Aussiedoodle Generations (F1, F2, vs F1b Aussiedoodle Puppies)

The Aussiedoodle is one of the most popular designer dog hybrids and the adorable cross between the athletic Australia Shepherd, and the intelligent, hypoallergenic Poodle.

A hybrid’s generation is denoted by filial (F), and not all crosses are the same. How much of Australian Shepherd an Aussiedoodle has, and how much of the Poodle parent, will dictate the look, size, temperament, and appearance of the hybrid. 

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the various generations of Aussiedoodles and examine their typical characteristics. 

What Is An F1 and F2 Aussiedoodle?

An F1 Aussiedoodle is the first generation of Aussiedoodle, meaning that the hybrid came from a purebred Poodle parent and a purebred Australian Shepherd. An F1 hybrid is 50/50 Poodle and Australian Shepherd. 

An F2 Aussiedoodle is the second generation Aussiedoodle, which means it has two F1 parents. This hybrid is also 50/50 Australian Shepherd and Poodle since both parents are 50/50 mixes. 

And F1 and F2 Aussiedoodle will have similar characteristics, temperament, and looks since they are both 50/50 Australian Shepherd and Poodle.

F1 and F2 Aussiedoodle Temperament

Aussiedoodles are intelligent, friendly, and full of energy. They are great with children and other pets, and they make a wonderful addition to most families that take the time and energy to provide them with adequate exercise and mental stimulation. 

Because they are so intelligent, Aussiedoodles require plenty of activities. A bored Aussiedoodle is likely to exhibit bad behaviors like destructive chewing, digging, and excessive barking. 

They are also active dogs and thrive on obedience training, agility training, and other forms of exercise that challenge their minds as well as their bodies. 

Aussiedoodles are also known for their loyalty and affection. They bond closely with their families and love nothing more than spending time with the people they love. 

F1 and F2 Aussiedoodle Appearance

An F1 Aussiedoodle’s appearance will depend on which parent it takes after more. If the Aussiedoodle is more Australian Shepherd, then it will likely have a medium to long coat that is straight or slightly wavy. 

The coat may be any color or combination of colors, including black, white, brown, red, blue, or merle. If the Aussiedoodle is more Poodle, then it will probably have a coat that is curly or wavy. Again, the coat may be any color or combination of colors. 

If the Aussiedoodle takes after the Poodle’s coat, it is also going to be low-shedding and potentially hypoallergenic. However, if it takes after the Australian Shepherd parent, then it will be longer and shed more moderately.

An F2 Aussiedoodle might be a little easier to predict, as both the parents are already mixes, and the second-generation Aussiedoodle will look more like an actual mix. Depending on the coat and color of each of the Aussiedoodle parents, an F2 Aussiedoodle can have a wide range of coat colors and types. 

In addition, the size of the Aussiedoodle will greatly depend on which Poodle was used. Standard and Miniature Poodles vary greatly in size. 

The height of a Standard Poodle ranges between 18 and 24 inches, and it can weigh 60 to 70 pounds. On the other hand, the weight of a Miniature Poodle is a mere 10 to 20 pounds and they stand about 15 inches tall. 

What Is An F1b Aussiedoodle? 

The “b” in the F1b denotes a “backcross,” something that breeders do to have their litters take over more characteristics of a certain breed, most likely the Poodle.

It means that the first generation (F1) Aussiedoodle, was backcrossed into another purebred, to make the hybrid a 75%/25% mix. This usually happens with the Poodle, as most breeders will strive to have their litters inherit the hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle. 

An F1b backcrossed into the Poodle is likely to have a low-shedding or hypoallergenic curly coat. It can take after the colors of any one of its parents. The same goes for an F2b backcross, which means a second-generation F2 Aussiedoodle has been bred back into a purebred. 

However, the backcross can be into the Australian Shepherd as well. The coat will likely shed moderately and this F1b Aussiedoodle will have higher energy levels and exercise needs.

In addition, an F1b Aussiedoodle backcrossed into a Poodle will be smaller than an F1 or F2 Aussiedoodle if the hybrid was made with a Miniature Poodle, which is something many breeders strive for. Smaller, and potentially hypoallergenic dogs are in high demand, which is why many of them breed for this very purpose. 

Aussiedoodle Health Issues

An F1 and F2 will inherit the potential genetic problems that both Australian Shepherds and Poodles have. An F1b backcrossed into the Poodle or Australian Shepherd bloodline is more susceptible to whatever breed the 75% bloodline will have. 

Here are some of the potential health issues that both the parent breeds face. 

1. Hip Dysplasia 

One common issue that both Poodles and Australian Shepherds face is canine hip dysplasia (CHD), which is a condition that affects the hip joint. 

The hip joint is a “ball and socket” joint, and in dogs with dysplasia, the ball portion of the joint does not fit snugly into the socket. This can cause pain and stiffness, and eventually, arthritis. Although hip dysplasia is more common in large breeds, it can affect any dog. 

2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy is a common eye condition in Poodles. It is caused by the degeneration of the retina, which leads to blindness. Symptoms of progressive retinal atrophy include night blindness, poor vision in dim lighting, and eventual complete blindness. 

There is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy, but there are treatments that can help to slow down the progression of the disease like special eye drops and diet changes.

3. Cataracts 

Australian Shepherds are prone to developing cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, which can lead to blurred vision and eventually blindness. While cataracts are most commonly seen in older dogs, Australian Shepherds can develop them at any age. 

Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the affected lens, but it is important to catch the problem early. Early diagnosis is key, as, with prompt treatment, many dogs can regain their eyesight and enjoy a good quality of life.

4. Addison’s Disease 

Poodles are vulnerable to Addison’s disease, a condition that affects the adrenal glands. These are small glands that sit on top of the kidneys and produce important hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline. 

Cortisol helps to regulate blood sugar levels and helps the body respond to stress. Adrenaline is responsible for the “fight or flight” response. Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands are damaged and cannot produce enough of these hormones. 

This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure. Addison’s disease is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated properly. 

5. Epilepsy

Australian Shepherds are prone to epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures. While it can occur in any dog, certain breeds are more susceptible.

There is no cure for epilepsy, but with proper medication and management, most dogs with the condition can live long and happy lives. 

6. Deafness 

Australian Shepherds are particularly prone to deafness. In some cases, it may be due to a congenital defect because of the merle gene, while in others it may be the result of an infection or exposure to loud noise. Deafness can also be seen as a side effect of certain medications. 

The merle gene is a mutation that can occur in many different breeds of dogs but is very common in Australian Shepherds. This gene is responsible for the distinctive merle coat color, which is characterized by patches of darker fur on a light background.

While a dog carrying a single merle gene is as healthy as a non-merle dog, a dog bred to two merles can be born deaf, blind, or both. Great care must be taken while breeding merle dogs as two merles should never be bred. 

The merle gene causes deafness, as it affects the development of the inner ear. Deafness caused by the merle gene is usually partial, meaning that the dog can still hear some sound. However, in some cases, the deafness may be complete. 

Merle-related deafness is thought to occur because the inner ear develops from the same tissue as the eye, and the merle gene affects pigmentation in both organs. Dogs with two copies of the merle gene are more likely to be deaf than those with just one copy. 

Final Thoughts 

Any Aussiedoodle that is F2 or greater is also referred to as a multi-generational Aussiedoodle. This can include F2b, F3, and so on. Regardless of generation, one thing’s for sure. 

Aussiedoodles are intelligent, trainable, and loving dogs that will make great additions to any household that has the time to take care of its exercise needs. They will need plenty of attention and love, but will give you tons back in return!