ALL ABOUT THE GOLDENDOODLE BREED
What are Goldendoodles?
Goldendoodle’s are a hybrid (purpose bred) dog breed, know for their low shedding coats and happy-go-lucky temperaments. Goldendoodles are derived from the mix of the Poodle and Golden Retriever breeds. This breed was originally bred in 1969 to develop a guide dog (service dog) for individuals with allergies to dander. Goldendoodles have quickly become widely popular among families due to their social nature and ease of training.
Goldendoodle Coats
There are three main coat types. There is the straight coat, which is flat and resembles more of a golden retriever coat. The wavy coat type is a mixture of a poodle's curls and a golden retriever's straighter coat. The last coat type is curly, which tends to look more like the poodle coat. A Goldendoodle size is generally somewhere between that of its poodle parent and golden retriever parent. The ranges of size include standard, medium, and miniature (if the poodle parent was miniature).
Goldendoodle Sizes
Petite range: Height: below 14 inches, typically 25 lbs. or less
Miniature range: Height: over 14 but under 17 inches (35cm to 42cm) at wither, typically 26-35 lbs.
Medium range: Height: over 17 but under 21 inches (43cm to 52cm) at wither, typically 36-50 lbs.
Standard range: Height: over 21 inches (53cm to 63cm) at wither, typically 51 or more lbs.
Source- https://www.goldendoodleassociation.com/about-the-breed/sizes/
Goldendoodle Generations
F1 Goldendoodles
The first generation Goldendoodles are known as F1. These dogs are a result of a purebred Golden Retriever bred to a purebred Poodle (regardless of Poodle size). The F1 Goldendoodle will be made up of 50% Golden Retriever and 50% Poodle. F1 Goldendoodles are low to non-shedding in their coats, so would best fit a home is with only light allergies. Their coats are a beautiful wavy/shaggy texture which can be easier to maintain than other generations (require occasional grooming and daily brushing). The F1 generation is not only a social loveable dog (a trait from the Golden Retriever) but also highly intelligent and easy to train (a trait from the Poodle).
F1B Goldendoodles
Most of the time an F1b Goldendoodle is a result of an F1 bred back to a Poodle, making the dog 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever. The F1b generation is more sought after for their less shedding coats (F1 back to Poodle) which is a benefit to severe allergy sufferers. Also, you will see that F1b (and below generations) have the ability to display a wider array of coat colors due to the 75% Poodle makeup. The F1b coat is slightly harder to maintain and requires regular grooming and daily brushing.
Although not as popular, some breeders choose to breed F1’s back to Golden Retrievers instead of Poodles, to achieve a smoother coat and greater Golden Retriever characteristics.
F2 Goldendoodles
The F2 Goldendoodle is the second generation of a Goldendoodle, meaning they are produced by two F1 parents. Like the F1, the F2 is 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever. The F2 have similar coats to the F1 generation and require similar maintenance.
Multigenerational Goldendoodles
Anything above an F1b is considered a Multigenerational Goldendoodle. For example, this could be an F1 bred to an F1b or an F1b bred to a poodle. There are several different breeding pairs that can occur within the Multigenerational Goldendoodle category. Moderate allergy households tend to choose the Multi-Gen Goldendoodle, depending on the dog family makeup.
All puppies will shed their puppy coats. This shedding usually takes place around 2 months or older. The puppy coat is different from the adult coat, so this doesn't mean they will necessarily shed as adult dogs. Coat colors and textures change up until the age of 2, which is when their adult coats are established.