16 Dec What are bernedoodle generations?
Bernedoodles are becoming a popular “designer breed”, thanks to their beautiful wavy or curly, multi-colored coats, which offer the benefits of hypoallergenic, and low-shedding, to almost no-shedding coats. As you’ve researched whether a Bernedoodle is the right choice for you and your family, you’ve likely noticed some terminology related to the kind of Bernedoodle listed for sale. F1, F1b, F2, etc., refer to the different Bernedoodle generations.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this topic.
Bernedoodle Generations Explained
Similar to other doodle breeds, the Bernedoodle can come in different generations, which can affect their traits and characteristics – from their hypoallergenic and low-shedding coat, to their personality, to their overall appearance.
The main Bernedoodle generations are F1, F1b, F2, F2b, and F3/F4/Multigenerational:
F1 (First Generation)
An F1 (or First Generation) Bernedoodle is the best of best worlds, being a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. These dogs typically have a 50% Bernese and 50% Poodle genetic makeup and are low to non-shedding hyperallergenic Bernedoodles. Puppies can come in a wide range of coat colors, from Traditional Tri-Color, and Blue Merle, to Chocolate Merle and Sable.
F1 Bernedoodles, compared with their pedigree parents, will average a longer lifespan of around 12-15 years, and have hybrid vigor, or high genetic diversity, which contributes to better overall health.
F1B (First Generation Backcross)
An F1B Bernedoodle is a cross between an F1 Bernedoodle and a Poodle. This generation is often favored for its more low-shedding and hypoallergenic traits (when compared with first generations puppies). Since F1B Bernedoodles are 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese, they are more likely to be a smaller dog, with a coat type, personality, and energy level that’s closer to the Poodle.
F2 (Second Generation)
F2 Bernedoodles are bred by crossing two F1 Bernedoodles. Their genetics can be more unpredictable in terms of coat type and characteristics. About 1 in 4 puppies who are offspring of two F1 Bernedoodles may be an “unfurnished” puppy, meaning that they lack the beard or teddy-bear look common in most Bernedoodles.
An unfurnished Bernedoodle will resemble their Bernese Mountain dog parent, lacking much of the wavy/curly coat common with Poodle genetics.
F2B (Second Generation Backcross)
F2B Bernedoodles are a cross between an F1 Bernedoodle and an F1b Bernedoodle, and will be around 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Bernese Mountain dog. These dogs can have varying levels of Poodle genetics, depending on the specific breeding, but will resemble their Poodle parents more.
An F2B Bernedoodle companion is another great option if you’re looking for a puppy with a curly, low-shedding and more allergy-friendly coat.
F3/F4/Multi-Generational
Some breeders continue to cross F1b or F2 Bernedoodle generations with other F1b or F2 Bernedoodles to create multi-generational Bernedoodle puppies (e.g., F3, F4). This is done to stabilize certain traits or to further reduce shedding. F3, F4, or multi-generational Bernedoodles will also tend to have improved healthy and longevity over time.
The puppies will tend to have very curly or wavy coats. Because there are less Bernese Mountain dog genetics overall with multi-generational Bernedoodles, your puppies are less likely to have the “unfurnished” look.
Bernedoodle Generations: In Summary
In conclusion, each generation of Bernedoodle may have different characteristics, such as coat type, size, and temperament, depending on the desired amount of Poodle genetics to Bernese Mountain dog genetics.
When choosing a Bernedoodle puppy to take home to be the new member of your family, it’s essential to consider which generation best fits your needs and preferences. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Happily Ever After Doodles for more information and we’ll help match you to the perfect puppy!
We are an experienced Bernedoodle breeder, based in Nashville, TN and serving Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, the East Coast and the United States. We have sold puppies to new dog owners all across the country, and thanks to our Flight Nanny, we get your puppy safely to you!
Are you a new puppy owner? Here’s our new puppy checklist to help get you started! If you have questions about our current litters, upcoming litters, pricing, Flight Nanny service, or more, please contact us online or text us at 336-414-5387 today.
