The first question we get asked when telling our family and friends that we are getting a puppy, is ‘what is a Cavapoo?”. Here we will explain the differences between the various generations of Cavapoo dogs and the physical traits that set them apart.
So what is a Cavapoo? A Cavapoo is a mixed breed dog which is the offspring of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel crossed with a Poodle. Cavapoos go by several different names including the Cavadoodle and Cavoodle and were predominantly bred for their intellect and sweet nature.
So if that has piqued your interest and you are interested to know more about a Cavapoo, then keep reading.
What is a Cavapoo mixed with?
A Cavapoo is a cross breed between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature or Toy Poodle. These dogs are incredibly popular in both the UK and America as they were bred to be family or companion dogs and are incredibly loving and loyal.
Our new puppy, Rosie, is an F1 Cavapoo – and what you might ask is that? Let us start by explaining what F1 means. In dog terminology, the ‘F’ stands for “Filial” which means son/daughter/offspring and the number 1, stands for first generation.
First generation Cavapoos
An F1 Cavapoo is 50% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x 50% Poodle, which means that their appearance can range from Cavalier features to those of the Poodle or somewhere in between. A first generation Cavapoo can benefit the most from hybrid vigor.
A back cross (F1b) is when you breed a first generation F1 Cavapoo with a Poodle (25% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x 75% Poodle). An F1b is more likely to inherit the tighter curls and features from its poodle heritage. A back cross reverse (F1b reverse) is when an F1 Cavapoo is bred with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (75% King Charles Spaniel x 25% Poodle). These tend to have straighter fur so are more likely to shed, and have the finer features of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Second generation Cavapoos
F2 stands for second generation, and an F2 Cavapoo is produced by crossing 2 Cavapoos together. An F2b reverse is bred by mixing an F1 or F2 Cavapoo with an F1B Cavapoo.
To find out more about the differences between F1, F1b and F1bb Cavapoos, read our informative guide.
Mixing origins can result in third or even higher generations of Cavapoos – for example:
- F1B Cavapoo X F1B Cavapoo
- F1B Cavapoo X F2B Cavapoo
- F2 Cavapoo X F2 Cavapoo
- F2 Cavapoo X F2B Cavapoo
- F2B Cavapoo X F2B Cavapoo
An F3 pup is the result of a mating two F2 hybrids, and most breeders will tend not to go above a third generation due to the potential for health issues.
How big will my Cavapoo grow?
The size of a Cavapoo adult varies from small to medium, depending on their lineage, but on average you can expect them to grow between 9-14 inches in height and come in anywhere around 12-25lbs in weight.
Cavapoos are prone to weight gain, so it is important that we motivate with treats but try not to let them over-indulge. Cavapoos reach adulthood when they weigh between 12 to 25 pounds, which usually takes about a year.
Cavapoos can vary in height and weight because each puppy is unique and will have inherited different traits and characteristics from their parents. In every litter, there is always a larger puppy which is followed by average-sized puppies and ending with the runt of the litter.
What colour is a Cavapoo?
Cavapoos coats change a lot in the first couple of years and often fade over time. If you are interested to know why this may be then we have just the answer in our blog Why do Cavapoos change color?
These sweet natured dogs generally have a two colour combination, and their fur can come in a range of colours including cream, chestnut, gold, black, white, blenheim and tricolor (which is a mixture of black, white, and tan).
Cavapoo coats can also vary in texture, from coarse to curly, wavy, straight, and even silky.
How much does a Cavapoo cost?
In 2019 the average price of a Cavapoo was around £1,000-£2,000 (UK) or $1,200-$1,800 (USA), but due to Coronavirus and the increased demand for these dogs, prices have rocketed with some breeders and private sellers requesting in excess of £4,000!
The price of a Cavapoo can vary from region to region or state to state so it is always best to do your research before getting carried away with heart melting photo’s.
Deposits are expected in order to reserve a Cavapoo puppy, and we strongly recommend that you view the dog and its parents beforehand. The price should include its first vaccinations along with a microchip and puppy starter pack. Some breeders will even throw in a bag of puppy food if requested.
Conclusion
As of yet we do not know how big our Cavapoo puppy Rosie will get, or how much her red curls are likely to lighten, but what we do know is that we have chosen a dog that comes from a great lineage and a breed that has all the traits for being a wonderful family companion.
