What is a Golden Doodle? And what is an F2B Golden Doodle? Why would you want one? So what’s up with these hybrid, “designer” dogs? Are they healthier? Hybrid dogs can still have genetic problems because you are still crossing two first generation dogs, however the percentage of hybrid dogs with genetic problems is much lower than purebred dogs because the gene pool is mixed. It is also important to be aware; not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. While a simple F1 generation cross is said to produce the most hybrid vigor in the dog and the further down the multi-generation chain, the more vigor is lost in the hybrid. But beyond hybrid vigor, there are some huge benefits to multi-generation crossing. If you want to increase your chances of certain traits, such as a non-shedding coat, sometimes it is necessary to move further down the generational chain.

A Goldendoodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle (usually the Standard Poodle). Like most “Designer Dogs” or purebred dogs, for that matter (after all, all purebred dogs were originally the result of breeding different breeds or sizes to get a certain type of dog or characteristic!), the preferred characteristics in Golden Doodles come down to four:


∞ Personality ∞ Intelligence
∞ Coat ∞ Conformation


When it comes to personality and intelligence, a responsible breeder will only breed dogs who have the best traits of the breed. Both Poodles (#2) and Goldens (#4) are dogs ranked high in terms of intelligence and both have had long and storied careers in the field of obedience, working and service fields. When it comes to coat, the desired result is that wavy/curly coat that sheds little and is hypo-allergenic. Finally, in conformation, the deep, strong head and chest of the Golden with the beautiful legs of the Poodle seem to be the desired look favored by most breeders and owners.

The Generations

F1 = 1st generation puppy - 50% Golden Retriever and 50% this is first generation, resulting in the most hybrid vigor. In this particular cross, hair type can be smooth like a Golden, wirey like an Irish wolfhound or wavy/shaggy or curly, they can shed or not shed, and pups in the same litter can vary widely. This is not the best cross for people with severe allergies or who want a non-shedding dog.

F1b = backcross puppy - 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle; this is a Goldendoodle bred back to Poodle, and this coat is more likely to have the Wavy Curly and shaggy look with less shedding and more allergy friendly. However, there are two main problems with this cross: a) they are more likely to have more Poodle characteristics, in terms of conformation and b) because there is more of the poodle in the genetic makeup more hybrid vigor is lost and consequently more health problems are likely to show up.

F2 = second generation puppy = an F1 Goldendoodle crossed with an F1 Goldendoodle. This combination gets the same percentage of Golden Retriever and Poodle as you would in an F1 hybrid. In the case of the Goldendoodle, they are more likely to shed and there is less control over the quality of the coat.

F2b = second generation backcross puppy = F1 bred to a F1b (hybrid backcross) – 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Golden Retriever. This is considered the most desirable cross by rigorous breeders. While having enough Golden Retriever to maintain the desired conformation, the F2b is the MOST likely of any breeding to have the desired coat that is non-shedding and allergy friendly then ANY Doodle cross and is the easiest coat to care for while maintaining the most hybrid vigor, resulting in a healthier dog.

Dogs are not to be disposed of like old toasters when they do not perform as you wish. They are living creatures. Most experienced breeders can give you a pretty good idea what characteristics in a pup will emerge as the puppy grows, but still, this cannot be guaranteed. As with any dog, sometimes it is harder to tell what type of temperament the pup will take on, as some characteristics do not appear until the pup is older, past adoption age. I do my very best through rigorous handling and testing to give you my best estimate as to the temperament of your puppy.