Goldendoodle Stud Dog: F1, F1b, Multigen, Coat Testing, and What to Look For

The Goldendoodle has been one of the most sought-after dogs in the United States for over two decades. A cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, the Goldendoodle combines the Golden's legendary temperament with the Poodle's low-shedding coat and intelligence.

Understanding Goldendoodle Generations

F1 (First Generation): One purebred Golden Retriever parent x one purebred Poodle parent. F1s benefit from maximum hybrid vigor. Coat is variable — most have wavy, low-shedding coats.

F1b (First Generation Backcross): F1 Goldendoodle x purebred Poodle. Increases probability of a curlier, lower-shedding coat. The most popular generation in many markets.

F1bb: F1b x purebred Poodle. Maximum Poodle genetics, very curly coats, extremely low shedding.

Multigen (F3+): Both parents are Goldendoodles. When both parents are DNA-tested for furnishings and curl, coat outcomes become highly predictable.

Coat DNA Testing: The Most Important Test for Goldendoodle Studs

Furnishings (IC Locus — RSPO2 Gene)

Furnishings produce the characteristic longer facial hair — beard, eyebrows, and mustache — that defines the doodle look. They also correlate strongly with lower shedding.

• FF (Furnished/Furnished): Two copies of furnishings. All offspring will carry at least one copy. Ideal for multigen breeding.
• Ff (Furnished/Unfurnished): One copy. Half of offspring will be FF, half Ff when bred to a furnished female.
• ff (Unfurnished/Unfurnished): No furnishings — the flat coat gene. Higher-shedding dogs.

All purebred Poodles are FF. Golden Retrievers are ff. F1 Goldendoodles are all Ff.

Curl (KRT71 Gene)

Controls coat curl. Two copies of curl produce the tightest, curliest coats. DNA test both furnishings and curl for any multigen stud.

Health Testing Requirements for Goldendoodle Studs

From the Golden Retriever side:

• OFA Hip Evaluation — Good or Excellent
• OFA Elbow Evaluation — Normal
• CAER Eye Examination — Annual
• Cardiac Evaluation — OFA
• PRA-prcd DNA — Clear preferred
• Ichthyosis DNA — Clear or Carrier
• DM DNA — Clear preferred

From the Poodle side (if using a Poodle stud for F1b):

• OFA Hip Evaluation — Good or Excellent
• PRA-prcd DNA — Clear preferred
• NEWS DNA — Clear
• Sebaceous Adenitis — OFA Normal or Subclinical
• DM DNA — Clear preferred

Size Varieties

Standard Goldendoodle: 45-90 lbs typical. Mini Goldendoodle: 15-35 lbs typical. The most popular size in many markets. Petite/Toy Goldendoodle: Under 15 lbs. Growing market.

Color in Goldendoodles

Goldendoodle colors are driven primarily by the Golden Retriever's recessive red (ee at E locus) and the Poodle's full color range. Common colors: Cream/Apricot/Red, Chocolate/Cafe, Phantom/Parti, Abstract.

What Does a Goldendoodle Stud Fee Cost?

Goldendoodle stud fees in 2026 range from $800 to $4,000+ depending on: generation and role, DNA coat test documentation (FF furnishings especially valued), full health panel completion, size variety, and color.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

• What is his DNA coat test result for furnishings and curl?
• Can I see his full health panel?
• What generation is he, and what generation will our pairing produce?
• What size is he, and what size offspring has he produced?
• What colors has he produced?
• Has he sired litters before, and can I speak with previous dam owners?
• Will you provide a written stud contract?

Summary

A quality Goldendoodle stud has DNA coat testing documented (furnishings and curl), a full health panel appropriate for his background breed, clear generation documentation, and an owner who understands coat genetics well enough to predict outcomes.