One of the first things you will find when you start looking for a Doodle of any kind are the letters F1, F1B, etc. These refer to the generation of the cross between the parent dogs. When you cross two different breeds, the puppies are thought to be healthier and heartier than either of the parents because things that have been carried in the genetics of one breed for many generations can be corrected when crossed with another breed, provided that breed does not have the same issues. When the gene pool of any dog is doubled with mixing in a whole new breed, the health is very much improved. This is one good reason that the cross-breeds are bred and is referred to as hybrid vigor.
F1 Doodle
A first generation (F1) is a cross between two purebred dogs. For example, an F1 Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle, an F1 Irish Doodle (shown) is a cross between an Irish Setter and a Standard Poodle, and an F1 Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Standard Poodle. The first generation cross is thought to have the highest hybrid vigor.
F1B Doodle
A first generation crossback is known as an F1B, and is a first generation F1 Doodle that is bred back to a Standard Poodle.
In the Goldendoodles, we think the F1B is the best cross for serious allergy sufferers. They are ¾ poodle at this point and that is where the non shed and allergy tolerance comes from. Their coats require a bit more brushing and grooming as they grow continually and can mat easier but for those looking for a more sure chance at none shedding, this is the cross. They have great, family friendly dispositions because that is what we are looking for in all of our breeding dogs! The F1 is a great cross for those with no allergy issues or mild to moderate ones. These have looser curls and can shed mildly or not at all.
Our breeding practices.
We have bred F1s almost exclusively for our Irish Doodles and our Bernedoodles as we wanted to ensure that the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Irish Setter qualities were not lost in a further cross. Our Irish are very non shed and have a high allergy tolerance even as F1s. We started breeding F1bs for those who really love the curlier coats as well as for those with severe allergies. We do not breed F1b Bernedoodles at this time because the tri color everyone is looking for is hard to attain at the first cross and doubly hard for the second. Also, we find they just look like a poodle version of the breed since F1b is ¾ poodle. All have wonderful dispositions and make great family companions!
Wonderful companions.
Both our F1 and our F1b puppies are delightful little creatures, very playful and affectionate, with beautiful wavy to curly non-shed coats. They are very laid-back! They will range in size from 45 - 70 pounds or 55 - 90 pounds for a Bernedoodle. We have enjoyed a great reputation for happy, healthy easy-going puppies that have been the delight of the families that have purchased them. We also provide a 2 year genetic health guarantee on our pups! They will make perfect family dogs, or great companions for the couple, single or retiree who is looking for a devoted friend for life.