Each Cockapoo generation is going to be slightly different in terms of coat type, hypoallergenic features, and being nonshedding. Since the Cockapoo is a crossbreed dog between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, the amount of genetics that the Cockapoo receives from the Cocker Spaniel versus the Poodle is going to have a significant impact on what your dog looks like. Cocker Spaniels are very different from Poodles in terms of shedding, pet allergies, and personality.
Breeders explain the genetic makeup of a dog through letters that describe their generation like F1 Cockapoo or F1B Cockapoo. You must understand what the letters and numbers mean like F1, F1B, F1BB, F2, F2B, F2BB, or F3 Cockapoo mean. If you don’t understand the letters and numbers then you won’t understand what your dog will look like, whether it will shed or not, or what type of personality your Cockapoo will have.
In this article, we are going to explain each Cockapoo generation and give you the genetic makeup of each generation so you can decide which one is right for you.
If you’re looking for a Cockapoo puppy, we highly recommend that you check out Premier Pups or PuppySpot. Both are reputable dog breeders who can deliver Cockapoos all around the United States.
We also have a video on the various Cockapoo generations so you can learn more:
Table of Contents
Cockapoo Generations Overview
Let’s review the numbers and letters that make up each Cockapoo generation. For example, we will explain what an “F1B Cockapoo” means.
What does the “F” represent?
In the word “F1B Cockapoo” the F stands for Filial. It’s short for a word meaning Filial Hybrid which simply means this is a hybrid dog. All Cockapoo generations will always begin with the letter F because they are a crossbred dog between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. This simply helps to distinguish that it isn’t a purebred dog.
What does the number represent?
For an F1B Cockapoo, the 1 represents the generation of the Cockapoo. In our example, the number is 1 which means that the dog is a first-generation Cockapoo. This is the offspring between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.
What does the “B” stand for?
In our F1B Cockapoo example, the B stands for Backcross. Backcross is a complex term that means that means was bred back to a purebred dog (either to a 100% Cocker Spaniel or a 100% Poodle). Almost always, an F1B Cockapoo is a backcross to a 100% Poodle because they don’t shed and are more hypoallergenic than the Cocker Spaniel. You can also have multiple B’s in a name like the F1BB or F2BB. This just implies the Cockapoo was backcrossed twice.
Genetic Breakdown for Each Cockapoo Generation
Below is the genetic breakdown of each Cockapoo Generation assuming they are always backcrossed with a Poodle. This saves you a lot time from having to calculate the genetic makeup of a dog. We will go into an in-depth summary of each Cockapoo generation below.
- F1 Cockapoo: 50% Poodle and 50% Cocker Spaniel
- F1B Cockapoo: 75% Poodle and 25% Cocker Spaniel
- F1BB Cockapoo: 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Cocker Spaniel
- F2 Cockapoo: 50% Poodle and 50% Cocker Spaniel
- F2B Cockapoo: 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Cocker Spaniel
- F2BB Cockapoo: 81.25% Poodle and 18.75% Cocker Spaniel
- F3 Cockapoo or Multi-generation Cockapoo: Several generations of Cockapoo breeding usually backcrossed with the Poodle.
Pro-Tip: Dog owners usually prefer Cockapoos that have more Poodle genetics.
Cockapoos are almost always backcross bred to the Poodle for the hypoallergenic and nonshedding genetic makeup. However, it should be noted that there could be a case where a breeder may be backcross breed with a purebred Cocker Spaniel in which case an F1B Cockapoo will be 25% Poodle and 75% Cocker Spaniel. However, this is very unlikely. Check with your breeder if you’re unsure.
F1 Cockapoo
An F1 Cockapoo is 50% Poodle and 50% Cocker Spaniel and is the first generation Cockapoo that is bred between a purebred Cocker Spaniel (100%) and a purebred Poodle (100%).
