Doodles are often referred to by what generation of mix they are.
A Golden Retriever + A Poodle= an F1 generation
This is a half golden retriever and a half poodle and will be approximately 1/2 genetically of each breed. Coat and color traits can vary greatly with F1.
An F1b is a Goldendoodle (F1) + a Poodle. The b stands for back cross, meaning crossed back into one of the original lines. The reason to breed for F1b is to ensure more poodle characteristics while retaining some of the golden retriever traits. The most common reason to breed F1b is to have a higher chance of getting the Poodle non-shedding coat and hypoallergenic properties common in poodles. You can also breed down in size greater through an F1b. An F1B can be characterized as 25% Golden Retriever and 75% Poodle.
A F2 is a goldendoodle + goldendoodle. There are fewer consistent characteristics from this cross. you could get a 100% poodle or 25% poodle, genetics are a probability, not an exact formula at this point of cross.
An F2b is an F1b + a Poodle. the result is a litter that is approximately 5/8 poodle and 3/8 golden retriever. Bred to produce more consistent poodle-type coats while retaining some golden retriever looks and personalities.
No doodle is guaranteed non-shedding or hypoallergenic. If these traits are important to you then it is best to pick a puppy with more poodle than a Golden retriever in them. Genetic testing can be done on the parents of the puppy to see what traits they carry.
If you want a dog that has the golden retriever loyalty and poodle spunkiness then any generation of doodle will suit you well!