When people refer to Cavapoo generations do you know what they are talking about? You can be honest, because it can be a confusing concept!
With all of the questions you’re already having while considering a new puppy the thought of generations might seem overwhelming!
But while looking at Cavoodles (another interchangeable name for Cavapoos), you will likely hear terms like F2, F1B, Multigen, etc. thrown around. It is important to understand what these abbreviations mean, and how they affect your future puppy!
Why Do Cavapoo Generations Matter?
Cavoodle generations refer to their ancestry. This ancestry supplies the DNA that contributes to physical characteristics, temperament, and genetic health issues too.
Responsible breeders do their best to pair up dogs that will minimize the potential for future health issues. But you can never eliminate the risk completely, so it is wise to invest in pet insurance. This protects you from large vets bills that most often pop up unexpectedly.
Let’s start by breaking down the labels that are used when discussing Cavapoo generations. Looking at all of the parts at once can be confusing, so we will look at one letter or number at a time.
What does the “F” mean?
F is an abbreviation for “Filial Hybrid” and indicates that the dog is a hybrid of two purebred dogs. There is an F at the beginning of every generation marker.
What does the number mean?
The number refers to the generation…
1 = 1st generation
2 = 2nd generation
3 = 3rd generation
…you get the idea!
What does the “B” mean?
B is an abbreviation for “Backcross.” If there is a B at the end of the generation, it would indicate that the current Cavapoo generation was bred back to a purebred poodle.
On rare instances the Cavapoo is bred back to a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. For simplicity, this article will only refer to backcrosses with a Poodle.
If there are two Bs after the generation name, that means that generation of Cavapoos has been bred back twice to a Poodle.
Cavapoo Generations Chart
This table serves as a guide as you read through the rest of this article. It allows you to get a general visualization of the makeup of each Cavoodle generation.
DNA percentages are theoretical estimates, so the exact percentage of each parent’s DNA can vary slightly.
What is an F1 Cavapoo?
An F1 Cavapoo is the first generation cross of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle. This is the generation most people think of as the “classic” Cavapoo. The DNA is more or less a 50/50 split of the two base breeds.
There is a wide range of genetic diversity in the F1 Cavapoo, which means that appearances can differ amongst F1 puppies.
The coat can range from the silkier, longer hair of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, to the tighter, curlier coat of the Poodle. This is important to know if you are looking for a low-shedding dog, since an F1 Cavapoo may still shed, although usually not as much as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
If fur triggers your allergies, the F1 Cavapoo may not your best choice. However if allergies are not a concern, there are some advantages due to the large amount of genetic diversity the F1 Cavapoo offers.
This generation has a lower chance of inheriting genetic issues that afflict many purebred dogs. Mixed breeds generally have a lower risk of genetic disease, so the F1 Cavapoo could be a safer bet if you want to avoid these issues.
As an added bonus, the price of an F1 Cavapoo tends to be slightly less expensive than other generations as it’s one of the most commonly bred varieties.
Toby is one example of an F1 Cavoodle. Photo courtesy of @toby.cavapoo on Instagram.
What is an F1B Cavapoo?
An F1B Cavapoo means that one parent was an F1 Cavapoo and the other was a Poodle. There are some cases where the F1 Cavapoo may be bred to a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but this is rare. So, unless otherwise noted, it is safe to assume the F1B Cavapoo has one Poodle parent.
The Poodle is used to more predictably get a lower shedding coat. While you will lose some genetic diversity, the more reliable coat is better for those that suffer from mild allergies.
An F1B Cavapoo will normally cost more than an F1 Cavapoo, because the coat is more predictable and allergy-friendly. However, prices can vary widely and will also depend on a few variables that include Cavoodle gender, location, breeder, Cavoodle size, and color.
Jasmine and Brandi are two examples of F1B Cavoodles. Photo courtesy of @jasmine_and_brandi on Instagram.
What is an F1BB Cavapoo?
An F1BB Cavapoo is what you get when you breed an F1B Cavapoo with a Poodle. So this generation is closer to the Poodle DNA than the F1 or F1B Cavapoo.
If you suffer from allergies, this tends to be the best generation to consider. There is no guarantee that even an F1BB Cavapoo will be hypoallergenic or non-shedding, but they are usually the best bet.
Since F1BB Cavapoos are very close genetically to a Poodle’s DNA, there will be less genetic diversity. They will likely have many Poodle traits, both in temperament and appearance.
While they are more likely to have a non-shedding class than many other generations, they are also likely to have the higher maintenance, curly coat typical to a Poodle. You definitely want to stay on top of an F1BB Cavapoo’s grooming regiment. A quality brush like the Chris Christensen Baby G Slicker Brush is a great investment.
Because their coats are more predictable, and they are less common than other generations, an F1BB Cavapoo will be on the more expensive side.
Pierre is one example of an F1BB Cavoodle. Photo courtesy of @pierrebontempsbordeaux on Instagram.
What is an F2 Cavapoo?
An F2 Cavapoo is a second generation Cavapoo that can be created as a result of many different parental combinations. These combinations include two F1 Cavapoos, an F1 with an F1B, or even an F1 with an F2. However the most common pairing is two F1 Cavapoos.
F2 Cavapoos are not bred often, as it is very tough to predict the traits that will be produced in this breeding. Sometimes you can get puppies that are very similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in both looks and temperament.