An F1 Cockapoo is popular amongst breeders who have a purebred Cocker Spaniel and purebred Poodle. However, F1 Cockapoo genetics aren’t considered highly desired. This is because the F1 Cockapoo has a wide range of looks. For instance, an F1 Cockapoo can have a straight coat that will shed like crazy or wavy coats that are non-shedding. Since it is 50% Cocker Spaniel and 50% Poodle, it’s basically going to be a coin flip on which genetics the dog receives (or it may receive a combination of both genetics). Most dog owners would not prefer an F1 Cockapoo for this reason.
The F1 Cockapoos coats can be smooth and look like the Cocker Spaniel or curlier and look like the Poodle. One good aspect of F1 Cockapoos is that they gain the most health benefits of a term called “Hybrid Vigor”. Hybrid Vigor means the first generation between two purebred dogs will be more healthy than the parent purebred dogs. This is due to the fact that purebreds are basically inbreeding of the same genes which causes hereditary defects to be passed down to each generation. Since Cockapoos are a hybrid dog, they will only inherit genetic problems that are common to both the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel.
F1 Cockapoo Characteristics
- Coat Type: Could be straight, wavy, or curly.
- Non-shedding: It may shed lots of hair or not much at all.
- Hypoallergenic: Not guaranteed. It may be hypoallergenic if it receives more Poodle genetics.
- Hybrid Vigor: Yes, it has the highest qualities and will be the healthiest generation in terms of genetic defects.
F1B Cockapoo
The F1B Cockapoo (75% Poodle, 25% Cocker Spaniel) is a cross between an F1 Cockapoo (50% Poodle & 50% Cocker Spaniel) and a purebred line which is either a 100% Poodle or 100% Cocker Spaniel. A breeder will almost always choose to backcross breed with a Poodle dog because they don’t and pet allergy-friendly. Since this is a backcrossed dog, we call it an F1B Cockapoo.
An F1B Cockapoo is 75% Poodle and 25% Cocker Spaniel by genetic makeup. The F1B is one of the most popular generations of Cockapoo because they are mostly hypoallergenic and nonshedding. Most of the breeders that claim to breed Cockapoos that don’t shed and are allergy-friendly are going to be F1B Cockapoos.
With the F1B Cockapoo, there are some distinct genetic traits that you will notice in your dog. First, F1B Cockapoos will almost always have a wavy or curly coat that is inherited from the Poodle. This means that it is very unlikely to shed fur all over the place. This also implies that your dog is going to be more hypoallergenic than a Cockapoo with a straight coat. The downside of a nonshedding coat is that you will have to regularly groom your Cockapoo with dog clippers or take them to the groomers every 6 to 12 weeks.
Secondly, F1B Cockapoos are likely to inherit the personality and temperament of a Poodle. It’s likely that they will have longer legs, have tons of energy, and need to be regularly exercised. If an F1B Cockapoo isn’t regularly exercised or mentally stimulated, they will get bored and engage in destructive behavior around the house.
Lastly, F1B Cockapoos gain a little bit of the health benefits from being Hybrid Vigor. This generation of Cockapoo is usually going to be healthier than any of the purebred parent dogs. An F1B is technically the “2nd” generation Cockapoo so it does lose some characteristics of Hybrid Vigor. With each passing generation of offspring, the amount of hybrid vigor decreases.
F1B Cockapoo Characteristics
- Coat Type: Wavy or curly.
- Non-shedding: Non-shedding coat.
- Hypoallergenic: Hypoallergenic.
- Hybrid Vigor: Yes, but not as much as an F1 Cockapoo.
F1BB Cockapoo
The F1BB Cockapoo (87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Cocker Spaniel) is a mix between an F1B Cockapoo (75% Poodle, 25% Cocker Spaniel) and an original purebred dog that is either the Poodle or Cocker Spaniel. Usually, breeders will pick the Poodle to breed with an F1B Cockapoo because they inherit the Poodle nonshedding and hypoallergenic genes. This is referred to as the F1BB Cockapoo because it is the second backcross with a purebred Poodle. It gets a second “B” in its name and is referred to as an F1BB Cockapoo.
The F1BB Cockapoo is the most hypoallergenic and non-shedding of all the first generation Cockapoos due to a large amount of Poodle hereditary qualities. This Cockapoo will come with an extremely curly coat that doesn’t shed and will need to be brushed every day and groomed with dog clippers every 6 to 12 weeks to prevent the fur from tangling and matting. This Cockapoo generation is the best for people with pet allergies and don’t want fur all over the place.
An F1BB Cockapoo is technically a “3rd” generation of dog offspring so it will have less Hybrid Vigor health qualities when compared to the F1 Cockapoo or F1B Cockapoo. The F1BB Cockapoo may also be classified as a multi-generation Cockapoo since they are passed the 2nd generation of offspring.
F1B Cockapoo Characteristics
- Coat Type: Curly.
- Non-shedding: Nonshedding.
- Hypoallergenic: Hypoallergenic.
- Hybrid Vigor: Yes, but not much when compared to the F1 and F1B Cockapoos because they are the 3rd offspring.
F2 Cockapoo
The F2 Cockapoo is 50% Poodle and 50% Cocker Spaniel and is the second filial generation of a Cockapoo. This is a cross between an F1 Cockapoo and another F1 Cockapoo. Hence, the results are exactly the same genes as both dogs (50% Poodle & 50% Cocker Spaniel).
The F2 Cockapoo generation is very similar to the F1 Cockapoo generation since they are the same genetic makeup of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. Breeders try not to breed an F2 Cockapoo because this generation is unpredictable in terms of coat type, being nonshedding, and being hypoallergenic. In addition, most pet owners usually don’t want an F2 Cockapoo because they won’t know if their puppy will shed or not.
F2 Cockapoo Characteristics
- Coat Type: Unpredictable. Straight, wavy, or curly.
- Non-shedding: Unpredictable. Could also be a light shedder.
- Hypoallergenic: Unpredictable.
- Hybrid Vigor: Yes, but less so than the F1 generation.
F2B Cockapoo
F2B Cockapoo is 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Cocker Spaniel and is a cross between an F1 Cockapoo (50% Poodle, 50% Cocker Spaniel) and an F1B Cockapoo (75% Poodle, 25% Cocker Spaniel). Alternatively, some breeders will choose to breed an F1B Cockapoo with another F1B Cockapoo which would result in the F2B being 75% Poodle and 25% Cocker Spaniel.
The F2B Cockapoo generation has significant Poodle hereditary qualities which usually results in a wavy or curly coat. This means that it’s likely the Cockapoo will not shed and be hypoallergenic. However, like most hybrid dogs there are always exceptions to the genetic rules and this might not be true.
The F2B Cockapoo generation is sometimes referred to as a Multi-generation Cockapoo since they are the 3rd generation of offspring.
F2B Cockapoo Characteristics
- Coat Type: Wavy or Curly coat.
- Hypoallergenic: Yes.
- Non-shedding: Most likely.
- Hybrid Vigor: Not much hybrid vigor characteristics.
F2BB Cockapoo
F2BB Cockapoo is 81.25% Poodle & 18.75% Cocker Spaniel and is a cross between the F2B Cockapoo (62.5% Poodle, 37.5% Cocker Spaniel) and usually an original purebred 100% Poodle. Since this is at least the second Backcross with a purebred Poodle, it gets a second “B” in its name and is referred to as the F2BB Cockapoo.
An F2BB Cockapoo is the most hypoallergenic and non-shedding of all the second generation Cockapoos due to the large amount of Poodle genetics it inherits. This Cockapoo also has the 2nd most Poodle genetics, only behind the F1BB Cockapoo (87.5% Poodle & 12.5% Cocker Spaniel). It is very common the F2BB Cockapoo will a curly coat that will need to be brushed every day and groomed with dog clippers every couple of months to prevent the fur from matting. However, this Cockapoo generation is great for people with pet allergies and don’t want to have to pick up dog fur around the house and car.
