To start off this conversation we first need to clear up a few myths out there. First myth; Poodles & Doodles are hypo-allergenic. In fact, NO dog is truly hypo-allergenic. However, a Poodle’s skin produces next to nothing of dander, to which humans are most often allergic to when having an allergy to dogs, not their hair. This is why many “designer dogs” and service animals are the result of a Poodle-cross.
Second myth; Poodle and Poodle mixes do not shed. That is false, ALL dogs shed, Yes, even Poodles. However, as we know, some shed significantly less than others. Golden Retrievers, like most dogs, have fur that grows to a certain length and then falls out. This happens year-round, more so as the seasons change. In dogs with double coats, like labs, this adds up to a lot of fur (and a lot of vacuuming)! Poodles, however, have coats that grow in length and maintain thickness but does not fall out at the rate of most dogs. It is so minimal that most of us will never even notice it.
Most all Doodles with a heavy wave or curly coat do not shed and have mild to no dander, regardless of generation, making them ideal for families with moderate to severe allergies. Doodles with loose waves or straight hair are light to moderate-shedders with light dander, making them ideal for families with no allergies. Families with severe allergies often find that Doodles bred back to a poodle (F1b, F1bb or F2b), are best to reduce the risk of any possible reactions. Please keep in mind that allergies can come from not only shedding and dander, but saliva. If you are concerned about allergies, you should spend time with a Doodle before purchasing one to see how it effects you. In some rare and extreme cases people are even allergic to Poodles because of saliva or dander particles. So make sure you know your tolerance level before committing to a dog.
Generations Explained
The first generation (F1) standard size Goldendoodle or Labradoodle was the first to be bred. It is the product of a Standard Poodle crossed with a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever. Most first generation vary drastically with shedding and dander production. F1 doodles are not always a perfect mix of 50% golden retriever and 50% standard poodle; which genes get passed down is determined by chance. So, an F1 doodle could have a flat, retriever-like coat that sheds, or a poodle-like coat (same principle theoretically applies to personality/temperament). Many have a classic, shaggy, not very curly coat. F1 Doodles are very unpredictable as for what size and coat type the offspring will be.
The backcross (F1b) Doodle is produced by crossing a F1 Doodle with a Poodle. F1b Doodles will have a higher success rate for non-shedding, and are recommended for families with severe allergies. Genetically, f1b’s have more poodle than Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever. In some cases, the result is a puppy that is mistaken for a Poodle by their temperament, coat type, or both. This may be great for families who are very concerned about pet dander allergies.
There are also F1bb – that would be a F1b x Poodle, and these Doodles will have a lot of curl and be good with families that have severe allergies. Genetically the offspring would be mostly poodle.
“Multigen”The second generation Doodle (F2 or F2b) is produced by crossing the F1 Doodle’s with a F1b Doodle’s. They also have a higher success rate for non-shedding and are more consistent in determining size. Although multigenerational is more consistent we occasionally see genes come out that would cause even a multi generation puppy to shed or be bigger or smaller than its parents. We can usually tell if this is the case by the time puppies are 8 week of age.
The third generation Goldendoodle (F3), is produced by crossing the F1b or F2 with another F1b or F2 Goldendoodle. They will have a higher success rate for non-shedding, and are recommended for families with moderate to severe allergies. This is what we produce at Northwest Mini Goldendoodles ( F2 x F2 = F3 Generational).
