Labradoodle Generations
Multi-Gen Australian Labradoodle vs F1 Labradoodle: Why Generation Matters for Size, Coat & Temperament
An F1 Labradoodle is a first cross between a Labrador and a Poodle, so puppies in one litter can vary a lot. A multigenerational Australian Labradoodle comes from Australian Labradoodle parents, so size, coat, and temperament are much more predictable.
What do the generation labels mean?
| Label | Parents | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| F1 Labradoodle | Labrador and Poodle | The most variety in size, coat, and energy |
| F1B Labradoodle | F1 Labradoodle and Poodle | More likely to be low-shedding, still variable |
| F2 and later | Labradoodle and Labradoodle | Still shuffling the two breeds |
| Australian Labradoodle | Australian Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle | The most predictable, bred to itself for many generations |
Why do F1 litters vary so much?
An F1 puppy gets half his genes from a Labrador and half from a Poodle. Those two breeds are very different, so the puppies can land anywhere in between. One puppy may get a tight, low-shedding coat while his sister sheds a lot more.
Research has found that three genes explain most coat differences in dogs: furnishings, coat length, and curl. In an F1 litter, every puppy carries a mix. In an established breed, breeders can test for those genes and keep the coats consistent. For example, every one of our parents tests F/F for furnishings.
What about size?
An F1 litter from a Labrador and a smaller Poodle can grow up to very different sizes. When both parents are Australian Labradoodles of a known size, the puppies tend to land much closer to them. Our minis run 15 to 25 pounds and our mediums run 26 to 50 pounds. Ask any breeder how big the parents are, since that is the best guide. You can meet ours on the Meet the Parents page.
What about temperament?
An F1 puppy can lean toward a Lab's energy or a Poodle's sensitivity. A multigenerational puppy comes from parents who already have the temperament you want. However, every puppy is still an individual, so meeting the parents and asking about each puppy matters.
Is hybrid vigor real?
Mixing two breeds can lower the odds of some inherited diseases. However, it does not erase problems that both breeds share, like hip dysplasia. That is why health testing matters whatever the generation. Every one of our parents is tested and cleared for OFA hips, elbows, and eyes, plus a full Orivet genetic panel.
Which one is right for you?
An F1 Labradoodle may fit if you have no allergies, you are flexible on size and coat, and you find a breeder who health tests.
A multigenerational Australian Labradoodle may fit if you need a predictable size, a low-shedding coat, or a steady family dog.
Whichever you choose, ask the breeder these questions: What generation are the puppies? Can I see OFA and genetic results for both parents? How big are the parents? Can I meet them?
When is the next litter?
Puppies go home at 8 weeks old. Click here to see when our next litters are due.
Common questions about F1 vs. multigenerational Labradoodles
What is an F1 Labradoodle?
A first-generation cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle.
What does multigenerational mean?
It means both parents, and their parents before them, are Australian Labradoodles. The breed has been bred to itself for many generations.
Do F1 Labradoodles shed more?
Some do. In an F1 litter, coat type can vary from puppy to puppy, so some shed and some do not.
Are F1 Labradoodles healthier because of hybrid vigor?
Not automatically. A cross can lower some risks, but it does not replace health testing the parents.
Is an Australian Labradoodle the same as a Labradoodle?
No. A Labradoodle is a Lab and Poodle cross. An Australian Labradoodle is a multigenerational breed with its own registries. Read more here.
Want to meet multigenerational parents?
See our parent dogs and their test results.
Related reading: Goldendoodle or Australian Labradoodle? and our genetic testing.
Sources
- Cadieu E, et al. (2009). Coat variation in the domestic dog is governed by variants in three genes. Science 326(5949).
- Our parent dogs' Orivet genetic panels, listed on our Meet the Parents page.