Hailing from Australia, the Cavapoo (also called a Cavoodle or Cavadoodle in some circles) is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. Yes, that winning combination does mean they are beautiful and bright, and would make an excellent addition for those looking for a laid-back and loving canine companion.
They’re also on the small side (which we think gives them that never-ending puppy appeal), but they have big hearts with plenty of affection to go around. Plus, they’re known to bark a bit less and have a slightly chiller vibe than some other doodles, which is all the more reason to snuggle them.
Is a Cavapoo the right kind of dog for you? There are a lot of things to consider when adding a dog to your life, so we’ve covered just about everything you’ll need to know in this in-depth breed profile. We consulted certified professional dog trainer and The Dog People panelist Nicole Ellis, who has long worked with Doodle breeds, breeders, and owners, for the essential facts about Cavapoos.
Breed Characteristics
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: Australia
- Size:
- Weight: 8 to 25 pounds
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Shedding:
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
Cavapoo Appearance
Though the texture of their hair can be slightly unpredictable—ranging from the Cavalier’s silky, wavy locks to the poodles thick curls—it always succeeds in giving this breed a mini teddy bear look.
The color of their coat can also vary, with possible hues including red, chestnut, brown, black, silver, brown and white, black and white, gray and white, tricolor (black, white, and tan)—and on and on. The possibilities are really endless when it comes to their hair color, which doesn’t come as a surprise considering how many shades both Cavaliers and poodles themselves come in.
Cavapoo Dog Breed Personality
Your Cavapoo is looking to become your very best friend—so if you aren’t looking for close (some even say clingy) companion to stay by your side, then this may not be the breed for you. They are known to be very loyal to their humans, and often even prefer their company over that of other dogs. But they aren’t totally picky with their affection. Though their family always rates #1, they are sociable and loving to all those around them—which is why they make crummy guard dogs, since they’re happy to see everyone.
Curious and bright, Cavapoos are great for households with children, so long as the kids known to be gentle with them because of their small stature. They’re also considered excellent therapy dogs because of their personalities that put even inexperienced dog-lovers at ease.
Ideal Environment for a Cavapoo
Cavapoos are fairly adaptable and tend to thrive in most environments—whether that’s an apartment or house, in the city or the country, or with a big family or a single person.
What matters most to them is spending time with their “pack”, so as long as someone is around to provide attention and cuddles, they’re content. They make great lapdogs and don’t require a huge yard to exercise in, but you will want to make sure to take them on daily walks where they can explore, sniff, and get some energy out.
They are also sensitive to extreme heat, so you’ll need to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t get overheated.
Ideal Human for Cavapoo Dog Breed
The ideal human for this breed is someone looking for a sidekick or companion. Cavapoos are eager to be taken along on adventures, but just as happy curling up next to you on the couch for the evening. They become quickly and intensely attached to their humans, so in an ideal world their humans should work from home, or at least be careful to not leave them alone for long periods to time.
Cavapoo Dog Training
To set your Cavapoo up for success, it’s best to start training them from a young age. They’re very smart, but can get a little distracted, so you’re going to want to keep the sessions interesting, challenging, and fun. And you should always remain positive when working with them. They’ll appreciate your praise, enthusiasm, and treats—and the more sessions the better. You can keep them short and sweet, but Cavapoos respond best to repetition, so you’ll need to stick with training if you want to help encourage a well-mannered pup.
It’s also very important to socialize this breed early on by introducing them to a variety of situations, people, animals, and locations. By showing them the world around them, and making them feel comfortable and safe with you as they explore it, they’ll gain the confidence to be the well-adjusted, well-behaved pup you know that they can be. Above all this breed really just wants to please their loved ones, and their smarts and charm mean that any effort you put into training them will be well worth it.
Cavapoo Dog Grooming
Though Cavapoos don’t shed much (yay!), they do mat easily (boo!) which means you’re going to need to brush them regularly to prevent tangles. Ideally, you should brush or comb their locks a few time a weeks to keep things from getting too dire. It’s also important to brush them after a bath before their fur dries, or you’ll be in for unfortunate frizzing and tangles.
You’ll also want to take your Cavapoo into the dog salon every few months to groom their ear hair (yes, it’s a thing), trim their nails, and make sure their eyes and everything else is looking clean and healthy.
Cavapoo Health Facts & Information
Speaking of health, Cavapoos are a fairly healthy breed, but they do have a few possible health issues that you should keep an eye out for, including ear infections, mitral valve disease (heart disease), skin allergies, and luxating patellas (kneecap issues). However, using a reputable breeder (if you’re using a breeder) can help cut down the possibility of your dog having these issues.
Cavapoos generally live from 12 to 18 years, and with the proper exercise, food, and regular trips to the vet, your pup will have a good chance at a long and happy life.
Cavapoo History
Though these two breeds may have sporadically mixed over the years, the first intentional breeding of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and poodle happened in the 1990’s in Australia. The goal of the breeders was to combine the outgoing and calm nature of the Cavalier and the smarts of the poodle—though the low-shedding coat of the poodle was also an asset. Cavapoos quickly took off in popularity as people recognized what an ideal combination they had created.
Getting a Cavapoo
Cavapoo Breeders
It’s always a good idea to meet the parents of your puppy, and to see how the litter interacts with each other, and this is especially important when choosing a crossbred dog, since you can see just what size the parents are. A good, trustworthy breeder (like this one) should have records of the parents’ lineage, too and should be able to tell you more about the specific mix of the litter.
Since Cavapoos aren’t officially recognized by the AKC, you’d need to start your search for a reputable breeder elsewhere, and luckily, due to the popularity of these dogs, they shouldn’t be too tricky to track down. Make sure you wise up on puppy mills and internet scams—following some simple steps can help avoid further funding of this terrible practice, and help you end up with a pet whose breeding and early-life experience will more reliably result in a well-adjusted dog.
Adopting a Cavapoo
Cavapoos may find their way to rescue centers for a variety of reasons, including dogs being rescued from puppy mills, but often it’s the simple fact that their previous owners simply felt unable to care for them any longer, perhaps due to a change in lifestyle or health.
A surrendered dog will often already be well trained and simply in need of a new, loving home. You can find rescue centers local to you with a quick internet search.
A Cavapoo can make for a wonderful friend and they’re sure to be a source of joy, with plenty of laughs and perhaps a little bit of mischief along the way. So whether you’re planning on adopting or finding a breeder to find a puppy, prepare yourself, your home and your heart to welcome a dog with plenty of personality and energy.
More on Cavapoos
If you’re simply in love with Cavapoos, then you’ll be craving what we’ve got for you next. From facts that only Cavapoo people will understand, to Cavapoo grooming tips and more:
