Curious about F1 or F2 Labradoodles? Well, if you are here, chances are you do. In recent years, Labradoodles have become one popular choice amongst pet enthusiasts. And why not? With the looks and traits of both Labradors and Poodles, this cross breed appears dramatically beautiful. However, while buying or adopting a Labradoodle, one question that often confuses individuals is which type to go with “F1 or F2 Labradoodles”.
According to Breeding enthusiasts and dog experts, F1 Labradoodle is a better choice over F2 Labradoodle, given they are more predictable. But before agreeing to any conclusion, we recommend you understand both F1 and F2 types in detail first.
Labradoodles are a mixed breed between a Labrador Retriever and Poodle. Like any other mixed breed, they come in different generations, which are represented as F1, F1B, and F2. F1 is the first-generation Labradoodle that is a mix of 50% Labrador and 50% Poodle. F1B is the second-generation Labradoodle that is a mix of 25% Labrador and 75% Poodle. Here a Poodle is bred back to an F1 Labradoodle. In contrast, F2 is the third generation Labradoodle that is a result of two breeding two Labradoodles (probably F1) together.
Understanding Different Labradoodle Generations
Since the Labradoodle is a hybrid of the Poodle and Labrador Retriever, the level of genetics may differ with every individual case. Simultaneously, a Labradoodle’s generation can impact many of their traits along with potential looks as well.
But since terms like F1, F1B, and F2 confuse a lot of people, we have here tried breaking down each of them into a simpler understanding. Continue reading to gain a better perspective on the Labradoodle crossbreed.
Every Labradoodle generation begins with the alphabet ‘F’, which stands for ‘Filial Hybrid’. Filial Hybrid is a term that refers to a dog being crossbred of two pure breed parents. Further, the Numbers (1 or 2) with ‘F’ refers to the generation of the crossbred dogs. The other Alphabet, like ‘b’, refers to a Backcross which means a crossbred was bred back to a pure breed.
Labradoodle Generations Chart
| Labradoodle Generations | Parent Breed 1 | Parent Breed 2 | Labrador DNA % | Poodle DNA % |
| F1 Labradoodle | Labrador Retriever | Poodle | 50% | 50% |
| F1B Labradoodle | F1 Labradoodle | Poodle | 25% | 75% |
| F2 Labradoodle | F1 Labradoodle | F1 Labradoodle | 50% | 50% |
F1 Labradoodles
F1 or First-generation Labradoodles are a cross breed of purebred Labrador Retriever and a Standard/ Miniature Poodle. An F1 Labradoodle inherits 50% of traits and looks from both Labrador Retriever and a Standard/ Miniature Poodle. F1 Labradoodles usually grow quite large, and they may sometimes get bigger than 20 inches.
Considering their parent’s genetics, F1 Labradoodles can have a rocking wavy coat, a boon from Flat coat Labrador and curly shaggy poodles. However, depending upon the dominance of genetics, their coat can be anything from flat straight to wiry, shaggy, wavy, or curvy.
F1 Labradoodles aren’t dedicatedly but close enough hypoallergenic. They may shed minimum to moderate hair given to the dominance of their parent breed. However, families who are keen on bringing home only a hypoallergenic Labradoodle must go with the F1B generation. They are preferably more hypoallergenic or allergy friendly and suited for families with mild allergic reactions.
Also, given to their purebred parents, F1 Labradoodles are believed to grow healthier than their either parents’ line. Though besides enjoying better health, they may likely suffer from hip dysplasia since both their purebred parents commonly suffer the same.
F2 Labradoodle
F2 or the third generation Labradoodles are a cross breed of two F1 Labradoodles. An F2 Labradoodle again inherits 50% of traits of each Labrador and Poodle parent, regardless they the breeding result of two F1 Labradoodles.
However, 50% is just an estimate, and it isn’t virtually possible to predict which side genetics will F2 Labradoodle develop the most. The puppy may go towards either of its purebred parents or may have a major dominance over one of them.
However, F2 Labradoodles are much more random in terms of their looks and other traits. They may dominantly resemble one of their purebred parents and even grow as their size. Given that they are the higher generation Labradoodle, they may have various fur types, including very short hair and curly fleece though not flat. Though determining whether F2 Labradoodles are hypoallergenic or not is very difficult, given there is no to very little evidence available.
F2 Labradoodles lose and enjoy a bit of a health benefit from their dual ancestry. They usually do not inherit recessive genetic diseases. However, chances of silently carrying some disorder from dual ancestry are still quite alive.
They may likely suffer from health issues and disabilities, including Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Ear infections, exercise-induced collapse (very commonly), Sebaceous adenitis, and Allergies like hay fever symptoms or itchy skin.
F1 Labradoodles And F2 Comparison
- F1 Labradoodles are the first-generation Labradoodles, whereas F2 is the third generation of Labradoodles.
- F1 Labradoodles’ DNA roughly split 50% between both its parents (purebred Labrador and purebred Poodles). Whereas predicting the DNA split and traits of F2 Labradoodles is quite a tricky task or nearly an impossible one.
