Cavapoo F2 puppy
adopted in Tampa Bay
born 5/22/2022, White w/ Brown Marking

The Cavapoo F2 is a designer dog. It is the 2nd generation of a Cavapoo so it is 50% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and 50% Poodle. Specifically, it’s a cross breed mix between a Cavapoo F1 and another Cavapoo F1. A Cavapoo F1 is a first generation cross breed mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle so that it is 50% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and 50% Poodle.

It’s difficult to explain the difference between the Cavapoo F2 and Cavapoo F1 because they are both 50% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and 50% Poodle.  However, the primary difference is that the Cavapoo F2 has two cross breed Cavapoo F1 parents whereas the Cavapoo F1 has two purebred parents, a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a purebred Poodle. 

While they may have the same genetic percentage, there are differences between the Cavapoo F1 and the Cavapoo F2. With the Cavapoo F2, the appearance and traits it will inherit from its Cavapoo F1 parents is less predictable than the appearance and traits of the Cavapoo F1.  One difference is that there is more variability and uncertainty in the coat type of the Cavapoo F2 so that the coat can be straight, wavy, or curly. The Cavapoo F2 will have a greater variety in coat colors than the Cavapoo F1. There is also variability as to shedding with some Cavapoo F2s shedding a little while others shed a lot. Whether the Cavapoo F2 will be hypoallergenic or not is also uncertain. Finally, the Cavapoo F2 will have less hybrid vigor than the Cavapoo F1. One advantage to the Cavapoo F2 is that it may be healthier than other Cavapoo generations because there is more variability in their gene pool.

Hybrid vigor or heterosis (the scientific name) means that they are bred for the optimal traits in each of the parent breeds leading to a hybrid breed with genes for better health and personalities than the parent breeds. Hybrid vigor also increases the longevity of the breed. Since the Cavapoo F2 is a mix of two Cavapoo F1s, they will not have the optimal level of hybrid vigor like the Cavapoo F1.

Cavapoo F2s are usually small to medium sized dogs, however, their size will largely be determined by the size of the Poodle parent used during the breeding process . The Cavapoo F2 has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. The weight of your Cavapoo F2 will also depend on the size of the poodle used during the breeding process of the Cavapoo F1 parents. A toy Cavapoo will weigh between 10 and 15 pounds and will be nine to 12 inches tall. A Miniature Cavapoo will weigh 15 to 20 pounds and will be 12 to 14 inches tall.

The Cavapoo is also known as a Cavadoodle and Cavoodle. Their coat colors come in white, cream, fawn, gold, chestnut, and chocolate. While there are solid colored Cavapoos, they are more likely to have a chestnut and white colored coat, or, possibly, a tri-colored coat. Other physical characteristics include: big, round, chocolate eyes; a deep set and short snout; a black button nose; long, silky floppy ears, and sometimes fur around the mouth that looks like a fuzzy mustache.

This cute pup with wavy or curly hair, big brown eyes, and non-shedding hypoallergenic coats, has quickly become one of the favorites among all of the designer breeds. Breeders began the mixed, designer breed in the 1990s in the United States. Since this is a relatively new breed, there is very little information available about its history.

While it is thought that the Cavapoo F2 originated in the United States in the 1990s, it is thought that the combination breeding of a Cavalier King Charles and a Poodle initiating the Cavapoo F1 breed began in Australia.

Breeders chose to develop the Cavapoo to combine the outgoing and calm nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the highly intelligent Poodle. Poodles are also known to shed less than other breeds so that the Cavapoo is generally a good choice for people who suffer from allergies. 

The Cavapoo F2 will be a smart, loyal, loving, and easy-to-please companion that is a great family dog. They are described as small, easily trained, cuddly, social, and affectionate with all members of the family. They are especially well known as calm and non-aggressive dogs. When they are socialized properly, their calm and gentle yet playful natures make them ideal companions for children. However, it is always important to supervise your child’s and Cavapoo F2’s interaction to assure the safety of both the child and the dog.  In addition to being a great family pet, the Cavapoo F2 is also a great breed for novice owners and senior citizens since they are affectionate and eager to please while being calm and gentle. Their friendliness and intelligence also make them good therapy dogs. It is said that they quickly tune into a person’s mood and emotional state knowing when someone needs loving attention and sensitivity.

With proper socialization, your Cavapoo F2 will get along with other animals including other dogs and cats. Any animal should be introduced to your Cavapoo F2 slowly and calmly to ensure a good experience for your dog as well as the other animal. Cavapoo F2s require a lot of love and attention, so ensure they still receive sufficient love and attention if there are other pets in the home.

The Cavapoo F2 may not be a good watchdog because they tend to greet strangers with a wag of their tail. That being said, part of the socialization and training process of your Cavapoo F2 should involve learning how to approach unknown people and other animals safely.

