If you’re not familiar with the differences between an F1 and F1b goldendoodle, you are not alone. In fact, as goldendoodles have become more popular, so have the different types of doodles. We won’t go into all the different types, which include F2s, F3 and multi-gens because here at Rainfield Goldendoodles we focus on F1s and F1bs.

The F1 Goldendoodle

An F1 is the original mix between a standard poodle and a golden retriever. A litter of F1 goldendoodle pups can range in coat types from shaggy wavy to a bit of curly. A curly F1 doesn’t typically have the real tight, poodle-like curls of an F1B, but as you can see from the pictures of Cash in one of the pictures below, that boy has got some curls on him.

We usually tell people that F1s are low shed as some do have a little shedding. It’s not anywhere close to the shedding you will see with a golden retriever, but you may find dust bunnies here and there if you don’t brush them out once or twice a week. The curlier the doodle, the less they tend to shed, but the more they tend to mat, which means more consistent grooming.

The shaggy wavy F1 doodles may have a little more shedding, although not always, but because they don’t generally mat as easily, you can more easily keep their coats longer. This coat type can often be kept mat free and looking good with a good brush/comb out once a week.

Another aspect of F1 Goldendoodles is that they are a good mix of poodle and retriever because they are half and half. Some in the litter may take a little more after their poodle parent and others more after the retriever, but personality and looks wise, it’s more a balance between the poodle and retriever characteristics with this original mix.

Since F1 doodles have either shaggy wavy coats or curlier, but not as tight as a poodle or an F1B, keeping their coats long is easier to do. The shaggy wavy sheep dog look is very popular, but when you want to, you can take them to the groomer and get the more manicured look. Just be sure you ask your groomer for pictures of doodles they have groomed or get recommendations from other doodle owners. Some groomers will tend to “poodle your doodle” if you’re not careful. This is less of a problem now that doodles are becoming more common, but it’s good to double check.

The F1B Goldendoodle

An F1B goldendoodle has one goldendoodle parent and a standard poodle parent, so they are three quarters poodle. These cuties usually have tighter curls and have more of that poodle look. Standard poodles are wonderful dogs and have a reputation for being very loyal and fast learners. So if you like that poodle-like temperment with a little of that friendly, gregarious retriever thrown in, an F1B might be perfect for you.

F1Bs tend to shed less (if at all) than even an F1 doodle, so if you have more severe allergies and are looking for the more hypo-allergenic option, an F1B is probably the safest bet.

Their temperment is quite similar to the F1s, however some F1Bs get a little more of that poodle love of jumping. Unless they are a mini, you should either look up Youtube training videos or enroll in puppy classes so they learn early on to get attention by sitting and waiting instead of jumping up. They are such fast learners and do so well that’s it’s a shame not to get them into training early. They love to learn and are often good role models for other dogs in the classes.

Grooming your F1B doodle may be too much for you to totally handle on your own. Brushing them out is easy enough, but to actually give them a good hair cut, you will need clippers and some know-how. Most owners of F1Bs say they take their doodles in for grooming and maintenance every 6 weeks to 2 months to keep them looking sharp. They can have long beautiful coats, but you have to work at keeping those long beautiful locks.

Grooming and F1B is also a little different than an F1 Goldendoodle. As we said earlier, an F1B will have a curlier coat with tighter curls, similar to a poodle. With this type of coat you will need to keep an close eye out for matting as they don’t lose that undercoat naturally. You can think you are keeping them well brushed out, but unless you get down to the skin when combing them, it’s common that they will have mats at the base of their coat. When that happens your groomer will usually suggest a pretty short haircut.

A Word on Training

We touched on this earlier but both F1s and F1Bs are generally very easy to train. Both doodle types love to please and are usually the star of their training classes as they are generally fast learners. We do recommend doing some form of training for your goldendoodle. They are wonderful dogs, but are not born angels. They need to be taught manners and love to learn new things. Also, if you have any problem behaviors, regular contact with your trainer can often help you nip things in the bud.

Many doodles make excellent service dogs or companion dogs, so whether you take them to the more basic training classes that are offered at many pet stores or go with a more skilled and in depth trainer, early training is highly recommended. A little bit early on can go a long way.