Advice
One of the most common questions we hear is: "What does F1 actually mean?" Here's a plain-English guide, written by a UK breeder, to help you understand what each generation really tells you about a cockapoo puppy — and what it doesn't.
Cocker Spaniel × Poodle
The classic cockapoo: one purebred Cocker Spaniel parent and one purebred Poodle parent. F1s are known for hybrid vigour, balanced temperaments and a wavy coat. Shedding varies puppy-to-puppy because each puppy inherits a slightly different mix of coat genes. Our own Willow is an F1 — and her litters are F1 too.
F1 Cockapoo × Poodle (usually) or Cocker
An F1 cockapoo bred back to one of the original breeds — most often a Poodle. F1bs are typically the lowest-shedding option and are commonly chosen by allergy-conscious families. Coats tend to be curlier and need consistent grooming every 4–6 weeks.
F1 Cockapoo × F1 Cockapoo
Two F1 cockapoos bred together. F2 litters show the widest range of coat types — from flatter, more spaniel-like coats through to tight curls — which is why ethical breeders are increasingly cautious about F2 pairings without thorough health screening.
F2 Cockapoo × Poodle
An F2 bred back to a Poodle. Like F1b, the goal is a curlier, lower-shedding coat with predictable temperament.
F2 × F2, or further cockapoo-to-cockapoo crosses
Third-generation and beyond. With careful selection, multigen breeders can stabilise coat type and temperament. Without it, results can be unpredictable — which is why DNA-tested parents and generations of clear health history matter more than the letter on the page.
Generation tells you about the recent ancestry of a puppy — not about its health, its temperament, or how well it'll fit your family. A well-bred F1 from comprehensively health-tested parents will almost always be a better choice than an F1b from untested parents. When you're comparing breeders, ask about:
Our girl Willow is an F1 cockapoo and her litters are F1 — Cocker Spaniel × Poodle. Both parents are fully DNA tested beyond Kennel Club requirements, and many of our dogs are 2nd or 3rd generation hereditary clear. If you'd like to know more, we're always happy to talk it through.
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