Bernedoodle Generations

If I had a dollar for every time a family asked me, "So what exactly is an F1b Bernedoodle, and is it better than an F1?" well, I would have a lot of dollars. It's one of the most common questions I get, and it's a great one to ask. Generation labels are everywhere in the doodle world, and they sound very official, but here is the thing: they describe how a puppy was bred, not a promise about that puppy's coat, shedding, or temperament.

So let me walk you through what Bernedoodle generations actually mean (F1, F1b, reverse F1b, multigenerational, and the term "Ultra" you might see floating around), and then I'll tell you where my King Bernedoodle fits into all of it. Spoiler: it doesn't fit neatly into the standard F1/F1b box, and I think that's one of the things that makes it special.

What Do Bernedoodle Generation Labels Mean?

The "F" in F1 or F1b stands for "filial," which is just a fancy way of saying which generation of a cross we're talking about. Generation labels are shorthand for a puppy's parentage, nothing more and nothing less. The percentages people throw around (50% this, 75% that) describe what we expect on average from a type of pairing. They aren't a guarantee for every puppy in the litter.

Why Generation Is Only Part of the Story

I am genuinely obsessed with canine genetics. I teach genetics classes to other breeders, and one of the first things I tell them is: look at the DNA, not just the label.

Research generally points to three genes that matter most for coat:

RSPO2: generally considered the main gene behind furnishings (the beard, mustache, and leg feathering you see on doodles)
MC5R: often called the low-shed gene; in my experience it mostly sets coat softness
KRT71: typically associated with curl

These are generally inherited independently of each other. A puppy can be curly and still shed. A puppy can look more like a Bernese and still have great furnishings. The label doesn't tell you any of that. The DNA does.

Furnishings Matter More Than Curl for Shedding

This is the point I want every family to take home: furnishings decide shedding, not curl.

Poodles generally carry the furnishings variant, while Bernese Mountain Dogs typically don't, which is why a purebred Bernese has that sleek, flat face rather than a fluffy beard. So when you look at a curly puppy and think, "That coat must mean it doesn't shed," I want to gently stop you right there. Curl and shedding are not the same thing.

My honest, practical advice: ask the breeder how many furnishings a puppy has. Not "does it look fluffy?" Ask specifically about furnishing genetics.

And here is the reality check I give every single family: all dogs shed at least as much as a human does, even dogs listed as "non-shedding." Living animals are unpredictable, and I will never promise you zero shedding.

What Is an F1 Bernedoodle?

An F1 Bernedoodle is a first-generation cross: a Bernese Mountain Dog bred to a Poodle. The expected ancestry is about 50% Bernese Mountain Dog and 50% Poodle.

Bernese Mountain Dogs generally have a dense double coat with seasonal shedding, while Poodles are typically single-coated and low-shedding. An F1 puppy usually gets one furnishings copy from the Poodle parent and none from the Bernese parent, so F1 puppies typically carry one furnishing.

F1 Bernedoodle Coats and Furnishings

Because an F1 puppy usually has just one furnishings copy, there is real variety in how it shows. Some F1 puppies have a more defined beard and feathering; others look more like their Bernese parent. F1 coats can range from straighter to wavy to curly, but coat appearance alone doesn't answer the shedding question. An F1 label is a starting point, not a shedding guarantee.

What Is an F1b Bernedoodle?

An F1b Bernedoodle is a backcross: an F1 Bernedoodle bred back to a Poodle. Because you're adding another Poodle parent, the expected ancestry shifts to about 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese Mountain Dog.

That extra Poodle contribution generally increases the odds that puppies inherit furnishings. F1b puppies commonly carry one to two furnishings.

F1 vs. F1b Bernedoodle: The Main Difference

The core difference is parentage:

F1 Bernedoodle: Bernese Mountain Dog × Poodle
F1b Bernedoodle: F1 Bernedoodle × Poodle

The F1b has more Poodle in the pairing. That makes it more likely, not certain, that puppies will inherit furnishings and Poodle-type low-shedding genetics.

Why an F1b Label Doesn't Guarantee a Non-Shedding Dog

I know that's not what everyone wants to hear, but it's true. Shedding is influenced by more than one gene, and a curly-coated F1b puppy can still carry shedding genetics. So if low shedding is important to your family, the right question is: how many furnishings does this puppy have? Not "is the coat curly?" and not just "is it an F1b?" The DNA tells the story. The label sets the stage.

What Is a Reverse F1b Bernedoodle?

A reverse F1b Bernedoodle flips the backcross: an F1 bred back to a Bernese Mountain Dog instead of a Poodle. That shifts the expected ancestry to about 75% Bernese Mountain Dog and 25% Poodle, which generally makes Bernese-type coat traits, like a double coat and seasonal shedding, more likely.

Some reverse F1b puppies are unfurnished. That doesn't make them lesser dogs; it makes them different dogs with a different coat expectation. Families should know that going in, and the same rule applies: ask about DNA, not just labels.

What Is a Multigenerational Bernedoodle?

A multigenerational Bernedoodle is a Bernedoodle bred to another Bernedoodle, so both parents are already doodles. "Multigen" can cover a wide range of pedigrees, so there's no single fixed breed percentage that comes with the label.

