When Do Cavapoos Shed Their Puppy Coat?

Cavapoos are mixed breeds of Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. These little dogs look like teddy bears that are both cuddly and playful. They make great family dogs, and kids will love playing and snuggling up to their furry friend. Unfortunately, their extra soft puppy coats won’t last forever. 

On average, Cavapoos will shed their puppy coats at around 6 months old. This change usually happens gradually, but each dog may shed differently. 

when do cavapoos shed their puppy coat
When do Cavapoos shed their puppy coat?

Once their puppy coats shed, their fur will be tougher and feel less soft to the touch. The generation of Cavapoo will determine what their new fur will be like and if they will continue to shed. 

Do All Cavapoos Shed Their Puppy Coats?

Cavapoo puppies have soft, plush fur. No matter which generation of Cavapoo you have, they will shed their puppy coat at around the 6 month mark. Some generations, however, will have subtle differences between their puppy and adult coats. 

running Cavapoo puppy and dried leaves
A Cavapoo puppy is running through the dried leaves after taking a potty. (Image: Instagram/@cora.the.cavapoo)

What Type of Coat Will Cavapoos Have After They Shed Their Puppy Coat? 

Although Cavapoos are generally one size and have similar attributes, the generation of the dog will determine a lot about their coat types once their puppy coat sheds. Some Cavapoos will continue to shed while others are nonshedding. With some generations, the adult fur will be similar to their soft puppy coats while others may be more noticeable. 

non shedding cavapoo coats
Different wavy non-shedding Cavapoo coats.

F1 Cavapoo

F1 Cavapoos are one of the most common gene combinations breeders sell. This generation of Cavapoo is 50% Poodle and 50% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Because there are equal genes, you never really know what you’re going to get. Once their puppy coats shed, their fur may be slightly wavy or extremely curly. It’s hard to know for sure if they will be hypoallergenic or continue to shed. 

Cavapoo puppy on a pink harness
The Cavapoo puppy is wearing a pink harness. (Image: Instagram/@cavapoo.winnie)

Most dog owners prefer other types of Cavapoos, so they know what kind of dog they’re getting. F1 Cavapoos do have one benefit, however, they are generally healthier. Because they have hybrid vigor, they can only inherit diseases common to both breeds.

F1 Cavapoo Characteristics

  • Coat Type: Unkown
  • Nonshedding: Unknown
  • Hypoallergenic: Unkown
  • Hybrid Vigor: Yes, this is one of the healthiest hybrids

F1B Cavapoo

F1B Cavapoos are more Poodle than they are Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Because this hybrid is 75% Poodle genetics, they will typically be hypoallergenic and nonshedding once they shed their puppy coat. The F1B Cavapoo will also have curlier fur than other generations, similar to poodles. 

cavapoo in the sun
A Cavapoo shines in the sun. So cute!

Many people opt for F1B Cavapoos if they want a dog that doesn’t shed and can be in a home with pet allergies. The only catch with this hybrid is that consistent grooming is required. 

F1B Cavapoo Qualities

  • Coat type: Curly or wavy
  • Nonshedding: Yes, more often than not
  • Hypoallergenic: Nearly always hypoallergenic
  • Hybrid Vigor: Yes, but less than F1 Cavapoo

F1BB Cavapoo

As 87.5% Poodle, F1BB Cavapoos have even fewer Cavalier King Charles Spaniel genes than the F1B generation. To achieve this high Poodle genetics, one parent will be 75% Poodle, and the other is a purebred Poodle.  

cavapoo puppy outside
A Cavapoo puppy exploring the garden

F1BB Cavapoos shed less and are more hypoallergenic than any of the first-generation Cavapoos after the initial shedding of their puppy coats. Their coats will be extremely curly and need more grooming than the F1B generation. If someone in your family is highly allergic to dog fur, then this hybrid will be your best bet – as long as you don’t mind keeping up with grooming needs. 

F1BB Cavapoo Qualities

  • Coat Type: Extremely curly Poodle-like coat.
  • Nonshedding: Yes.
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes.
  • Hybrid Vigor: Less than F1 and FB generations. 

