You might see all these different names were thrown around when speaking about Labradoodles, F1, F2, etc. but what does it really mean?
F1 means the first generation, F1b is the second generation, and F2 is the third generation. From the third generation and so on, they are called Multi-gen Labradoodles. That’s a lot of different names to remember
But let’s take a closer look at what that actually means.
An F1 Labradoodle are the puppies from the first mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. These puppies will usually get quite large. Sometimes over 20 inches, and they shed!
The coat on an F1 Labradoodle can be smooth like a Labrador Retriever, wiry like an Irish wolfhound. Or curly/shaggy.
Usually, they shed a decent amount, but the puppies from the same litter can vary quite a bit in the type of coat and physically
Being first-generation hybrids, the F1 Labradoodle often has a good and healthy advantage when looking at hybrid vigor.
But usually only if the parents have been tested for health-related diseases.
The best thing when looking to buy a puppy would be if you knew the genes of both the parents behind the puppy, so check their pedigree if possible.
That way you will know that there aren’t other types of breeds in your puppy.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of puppies on the market which are being called Labradoodles but really aren’t.
So be really thorough when looking for a puppy.
Remember to also get proof of all the necessary health checkups, and to check the pedigrees.
That way there’s less risk of a surprise puppy that doesn’t have the qualities you were looking for.
To summarize F1 Labradoodles
- Coat Maintenance: Low need
- Coat Description: The coat will usually grow 3-4 inches and require occasional grooming.
- Shedding: Some will shed, some won’t.
- Allergy-friendly: Can work in families with mild allergic reactions. If it’s a family with moderate to high allergy, an F1b Labradoodle is preferable.
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The F2 Labradoodle is the cross between F1 and another F1 (second generation mix).
Some breeders refer to these as multi-gen.
They are still 50% Labrador Retriever and 50% Poodle, but the genes are mixed further, and they come in several different color variants than an F1 Labradoodle.
There is a tendency to breed the F2 Labradoodles just for the chance of a specific color, or getting a fleece fur.
In an F2 puppy litter, you will usually be able to see many different variants of fur, from extremely curly poodle’ ish fleece to very short-haired types.
Fleece furred puppies have the quality of an F1b’s fur, which I will describe a bit further down. And the short hair types have the same qualities as the F1 Labradoodles above.
These Labradoodles are usually very kind and especially loving.
To summarize F2 Labradoodles
- Coat Maintenance: Moderate to high.
- Coat Description: The coat will usually continue to grow even if it by the looks resembles an F1 Labradoodle.
- Shedding: Will shed less than an F1 Labradoodle.
- Allergy-friendly: Usually recommended to families with moderate to high allergies.
- RELATED ARTICLE: ARE LABRADOODLES HYPOALLERGENIC?
That means it’s an F1 Labradoodle mixed with a Poodle to which it isn’t related.
The F1b Labradoodles puppies usually a lot of “wow-factor” as they have some incredible coats.
In a litter of F1b Labradoodles, there will be both fleece and wool type of coats.
The ones with fleece
Please be aware that no dog is guaranteed to be allergy-friendly towards everybody.
The gene which causes the allergic reactions can just as well be in the dogs’ saliva as it can in the coat and dandruff.
Some people also have allergic reactions towards a purebred poodle.
The wool coat is a pretty demanding type and usually requires a good brushing once a week.
They have to be trimmed more often, and you have to consider it carefully if you decide on this version.
The good thing about
Taking your F1b Labradoodle to the groomer can quickly get expensive if it has to be done that often, so I would recommend that you just learn it yourself!
You will most likely also have to pay more for this type of coat, as they are usually in very high demand.
To Summarize F1b Labradoodles
- Coat Maintenance: Moderat to high
- Coat Description: Normally a bit thicker and more curly than an F1 Labradoodle, and with a wavy or curly coat.
- Shedding: Low to none
- Allergy-friendly: If there are moderate to high allergies in the family, the F1b Labradoodle is the preferred type.
When the Labradoodle is third or later generation, they are referred to as multi-gen.
This gives savvy breeders the possibility to refine the personality and physical attributes of the labradoodle.
Multi-gen Labradoodles are usually more allergy-friendly and have a more desirable coat when looking at texture and quality.
Multi-gen is what should be strived for and breed on.
Usually, it will take years and quite a few litters for a breeder to get to the multi-gen type.
To Summarize Multi-gen Labradoodles
- Coat Maintenance: Moderate to high.
- Coat Description: The coat will continue to grow in length, and requires combing and occasional grooming. It is thicker than an F1 labradoodle and can have a curly, fleece or wavy type of coat.
- Shedding: Almost all dogs are completely non-shedding.
- Allergy-Friendly: Multi-gen Labradoodles are recommended for families with moderate to high allergies.
There is quite a lot to consider when getting a labradoodle, and especially if you are looking to find one that doesn’t shed, or to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
But hopefully, this list has given you some insight into what type to look for, and if you have any further questions please ask, and I will hopefully find the answer you are looking for!
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