The F2BB Cockapoo generation is usually going to be referred to as a multi-generation Cockapoo since they are the 4th generation of offspring. Many breeders won’t use the term F2BB but call this dog a multi-gen Cockapoo.
F2BB Cockapoo Characteristics
- Coat Type: Curly
- Hypoallergenic: Yes.
- Non-shedding: Yes.
- Hybrid Vigor: No.
F3 Cockapoo or Multi-generation Cockapoo
The F3 Cockapoo is also called the multi-generation Cockapoo. This is the 3rd generation or greater of Cockapoo.
Typically, F3 Cockapoos are bred with the F1B Cockapoo and another F1B Cockapoo. Alternatively, you could breed an F3 Cockapoo with an F2 Cockapoo and another F2 Cockapoo. F3 Cockapoos contain a significant portion of Poodle genetics so it will be mostly hypoallergenic. The F3 Cockapoo generation coat can vary from wavy to curly which makes them virtually nonshedding.
Multi-gen Cockapoos are used to describe any Cockapoo beyond the 2nd generation. This includes the Cockapoo generations listed above like the F1BB, F2B, and F2BB Cockapoo. Many breeders will simply list a multi-gen Cockapoo instead of listing the exact generation of Cockapoo like F3 Cockapoo. You will have to ask your dog breeder to specify which generation your Cockapoo if they say multi-gen.
F3 Cockapoo or Multi-generation Cockapoo Characteristics
- Coat Type: Generally Curly
- Hypoallergenic: Usually.
- Non-shedding: Usually.
- Hybrid Vigor: No.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are F1B Cockapoos curlier?
Yes, F1B Cockapoos are curlier than other Cockapoos. F1B Cockapoos are 75% poodle; they tend to inherit their curly coats rather than a Cocker Spaniel’s wavy or straight coat. These curly coats tend to shed less (or not at all), making them the ideal dog for someone with allergies.
While these can be curlier than F1 or second-generation Cockapoos, there is still a chance that F1B Cockapoos can have a straight or wavy coat. It isn’t common but does happen occasionally. The curl will often be looser or on the wavy side compared to the tight curl we usually associate with Poodles.
If the Poodle used wasn’t purebred, then there’s a chance the F1B Cockapoo won’t be curlier than other Cockapoos. When purchasing your F1B Cockapoo from a reputable seller, it isn’t common for your Cockapoo to have wavy or straight hair.
Be sure to do your research beforehand to ensure that you purchase the Cockapoo from a reputable seller that has the dog’s interests and health at heart. If you have a rescue Cockapoo, sometimes the vets can help chart their ancestry and help establish what kind of Cockapoo you have.
If you aren’t sure, though, generally, Cockapoos with tighter curls will be an F1B Cockapoo. F1B Cockapoos are usually larger to and with longer legs, which can help identify them from other Cockapoos. They will also have higher energy levels and need exercise and mental stimulation to keep themselves healthy and happy.
Should I get an F1 or F1B Cockapoo?
It’s best to get an F1 Cockapoo rather than an F1B or second-generation Cockapoo. A first-generation (F1) Cockapoo has high hybrid vigor, greatly reducing your dog’s chances of developing genetic defects. An F1 Cockapoo is far more likely to be healthy and have a longer lifespan than other generations of Cockapoos.
However, as mixed with purebred Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, it’s hard to tell how they will turn out. There’s a 50/50 chance the coat will be curly, wavy, or straight. The coat determines the Cockapoos hypoallergenic status. If the coat is curly or wavy, then chances are the dog has inherited more of the Poodle genes and will be hypoallergenic.
If the chance of your Cockapoo not being hypoallergenic is of concern to you, then an F1B is the better choice. These are 75% Poodles, meaning there is a higher chance of it being hypoallergenic. They are also less likely to shed and are better suited for allergy sufferers.