Multigenerational puppies can have anywhere from zero to two furnishings, and my goal is two. That goal comes from intentional, DNA-based pairing, not from calling something "multigen" and hoping for the best.

Why Multigen Percentages Aren't One-Size-Fits-All

F1 and F1b describe specific crosses. Multigen is a broader umbrella, and generation names can vary by program. That's exactly why I encourage families to go deeper than the label: ask about the specific parents, each parent's generation, and what DNA testing was done.

What Does "Ultra" Mean in Bernedoodles?

Some programs also use the term "Ultra." It generally refers to repeated backcrossing toward a higher Poodle percentage, but it isn't a standardized label, and different programs use it differently. If you see it, ask what the breeder means: What are the parents? What is each parent's generation? What do the furnishing genetics look like? Those answers matter far more than the name.

Where Does My King Bernedoodle Fit?

My King Bernedoodle doesn't fit neatly into the standard F1/F1b chart, and that's intentional.

A King Bernedoodle in my program is a Cavapoo (or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) crossed with a Mini Bernedoodle. That's a three-breed cross bringing Cavalier, Poodle, and Bernese genetics together, so a standard generation label can't tell you its whole story.

My King Bernedoodles are typically 25–35 pounds, with a typical lifespan of 12–15 years (small doodles can live up to 18).

Why I Pair by DNA Results, Not Generation Labels Alone

Because my King Bernedoodles have three breeds in their background, I start with DNA. Every parent in my program is tested through Embark for 175+ diseases, with Animal Genetics brought in when deeper testing is needed, and OFA testing is done by a certified veterinarian. When I make pairing decisions, I'm looking at each parent's actual genetics, not just their generation label. You can read more about my health testing approach on my Why Choose Us page.

King Bernedoodles, Cavapoo Genetics, and Coat Care

Because a King Bernedoodle's background includes Cavapoo genetics, understanding Cavapoo generations can help with the coat conversation too. My Cavapoo generations explainer walks through F1, F1b, and multigen Cavapoos the same way we just did for Bernedoodles.

For coat care, King Bernedoodles need daily brushing and a professional groom every 2–4 months. Build that into your routine from day one and it becomes second nature.

Choosing the Right Bernedoodle Generation for Your Family

Rather than telling you which generation is "the best," I'd rather give you the right questions to ask, because the best fit depends on your lifestyle, your grooming commitment, and what a specific puppy's genetics actually show:

What are the parents' generations and breed backgrounds?
How many furnishings does this puppy have?
What DNA testing has been done on the parents?
What grooming routine will this coat need?

If shedding or allergies are your main concern, ask about furnishings, not curl, and remember that even a well-furnished dog will leave some hair somewhere. My King Bernedoodle hypoallergenic guide gives you a fuller, more honest picture of what "low-shedding" means in real life.

My Bottom Line on Bernedoodle Generations

Here is the short version, straight from my kitchen table to yours: F1, F1b, reverse F1b, and multigenerational labels tell you how a puppy was bred. They're useful context, but they don't replace actual coat DNA, furnishing information, and an honest conversation with your breeder.

Furnishings decide it, not curl. I'll keep saying that until every family in the doodle world has heard it.

If you're curious about an upcoming litter or ready to start the conversation, take a look at my upcoming puppies or fill out a puppy application. I would love to talk genetics with you, and you can follow along on Instagram @wonderful_world_doodles for probably more genetics talk than you ever expected to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an F1b Bernedoodle?

An F1b Bernedoodle is an F1 Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog × Poodle) bred back to a Poodle, for an expected ancestry of about 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese. F1b puppies commonly carry one to two furnishings, but DNA testing is the most reliable way to know what an individual puppy actually carries.

What is the difference between an F1 and F1b Bernedoodle?

An F1 is a direct Bernese Mountain Dog × Poodle cross, roughly 50% each. An F1b adds a second Poodle (F1 × Poodle), shifting the balance to about 75% Poodle. That generally makes furnished, lower-shedding coats more likely, but it doesn't guarantee an outcome for every puppy. Furnishing genetics matter more than the label.

What is a reverse F1b Bernedoodle?

A reverse F1b is an F1 Bernedoodle bred back to a Bernese Mountain Dog instead of a Poodle, for about 75% Bernese ancestry. Some reverse F1b puppies are unfurnished, so families should ask specifically about furnishing genetics and coat expectations.

What does multigenerational Bernedoodle mean?

A multigenerational Bernedoodle is a Bernedoodle bred to another Bernedoodle. Because "multigen" covers many pedigree combinations, it doesn't carry one fixed breed percentage, and puppies can have zero to two furnishings. Ask about the parents' generations, breed backgrounds, and DNA testing.

Does a curlier Bernedoodle coat mean less shedding?

No, and it's one of the most common misconceptions in the doodle world. Curl and shedding are generally controlled by different genes. A puppy can have a beautiful tight curl and still shed if it lacks furnishings. The more useful question is how many furnishings the puppy has, and remember that all dogs shed at least as much as a human does.

Is a King Bernedoodle a multigenerational Bernedoodle?

Not exactly. A King Bernedoodle in my program is a Cavapoo (or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) crossed with a Mini Bernedoodle, a three-breed combination rather than a standard Bernese × Poodle line. A standard generation label doesn't fully capture that background, which is why I pair by DNA results rather than labels alone.