F1 Goldendoodle Retriever?

[Kim Fine]

I have been searching for the perfect goldendoodle for our family and finally found a breeder that I really love. They only thing is...her doodles are half golden retriever (dad) and half F1B goldendoodle. She says they are about 60% golden and 40% poodle. This is their first doodle litter and the pups are adorable and I am almost ready to commit to one of them. I had my heart set on F1 50/50 for a long time and was only searching for those but It has been hard to find exactly what I want in the time frame I'm looking for. Now that I've found these I might just go with it. What do you all think about this mix? Any pictures of adults? I've found a few online but not that many. We don't have allergies in the family although I would like a dog that doesn't shed a ton. I'm sure whatever we end up with I will love but so hard to make a final decision!

Thanks!  

Kim

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Kim, please read our wonderful article What to Look For in a Breeder and take it to heart. Run from any breeder who cannot measure up.

I'm wondering what it is about this breeder that you love. I have to say in all honesty that no reputable breeder would deliberately breed an F1B back to a purebred Golden Retriever. The fact that this is her first doodle litter also speaks volumes. Do you know what if any genetic health testing has been done on the parents? That's the most important factor.

In terms of coat and shedding, there would be absolutely no way to predict what you would get, and of course, not even a previous litter to get an idea. 

[Kim Fine]

Interesting...yes I have been looking at many breeders across the country for a long time. This one has been very easy to talk to both on email and phone, lots of pictures of the puppies and just seems to genuinely love her dogs and is not pushing me to commit. That being said I know that doesn't make for a perfect breeder. It just seems that many of the more well known breeders have long wait lists and you have to commit to a littler so far in advance without seeing the puppies. I have had a hard time doing that. Will keep up my search, thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

When you consider that you will have your dog for probably 14+ years, waiting for the right one is probably a good idea, I think. :)

In general, any breeder who advertises on multiple listing ad sites like "Next Day Pets" or "PuppyFind" is probably someone you want to stay away from.

I cannot overemphasize how important genetic health testing of the parents is. 

The GANA breeders list is a good place to start. They have to adhere to certain basic standards and offer a reasonable warranty in order to be listed: http://goldendoodleassociation.com/dogtrack/guest/memberbreeders.aspx

[Lynda Kamrath]

I think the F1b goldendoodles are about the best dogs out there, but my breeder says she does not breed them because that is getting a little too far down the breeding ladder.  I think I would prefer if the F1b was bred back to a standard poodle, but bred back to a golden retriever makes it more golden retriever in the mix.  You most likely will have shedding in this mix.  I would stick with F1 or F1b, but not this mix or this breeder.  Goldens are great dogs, but you are looking for something else, so stick with your desires and get the dog you want.

[Kim Fine]

Thank you for responding. I actually have found a number of breeders who like this mix and also some groups on here with owners who have one the same or close to it. These responses are definitely making me look further into it though. Just hoping to find the pup meant for us soon!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We have some members here who wanted a 'smaller golden' and chose those pups without facial furnishings or a doodle-look.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing so, but if you are looking for a typical doodle and if  a less shedding dog is also a priority, then this pairing is not a good choice.

[Lacey Hummel]

Our second doodle is this mix of doodle, dad is a F1B and mom is a golden retriever.  Our first doodle is a F1B who is very much a poodle doodle.  We have forever loved goldens but with small kids we were trying to lessen the hair on the floors and furniture.  While we love our first doodle, his personality is awesome, we were hoping to have a little less poodle and more of the golden.  Our Mac is awesome!  He is massive, 76 pounds at 6 months, is not shedding at this point and is much more laid back than our Arrow was as a puppy.  We are really hoping his coat will require less maintenance even if he does eventually shed a bit more.  It was very obvious he was going to be a full fluffy doodle when he was a small pup but some of the litter were more golden looking.  I think it is really hard to go wrong with these two breeds, especially the golden retriever side.  I will say that currently my F1B is shedding way more than my goldendoodle retriever and he is a very curly doodle with a short cut at the moment.  The only way he is non shedding is if he shaved!  It is nothing like the shedding of a golden retriever but I am still vacuuming lots!

[Kim Fine]

Wow thank you for your response! Both your doodles are so cute! I ended up putting a deposit with a different breeder just because I was too nervous about the doodle-retriever one. I really did want an F1 that was 50/50 and looked for so long so I'm happy I ended up finding it. Good to know this is another option though, thank you :) 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Can't wait to see pictures, Kim.

[Jan & Jerry]

We have an F1 doodle and he sheds a lot more than we had anticipated. While it's not bad just more than we thought with our first doodle and indoor dog. He is a great dog, smart and extremely loyal. A beautiful apricot color and weighs about 65lbs.

[Jayme]

We have a female f1b mini goldendoodle with the dad being the mini poodle. So needless to say she has more poodle in her but still has enough golden traits in her to see the difference. She is now 5 months, around 11 lbs, no shedding and adorable.

[Frank & TeddyToyDoodle]

Teddy my Toy Goldendoodle was about 11 pounds at 6 1/2 months.

I don't know if Teddy's mom -- a Mini Doodle -- is F1 or F1b.  F1b would be Standard Doodle Mom while F1 would be a Golden Retriever Mom.  So if the former, a bit more Poodle in the grandson (Teddy). 

At least at my breeder, the Mini Doodle (mom's) can have a Doodle or Retriever as their mother.