that may or may not make the F1B goldendoodle your perfect match!

An F1B goldendoodle may be right for you if

  • You want a dog that doesn’t shed a lot
  • You want a dog that is good with kids
  • You want a dog that is friendly toward strangers
  • You like affectionate dogs
  • You want a dog that is easy to train

An F1B goldendoodle may not be right for you if

  • You don’t want a dog that requires professional grooming
  • You want a dog that is safe around small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs
  • You’re looking for a guard dog