- F1 Labradoodles are very common, whereas F2 Labradoodles aren’t.
- F1 Labradoodles are very predictable, but it isn’t possible to determine which traits the breeding of two F1 Labradoodles (an F2 Labradoodles) will inherit.
- F1 Labradoodles undoubtedly have a longer, more beautiful, and healthier coat than F2 Labradoodles.
- F1 Labradoodles are available in limited shades, whereas F2 Labradoodles may come in an array of different colors.
- F1 Labradoodles have a very pretty and appealing appearance of their own. In contrast, F2 Labradoodles look more like a Labrador or a Poodle, depending upon their influential parent breed.
- F1 Labradoodles are undoubtedly healthier than F2 Labradoodles.
- F1 Labradoodles are definitely more expensive than F2 Labradoodles. However, the latter is pretty affordable, given the unpredictability of their traits.
Who is better? F1 Labradoodle or F2 Labradoodle
F1 Labradoodle is any day, a better pet choice than F2 Labradoodle. F1s are healthier and may develop fewer health complications and disabilities as they grow, given the fact that they have higher hybrid vigour. Whereas, since it is difficult to determine which genes are more predictable in F2s, they are a less common choice amongst pet enthusiasts.
In terms of shedding, determining the coat type, and shedding possibilities, F1 Labradoodles are challenging to predict. However, they are still far more predictable than F2s and better for a family with mild allergies. On the other hand, one cannot determine the coat type, hair, and shedding of F2 Labradoodles; therefore, you never know if they can alleviate your allergies. Therefore, families with even low to mild allergies must opt out of F2 Labradoodles and go for a more predictable breed.
How do Big Do F2 Labradoodles get?
A standard F2 Labradoodle will grow between 14 to 24 inches and weigh anywhere between 15 to 75 pounds. Though depending upon which side of the family they take upon, F2 Labradors may either grow pretty small or pretty large. Females majorly occupy the bottom range, whereas Males occupy the top range most commonly.
What Is Better F1 Or F1b Labradoodle?
F1 Labradoodles are 50% Labrador Retriever and 50% Poodles. Whereas F1b Labradoodles are 25% Labrador Retriever and 75% Poodles (a cross breed between F1 Labradoodles and pure breed Poodles).
Regarding what generation Labradoodle is, both F1 and F1b make for a great choice. However, individuals with an allergy as the major concern must go with F1b Labradoodles since they are comparatively more hypoallergenic and nonshedding than the F1 Labradoodle, all thanks to their dominant Poodle genetics. However, since their hair doesn’t shed, F1b Labradoodles require more grooming time and effort than the F1 generation.
Further, F1b Labradoodles are more energetic, people-friendly, and less territorial than an F1b generation. However, regardless of the said traits, both generations need regular exercise and daily activity to maintain their energy and endurance.
Coming to a conclusion, F1 and F1b Labradors are both an excellent choice, with no generation leading (overall) than another. However, F1b Labradors undoubtedly take the lead by keeping shedding and allergy parts as prominent.
What Is The Best Labradoodle Generation?
F1b Labradoodle or L1B Backross is undoubtedly the best Labradoodle generation. It is the offspring of one F1 Labradoodle parent and another (either) purebred Labrador Retrievers or Poodle. Their DNA consists of 25% Labrador Retriever and 75% Poodle dominance.
F1b Labradoodle shed less are hypoallergenic and therefore the most desirable of all the Labradoodle generations. They go well with families who are allergic but dog friendly.
Things to Be Aware of With Labradoodles
- Since Labradoodles are a mixed breed, the chances of them developing genetic or inherited health issues of either parent breed are quite dominant though less predictable.
- Labradoodles, regardless of their generation (F1, F1, F1b), are extremely energetic and require a lot of daily exercise. As a result, they aren’t the best apartment dogs.
- Labradoodles need constant company, and therefore they aren’t the best choice for single individuals. They absolutely hate being alone.
- Labradoodles, regardless of their generation (F1, F1, F1b), are prone to developing disabilities like Hip Dysplasia and health issues like Ear infections. So it is very important to be cautious about your dog for the same.
- Labradoodle are great watchdogs but do not mistake them for guard dogs.
- Labradoodles are not big barkers but still more than many other breeds.
- Labradoodle leap on everyone is they tend to jump a lot.
- Labradoodle’s coat is not always 100% hypoallergenic, and their parent breed dominance matters a lot in this case.
- And, if not trained properly, Labradoodles can become aggressive and destructive.
Wrapping up…
Getting a Labradoodle puppy that suits your needs is like winning a lottery. Different generations and these Labradoodle surprise you with one or more personality traits. F1 and F1b are usually the preferable generations that most pet enthusiasts go with. But, at the same time, F2s are the rare choices that are often picked up if someone wants any specific traits.
While adopting or buying a Labradoodle, make sure you reach only an experienced and reputed breeder. Avoid any local breeder, or you may end up with a dog that is difficult to deal with and care for. Also, do your research well and learn about every confusion in detail before getting your Labradoodle puppy home.