Cavapoo: Everything You Need to Know About This Adorable Breed

The Cavapoo is a popular, seriously cute, and very affectionate little dog. It’s the sweet mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. These dogs are very sociable, have minimal grooming needs, and are sure to steal the hearts of anyone they meet. Whether you’ve had lots of dogs before or you’re a first-time pup parent, the Cavapoo could be an amazing addition to your family. But there are a couple of things you need to know. Here’s everything about the beautiful Cavapoo dog breed.

Cavapoo – A Quick Overview

Cavapoos, or Cavoodles or Cavadoodle as they’re also called, are small to medium-sized pooches. They combine the best traits of their playful and affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents and their intelligent and hypoallergenic Poodle parents.

They’re friendly and have a loving temperament making them ideal companions for families, seniors, or first-time pet owners.

These wonderful pups’ coats can vary from curly to wavy, with colors ranging from black, brown, cream, fawn, gray, red, white, and even a combination of these.

In terms of size, there are 3 Cavapoos available. The standard Cavapoo, Mini Cavapoo, and Toy Cavapoo (depending on what Poodle genes they have). All are just as beautiful as each other!

History of the Cavapoo

Cavapoo dogs were first developed in the 1950s and rose in popularity during the designer dogs boom in the 1990s in Australia. These adorable pups were carefully bred to combine the best qualities of both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. The breeders had a specific goal in mind – to create a hypoallergenic dog that would be suitable for allergy sufferers, while also being sociable, intelligent, and easy to train.

Nowadays, the Cavapoo is one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds and is very in demand. They’re still not accepted by the Kennel Clubs (because they’re mixed-breed dogs) so there’s no breed standard. Whilst for some mixed pups that means their appearance and character can differ quite a lot, these dogs are so popular that a lot of effort has gone into their breeding.

What Are The Differences Between F1 and F2 Hybrid Cavapoo Puppies?

We won’t go too in-depth into dog breeding, but whilst on the search for Cavapoo puppies, you might come across the terms F1 and F2, and it’s important you understand the differences.

F1 mixed-breed dogs are bred by breeding two different breeds together. So, in the case of a Cavapoo puppy, that would be breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Miniature Poodle.

F2 mixed-breed dogs are the result of breeding two F1 puppies together (i.e. two Cavapoos). Generally speaking, the temperament and appearance of F2 puppies are more consistent and predictable.

Cavapoo Parent Breeds

A great way to understand what kind of dog a Cavapoo is is to look more in-depth at the parent breeds. These pups are usually a great mix of both appearance and temperament.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very popular dogs around the world. They’re incredibly cute and combine the adorable sweet temper of a toy breed with the verve and excitement of a sporty Spaniel. These cute, floppy-eared dogs get on really well with kids and other dogs and are the perfect companion.

They can be in four colors: Blenheim; black and tan; black and white; and ruby.

They have moderate exercise needs and love playing in the yard, park, or accompanying you on walks. You shouldn’t let your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel off leash as they still have strong hunting instincts and are likely to find a scent more interesting than returning to you.

Poodle

There are three recognized Poodle varieties (four, if you count the Moyen Poodle too). The others are Standard, Miniature, and Toy.

Poodles are a beloved dog breed thanks to their high intelligence, wonderfully curly coats, and sporty nature. They’re affectionate (but not overly so) and need lots of mental and physical stimulation. They’re easy to train and are very obedient.

Many Poodle owners love this breed’s hypoallergenic coat. They shed minimally which is why they’re often used as one of the parent breeds for new hybrid dogs. Other Poodle mixes include the Mini Goldendoodle, the Mini Bernedoodle, and the Schnoodle.

Temperament of the Cavapoo

When it comes to temperament, Cavapoos are known for their sociable and playful nature. They are incredibly adaptable to their environment, whether it’s a small apartment or a large house with a yard. They’re happy to play and cuddle up wherever they can.

Their loving and affectionate nature makes them perfect for families with children or for seniors looking for a companion. They’re even-tempered, sociable, and friendly with other dogs.

