F1 vs F1B Bernedoodle

Bernedoodles are undoubtedly some of the most popular dogs on the planet. However, when it comes to terminology, people often struggle with the Bernedoodle F1 vs F1B concept. In this article, we’ll take a quick look at the differences between these two Bernedoodles, and explain how they compare.

F1 vs F1B Bernedoodle: Term Explanations

The first thing you need to understand when comparing a F1B vs a F1 Bernedoodle is what the different terms mean.

In the simplest terms, a F1 Bernedoodle is simply a first generation Bernedoodle. It has exactly 50% genetics from a poodle, and 50% genetics from a Bernese Mountain Dog.

A F1B Bernedoodle, on the other hand, is what you get when you cross a F1 Bernedoodle with a Poodle. It only has 25% genetics from a Bernese Mountain Dog, and 75% genetics from a Poodle.

Important: If a breeder tells you that a puppy is either a F1 or F1B Bernedoodle, but has genetics from a third breed (other than the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle), then it isn’t a Bernedoodle. Bernedoodles only ever have genetics from those two dog breeds.

F2 and F2B Bernedoodles

Another term that you’re likely to encounter when you’re in the market for a Bernedoodle puppy is F2 Bernedoodle. These animals are the result of a cross between two F1 Bernedoodles. At this point, you’re dealing with multi-generational Bernedoodles.

Their genetic composition will be the same as a F1 Bernedoodle (50% Poodle and 50% Bernese), but the expression of their genes can be completely different due to different dominant and recessive genes in the two crosses.

A F2B Bernedoodle is what happens when you cross a F1 Bernedoodle to a F1B Bernedoodle. The resulting mix has a genetic composition that is predominantly poodle (62.5%) but with enough Bernese Mountain Dog (37.5%) to influence coat type and personality.

F1 vs. F1B Bernedoodle: Coat Type

Coat genetics can be fairly complex in Bernedoodles, and not all Bernedoodles will be equally non-shedding and hypoallergenic.

This is because not all Poodles have the FF (fully furnished) gene.

Breeders sometimes use a tool called a Punnett Square to help determine the potential outcomes of a specific trait from dogs with known gene expressions.

This is what it would look like for an F1 pairing. As you can see, all puppies will have a Fl (Furnished, but with a wavy coat) gene expression.

In a F1B Bernedoodle, the square would look like this:

As you can see, with a F1B Bernedoodle, there’s only a 50% chance of the puppies getting a curly coat.

Final Thoughts

In many ways, F1 and F1B puppies are very similar, though F1B puppies tend to be smaller. That said, some of them may outgrow F1 puppies.

In terms of F1 vs. F1B Bernedoodle personality, they’re very similar. F1B puppies may be closer to a poodle, though.

In terms of available sizes, and most other traits, you can reliably choose either crossing. However, F1 Bernedoodles are the right choice for you if you need low or no shedding. All F1 puppies express this gene.