The Bernedoodle Bark

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What the "F" - Bernedoodle Generations Explained!

September 27, 20245 min read

F Generations in dogs explained!

A Bernedoodle is a hybrid breed dog resulting from the crossbreeding of a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. The F generations of a Bernedoodle refer to the level of breeding and the percentage of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle in the dog's genetics. Genetics play a huge role in determining the traits that will be produced when breeding two dogs together.  This could be the amount of shedding, furnished vs unfurnished coat, hypoallergenic coat, and also their size.

F1B Bernedoodle Deeds playing in the sand

What are the different levels of F generations?  Lets jump in!

The F1 generation is the first-generation offspring of a purebred Poodle and a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog. F1 Bernedoodles typically have a 50/50 split of Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog genetics, meaning they are a true hybrid of the two breeds.  Tula is the only dog in our program that was a F1 generation.

The F1b generation is produced by breeding an F1 Bernedoodle with a purebred Poodle or a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog.  The “b” in F1b refers to the word “back”, which means breeding back to one of the purebred dogs. F1b Bernedoodles are typically 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese Mountain Dog or vice versa.  Typically breeding back to a poodle is the best case for the desired coat furnishings, non to low shedding aspect, and hypoallergenic coat that so many people desire.

Another typical F generation that you may see, is the F1bb Bernedoodle.  This is produced by breeding a F1b back to a poodle.  This will result in a varied amount of poodle in each pup but will also carry more of the desired characteristics of the poodle such as their intelligence, non-shedding and hypoallergenic coat.  This is a fairly typical option when breeding to guarantee some of those desired traits.

The F2 generation is produced by breeding two F1 Bernedoodles together. F2 Bernedoodles may have a more variable genetic makeup than F1 or F1b Bernedoodles, as they have a wider range of possible combinations of Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog genetics.  Additionally, when you breed a true F1 to another F1, you risk the puppies having improper coat.  This is when both of the genes that make up the furnishings of your puppy are both improper coat - this is typically not desired.  The pups of this litter would have a 25% chance of having an unfurnished coat.  They may look more like a Bernese Mountain Dog, have wirery hair, have higher shedding, and a non-hypoallergenic coat. 

The F2b generation is produced by breeding an F1 Bernedoodle with an F1b Bernedoodle. F2b Bernedoodles typically have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics than Bernese Mountain Dog genetics.  As discussed above, as long as the F1b bernedoodle has two copies of the furnished genes (FF), you will not risk having pups that are unfurnished.  However, on the contrary, if the F2b adult has one copy of furnished coat, and one copy of improper coat (FI), then the puppies could have improper coat when breeding back to the F1 bernedoodle.  This is the reason that you would typically breed a F1b back to a poodle to eliminate that risk.

The F3 and higher generations are produced by breeding Bernedoodles together, resulting in a higher percentage of Poodle genetics and a more consistent appearance and temperament. It's important to note that each dog is unique and may display characteristics from either parent breed, regardless of their F generation.  This can be a very desirable option because the size, temperament, colors, and traits are more predictable.

 

Overall, the F generations of a Bernedoodle refer to the level of breeding and the percentage of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle in the dog's genetics, which can affect their appearance, temperament, and potential health issues.

 

Hybrid Vigor Explained:

Hybrid vigor, also known as heterosis, is a phenomenon that occurs when two different breeds of dogs are crossbred, resulting in offspring that exhibit greater health and vitality than either parent breed. This occurs because the offspring inherit a wider range of genetic variation from both parent breeds, which can lead to a more robust immune system, improved resistance to diseases, and better overall health.

 

In addition to health benefits, hybrid vigor can also result in other desirable traits, such as increased size, intelligence, and trainability. However, it's important to note that not all crossbred dogs will exhibit hybrid vigor, and some may even inherit negative traits from their parent breeds.

 

While crossbreeding can have many benefits, it's important to do so responsibly and carefully, as certain combinations of breeds can result in health issues and undesirable traits. It's always recommended to work with a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about the parent breeds and the potential risks and benefits of crossbreeding.


What is the best F generation of Bernedoodle to get?

There isn't necessarily a "best" F generation of Bernedoodle to get, as each generation has its own unique characteristics and potential benefits and drawbacks. It ultimately depends on what you are looking for in a dog and your personal preferences.

 
For example, if you want a Bernedoodle with a more predictable appearance and temperament, you may want to consider an F3 or higher generation Bernedoodle, as these dogs tend to have more consistent characteristics. However, if you're looking for a Bernedoodle with a more diverse range of characteristics and a unique appearance, you may want to consider an F1 or F2 generation Bernedoodle.

 

It's important to note that regardless of the F generation, each individual Bernedoodle is unique and can display a range of traits from both parent breeds. Additionally, it's important to work with a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about the potential health issues and genetic risks associated with each generation and can help you find a Bernedoodle that fits your lifestyle and preferences.

Note on Bernedoodle Coat Genetics

In this case you will have 1 copy of the Bernese Mountain Dog Coat with is unfurnished (or Improper Coat (I)) and one copy of the furnished gene from the poodle, which is considered F.  This is important because if these pups are bred to a dog that is any improper coat gene, there is a possibility they could have the furnishings of the Bernese Mountain Dog, which typically are not desired by most families.

Want to be considered for a puppy? Click the link below to complete an application:

https://starlightbernedoodles.com/puppyapplication

Bernedoodlepuppyfamilysocializedhealthycaliforniapuppies for salekids
blog author image

Bernedoodle Bark

Starlight Bernedoodles specializes in healthy, loyal, fun-loving, and low-energy bernedoodles that combine the best traits of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. Our ethical breeding practices ensure healthy, happy companions for families and individuals. Learn more about our available puppies and expert care tips.

