Meet the F1B Goldendoodle

F1B Goldendoodle. F1 Goldendoodle. What’s the difference?
As the mom of an F1B red Goldendoodle, aunt to two F1 Goldendoodles, and a research hound, I want to share not just the facts about Goldendoodles but what makes these lovable dogs so special. By the end of this article you’ll have a dog mom’s answers to:
- What is an F1B Goldendoodle?
- What’s the difference between the F1 and F1B?
- What are the F1B Goldendoodle’s traits, characteristics, personality, coat colors, and grooming requirements?
We’re happy you’re here!
What is a Goldendoodle?
Before we get into the nitty gritty on the F1B Goldendoodle, let’s define the Goldendoodle.
The Goldendoodle is a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and Poodle. The term “Goldendoodle” is the name given to these fluffy hybrid dogs. You may also have heard the name “Groodle,” which is the term more commonly used in Australia.
Related: What is a Goldendoodle? 100 Dog Owners Describe the Heart and Soul Behind These Loveable Doods
What does F1 mean?
Next, let’s break down the meaning of “F1.” Since Goldendoodle dogs are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, they are considered to be a hybrid. Of course, the term “hybrid” isn’t limited to Goldendoodles or even dogs. Here’s a definition of “F1 Hybrid:”
An F1 Hybrid (also known as filial 1 hybrid) is the first filial generation of offspring of distinctly different parental types.
So “F1 hybrid” is a term used in genetics and may also appear as “F1 crossbreed.”
What is an F1 Goldendoodle?

When a Poodle is crossed with a Golden Retriever, the Goldendoodle puppy is 50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever. This is called an F1 Goldendoodle.
The F1Goldendoodle is a first-generation cross between a purebred Poodle and a purebred Golden Retriever. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, please check out our diagram…

What is an F1B Goldendoodle?
An F1B Goldendoodle is the pup from a purebred Poodle and an F1 Goldendoodle.
The “B” in “F1B” stands for “backcross.” In general terms, the F1B Goldendoodle is 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle.
However, just like in a family, some offspring may carry more dominant traits of one parent or even a grandparent. In the case of appearance, some Goldendoodles will have a more “Poodley” look, some more “Retrievery,” and still others somewhere in between. Basically, a Goldendoodle could get any combination of the parent characteristics.
In my opinion, that’s part of the fun of having a Goldendoodle as part of your family pack.
The graphic below visually explains the F1B Goldendoodle…

However, with the Goldendoodle’s comical personality, we like to imagine that “F1B” could also stand for…
Funny Business.

Or Fluff Butt…

More about the F1B Goldendoodle
To get to know the characteristics of the F1B Goldendoodle, it’s helpful to understand the standard Poodle and the Golden Retriever. Then know that you can find any combination of parent characteristics in the Goldendoodle.
According to the AKC, the Poodle is described as:
- Eager
- Athletic
- Extremely intelligent
- Ready to please
- Friendly
The AKC describes the Golden Retriever as:
- Friendly
- Intelligent
- Devoted
- An eager-to-please family dog
(For more information, please refer to the AKC’s breed standards on the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.)
So, from understanding the parent breeds, it’s likely that an F1B Goldendoodle will have some combination of the traits above.
For my bestie Happy-Go-Doodle Chloe, the characteristics of the parent breeds hold true. Chloe, an F1B Goldendoodle:
- Is wicked smart.
- Was easily trained as a puppy and is still easily trained as an adult.
- Is very active and requires daily walks and games of fetch.
- Is an incredibly devoted family dog.
In addition to personality, you may be wondering about the physical characteristics of F1B Goldendoodles. Let’s look at coat type, grooming, and coat colors next.
Grooming an F1B Goldendoodle
Since the Golden Retriever has a high shedding coat and the Poodle has a low shedding coat, a Goldendoodle’s coat type will fall somewhere in between. However, don’t be deceived. F1B Goldendoodles will require regular brushing and grooming.
For more about shedding, please read my companion article: Do Goldendoodles Shed? Separating the Facts from the Fluff. Also, for more about Goldendoodle grooming, please read my article: How to Groom a Goldendoodle’s Face: What I Learned from a Wahl® Grooming Pro.

F1B Goldendoodle coat colors
Based on the variety of coat colors of the Poodle (black, white, cream, apricot, to name a few) and the range of shades of golden the Golden Retriever heritage brings to the mix (golden, light golden, and dark golden), the F1B Goldendoodle can sport a rainbow of colors. An F1B Goldendoodle’s coat color may be:
- cream (learn more about the cream Goldendoodle)
- apricot
- red
- black (learn more about the black Goldendoodle)
- chocolate (brown)
- parti
- merle (some of the coat color looks naturally faded)
F1B Goldendoodles: Exercise and training
Many Goldendoodles are quick to learn, energetic, and ready to please. They require energy burns and mental stimulation. (It makes sense since both of the parent breeds are smart and active.) They need attention and like to be part of the pack. Goldendoodles are eager to fit in with the entire family and adapt to life with you. They are often recommended for families and make wonderful companions.

However, they are not some sort of wonder dog, either. Like all dogs, if they don’t get enough mental stimulation or physical activity, they may find their own outlets for their excess energy (i.e. stick chewing, digging). Also, Goldendoodles are social dogs and may show anxiety or boredom if left alone for long periods of time. As puppies, they may be pushy or mouthy (want to chew on everything) or zoomy.
However, with proper care, socialization, love, attention, training, and exercise, an F1B Goldendoodle is more love than you could ever imagine. She’ll be your F1B, which in my book stands for…
1 Forever Bestie…for ever and always by your side.

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