They’re also very intelligent little dogs that need mental as well as physical stimulation. Puzzle toys can be a great way to entertain their brains and develop their skills.

Because these dogs are so loving, they can easily develop separation anxiety if left for long periods of time. They’re family dogs and love to be around and interact with humans. It’s important to train your Cavapoo puppy from a young age so that they don’t develop severe separation anxiety.

Try leaving them alone for short amounts of time and slowly increase the length. Distract them with licking mats and other fun toys so they won’t even realize you’ve gone!

Do Cavapoos Get On With Kids and Other Animals?

Yes! Cavapoos are really sociable dogs and get on well with kids and other pups. They’re energetic dogs but also like to chill and spend time snoozing (thanks to the Toy genes in them). It’s important that kids are taught to respect pups and their time out.

Whilst these dogs love making furry friends, they may still have some hunting instincts in them which could be a problem around smaller pets. They should get on well with cats they’ve grown up with but care should be taken around smaller pets such as rabbits and gerbils.

Do Cavapoos Bark?

These dogs are not known for excessively barking. However, they can develop separation anxiety which can lead to destructive behavior such as barking.

It’s best to train your puppy from a young age and not leave them alone for long periods of time.

Appearance of a Cavapoo

Depending on the size of the Poodle parent used to breed your pooch, your dog will either be a small or medium-sized pup. A full-grown Cavapoo tends to weigh between 8-25 pounds and is 9-14 inches tall. A Mini Cavapoo will be on the smaller end of this range.

They’re very cute dogs that inherit a round face, floppy ears, big eyes, and adorable button noses. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be bi- and tri-colored but it’s unlikely that your Cavapoo will inherit this classic coat color. They’re more likely to be cream, fawn, brown, black, red, white, or liver. They may not be as common as some other colors, but a black Cavapoo is particularly stunning!

Poodles can also be a number of different colors which can have an impact.

Their coats can be long or medium and tend to be wavy. Some dogs might have longer hair on their faces that looks a little like a very cute mustache!

They have medium-length tails that are often held upright and that can be extra fluffy. Some dogs may have a plumed tail that curls over their backs, a bit like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s.

Do Cavapoo Dogs Shed?

These pups are a low-shedding dog breed and can be a good choice for dog owners with allergies. However, no pup is completely allergen-free (not even the Chinese Crested) so it’s important to spend time with a puppy before you adopt them.

Grooming a Cavapoo Dog

Although considered a hypoallergenic dog breed, these pups still need regular grooming. Their wavy coats should be brushed once or twice a week to keep them looking healthy and shiny. Wavy coats can mat easily, especially between their toes, on their hindlegs, and underbelly.

Matted hair can become uncomfortable and even painful for dogs and can lead to the skin beneath getting infected.

Brushing your pup is also a great way for you to bond. You should brush them from puppyhood so that they get used to it and it becomes a fun part of their routine.

Your dog will probably also require professional grooming every 6 weeks for a little trim and a wash.

Apart from regular brushing, you should also clip your dog’s nails and make sure their ears are clean and dry. Your pooch might inherit their Poodle parent’s love of water and ear infections can be something to worry about.

Dental hygiene is also a really important part of a dog’s grooming routine. Clean their teeth regularly to prevent the buildup of plaque and possible dental disease.

Training a Cavapoo

Cavapoos are people pups and love to please their owners. This small dog breed is intelligent and highly trainable, which is why they’re a good choice for first-time pup parents too.

They should get basic commands (sit, stay, etc) quite easily but teaching your dog to roll over and other more tricky commands may take a little longer.

It’s always best to use positive reinforcement training methods to get the best out of your Cavapoo. This hybrid dog breed can be sensitive and praising them when they achieve something is much better than raising your voice.

They’ll love a healthy treat such as a chunk of banana or pineapple, or a new and very cute toy for all their hard work.

Health of a Cavapoo

Cavapoos are usually healthy dogs that aren’t prone to too many health concerns. They can, however, suffer from some of the same diseases seen in both parent breeds. You should always buy from a reputable breeder who regularly screens their stock and puppies for potential genetic diseases. They should be able to provide you with these documents.

