Goldendoodle Generations Labeling Standards
It is best to understand the terminology that is used when labeling the Goldendoodle generations to have a better understanding. While it may confuse you at first, it will be easy once you get familiar with them.
All of our pups are 1st generation (F1) crossbreeds. We only breed 1st generation pups due to the puppies consistently displaying an even mix of the two breeds and due to the better health of a 1st generation pup. Crossbreeding has a few advantages: 1. Crossbreeds tend to have more moderate temperaments compared to purebred dogs. This stems from the fact that many purebreds were originally bred to fulfill a specific purpose — i.e. hunting foxes, guarding properties, herding sheep, protecting cattle, etc. As a result, they have stronger tendencies towards certain actions — i.e. digging, barking, increased energy, hunting and aggression — which are not desirable behaviours in modern family pets. Crossbreeding dilutes these excessive traits and instead achieves a more moderate personality that is better equipped to fit into modern family life. 2. Fewer congenital issues – a common problem amongst purebred dogs is genetic conditions being passed on from one generation to the next. Crossbreeding takes advantage of a phenomenon known as hybrid vigour. Hybrid vigour, or heterosis, is the increase in biological fitness in the 1st generation offspring of two genetically different parents. Whereas inbreeding leads to the offspring being less disease resistant, suffering from inherited health issues and usually not living as long as the parents.
What is the difference between a 1st Generation Cross versus 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc? A 1st generation pup is the offspring of the cross between: – 2 purebred dogs. So a 1st generation Cavoodle is the cross between a Poodle and a King Charles Cavalier. A 1st generation Groodle is the cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. A 1st generation Mini Retriever is the cross between a King Charles Cavalier and a Golden Retriever. A 1st generation Cavagroodle is the cross between a Mini Retriever and a Poodle.
2nd, 3rd and 4th Generation pups are a cross where the same breed is part of the cross. So for example a 2nd generation Cavoodle F1b is a cross between a Cavoodle (which is half Poodle) and a Poodle OR F2 is a cross between a Cavoodle and a Cavoodle . 2nd, 3rd and 4th Generation crosses often show double ups of certain genes. So 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation Cavoodles puppies often have a stronger Cavalier or Poodle resemblance. These 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations pups also have less hybrid vigour than 1st generation pups. Due to a larger concentration of certain genes from one of the breeds in 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation puppies, there is a higher chance of an inherited congenital health problem coming through. Examples below in Cavoodle breeding showing F1 (1st generation), F1b (1st generation back cross), F2 (2nd generation) etc:
F2b – Second Generation Backcross
Crossing an F1 doodle with an F1b creates an F2b. As a first-generation doodle, the F1 parent carries a predictable mix of coat traits (both shedding and non-shedding genes), however, the F1b is a mystery. Unless genetic testing is performed on the F1b parent, the litter could result in a litter similar to an F1b litter or F2 litter (see above). Genetic screening for health diseases also becomes more important whenever two parents with the same breed ancestry are mixed.
What Does F1, F2, F3, F1b & F2b Generations Mean? | CKC’s Talkin’ Dogs List Show
Goldendoodles are one of the original designer dogs. Bred in 1969, they were created when the poodle breed was crossed with the golden retriever breed to provide guide dogs for visually impaired people with allergies. If bred correctly, these dogs have hair instead of fur and don’t shed, which minimizes their risk to allergy sufferers. They’re also usually loyal and adorable companions with easygoing personalities and a high tolerance for children.
Doodles became popular in the 1990s because, in addition to their proficiency as service and therapy dogs, they’re wonderful pets for families with allergies or those with an aversion to dog fur in their lovely homes!