The F1 Labradoodle

The F1 Labradoodle is the breeding of a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle.

The F1B Labradoodle is the breeding of a F1 Labradoodle, back crossed with a Poodle.

This yields a dog ¼ Labrador Retriever and ¾ Poodle. The F2 Labradoodle results when both parents are F1 Labradoodle (25% retriever #1, 25% poodle #1, 25% retriever #2, 25% poodle #2).

Let me stress, if you choose this type of Labradoodle, you need to be VERY CAREFUL when choosing your breeder and puppy.

Ideally, the breeders of F1, F1B and F2 Labradoodles should breed with an eye toward the breed standards, particularly temperament.

The sudden popularity of this dog has motivated many unscrupulous breeders. Please read the section on how to choose a breeder carefully.

It will make all the difference in the quality of dog you take home.

F1, F1B, and Australian Multi-Gen Labradoodle breeder Dixie Moore of Dixie's Doodles says it best, "Popularity is one of the worst things that can happen to a dog breed."

The primary argument for this style of dog is the phenomenon of hybrid vigor.

This is when two different breeds are bred together, the offspring get all of the good traits and few or none of the bad. And this is true…to a point.

If both sire (the male parent dog) and dam (the female parent dog) have the same genetic issue, the puppies will have that issue as well.

The reason hybrid vigor works is that the recessive genes in the two breeds have a significantly reduced chance of linking up.

Many of the common medical problems that are seen in a specific breed are carried to the offspring because both parents carry the recessive gene – thus the recessive genes link up.

In Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles, hip dysplasia is a very common health concern.

F1 Labradoodle Advantages

The main advantage of F1 breeding is they have the highest possibilities of hybrid vigor.

They will also potentially have reduced genetic defects.

A well bred F1 Labradoodle will have a delightful temperament and will be a quick learner.

The Australian Guide Dog Association, as well as guide dog associations in the United States, breed and use F1 Labradoodles in their guide dog programs.

F1 Labradoodle Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of F1 breeding is these dogs have a higher chance of shedding.

Another disadvantage of the F1 breeding is unreliable temperaments if the puppies have not been carefully bred.

You want to make sure the sire and dam both have good, gentle dispositions.

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Article written by:

Edie MacKenzie