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Bernedoodle Blog

Sonic - The best dog ever

What the "F" - Bernedoodle Generations Explained!

September 27, 20245 min read

F Generations in dogs explained!

A Bernedoodle is a hybrid breed dog resulting from the crossbreeding of a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. The F generations of a Bernedoodle refer to the level of breeding and the percentage of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle in the dog's genetics. Genetics play a huge role in determining the traits that will be produced when breeding two dogs together.  This could be the amount of shedding, furnished vs unfurnished coat, hypoallergenic coat, and also their size.

F1B Bernedoodle Deeds playing in the sand

What are the different levels of F generations?  Lets jump in!

The F1 generation is the first-generation offspring of a purebred Poodle and a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog. F1 Bernedoodles typically have a 50/50 split of Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog genetics, meaning they are a true hybrid of the two breeds.  Tula is the only dog in our program that was a F1 generation.

The F1b generation is produced by breeding an F1 Bernedoodle with a purebred Poodle or a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog.  The “b” in F1b refers to the word “back”, which means breeding back to one of the purebred dogs. F1b Bernedoodles are typically 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese Mountain Dog or vice versa.  Typically breeding back to a poodle is the best case for the desired coat furnishings, non to low shedding aspect, and hypoallergenic coat that so many people desire.

Another typical F generation that you may see, is the F1bb Bernedoodle.  This is produced by breeding a F1b back to a poodle.  This will result in a varied amount of poodle in each pup but will also carry more of the desired characteristics of the poodle such as their intelligence, non-shedding and hypoallergenic coat.  This is a fairly typical option when breeding to guarantee some of those desired traits.

The F2 generation is produced by breeding two F1 Bernedoodles together. F2 Bernedoodles may have a more variable genetic makeup than F1 or F1b Bernedoodles, as they have a wider range of possible combinations of Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog genetics.  Additionally, when you breed a true F1 to another F1, you risk the puppies having improper coat.  This is when both of the genes that make up the furnishings of your puppy are both improper coat - this is typically not desired.  The pups of this litter would have a 25% chance of having an unfurnished coat.  They may look more like a Bernese Mountain Dog, have wirery hair, have higher shedding, and a non-hypoallergenic coat. 

The F2b generation is produced by breeding an F1 Bernedoodle with an F1b Bernedoodle. F2b Bernedoodles typically have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics than Bernese Mountain Dog genetics.  As discussed above, as long as the F1b bernedoodle has two copies of the furnished genes (FF), you will not risk having pups that are unfurnished.  However, on the contrary, if the F2b adult has one copy of furnished coat, and one copy of improper coat (FI), then the puppies could have improper coat when breeding back to the F1 bernedoodle.  This is the reason that you would typically breed a F1b back to a poodle to eliminate that risk.

The F3 and higher generations are produced by breeding Bernedoodles together, resulting in a higher percentage of Poodle genetics and a more consistent appearance and temperament. It's important to note that each dog is unique and may display characteristics from either parent breed, regardless of their F generation.  This can be a very desirable option because the size, temperament, colors, and traits are more predictable.

 

Overall, the F generations of a Bernedoodle refer to the level of breeding and the percentage of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle in the dog's genetics, which can affect their appearance, temperament, and potential health issues.

 

Hybrid Vigor Explained:

Hybrid vigor, also known as heterosis, is a phenomenon that occurs when two different breeds of dogs are crossbred, resulting in offspring that exhibit greater health and vitality than either parent breed. This occurs because the offspring inherit a wider range of genetic variation from both parent breeds, which can lead to a more robust immune system, improved resistance to diseases, and better overall health.

 

In addition to health benefits, hybrid vigor can also result in other desirable traits, such as increased size, intelligence, and trainability. However, it's important to note that not all crossbred dogs will exhibit hybrid vigor, and some may even inherit negative traits from their parent breeds.

 

While crossbreeding can have many benefits, it's important to do so responsibly and carefully, as certain combinations of breeds can result in health issues and undesirable traits. It's always recommended to work with a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about the parent breeds and the potential risks and benefits of crossbreeding.


What is the best F generation of Bernedoodle to get?

There isn't necessarily a "best" F generation of Bernedoodle to get, as each generation has its own unique characteristics and potential benefits and drawbacks. It ultimately depends on what you are looking for in a dog and your personal preferences.

 
For example, if you want a Bernedoodle with a more predictable appearance and temperament, you may want to consider an F3 or higher generation Bernedoodle, as these dogs tend to have more consistent characteristics. However, if you're looking for a Bernedoodle with a more diverse range of characteristics and a unique appearance, you may want to consider an F1 or F2 generation Bernedoodle.

 

It's important to note that regardless of the F generation, each individual Bernedoodle is unique and can display a range of traits from both parent breeds. Additionally, it's important to work with a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about the potential health issues and genetic risks associated with each generation and can help you find a Bernedoodle that fits your lifestyle and preferences.

Note on Bernedoodle Coat Genetics

In this case you will have 1 copy of the Bernese Mountain Dog Coat with is unfurnished (or Improper Coat (I)) and one copy of the furnished gene from the poodle, which is considered F.  This is important because if these pups are bred to a dog that is any improper coat gene, there is a possibility they could have the furnishings of the Bernese Mountain Dog, which typically are not desired by most families.

Want to be considered for a puppy? Click the link below to complete an application:

https://starlightbernedoodles.com/puppyapplication

Bernedoodlepuppyfamilysocializedhealthycaliforniapuppies for salekids
blog author image

Bernedoodle Bark

Starlight Bernedoodles specializes in healthy, loyal, fun-loving, and low-energy bernedoodles that combine the best traits of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. Our ethical breeding practices ensure healthy, happy companions for families and individuals. Learn more about our available puppies and expert care tips.

Back to Blog

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