F1 vs. F2 vs. Multigenerational Doodles: What Every Puppy Buyer Needs to Know About Coat Types & Hypoallergenic Traits
If you're researching Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, or Cavapoos, you’ve probably fallen down the rabbit hole of doodle generations. F1, F1b, F2, Multigen… suddenly it feels like you’re decoding Wi-Fi passwords instead of shopping for a puppy.
Take a deep breath. Let’s simplify this so you walk away confident — and your families do, too.
What Do Doodle Generations Mean?
Doodle “generations” simply tell you how far the parents are from their original breeds (Poodle + Golden Retriever, Poodle + Bernese, Poodle + Cavalier, etc.).
Knowing the generation helps predict coat type, hypoallergenic traits, and shedding levels — which is what most families care about when choosing the perfect puppy.
F1 Doodles (First Generation)
50% Poodle × 50% Retriever/Bernese/Cavalier
F1 Goldendoodles, F1 Bernedoodles, and F1 Cavapoos are the classic “first mix.” Think of it as the doodle starter kit.
Coat Traits of F1 Doodles
Usually wavy coats
Soft and fluffy, but still can shed lightly
Hypoallergenic but not the most predictable
Great for families who love a natural, loose-wavy look
Variety: some fluffballs, some straighter coats, some curlier ones
Best for:
Families who aren’t extremely allergy-sensitive and want that classic, shaggy doodle style.
F1B Doodles (The Popular Upgrade)
F1 Doodle × Poodle → approx. 75% Poodle
This is the generation people Google the most because it offers much more reliable coat predictability.
Coat Traits of F1B Doodles
Higher chance of hypoallergenic, low-shed coats
Coats range from wavy to curly
The most common pick for families with allergies
Softer, silkier coats thanks to increased Poodle genetics
Best For:
Families who want the safest bet for non-shedding doodles and predictable grooming needs.
F2 Doodles (Second Generation)
F1 × F1
This generation is where genetics start throwing curveballs like it’s the MLB playoffs.
Coat Traits of F2 Doodles
Coat types can vary wildly:
Straight
Wavy
Curly
Hypoallergenic traits are less predictable
Can resemble either parent breed more than expected
Not ideal for families needing low-shed dogs unless bred intentionally by an ethical, educated breeder
Best For:
Families who don’t need guaranteed low-shed and love the variety F2 litters offer.
Multigenerational Doodles (Multigen)
F1B × F1B, F1B × Multigen, Multigen × Multigen
These are the most consistent doodles when bred responsibly with coat genetics in mind.
Coat Traits of Multigen Doodles
Excellent predictability in wavy and curly coats
Most reliable generation for hypoallergenic traits
Coats can be incredibly soft, plush, and luxurious
Best option for families who want consistency in shedding, coat texture, and allergy friendliness
Best For:
Families who want the highest reliability in coat type, temperament, structure, and low-shed traits.
Straight vs. Wavy vs. Curly Coats
Let’s break this down lightning-round style.
Straight Coats
Most common in F1 and F2 doodles
Lowest maintenance
May shed
Least hypoallergenic
Wavy Coats
“Teddy bear” look
Soft, plush, friendly for allergy-sensitive families
Seen in F1, F1B, and Multigen
Balanced grooming needs
Curly Coats
Tight curls like a Poodle
Most hypoallergenic
Lowest shedding
Seen predominantly in F1B and Multigen
Highest grooming commitment (regular brushing + professional grooming)
Which Coat Type Is the Most Hypoallergenic?
If allergies are a priority, the safest bets are:
Curly Coat Multigenerational Doodles
Curly/Wavy F1B Doodles
Wavy Multigen Doodles
These offer the most consistency in:
Allergy friendliness
Low shedding
Coat softness
Predictability
F1 and F2 doodles can be hypoallergenic, but it’s more of a genetic coin toss.
Goldendoodles vs. Bernedoodles vs. Cavapoos: Coat Differences
Goldendoodles
Wavy and curly coats are common
Very soft with a fluffy, plush texture
Multigenerational lines tend to be the most allergy-friendly
Bernedoodles
Naturally a little thicker and more textured because of Bernese genetics
Wavy coats give that “teddy bear” look everyone loves
Curly coats offer the best hypoallergenic traits
Cavapoos
Known for ultra-soft coats
Can be straight, wavy, or curly depending on generation
Multigen Cavapoos have very predictable non-shedding coats
Which Generation Should You Choose?
Here’s the honest, straight-to-the-point version your clients will appreciate:
Want the most reliable low-shed coat? → F1B or Multigen
Want that loose, beach-wave doodle look? → F1 or Wavy Multigen
Have allergies? → Curly F1B or Curly Multigen
Want the softest coats overall? → Multigen or F1B
Ethical, educated breeding matters more than anything. Coat traits aren’t luck — they’re genetics, intentional pairing, and actually knowing what you’re doing.
