Cavapoo

F1B vs F2 Cavapoo: Coat Predictability and Generation Differences

F1, F1B, F2 — what do these Cavapoo generation labels mean for coat type, shedding, and predictability? Here's the genetics behind each generation.

April 20, 2024 · 5 min read

F1 Cavapoo (50/50)

F1 (first-generation) Cavapoos are the result of a purebred Cavalier × purebred Poodle breeding. Every F1 puppy is heterozygous at the coat genes (F/f at RSPO2, Cu/cu at KRT71) — producing the classic 'wavy furnished' coat. Coat type within a litter is quite consistent. Moderate shedding compared to full Poodle.

F1B Cavapoo (75% Poodle)

An F1B Cavapoo is an F1 Cavapoo bred back to a Poodle. The result is 75% Poodle genetics. Most puppies in an F1B litter will be fully furnished (F/F or F/f) and curly (Cu/Cu or Cu/cu) — closest to the allergy-friendly Poodle coat. Least shedding of the common generations. Best for allergy sufferers.

F2 Cavapoo (Complex)

F2 Cavapoos are F1 × F1 breeding. This is where coat genetics gets unpredictable. Because both F1 parents are Cu/cu and F/f, F2 offspring can be: Cu/Cu (tightly curly), Cu/cu (wavy), or cu/cu (flat, more shedding) AND F/F, F/f, or f/f (improper coat). Flat-coated, unfurnished puppies are possible — and these shed significantly more than a Poodle cross expectation would suggest.

DNA Coat Testing Solves the Problem

For F2 and multigenerational Cavapoos, DNA coat testing of breeding parents (RSPO2, KRT71, and ideally MC5R) allows breeders to know exactly what coat combinations are possible in any given litter. A breeder producing F2 Cavapoos without coat DNA testing is producing puppies with unknown shedding profiles — which matters significantly to allergy-sensitive buyers.