As F1B Cockapoos are closer to Poodles, they also inherit their temperament. They will need more exercise to burn off their energy or become destructive around the house. If you cannot commit to the amount of exercise and stimulation they need, it’s best to get an F1 Cockapoo instead (although they still need frequent exercise).
You must consider these factors when deciding which Cockapoo is best for you. If you are concerned about allergies, the F1B Cockapoo is better. However, in terms of health, the F1 Cockapoo is the better option.
Are F2 Cockapoos healthy?
F2 Cockapoos are relatively healthy, yes! They still have hybrid vigor characteristics, but less so than the F1 generation before them. You will need to keep an eye out for any signs of genetic issues as they age and ensure they attend regular checkups with your local vet.
Cockapoos can suffer from allergies, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, eye diseases, and heart conditions. These come from their Poodle and Cocker Spaniel parents, but the risk of these illnesses is still present in these mixed breeds. These illnesses and conditions can be quite severe and impact your Cockapoo’s quality of life.
Regular vet appointments and keeping an eye out for any symptoms can help to prevent any severe illnesses. Pair it with a healthy and balanced diet and plenty of exercises to ensure that your F2 Cockapoo is as healthy as possible.
It’s worth checking with your breeder if the dogs used for breeding have any existing conditions or genetic issues. Knowing this can help understand your Cockapoo and their risks of health conditions or complications as they get older. Sometimes the vet can run tests to see if your dog is at a higher risk of some disease or conditions than others.
Generally speaking, F2 Cockapoos are healthy, but you will need to be aware that their hybrid vigor is lower than the F1 generation. Ensure that you keep your dog as healthy as possible and offer lots of exercise and playtime to curb some complications. You should speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your F2 Cockapoos health.
Are F2 Cockapoos hypoallergenic?
F2 Cockapoos can be hypoallergenic, but it isn’t always guaranteed. Breeders often avoid breeding F2 Cockapoos because it is an unpredictable breed in terms of coat type, hypoallergenic or not, and any shedding.
As we cannot determine the coat and type of fur an F2 Cockapoo will have, we cannot guarantee that the Cockapoo will be hypoallergenic. The coat of an F2 Cockapoo can be straight, wavy, or curly. Generally speaking, wavy or curly Cockapoos will shed less and are more likely to be hypoallergenic. If you have a wavy or curly Cockapoo, chances are it’s hypoallergenic!
However, those with straighter fur are more likely to shed and won’t be hypoallergenic. These are more likely to irritate those with allergies and should be avoided if you or anyone you live with has allergies to dog fur.
Although F2 Cockapoos feature the same makeup as an F1 Cockapoo (50% Poodle and 50% Cocker Spaniel), we cannot determine the coat of the Cockapoo. Not only does it put breeders off breeding them, but it puts people off buying them too. Often, people don’t want a dog if they don’t know whether it sheds or not.
If this is a concern for you, it’s best to avoid an F2 Cockapoo. If you are rescuing one, though, and it’s curly or wavy, the chances are it’s hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed much, but there’s no guarantee.
Conclusion: Best Cockapoo Generations
Usually dog owners like a Cockapoo that has a significant amount of Poodle genetics because they are nonshedding and hypoallergenic. If you want a dog with more Poodle genetics, you should look for the following generations of Cockapoo:
- F1B Cockapoo (75% Poodle & 25% Cocker Spaniel)
- F2B Cockapoo (62.5% Poodle & 37.5% Cocker Spaniel)
- F1BB Cockapoo (87.5% Poodle & 12.5% Cocker Spaniel)
However, if you like the look of a Cocker Spaniel, you may opt for a generation of dog that has more Cocker Spaniel genetics. If you want a Cockapoo with a more straight coat like the Cocker Spaniel pick the F1 Cockapoo or F2 Cockapoo. However, just know that it likely these dogs will shed. We hope that you enjoyed our guide!
For more information about Cockapoos, you can visit the American Cockapoo Association.
You can also check out our Cockapoo Generations video on YouTube!
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.