Socialization should begin when your Cavapoo F2 is a puppy. It’s important to expose them to different situations, experiences, environments, sights, and sounds so that your Cavapoo F2 learns to be comfortable and friendly in any situation including with people who are not family members, other dogs, and other animals, such as cats. Proper socialization will also ensure that your Cavapoo F2 will grow up to be a happy and well-adjusted pooch.

Because they are an intelligent breed, the Cavapoo F2 is easily trained. They enjoy the attention they receive from their human family making them eager to please during the training process. Training should involve love, patience, and consistency from the trainer along with positive reinforcement for the dog consisting of praise, attention, and treats.

The Cavapoo F2 is known as a “velcro dog,” which means that they are happiest when they are attached to their human family. They love attention, so they require a human family that spends a lot of time at home or can take their Cavapoo F2 with them when they leave the home. Because they prefer to be around their human family, a family who leaves their Cavapoo F2 alone for long periods of time or has a busy schedule so that they cannot pay much attention to it may not be a good fit for this breed. On the other hand, proper socialization and training could decrease the likelihood of separation anxiety. If a Cavapoo F2 is not socialized or trained properly, they can demonstrate destructive or unwanted behaviors when left alone, such as chewing furniture or shoes, excessive barking, and digging.

A miniature or toy Poodle is usually involved during the breeding process of the Cavapoo F2 so that they are generally small dogs, which makes them versatile for any living environment. Provided that they are with their human family most of the time and they receive the exercise and mental stimulation they require, they can adapt to small apartments in the city or large homes in the country with plenty of space to run, play, and frolic. The Cavapoo F2 is not known for excessive barking. Also, if your Cavapoo F2 has a curly coat, it can tolerate moderate heat and cold. However, your Cavapoo should never be left unattended in extreme heat or cold. 

The Cavapoo F2 has the greatest variability in coat type of all the Cavapoos. They can have straight, wavy, or curly coats. Which type of coat they have will determine what grooming needs they will have.

If your Cavapoo F2 inherits a short, curly coat like that of a Poodle, they will most likely have a low shedding and hypoallergenic coat. This coat type is optimal for people who suffer from allergies. A short curly coat also requires regular brushing at least once a week and grooming to prevent knots and matts from developing on their coat. If your Cavapoo F2 has a tight curl, the coat will also require regular trimming every three to four months to maintain a short coat. Trimming every four to six months is required if you prefer a longer coat. However, a longer coat will require more frequent bathing because it will collect more dirt and debris. 

If your Cavapoo F2 inherits a wavy or straight coat, more similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they will not be low shedding. Therefore, they are more likely to be less or non-hypoallergenic. Frequent brushing three times a week is recommended. Frequent brushing will prevent matting, especially around the tail, hindquarters, and lower abdomen, where they may be more sensitive. Shedding will usually occur in the spring and fall. 

In order to keep their fur healthy, the Cavapoo F2 should be bathed twice a month. In addition to brushing and bathing your Cavapoo F2, they will need regular nail cutting to avoid snagging on carpets and rugs and breaking. Their nails should be cut one or twice a month. Because the Cavapoo F2 has floppy ears, keeping the ears clean and dry is imperative. Check your Cavapoo F2’s ears periodically to prevent irritation and infections. Their ears can be cleaned with a damp cloth, but be careful that nothing enters the ear canal. Brushing their teeth regularly is also important because smaller dogs are more prone to dental problems. Regularly brushing your Cavapoo F2’s teeth will also prevent bad breath and gingivitis. Regular teeth brushing, good chew toys, and dental treats will all help prevent dental problems. Cavapoo F2s are also more susceptible to tear staining. To avoid permanent stains around the eyes, it’s a good idea to gently clean around your Cavapoo F2s eyes daily with a warm, wet cloth.

The Cavapoo F2 is a moderately active dog; therefore, moderate exercise of daily walks and play sessions of half an hour to an hour will keep your pup healthy and happy. As an intelligent breed, the Cavapoo F2 also requires mental stimulation. Exercise and training should include varied activities to ensure your Cavapoo F2 remains happy and healthy. Interactive toys are recommended to keep you Cavapoo F2 mentally stimulated. They would also benefit from agility training, treasure hunts, and hide-and-seek that will keep them entertained as well as mentally stimulated. Your Cavapoo F2 will also enjoy trips to the dog park. However, it is recommended that your Cavapoo F2 remain on a leash during walks. They are not known for a high prey drive; however, they have the tracking genes of a Cavalier King Charles so that they may be tempted to chase after small animals, such as squirrels and rabbits.

Because they are generally a small to medium sized dog with a moderate activity level, the Cavapoo F2 does not require a lot of food. One to one and a half cups of high quality dog food appropriate for its size, activity level, and lifestage (puppy, adult, or senior) divided into two meals a day should be sufficient. Cavapoos are prone to weight gain; therefore, care should be taken to measure all meals, treats should be given in moderation, and you should ensure they receive appropriate daily exercise. A regular feeding schedule rather than leaving food out all day will also help to maintain a healthy weight for your Cavapoo F2.