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Cockapoos, like many other dog breeds, are hybrid dogs. Their parents are Cocker spaniels and Poodles. These mixed breeds of dogs have varying hypoallergenic nature and shed differently. And this is due to their generation types; these are F1, F1B, F2, F2BB, etc.
Hey! Cockapoo lovers! Here are some fun facts about them:
- Cockapoos are healthier breeds of dogs. Since cockapoos have two parents, the gene in them is altered. So, illnesses common to cocker spaniels are sometimes not present in cockapoos, and the same is also true for the poodles.
- Cockapoos have different fur types, hypoallergenic features, and also shed differently.
- The F in the cockapoo generation means Filial. Filial is a simple word denoting a hybrid dog. So, a cockapoo generation will always carry the prefix “F” since it’s a crossbreed and not a pure breed.
- The number after the “F” as in F1 or F2 signifies the generation of each cockapoo. The “1” translates to the first generation resulting from a poodle and cocker spaniel. The “2” refers to the second generation, and it goes on like that.
- “What does the “B” stand for?” you may wonder. Well, the letter is a short way of writing “backcross”. Backcross means a breed connected to a pure breed. It shows that a particular dog breed came from a pure and crossbreed. For some generations of cockapoos, they are backcrossed to 100% poodle or cocker spaniels.
- As for the BB, it means the generation of the breed has been backcrossed twice.
That was fun, right? Now let’s consider each of cockapoos, the F1, F1B, F1BB, F2, F2B, F3.
F1
The F1 generation of cockapoo has an equal gene. 50% poodle and 50% cocker spaniel. It’s the first generation that comes from the purebred poodle and purebred cocker spaniel.
The remarkable fact about this breed is that they are very healthy. A lot healthier than their parents, having what is called the “hybrid vigor.” However, the downside is that they shed a lot. For dog lovers with allergies, the F1 generation of cockapoo is not suitable. Oh! One last thing; in terms of fur or coat, they can have both the straight and curly types.
F1B
F1B are 75% poodle and 25% cocker spaniels. A lovely and common generation of cockapoos, they are known to be highly hypoallergenic and non-shedding. And this makes many dog lovers choose them as pets. They come from an F1 generation bred with a pure generation of poodle or cocker spaniels.
The F1B cockapoos inherit more from the poodles. Hence, this generation possesses ample agility, long legs, and a bit of the ”Hybrid vigor”. The fur type is wavy and curly, which means it won’t shed. However, the downside is that they will need frequent shaving.
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The F1BB of cockapoos have the highest poodle gene of 87.5% and just 12.5% of a cocker spaniel. They are highly hypoallergenic and do not shed. With their curly fur type, they come from the F1B cockapoo generation bred with a pure poodle or cocker spaniel.
F1BB is a second backcross with an overwhelming poodle gene. Their hair grows so much that they need frequent brushing to avoid tangles and knots. Also, regular grooming is essential such that they do not overgrow their fur and become excessively hairy. The downside to this generation is the little presence of the “Hybrid vigor” since they are far from the first generation breed.
F2
The F2 generation results from breeding two F1 generations of a cockapoo. The resulting gene ratio is 50% poodle and 50% cocker spaniel. They are very similar to the F1 generation in many aspects.
However, due to being in the second generation, their “Hybrid vigor” is not the same as the F1 but still very high. Their fur types are unpredictable. It may be straight, curly, or wavy.
The edge they have over the F1 generation is that they shed a little lesser. Due to their unpredictable nature, they may also shed the same as any F1 cockapoo. For many who love cockapoos, the F2 is not usually a preferred option. Their hypoallergenic nature is relatively low.
F2B
Up the ladder of the F2 generation is the F2B. The F2B cockapoos are 62.5% poodle and 37.5% cocker spaniels. There are two ways to get the F2B generation. One is by breeding the F1 with F1B cockapoo generations. The second way is to breed two F1B cockapoos, although this second method will result in a slight increase in the ratio. And this will result in a 75% poodle gene and 25% cocker spaniels.
These multi-generational cockapoos may have curly or wavy fur. Regardless, they do not shed and are highly hypoallergenic. They are perfect as pet dogs for people with dog allergies.
F3
The F3 generation is also called the Multi-generational cockapoo. They are bred in two ways, similar to the F2B. By breeding two F1B cockapoos, an F3 Cockapoo will result. An alternative way is to breed two F2 cockapoos. The F3 generation usually has curly fur, which makes them non-shedding cockapoos with a high hypoallergenic nature. They are also perfect as pets for persons with dog allergies.
Unlike other breeds of cockapoos, they do not have the “hybrid vigor.” Most health benefits from cross-breeding have been lost due to the complex gene nature of this generation.
As you look to make a cockapoo your next pet dog, use the generations above to determine which suits you best. Are you a lover of poodles who values non-shedding dogs with long hairs, then, go for the F1B, F1BB, and F2B generations. And if you love to have more of Cocker spaniels, then the F1and F2 generations are suitable!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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