However, if shedding is not a concern for you, and you prefer the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel traits, an F2 Cavapoo may be the right choice for you. Because it is hard to predict the traits and coat in an F2 Cavapoo, this generation usually costs less than other generations.
Emma is one example of an F2 Cavoodle. Photo courtesy of @pupcalledemma on Instagram.
What is an F2B Cavapoo?
An F2B Cavapoo is created when an F2 Cavapoo is bred with a Poodle. This is a way to get a higher percentage of Poodle characteristics. So the F2B Cavapoo has increased odds of being non-shedding and hypoallergenic.
Usually this generation will have a curly, higher-maintenance coat, similar to a Poodle. But it also means that it could be a good choice for dog lovers with allergies.
You may hear this generation referred to as a Multigen Cavapoo. This label can be applied to any generation beyond an F2 Cavapoo.
F2B and other Multigen Cavapoos tend to cost a bit more than F1 or F2 Cavapoos.
Eddy is one example of an F2B Cavoodle. Photo courtesy of @eddy.cavoodle on Instagram.
What is an F2BB Cavapoo?
An F2BB Cavapoo is created when an F2 Cavapoo is backcrossed to a Poodle two times. So the parents of an F2BB will be an F1B Cavapoo and a Poodle. These will often be referred to as Multigen Cavapoos.
The DNA of the F2BB Cavapoo is very close to that of a Poodle. This makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers. But be sure to be prepared for the grooming needed for a higher maintenance coat.
While this generation will likely be non-shedding, due to the unpredictability of genetics, there is no way to guarantee it.
As far as price, F2BB and other Multigen Cavapoos will usually be priced higher than other generations.
One example of an F2BB Cavoodle
What is an F3 Cavapoo?
You may be seeing the pattern now, and understand that an F3 is a third generation Cavapoo. Parents could be F2 Cavapoos or F1B Cavapoos. These breedings create unpredictable results, so they are not very common.
Like the F2B and F2BB generations, an F3 can also be referred to as a Multigen and have slightly higher prices than lower generation Cavapoos.
Molly is one example of an F3 Cavoodle. Photo courtesy of @miss.molly.the.cavapoo on Instagram.
What is a Multigen Cavapoo?
Also referred to as a Mulitgenerational Cavapoo, this term can be applied to any Cavapoo generation beyond an F2. So this would include an F2B, F2BB, F3, etc. If a breeder is advertising Multigen Cavapoos for sale, they should be able to tell you the specific generation of the dogs.
Albie is one example of a Multigen Cavoodle. Photo courtesy of @albie_oodle on Instagram.
F1 vs F1B Cavapoo: Which of These Cavoodle Generations Are Better?
If you are wondering which would be better when comparing the F1 vs F1B Cavapoo you have to consider what your family’s priorities are.
If you prefer that classic Cavapoo look, with a straighter coat, the F1 is a good choice. This generation also offers greater genetic diversity which may decrease the chance of genetic health issues during your Cavapoo’s lifetime.
If allergies are a bigger concern the F1B will be a more reliable choice. With more Poodle DNA, this generation has a higher likelihood of having non-shedding, allergy friendly coat.
If your allergies are severe, we recommend looking at the F1BB or F2BB generations which have even better odds of inheriting the non-shedding coat, as they have even more Poodle DNA.
F1 vs F2 Cavapoo: Which of These Cavoodle Generations Are Better?
If you are comparing the F1 vs F2 Cavapoo, it is important to know that it is easier to breed and predict traits in the first (or F1) generation. However, if you would prefer a dog with more Cavalier King Charles Spaniel traits, the F2 Cavapoos might be for you.
While they are less likely to be non-shedding and hypoallergenic, F2 Cavapoos are more likely to look and act like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
F1B vs F2B Cavapoo: Which Generation of Cavoodle Should You Get?
You will not find large differences when comparing F1B vs F2B Cavapoos. They are both good choices for mild allergy sufferers since they are backcrosses with the Poodle, making them more likely to be lower shedders.
If you are trying to choose between these two generations, it is more important to consider the breeder. To successfully breed healthy puppies, these generations (particularly the F2B) require a knowledgeable breeder that performs genetic testing. This will reduce the risk of passing on genetic health issues.
Ask about testing and compare prices, and reviews from other puppy parents. If there is not much difference, the F1B Cavapoo has a tad more genetic diversity, giving it a slight edge.
What Generation Cavapoo is Best?
Choosing the best Cavapoo generation is highly subjective, but to make an informed decision you should think about what your priorities are when selecting a puppy.
On the other hand, if allergies are not a concern it’s hard to go wrong with an F1 Cavapoo, which offer the greatest genetic diversity at often the lowest price.
Remember that any dog, including Cavapoos, are only as good as their breeder. If you couple a reputable breeder with quality pet insurance, you are doing the most you can to keep your dog healthy without breaking the bank, for their entire life!
If you are not in touch with the breeder anymore, or if you found your Cavapoo through a rescue, how can you find out your dog’s generation?
Many pet owners have had success finding out the ancestry of their mixed breed using Embark’s Dog DNA Test. This simple, mail-in cheek swab kit will give your dog’s breed percentage breakdown as well as tell you which of 200+ genetic health risks they may be predisposed to. This can be super valuable information for all dog owners!
