What is an F1 Labradoodle?

0
4565
Photo from Pinterest

Have you talked to Labradoodle breeders and got offered different generations of the mix? There’s the F1, F1B, F2, F2B and so on. But among all these generations, you surely have heard many things about the F1. What are their traits and why are they often searched for by many new pet parents?

Dog Generations Explained

Purebred dogs are referred to as “P” while designer breeds such as Labradoodles are known as “F.” Purebred and mixed breeds both come with pros and cons so it is important to weigh them first before deciding to adopt or buy a dog.

The qualities of a purebred dog, right from their temperament to their physical attributes are more predictable than those of mixed breeds. However, mixed breeds boast fewer health issues, thanks to their hybrid vigor.

Heterosis or having a diversified gene pool makes them less susceptible to problems often occurring in their purebred counterparts.

F1 Labradoodle Lineage

The most common type of Labradoodles you will see is called an F1 or first generation. An F1 Labradoodle is 50% purebred Poodle and 50% purebred Labrador.

A DNA test can confirm if both the parents are purebred. You may check the pedigree papers of the Labrador and the Poodle when dealing with a prospect breeder. It’s the best way to verify a dog’s pedigree because it can be difficult to confirm this just by looking at a dog’s physical characteristics.

Despite the fact that F1 Labradoodles are a first generation cross, it is still possible to get a variety of appearance and coat textures depending on which parent the pups take after. Sometimes, there is a pup in a litter that gets more of the Labrador gene, while some may receive more of the Poodle traits.

Appearance

The coat of an F1 Labradoodle may appear untidy especially when they are still pups. But this will eventually change to their real coat, which can be wool-like in texture. The coat may shed but not as much as a Labrador’s level of shedding.

If you happen to have a Labradoodle with a wiry coat, there is a tendency it will mold but there’s nothing to worry about because the shedding is minimal and can be easily controlled. Timely grooming and regular vacuuming are the keys to keep pet hair at bay.

Many F1 Labradoodles appear to have a smooth coat. The term often used for this is “scruffy.” The only good thing about this type of coat is that it requires less maintenance compared to curly Labradoodles.

Grooming

Regardless if they have a somewhat straight or a curly coat, Labradoodles will require clipping or trimming every two months or ten weeks. Trimming should be done not just for aesthetic purposes but also to maintain the health of the coat.

They only need two to three brushings per week, unlike curly Labradoodles that require daily brushing. For wire-haired dogs, the best tool to have is a pin brush with rubber tips as it avoids the formation of mats and tangles.

A texturizer and vitalizing shampoo are the best shampoos to use for dogs with a scruffy coat. These products can add volume to the coat and moist the skin. But if your pooch is at risk of skin problems, you may ask for recommendations from a vet regarding medicated shampoos.

Traits

An F1 gets the best of both worlds! Labs and Poodles are both highly intelligent breeds and it is likely they will pass it on to their offspring. With a Labradoodle, you have a smart dog that is easy to train.

More than that, an F1 Labradoodle is also known for its good temperament and overall friendliness that makes it ideal as a family pet. Labradoodles are affectionate dogs that thrive in human companionship.

However, we should not forget that they will not only get the best attributes of the breeds. It is also possible they will inherit the not-so-pleasant traits of both parents like the exuberant jumping of the Lab and the nuisance barking of the Poodle when ignored.

At the end of the day, dogs are a result of genetics and training. It’s important to encourage your Labradoodles natural inclination through socialization and obedience training.

Socialization should start before the pup turns a year old while obedience training can be done as early as seven weeks. During this stage, you may introduce the concept of sitting, staying, and other basic commands all dogs need to learn about.

Health

Labradoodles are fairly healthy, just like their fellow designer breeds. Regardless of that, it’s worth noting that they may still inherit some traits from one or both their purebred parents. Some health issues that are often seen in both Labs and Poodles and that may be passed on to their offspring include:

  • Eye problems
  • Epilepsy
  • Ear infection
  • Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

Before buying a Labradoodle pup, secure the relevant health testing and certificates from the breeder. This way, you will be able to see if your pooch is at risk of any condition related to the breed. Avoid buying from puppy mills because many of them do not adhere to standard breeding practices.

Exercise Needs

The Labradoodle is well-suited in apartments, but it is recommended that you have a secured yard where your dog can play or run free. This is a highly energetic dog that needs at least half an hour of exercise per day. This playful pooch can also be used as a guide dog because it is highly trainable.

Conclusion

Like its Poodle and Labrador parents, the F1 Labradoodle may possess many wonderful traits from both breeds. Having a great balance of the two well-loved breeds, the Labradoodle is no doubt the crossbreed of choice for many pet parents, novice or not.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here