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White Oak Doodles · Bernedoodle
Digging Into F1, F1B & F2 Bernedoodles
Understanding generations and genetics to help you choose the perfect companion.
What Bernedoodle Generations Mean
Bernedoodles come in various generations, each offering unique characteristics and traits. Understanding the differences between F1, F1B, F2, and multigen Bernedoodles can help you choose the perfect companion for your family. Here's a detailed breakdown of each generation to guide you in making an informed decision.
At White Oak Doodles in East Tennessee, we raise Standard F1 Bernedoodles, a first-generation cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Standard Poodle.
First Generation
F1 Bernedoodle
50% Bernese Mountain Dog · 50% Poodle
The first-generation Bernedoodle, resulting from a direct cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. Known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them excellent family pets.
- Coat: Typically wavy, soft and manageable
- Shedding: Less than a Bernese, but not guaranteed non-shedding
- Traits: Friendly, social, intelligent, easy to train
Backcross
F1B Bernedoodle
25% Bernese Mountain Dog · 75% Poodle
Created by breeding an F1 Bernedoodle with a Poodle. Known for more predictable coat traits and often preferred by those with allergies.
- Coat: Curly or wavy, more hypoallergenic
- Shedding: Increased likelihood of non-shedding
- Traits: Intelligent and loyal, great for allergy sufferers
Second Backcross
F1BB Bernedoodle
12.5% Bernese Mountain Dog · 87.5% Poodle
Results from breeding an F1B Bernedoodle with a Poodle. High Poodle content makes it a popular choice for those seeking a hypoallergenic companion.
- Coat: Curly, more pronounced than F1 or F1B
- Shedding: Minimal, often completely non-shedding
- Traits: Allergy-friendly, distinctive curly coat
Second Generation
F2 Bernedoodle
Mix of two F1 parents
Created by mating two F1 Bernedoodles. Shows a wider range of coat types and shedding characteristics.
- Coat: Straight, wavy, or curly
- Shedding: Non-shedding to moderate or heavy
- Traits: Greater variation, hybrid vigor benefits
Second Gen Backcross
F2B Bernedoodle
Mix of F1 & F1B parents
A second-generation backcross, resulting from mating an F1 Bernedoodle with an F1B Bernedoodle, combining traits from both.
- Coat: Straight to wavy or curly
- Shedding: Varies widely — 25-50% chance non-shedding
- Traits: Greater variability, possible hybrid vigor
Beyond F2
Multigen Bernedoodle
Bred beyond the F2 generation
Bred from various generations to achieve a more consistent "type" with predictable traits, often using F1B, F2, or other multigen Bernedoodles.
- Coat: Consistent non-shedding coats with selection
- Traits: Higher likelihood of uniform, non-shedding coats
Understanding Bernedoodle Coats & Furnishings
- Furnishing GenesAffect the presence of longer hair on the face and muzzle. Bernese Mountain Dogs have none, Poodles have two — Bernedoodles may inherit one or two, impacting coat length and type.
- Curl GenesDetermine the coat's curliness or waviness. Bernese Mountain Dogs have none, Poodles have two. F1 Bernedoodles typically have wavy coats, with deeper generations showing more variability.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Bernedoodle involves understanding the traits and characteristics of each generation. Whether you prefer an F1, F1B, F2, or multigen Bernedoodle, each has unique features influenced by its genetic makeup. Ensure your breeder is knowledgeable and uses DNA testing to accurately predict the traits of the puppies.
By knowing these differences, you can select a Bernedoodle that fits your family's needs, ensuring a happy and healthy addition to your home!
See our Bernedoodle size guide or learn more about Bernedoodles.
Bernedoodle generational breeding chart
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an F1 and F1B Bernedoodle?
An F1 is a first-generation cross: a Bernese Mountain Dog bred to a Poodle (about 50/50). An F1B is an F1 Bernedoodle bred back to a Poodle, making it about 75% Poodle.
Do F1 Bernedoodles shed?
Some do. F1 coats vary from straight to wavy to curly, so shedding ranges from light to moderate.
Which Bernedoodle generation is best for allergies?
F1B and F1BB Bernedoodles usually have curlier, lower-shedding coats, so they're often the better choice for allergy-sensitive families. No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, so we're happy to talk through your needs.
How big do Bernedoodles get?
It depends on the Poodle parent. Standard Bernedoodles usually weigh 50–80 lbs, and medium Bernedoodles are around 40–50 lbs.
What is an F2 Bernedoodle?
An F2 is two F1 Bernedoodles bred together. Their coats and size can vary more from puppy to puppy.
How much is a Bernedoodle puppy?
Our Bernedoodle puppies are $2,800 and come with our lifetime genetic health guarantee. (On Good Dog they're listed at $3,000 to cover Good Dog's fees.) A $500 deposit holds your spot on the waitlist and is fully refundable for any reason, no questions asked.
Do you have Bernedoodle puppies coming?
Yes! Our next medium Bernedoodle litter (Nala x Bodhi) is due in early November 2026, with puppies ready to go home around the end of December or beginning of January. Contact us to join the waitlist.
Ready to find your perfect Bernedoodle companion? We're here to help guide you through every generation.
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