Exciting News We Are Expecting F1b+ Cockapoo Puppies Soon

We have wonderful news to share with all dog lovers and Cockapoo enthusiasts. On Friday, 2nd January 2026, we took our beloved five-year-old Cockapoo, Caramel, for an ultrasound to confirm her pregnancy. The results were joyful: Caramel is expecting a litter of 4 to 5 F1b+ Cockapoo puppies, due around 31st January. This blog post will walk you through what this means, what to expect in the coming weeks, and how we are preparing for the arrival of these adorable pups.

Caramel's ultrasound

What Does F1b+ Cockapoo Mean?

Understanding the term F1b+ Cockapoo helps explain the unique qualities of these puppies. Cockapoos are a popular hybrid breed, a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. The “F” stands for “filial generation,” which refers to the number of generations removed from the original crossbreeding.

• F1 Cockapoo: First generation, a direct mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle.

• F1b Cockapoo: Backbred Generation, F1 Cockapoo mother and Poodle father - 75% Poodle

• F1b+ Cockapoo: Second Generation, offspring of an F1b mother and an F1 father - 62.5% Poodle

Backcrossing often results in puppies with more consistent traits, such as coat texture and temperament, making F1b+ Cockapoos highly sought after for their usually ow shedding coats and their intelligent and friendly nature.

How We Confirmed Caramel’s Pregnancy

Pregnancy in dogs can be tricky to confirm without professional help. We chose to have Caramel undergo an ultrasound with an experienced breeder. Ultrasound scans are the most reliable way to detect pregnancy early, usually from 25 days after mating, though in this case it was day 34 after the second mating session.

During the ultrasound, the breeder was able to see clear images of the developing puppies, confirming that Caramel is carrying 4 to 5 healthy pups. This early confirmation allows us to plan and prepare for the puppies’ arrival properly.

Preparing for the Puppies’ Arrival

Expecting a litter means a lot of preparation. Here’s how we are getting ready for Caramel’s puppies:

• Creating a Comfortable Whelping Area

We have a quiet, warm, and safe space for Caramel to give birth and care for her puppies. This area is away from household noise and drafts. We've been using it for storage, so Mike will be very busy moving things out and putting them in the loft and bringing puppy whelping supplies down from the loft.

• Nutrition and Health Care

Caramel’s diet has been adjusted to support her pregnancy. We provide high-quality, nutrient-rich food recommended by our vet to ensure she and her puppies get the best start. This week we transitioner her from adult dog food to puppy food, which has a higher protein content and extra nutrients. We have given her 5 mg of folic acid since breeding her, which helps to prevent puppies from having a cleft palate.

• Monitoring and Vet Visits

Regular check-ups will continue throughout the pregnancy to monitor Caramel’s health and the puppies’ development.

• Gathering Supplies

We need to stock up on essentials such as puppy pads, clean towels, and puppy-safe cleaning products to maintain hygiene during and after birth.

What to Expect When the Puppies Arrive

Cockapoo puppies are known for their affectionate and playful nature. Here’s what we look forward to in the coming weeks:

• Birth and Early Days

Puppies are born blind and deaf, relying almost entirely on Caramel for warmth and nourishment, though we have a heating pad that goes under their bedding and we can supplement this with small electric space heaters. We will keep a close eye on their growth and health. We will weigh them daily for the first few weeks and will worm them at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks.

• Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Sensory Stimulation

From days 3-16, we carry out ENS with each puppy. This involves a brief daily routine of gentle, age-appropriate handling exercises, lasting only a few seconds per puppy. These mild activities are designed to support early nervous system development without causing stress. Over time, they can help puppies develop greater confidence, resilience, and adaptability as they grow and encounter new situations in family life.

• Early Sensory Stimulation

Alongside ENS, we introduce ESS during this same early period. Puppies are gently exposed to safe scents, quiet sounds, and calm human handling, all in very short, controlled sessions.

These early experiences help puppies become more comfortable with new sensations and support healthy brain development, making later socialisation smoother and more positive.

• Socialisation and Care

From about three weeks old, the puppies will start opening their eyes and ears. We will gently introduce them to sounds, sights, and human interaction to build confidence.

• Finding Loving Homes

Once the puppies reach 8 weeks, they will be ready to join their new families. We will carefully guice families to choose the puppy most suited to their home and lifestyle preferences. Prospective buyers will be able to visit the puppies in our home once they are four weeks old.

Why Cockapoos Make Great Family Pets

Cockapoos combine the best traits of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. They are intelligent, friendly, and adaptable dogs that fit well into many lifestyles. Some reasons why Cockapoos are excellent companions include:

• Low Shed Coats

Their coats shed very little, often making them more suitable for people with allergies.

• Friendly Temperament

Cockapoos are known for being gentle and sociable with children and other pets.

• Trainability

Their intelligence makes them quick learners, ideal for families who want an obedient and playful dog.

How You Can Prepare for a New Puppy

If you’re considering welcoming a Cockapoo puppy into your home, here are some tips to get ready:

• Research the Breed

Understand their needs, temperament, and care requirements.

• Prepare Your Home

Puppy-proof areas by removing hazards and setting up a designated space for the puppy.

• Plan for Training

Early training and socialization are key to raising a well-behaved dog.

• Schedule Vet Visits

Arrange for vaccinations and health checks soon after bringing your puppy home. We will provide plenty of advice and reminders of this to all buyers.

Looking Forward to January

The countdown to the end of January is filled with excitement and anticipation. Watching Caramel prepare for motherhood reminds us of the joy and responsibility that comes with raising puppies. We will continue sharing updates and photos as the puppies grow, so stay tuned for more heartwarming moments.

Welcoming new life into the world is always special, and these F1b+ Cockapoo puppies promise to bring lots of Cockapoo Joy to many families. If you want to learn more about Cockapoos or are interested in adopting one of these puppies, please read the About Cockapoos section of our Cockapoo Joy website or feel free to reach out with out Contact Form.