Some fairly common health issues for the Cavapoo include:

• Patellar Luxation. This is when the kneecap slides out of place causing pain and sometimes arthritis.
• Hip Dysplasia. The hip joint doesn’t develop properly, causing the leg bone to sit in the socket incorrectly.
• Eye Conditions. This can include cherry eye, dry eye, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and cataracts.
• Skin Allergies.
• Heart Problems. The most common one is Mitral Valve Disease.

Ensuring you adopt from a good breeder and that you take your pup for regular vet checkups can help to keep them fit and healthy.

Lifespan of a Cavapoo

The King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix has a good lifespan of 12-15 years.

Feeding a Cavapoo Dog

Cavapoos do well on a diet of high-quality and nutritionally-dense food. They’re a medium active breed and need enough calories to sustain them. But the Toy part of them can also be a little lazy, so overfeeding can be an issue.

Fresh dog food could be a good choice for your Cavapoo pooch. It’s rich in nutrients and is full of lean proteins and extra veggies. It’s also preportioned to suit your dog’s lifestyle, breed, and size.

Dogs need to be eating the right food for their age too and active puppies need more calories than chilled seniors. Speak to your vet or a canine nutritionist if you’re unsure about how much you should be feeding your Cavapoo.

How Much Exercise Does a Cavapoo Need?

An adult Cavapoo needs around half an hour of exercise a day, plus plenty of time playing in a yard or indoors. They’re relatively active, so need to have both their brains and bodies stimulated. A walk around the block, time running around the pup park, or chasing after a ball are all great ways to exercise their little legs.

Can Cavapoos Live in Apartments?

Cavapoos are really versatile and adapt well to apartment living. They still need to be taken out regularly for both toilet breaks and exercise and should be allowed at least half an hour of fresh air every day (of course, with a couple more potty breaks in between).

Dogs can easily get bored when left at home which can lead to disruptive behavior and a sad pooch.

Socializing a Cavapoo

It’s really important to socialize all dogs. They need to be shown new people, dogs, sights, sounds and smells so they grow up to be well-rounded pups. Dogs that haven’t been socialized will easily become timid and very anxious.

Once they’ve had all the vaccinations and your vet has told you it’s safe, start introducing your Cavapoo puppy to other puppies. Take them on short walks so they see new things. Doggie daycare and interactive classes can be a great way for dogs to socialize and meet new furry friends.

The Ideal Owner for a Cavapoo

These cute little dogs can fit into almost any loving family. They do well with kids, singles, seniors, and big families – just so long as they get enough love and attention.

They can develop separation anxiety though, so need to have an owner who has enough time to care for them. If you’re out of the home for long periods of time, this isn’t the breed for you (although no pooch should be left alone for too long). They need cuddles and company.

Cavapoos also need regular grooming, which can take up some time. It’s a really fun way for you to bond with your pooch, though!

Adopting a Cavapoo

These dogs are very popular mixed breeds, so it’s unlikely that you’ll find one in a shelter. But it’s still the first place you should look. You might be lucky or you might find another, very similar breed to the Cavapoo such as the Cockapoo.

If you do decide to adopt from a breeder, make sure they are ethical and have great reviews. Avoid puppy farms where dogs are likely to be unhappy and unhealthy.

Price of a Cavapoo

Because Cavapoos are so popular, you can expect them to be an expensive designer dog breed. These pups can cost between $1500 and $2700 and it’s not unheard of for puppies to be even more expensive. Prices will depend on where you live, the breeder and the dogs used to breed your pup.

So, Is The Cavapoo For You?

If you’re looking for a seriously cute, very affectionate, and sociable dog then the Cavapoo could be perfect. They come in different sizes depending on whether their parent was a Standard or Miniature Poodle.

The Mini Cavapoo is possibly the most popular of all the varieties, but each is just as sweet as the next. They have moderate grooming requirements and need to be part of a family that has time to give them lots of cuddles and attention. They enjoy being with other dogs and kids and are sure to steal the heart of anyone they see on the street!