Cavapoo | Dog Breed Information and Pictures

The Cavapoo, also knows as Cavadoodle and Cavoodle, is the playful, adorable, and curious result of a cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If there’s one thing these pups love (other than their owners), it’s being the center of attention. They love to be adored and offer an equal amount of love and affection in return. They are great family pets. However, due to their small size may not be suited to families with toddlers. The Cavapoo is a loyal pup happiest when snuggled next to their humans.

Origin & History of Cavapoos

It is understood that the Cavapoo breed has naturally existed longer than intentional efforts to mix the Poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. However, purposeful breeding for the Cavapoo began sometime in the late 1990s in Australia. In mixing the Poodle with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, breeders hoped to get a pup that had the intelligence levels and low-shedding coat of the Poodle mixed with the outgoing, sweet and calm nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The result was a delightful little hypoallergenic dog with an affectionate nature that has only grown in popularity over the years.

Personality and Temperament

The Cavapoo is possibly one of the sweetest little pups out there. With a super friendly nature, you can expect your Cavapoo to greet even intruders with a happy wag of their tails. It is for this reason that they should not be used as watchdogs. Their loving and affectionate nature makes them the perfect family pet. They prefer to always be around humans and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Due to the Cavapoo being a relatively needier pup when it comes to attention, it is important to train your dog from a young age so that they can be left alone without disastrous consequences. The Cavapoo is an intelligent breed and incredibly eager to please, making them easy to train. Other than being adorable, the Cavapoo is also an athletic dog. It is important to socialize your Cavapoo from a young age to ensure they grow up to be stable and happy dogs.

Cavapoo Size

Due to the relatively new nature of this breed, there are no standard size variations available for the Cavapoo. Generally, depending on the size of both the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents, the Cavapoo can be expected to grow into either a small or medium size. On average, most Cavapoos stand around 14 inches tall and weigh about 9 to 25 pounds.

Cavapoo Health

Most Cavapoos are generally healthy dogs. However, it is a good idea to stay alert when it comes to certain illnesses that they may be predisposed to due to their genes. When getting your Cavapoo puppy from a breeder, it is of the utmost importance that you ask for health clearance certificates of both parent dogs. Do not buy from breeders that mate dogs that are under the age of two years, since most diseases develop around or after that age. While it isn’t necessary that a Cavapoo will develop any of these hereditary illnesses, it is best to exercise caution and stay alert for any signs or symptoms. In addition to checking the health of their parents, make sure you take your Cavapoo for regular visits to the vet, preferably once a month. Get your dog examined for any potential illnesses so that they might be caught early on and dealt with promptly. Cavapoos are generally predisposed to illnesses such as congenital heart disease, progressive retinal atrophy, and slipping kneecaps. In addition to this, keep an eye out for any dental issues or ear infections.

Cavapoo Care and Training

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial when it comes to caring for a Cavapoo. These pups are predisposed to heart disease, and weight gain can have disastrous consequences. Make sure your dog gets sufficient exercise. Aim for at least one good long walk per day ranging from thirty minutes to an hour. Add a few shorter play sessions here and there. Incorporate games like fetch to keep your dog stimulated, happy, and healthy. Since most dogs are predisposed to ear infections, make sure your Cavapoo’s ears stay dry and free of any debris. Monitor them for any changes such as foul odor. In case of such a development, immediately take your dog to the vet since this may be a sign of an ear infection. Brush your Cavapoo’s teeth regularly to maintain good oral hygiene and keep any dental issues at bay. Due to the Cavapoo’s high levels of intelligence and their eager-to-please nature, they are easy to train. They crave validation and will be picking up tricks in no time.

Feeding

Due to the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and a Cavapoo’s tendency to rapidly gain weight, it is important that food not be left out since it is understood that they will overheat. The ideal diet plan for a Cavapoo depends on their age, size, and energy levels. The best course of action when it comes to figuring out a meal plan for your dog is to speak to a professional that can help you understand your pup’s nutritional needs in a much better way. It is preferred to space out your dog’s meals by dividing their recommended daily portion into smaller meals to be given throughout the day, as opposed to giving your dog one big bowl of food per day.

Coat Color, Types, Shedding

Cavapoo coats are usually a blend of both parent breeds, coming out short and soft and ranging from wavy to curly. They come in a wide variety of colors due to their Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix of genes, including fawn, chocolate, cream, gold, chestnut, and white. Much like the Poodle, the Cavapoo is considered a hypoallergenic dog due to the low-shedding and low-dander nature of their coat.

Cavapoo Grooming

Cavapoos should have their coat brushed at least once a week to keep them soft and silky. Their coat can grow quite long, requiring regular grooming sessions. You should not bathe your Cavapoo any more than once in a few weeks (which will probably be necessary, given the playful and accident-prone nature of this pup). Frequent bathing can strip your dog’s skin and coat or moisture and lead to dryness and irritation. Make sure to brush your Cavapoo both before and after you have bathed them to keep their coat luscious and free of any tangles.

Deciding on a Cavapoo

The Cavapoo is a right fit for you if:

You suffer from allergies and are looking for a dog with a low-shedding and low-dander coat
You are a novice dog owner and are looking for a pup that is easy to train
You want a gentle and friendly pup that is not aggressive

The Cavapoo is not a right fit for you if:

You want a dog that can be kept outdoors or in a kennel
You work long hours and are looking for a self-sufficient dog that can be left alone for that time
You want a watchdog that can alert you in case any intruders enter your home

Getting a Cavapoo

How Much is a Cavapoo Puppy?

These sweet and adorable pups, when purchased from a breeder, can be expected to cost anywhere between $1200 to $2000. The cost of this pup depends on size, age as well as coat type, and color.

Cavapoo Breeders

Rescue and Adoption

While it is rare to find this pup in a shelter since most people do not give them up due to their valuable nature, you should always look into rescue options before opting for a breeder. Here is a list of rescue organizations that specialize in Cavapoos (among other breeds)