F2 Cavapoo

F2 Cavapoos are hybrids between two F1 Cavapoos. These dogs will have the same genetic makeup as the F1 Cavapoos since they essentially both have half Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle genes. As with the F1 Cavapoo, F2 Cavapoos are unpredictable when it comes to coat type, shedding, and if they are hypoallergenic. Once they shed their puppy coats, some F2 Cavapoos may continue to shed, while others won’t shed at all.

posing Cavapoo for camera
A Cavapoo posing for the camera. (Image: Instagram/@chick.the.rad.cavapoo)

F2 Cavapoo Qualities

  • Coat Type: Unknown
  • Nonshedding: Unknown
  • Hypoallergenic: Unknown
  • Hybrid Vigor: Yes, but not as much as the F1 generation

F2B Cavapoo

F2B Cavapoo’s parents are an F1 Cavapoo and an F1B Cavapoo. As 62.5% Poodle, this generation will have a similar coat to Poodles. The F2B Cavapoo is typically nonshedding and hypoallergenic, but not always. Usually, the most shedding will occur when they shed their puppy coat, and will usually not shed afterward.

F2 Cavapoo Qualities

  • Coat Type: Curly or Wave
  • Hypoallergenic: More often than not
  • Nonshedding: More often than not
  • Hybrid Vitality: Yes, but less than first-generations

F2BB Cavapoo

F2BB Cavapoos are generations whose parents are both F1BB Cavapoos. This generation is almost always hypoallergenic and nonshedding. There is a high chance this Cavapoo will have a curly coat that requires regular grooming. The F2BB Cavpoo will almost always only shed their puppy coat, but not continue to shed.

well-behaved Cavapoo on carpet
A well-behaved Cavapoo sits on the carpet. (Image: Instagram/@malcolm_the_cavapoo)

Although this hybrid is one of the best Cavapoo types for owners looking for nonshedding and hypoallergenic dogs, they do not have “Hybrid Vigor.” 

F2BB Cavapoo Features

  • Coat Type: Curly
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes
  • Nonshedding: Yes
  • Hybrid Vigor: No

F3 or Multi-generation Cavapoo

Last but not least, we have the F3 Cavapoo or the Multi-Generation Cavapoo. Breeders will breed this generation of Cavapoos with two F1B Cavapoos more often than not. However, other parent combinations of the above generations are considered F3 Cavapoos. 

red and white parti cavapoo
Distinct Parti or Bicolor coat Cavapoo dogs are super impressive!

Multi-generation Cavapoos can be mysterious when it comes to shedding and coat type. However, more often than not, they will have curly and hypoallergenic coats. Once their puppy coats shed, depending on the parent’s genes, they usually will not continue shedding. 

F3 Cavapoo or Multi-generation Cavapoo Characteristics

  • Coat Type: More often than not
  • Hypoallergenic: More often than not
  • Nonshedding: More often than not
  • Hybrid Vigor: Least of all generations

Keep the above generations in mind when choosing the perfect Cavapoo for your home. 

When To Start Grooming a Cavapoo?

Your Cavapoo puppy will need a little time to get used to you and their new home. It will typically take at least ten weeks for puppies to become acclimated to their new environment, and you can set their first grooming appointment. Groomers suggest taking them in at 16 weeks at the latest. 

first bath of Cavapoo
The Cavapoo on its first bath. (Image: Instagram/@cavapoo.loki)

Should I Use Special Shampoo for the Cavapoo Puppy Coat Transition?

All puppies should have a shampoo that is designed specifically for them. Puppy shampoos will be more gentle on their sensitive skin and are less irritating if any gets in their eyes. You should use puppy shampoo for at least the first six months of their life or until they’ve fully transitioned. 

cavapoo and maltipoo puppy
Comparing the Maltipoo vs Cavapoo dog breeds

Conclusion

Cavapoos are a combination of the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that shed their puppy coats at six months of age. These adorable pups generally have the same temperament and make great family pets. Different generations of Cavapoos may affect their coat type and if they will be hypoallergenic.