As a breeder, I sometimes get asked: “What is the percentage of poodle and golden retriever in these puppies?” Well, the answer is, genetics really don't work on a straight percentage basis. If they did, all your siblings would look exactly like you do! Within the same litter, siblings can look a bit different or have a different coat type. As a breeder, while it’s important to have knowledge of the Goldendoodle generations, when deciding on breeding pairs, we need to evaluate and look at the strengths and weaknesses of each individual dog and pair them with a mate that complements them based on the following criteria for puppies we want to produce. We want healthy puppies (from health tested parents), well-structured puppies (vitally important for movement and joint health), consistency in sizes, the stockier build of the Golden Retriever (not too much poodle in the mix), the most non-shedding coat types, the intelligence of the Poodle and more laid-back temperament of the Golden Retriever, all while maintaining a consistent combination of wavy coats and loose curly coats, rather than flat, shedding or improper coats. Our breeding's are based on health, structure, temperament, size and coat traits rather than on mathematical generation charts which are not only confusing but misleading as well. In doing so, we produce puppies that are consistently gorgeous, well-structured and super sweet as well as being the lowest shedding and most hypoallergenic.
F1 Generation- Golden Retriever x Poodle. This is the result of crossing a Standard Poodle with a Golden Retriever to create a Goldendoodle. Shedding and heavy shedding is common and coats within the same litter can vary greatly. They are appropriate for most people with mild allergies. Their coats can be wavy, slightly curly or smooth (looking more like a Golden Retriever).
F1b Generation- F1 Doodle x Poodle. These dogs are minimal to non-shedding (if they shed at all), are extremely allergy friendly and are highly recommended for people with moderate to severe dog allergies. Their coats are generally wavy, slightly curly or a relaxed curl. They are a perfect choice for those with allergy or shedding concerns.
F1bb Generation- F1b Goldendoodle x Poodle. This generation retains a high level of consistency. This is an extremely allergy friendly generation where the puppies should be minimal to non-shedding. There can be some coat variation within a litter but expect curls. They are highly recommended for families with any allergy concerns and for those who don't want the shedding. Exact percentages of the F1bb poodle/retriever mix are theoretical. There is no guarantee that any generation will be an exact a mix of 50/50 or 75/25 or any other combination. With coat testing, proper knowledge, and choosing the correct pairing, a trustworthy breeder will be able to tell you whether or not your puppy will be a shedder or how allergy friendly your puppy will be regardless of the amount of curl.
F2 Generation- F1 Doodle X F1 Doodle. This generation can vary just like the F1 and F2b generation. Although there is a higher chance of a Retriever gene coming through and creating a doodle that looks like a Retriever and will likely shed and not be good for allergy sufferers.
F2b Generation- F1 Doodle X F1b Doodle. Their coats are generally wavy, slightly curly or a relaxed curl. They are a choice for those with allergy or shedding concerns as long as the parents are coat tested.
F3 Generation- F1b Doodle X F1b Doodle (this would be the only way we would breed an F3) or F2 Doodle X F2 Doodle. This generation can vary from a heavy wave to very curly. Another allergy friendly type.
Multi-gen- Multi-gen is the term used to describe doodles beyond the second generation. This generation retains a high level of consistency and predictability in traits, structure and coat type and bring hybrid vigor back into their offspring. When bred correctly, they are extremely allergy friendly, with minimal (if they shed at all) to no shedding. Multi-gens are highly recommended for people with moderate to severe allergies and for those who don't want the shedding. Their coats are generally wavy, slightly curly or a relaxed curl.
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