Compare F1, F1b and F2 Bernedoodles for coat, shedding and temperament. Donna explains honestly why no dog is guaranteed allergy-safe and how to choose well.
This article is part of our complete guide: Bernedoodle Generations and Family Temperament. Read the full guide for coats, sizes, health testing, and raising a confident puppy.
The Question I Hear Most
After thirty years of raising dogs here on our five acres in Monett, Missouri, I can tell you the question families ask me most about Bernedoodles is, "Which generation should I get?" Usually it is really two questions: which one will suit our family, and which one won't set off our allergies? I want to answer both honestly, because I put pets first and I would rather lose a sale than send a dog to a home that cannot cope.
Here is the first honest point: no dog is guaranteed non-allergenic or non-shedding, and no breeder can promise it. Generation changes the odds, nothing more.
What F1, F1b, and F2 Mean
A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. The "F" stands for filial generation. As we describe in our generations guide:
- F1: One Bernese parent and one Poodle parent, so about half of each on average.
- F1b: An F1 Bernedoodle bred back to a Poodle, so about 75 percent Poodle and 25 percent Bernese on average.
- F2: Two F1 Bernedoodles bred together, averaging about half and half but with more variation.
- Multigen: Bernedoodles bred to Bernedoodles over several generations.
Those percentages are averages of the parents' genetics. Individual puppies inherit different pieces, so littermates can look and behave quite differently.
F1 Bernedoodles
F1 dogs are the most common starting point. They often have wavy coats and may shed light to moderate amounts, though some are straighter and shed more. Families who value the Bernese side, with its calm, sweet, people-loving nature, often like F1 dogs. The trade-off is variation: you may get a dog that sheds more than you hoped.
- Best for: Families without significant allergies who want a gentle, affectionate dog and can handle some shedding.
- Keep in mind: Coat is the least predictable, and some F1 dogs shed noticeably.
F1b Bernedoodles
Because F1b dogs have more Poodle in them, they are more likely to have a curly or wavy, lower-shedding coat. Many allergy-conscious families lean toward F1b for that reason. They also tend to have more of the Poodle's energy and need for mental stimulation. Curly coats mean serious grooming, which we cover in our Bernedoodle coat care guide.
- Best for: Families who want a better chance at a low-shedding coat and are ready for regular grooming.
- Keep in mind: "More likely" is not "guaranteed," and some F1b dogs still trigger allergies.
F2 and Multigen Bernedoodles
F2 litters vary the most, since both parents are themselves mixed. Multigen dogs, when bred thoughtfully, can be more consistent in coat and size, but that depends on how carefully the breeder plans pairings. I would ask any breeder of F2 or multigen dogs how they choose parents and what health testing they do. A fancy label is not a substitute for quality.
- Best for: Families who are flexible about coat and size, and who have found a breeder with a strong, transparent program.
- Keep in mind: Do not pay extra for a generation label alone.
The Allergy Reality
People are generally allergic to proteins found in a dog's dander, saliva, and urine, not simply to the hair. A curly, low-shedding coat may scatter fewer allergens around the house, but there is no proven way to say a particular puppy will be safe for you. Mainstream veterinary and breed sources are similarly cautious about the word "hypoallergenic."
My practical advice:
- Spend real time with the parents and with adult dogs of the same cross, indoors, before committing.
- If someone in your family has asthma or serious allergies, speak with your doctor or an allergist first.
- Remember that dogs of every kind need regular grooming, bathing, and house cleaning to reduce allergens.
- Be prepared for the possibility that it doesn't work out, and ask the breeder about their return and rehoming policy.
We cover our own views on this topic for another low-shedding breed in living with the aristocratic Maltese.
Size, Temperament, and Health Matter Too
Generation is only one piece. Adult size depends heavily on the Poodle parent: standard, miniature, or tiny. Temperament comes from both parents and from early life. Puppies raised with gentle handling and varied experiences tend to grow into steadier adults, which is why we put so much into the early weeks, as we describe in raising confident family dogs on 5 Missouri acres.
Health testing matters even more than the F-number. Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain cancers and joint problems, and Poodles have their own concerns. Ask to see results for both parents, such as hip and elbow evaluations through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, along with relevant genetic tests and heart and eye exams. Our broader checklist is in the ethics of animal husbandry, and you can use 15 questions to choose an ethical breeder when you talk with breeders.
Questions to Ask a Breeder About Generation
- Which breeds and which generation are both parents, and may I meet them?
- What coat types have previous litters from these parents produced, and how did they change as the dogs matured?
- What health testing was done on both the Bernese-side and Poodle-side ancestors, and may I see the paperwork?
- How do you raise and socialize puppies before they go home?
- What happens if the dog does not work out for my family, for any reason?
A good breeder will answer plainly and will admit what they cannot predict. In my experience, the breeders who say "I can't promise a coat" are the ones I trust most. Coats can also change between eight weeks and two years, so be wary of anyone who claims to know exactly how a puppy will look as an adult. Patience matters here, and so does a family that will love the dog no matter what the coat turns out to be.
A Word on Temperament Across Generations
Families sometimes assume F1b dogs are more energetic and F1 dogs calmer. There is some truth in the idea that more Poodle can mean more drive and a sharper need for mental work, but individual parents matter more than the label. Raise any Bernedoodle with daily exercise, training, and patient socialization, and you give yourself the best chance at the steady family companion most people want.
A Simple Way to Decide
- Allergies are a serious concern: F1b or a well-planned multigen is a reasonable place to start, after you test your own reaction.
- You want the calmest Bernese-like nature and can live with shedding: F1 may fit well.
- You want predictability of size and coat: Look at the parents themselves, not just the label.
- You are short on time for grooming: Consider a shorter clip or a straighter coat, and budget for a groomer.
When to Call Your Vet
If anyone in your home develops wheezing, trouble breathing, hives, or persistent itchy eyes around a dog, talk with a doctor. For your dog, contact your veterinarian about skin redness, chronic scratching, ear problems, limping, or any sudden change in behavior or appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an F1b Bernedoodle hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely hypoallergenic. F1b dogs are more likely to have a low-shedding coat, and some allergic people tolerate them well, but you should test your own reaction first.
What is the difference between F1 and F1b?
F1 is about half Bernese and half Poodle. F1b is an F1 bred back to a Poodle, which averages about 75 percent Poodle and tends to give a curlier, lower-shedding coat.
Which generation is the healthiest?
No generation is automatically healthier. Health depends on the parents' testing and the breeder's choices, so ask for documentation rather than relying on a label.
Do all Bernedoodles shed?
Not all, but some do. Straight coats shed most, and curly coats least. Even low-shedding dogs need regular brushing and grooming.
Final Thoughts from Donna
The right generation is the one that fits your family's lifestyle, your allergy situation, and your honest ability to groom, train, and exercise a dog. If you have questions, I am always happy to talk them through. For more background, you can read about the Bernedoodle on Wikipedia.
This article is for general education and is not veterinary or medical advice. Please consult your veterinarian or physician about your specific situation.