F2b Labradoodle Genetics and Traits

Understanding Labradoodle Genetics

You probably know that a Labradoodle is not a purebred breed but the result of crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. In breeding, the ‘f’ stands for filial, which comes from the Latin word ‘filialis,’ meaning son and signifies that the dog is not purebred.

Although this article focuses on the f2b Labradoodle, it’s easier to explain the naming convention starting at the beginning, and that’s with the f1 Labradoodle.

What is an F1 Labradoodle?

An f1 Labradoodle is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred Poodle.
The number tells you how many generations removed a puppy is from his nearest purebred ancestor.

The “1” signifies the first generation. The puppy gets half his genetic code from each parent, so an F1 Labradoodle is 50% Labrador Retriever and 50% Poodle. It means the appearance and temperament can be inherited from either breed, which can be pretty unpredictable. Some puppies will take after the Lab, others will be more like the Poodle, or they could be a mix of both. There’s no way to tell for sure.

What is an F2 Labradoodle?

An f2 Labradoodle is a second-generation dog, meaning both parents were f1 Labradoodles. The ‘2’ signifies that the nearest purebred ancestor is now a grandparent.

Each parent passes on 50% of their DNA to their puppies. On average, the puppies will still be 50% Labrador and 50% Poodle. But since both parents were f1 Labradoodles, the offspring’s genetic makeup is even more unpredictable.

It’s even possible to have puppies from the same f2 litter to look completely different, with some inheriting more Poodle genes and others taking after the Lab parent. If you’re confused about how breeders get more predictable puppies, this is where the ‘b’ comes into play.

What is an F1b Labradoodle?

The ‘b’ in f1b Labradoodle stands for backcross. It means a purebred Labrador or Poodle was backcrossed with a first generation or f1 Labradoodle. It’s almost a sure thing that the purebred would be a Poodle to increase the odds of a low-shedding coat. It means that genetically the puppies are about 75% Poodle and 25% Lab.

The increase in Poodle DNA in f1b Labradoodles should create a more consistent Poodle appearance and temperament. But there are no guarantees.

What is an F2b Labradoodle?

An f2b Labradoodle is the result of an f2 Labradoodle backcrossed with a purebred Poodle. It means they have a higher percentage of Poodle DNA than f1 or f2 Labradoodles. An f2b Labradoodle will be around 35% Labrador Retriever and 65% Poodle and will tend to favor Poodles in looks and personality.

What Does an F2b Labradoodle Look Like?

Typically, an f2b Labradoodle will have a wavy or curly low-shedding coat, one of the main reasons Doodle dogs are so popular. Coat color and size will vary depending on the parents, one reason why it’s good to know about their ancestry.

Labradors are generally 21 to 25 inches in height, but there are three varieties of Poodle: Standard, Miniature, and Toy, and the type will impact the size of the puppies.

Is the F2b Labradoodle Hypoallergenic?

Although often touted as hypoallergenic or non-shedding dogs, their curls trap loose hairs against the skin instead of leaving them around the house.

The truth is any dog can trigger an allergic reaction because allergens are in the dog’s dander, saliva, and urine. However, since the f2b Labradoodle will shed less than most other dogs, you may find they generate fewer symptoms.

If you suffer from dog allergies, the best thing you can do is spend some time around the dog at the breeders. Allergies have more to do with the individual dog than the breed type.

F2b Labradoodle Temperament

Like appearance, temperament will be affected by qualities inherited from their parents. Both the Labrador and the Poodle are known to be highly intelligent, active, and good-natured breeds with similar backgrounds in water-retrieving.

Their working history and keen intelligence make the f2b Labradoodle receptive to training, and their friendly nature means they get along well in homes with other pets and children. However, these energetic dogs need early socialization and plenty of attention to know how to behave in any environment.

F2b Labradoodle Health

There’s some evidence that mixed breeding can improve health and welfare compared to purebred dogs. However, this doesn’t mean f2b Labradoodles aren’t still at risk for health conditions that affect the Labrador and the Poodle.

Health problems that affect the parent breeds include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia, a painful skeletal condition affecting the ball and socket joint, which can cause arthritis
• Eye problems, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a condition that leads to blindness
• Gastric torsion or bloat, a life-threatening illness occurring when the stomach fills with gas and twists
• von Willebrand’s disease, an inherited bleeding disorder
• Addison’s disease, a disorder in which the body cannot regulate cortisol production
• Ear infections, often the result of dense, curly hair trapping debris in the ear canal

It’s important to select a breeder carefully. Do your research and ask for health clearance documentation, as irresponsible breeding can increase the risk of health problems.

Are F2b Labradoodles Good Pets?

An f2b Labradoodle will typically have the teddy bear looks and curly, low-shedding coat that people find so desirable. Although there can be some variance depending on the parents, because these dogs have been backcrossed to a Poodle, they are more likely to have predictable traits than earlier generations.

As the offspring of two very smart, friendly dogs, f2b Labradoodles make ideal pets for many people. However, they’ll be a large, high-energy dog that requires lots of activity and mental stimulation. Adult dogs need at least an hour of proper exercise every day. The f2b Labradoodle coat will also require regular grooming to avoid matting.

These dogs are very social, curious, and eager to please. They require plenty of social interaction to be happy. If left alone for too long, they’re prone to separation anxiety and could turn to destructive behaviors, such as chewing.

F2b Labradoodle

Choosing an F2b Labradoodle instead of an earlier generation means the dog is likelier to have predictable traits. Although bringing one into your life may require extra effort, these intelligent, sweet, outgoing, and adorable mixed-breed dogs are more than worth it.

Learn More About Labradoodles

• F1 Labradoodle
• F2 Labradoodle
• F1b Labradoodles
• Labradoodle Labrador mix
• Purebred Labrador Retrievers
• Types of Labradoodles

References

• Vredegoor et al. “Can F1 levels of hair in different dog breeds – lack of evidence to describe any dog as hypoallergenic.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2012
• Nicholas et al. Hybrid vigour in dogs? Veterinary Journal, 2016
• Upadhye et al. “Gastric torsion in a Labrador dog and its surgical correction.” 2010
• Zhou et al. “Differential Genetic Regulation of Canine Hip Dysplasia and Osteoarthritis.” PLOS One, 2010
• Petersen-Jones, SM, “A review of research to elucidate the causes of the generalized progressive retinal atrophies.” The Veterinary Journal, 1998
• Randolph et al. “Factor XII deficiency and von Willebrand’s disease in a family of miniature poodle dogs.” The Cornell Veterinarian, 1986
• Pedersen et al. “The effect of genetic bottlenecks and inbreeding on the incidence of two major autoimmune diseases in standard poodles, sebaceous adenitis and Addison’s disease.” Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2015