F1b english vs F1 american

[Lisa]

Hi everyone! I'm brand new here. We will be adding a goldendoodle to the family in the next few months, and the breeder I have chosen will have two litters to choose from. I would love the opinions of some experienced doodle owners in making a decision on which litter we go with!

The first litter is F1 goldendoodles. The mom is an American golden retriever, dad standard poodle. The second litter is F1b. The mom is an English cream goldendoodle and the dad is a red standard poodle.

All other factors are the same... great breeder whom I trust, nutrition, sex (we are getting a female), etc. I've done enough research to know that the F1b will shed less but need to be groomed more. Other than the hair issue, would you choose one litter over the other? Does English cream make a difference?

Thank you so much!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

There is SO much personal preference that comes into play here. Maybe if you tell us a little more about what you are looking for in a dog, we could better help you! And welcome! You will learn so much on DK!

[Lisa]

Thanks, Stephanie! We have two small children, so we really just want a family companion and play mate. I would like to pursue training her as a therapy dog and volunteering in the community. I don't feel strongly about the coat color. I see both the advantages and disadvantages of having more poodle hair vs. golden hair. I guess I'm just curious if there are personality or trainability differences in the two types of litters, or if it just depends on the individual puppy.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I have both an F1 American Goldendoodle and an F1 Cream English Goldendoodle. The differences for me are that the english female, is much blockier, stockier and bigger boned than my American guy. They weigh the same, however and are the same height. Otherwise, I cant speak to the F1b other than my daughter has one and he is much more poodle and less shedding than her other golden doodle. who btw is also english and has the perfect blocky doodle head and he is very thick boned. Personally I like the look of the english much more. But I love them just the same of course. personality wise they have very similar "doodle" traits, but different personalities. Kinda like children I guess.....Both loveable, easy to train, eager to please, get along with everyone, do very well with babies and young children.

[Lisa]

Thanks for your reply! It sounds like in your experience it is mostly a looks difference. I think I agree that the English are a bit cuter, but both are adorable. It's probably a winning decision either way. :)

[Kristen Eric Lacey and Paisley]

Hi Lisa,

We will be bringing our Goldendoodle home this Saturday. She is an F1 English Goldendoodle. When we went to visit our breeder we did ask about the differences. Everything Sue said about their differences was also told to me by my breeder. I did ask her about if there are any differences in their temperament. The only difference our breeder noticed is the English tend to be a bit more mellow and relaxed, but still playful and sweet. I can't say if that is 100% true because all doodles are different but just from playing with the two types of puppies, the American were a little more active and hyper. She did explain that both are very intelligent and that we shouldn't have trouble with training either. I do tend to like the English more simply because of their coat. They look like big fluffy teddy bears! Both however are wonderful dogs and whichever you choose, I'm sure will be a great addition to your family! Welcome to DK!

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

We chose the English golden-doodle because it was the look I liked. After choosing that part, I chose a breeder I trusted who had parents with good health and temperaments.

Yogi is an f1 English mini goldendoodle though, not f1b. I adore his temperament, he's been a wonderful puppy. He sheds a very minor amount. I almost think this could be an advantage, maybe he won't matt as much.

Enjoy your search!

[Natalie & Banjo]

We have a 12 month old F1b (mini/23 lbs) English with a terrific temperament with our 3 kids (10,8,4).  Still a puppy and lots of happy energy with other dogs and strangers but quite mellow at home.  The kids are boisterous and loud with each other, loving with the dog, and he in turn takes it in stride and has been a great addition.  I have no idea how he sleeps through their craziness sometimes though.  Also, we had a fair amount of puppy madness in the beginning but he quickly understood his role amid the kids.  He and my youngest, 4, adore each other.

I've read the same differences as those mentioned here: English are boxier, bit more mellow.  The Americans may need an extra energy burn daily, and may be a bit lankier too.  The individuality within a litter likely trumps those generalizations though.

Congrats.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I think individual differences do come into play a lot. I have an American f1b who is more mellow than a lazy cat. She is very willing to play when the time comes, but when we aren't outside, she likes nothing more than to snooze at my feet. 

[Adina P]

I don't have an English doodle, but I imagine, being a mixed breed that an English Goldendoodle could potentially take after its poodle parent and be more lanky than stocky just as much as it could take after the golden retriever and be more stocky.  So individual pups may vary.  Also even in an F1b litter there can be a couple of pups that look like an F1.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you for noting this Adina. I have two F1 English Goldendoodles with the same sire. One is stocky and the other is lanky and deep chested/small waisted. One is black the other cream. Their personalities are as different as two dogs could be. One is laid back, quiet to the point of getting stepped on often because no one knows he's around. The other one takes up "tons of space" in a room because he is so high energy. They are both adults... 7 and 3 1/2 years old. They are just completely different. Endearing in their own ways, but different! 

[Lynda Kamrath]

I am very partial to F1b doodles.  I don't think it is true that they need to be groomed more.  My F1b goldendoodle had the most marvelous coat - very soft, and did not mat at all.  He did not shed and was very easy to groom.  The colors of this litter might be interesting also.

[catherine grose]

I have an English F1b miniature golden who is mellow and sweet and fun. Looks stocky but is very dainty and narrow under all that fluff.

Lots of brushing and combing but no shedding - i can't decide if this is the easy way around, probably not. Grooming is a real time commitment. And of course no shedding certainly doesn't mean no mess! The garden comes in on Hector's coat every day. Also drying him is a big job because of the tight curls. And if allergies are any motivation then seriously consider a pure poodle. 

Each puppy will be an individual character so my only advice would be to interact with both mothers and see who's personality you like best or if either of them have any difficult tendencies e.g.  Do either of them have guarding behaviors - of territory or of high value items (like my bra!!!) as this is classic of golden retrievers and Hectors only 'faults'.

And once you choose you will never doubt your decision in hindsight because she will be the love of your life!