F1 or F1b Goldendoodle

[Robert]

Hello. I am getting a goldendoodle and trying to figure out if I should get F1 or F1b. I know the allergy benefits, but what about looks and tempermant. Also, a lot of people say the males make better pets. One more question, are goldendoodles calm or not calm? What do you think? Thanks

[Lynda Kamrath]

If you do have allergy considerations, I would recommend the F1b. They are more poodle and therefore less shedding, more hypoallergenic. My F1b is pure love but doesn't seem to be as intelligent or sensitive as our labrodoodle. My personal preference is male dogs, but females are great for protectiveness with children. My son's dog (a female) always stood between him and anyone who addressed him. F1b doodles do require more grooming as their coat is more like a poodles. We are very satisfied with both our dogs, as I am sure you will be with whatever you decide to get.

[Nicole Wayne]

Calm or not calm definitely depends on the dog, not really the breed in this case. Same with shedding (unfortunately.) Our Mazie is a black f1 goldendoodle. Mom is a golden and Dad a standard poodle. She is a fantastic dog! She's almost 2 years old, calm when it's good to be calm and hyper when she feels like being hyper (or if we purposely rile her up...) She's pretty smart but not a genius, and she does shed like crazy. Let me say that again so there is no confusion: she sheds like crazy! I was originally under the impression that most doodles don't shed, but that was before I did additional research about f1s, f1bs, etc. The others are right - the more poodle in the mix, the less shedding. We absolutely adore our girl and fortunately, the shedding is a cosmetic issue (my house requires a lot more work to remain clean, now) but not a health issue, as neither of us is allergic. Just wanted to add my 2 cents since the more info you have, the better choice you can make. I just hate to see dogs end up in shelters, so I'm always glad when people do their research before they buy! Best of luck (and goldendoodles rock)!!!

[Paula]

Hi there
Dandy my 6 mos old F1 Black Goldendoodle doesn't shed at all. When bathed or brushed there is but a very small amount of fuzz in the brush not even enough to clean the brush off and wet black fuzz that would amount to about a 1/16 the size of a cotton ball remains in the tub after his bath. He has very soft silky curly hair.
Maybe I'm foolishly naive and the shedding comes later. Also he is the calmest most polite; I would have to say actually gentlemanly puppy that I have ever seen. What a stroke of luck to have found him!