Cavapoo

The Cavapoo is truly delightful. This breed is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, resulting in differences in size, appearance, fur type, and personality. Energetic, fun-loving, and friendly, the Cavapoo is a great choice for families, particularly for those who are allergic to dog fur.

Quick Info

Size
Small
Colours
Black, red, gold, cream, tan, chocolate, with or without white markings; tricolor, part-color, black and tan
Lifespan
10 to 15 years
Height
9 to 13 inches
Type
Spaniel
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
8 to 22 pounds
Family

Personality

Cavapoo dogs are charming little creatures with cute button eyes and soft, teddy bear-like fur, but there's much more to them than just their looks. They blend warmth and cleverness perfectly. Although they are small and might seem relaxed, their Poodle heritage means they need plenty of training and daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Cavapoos love being around people and want to be part of family life. They also get along well with other pets, making them great companions in homes with multiple animals.

History

The exact origin of the Cavapoo is unclear, with suggestions pointing to the USA, Australia, and the UK, especially during the late 20th century. This time period saw a growing interest in Poodle mixes, and the Cavapoo was created to meet the demand for a small, low-shedding, and allergy-friendly pet. Their charming appearance and lively nature keep them a favorite among families around the globe.

Ideal Owner

Cavapoos need a lot of company, so if you have a hectic schedule that keeps you away often, this breed may not be suitable for you. Mixing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle results in a smart and lively dog, making it important to have regular training and fun activities. Along with daily walks that are different each time, you’ll ensure your dog is happy and well-behaved. Cavapoos show their owners great loyalty and affection, but it’s important to give that love back.

Exercise Needs

Cavapoo dogs need to get some exercise every day. If you can’t find a long stretch of time, it’s fine to break it up into two or three shorter walks. They will enjoy this just as much. Because of their thick fur, they can get too hot, so it’s best to take them for walks in the cooler parts of the day during summer.

Space Requirements

Cavapoos can adapt to city living, but they thrive better in calm suburban or rural areas where there is less excitement.

Training

The mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle is very smart, which helps them learn quickly. However, there's a downside; they can also learn bad behaviors just as fast as good ones. Start their training early when they are most open to new ideas.

Grooming

Cavapoo dogs, even with regular grooming from professionals, can have coats that need to be brushed often. To make this a fun time, give your dog treats during brushing, combing, bathing, and drying. This way, grooming becomes a special time for you both. Although the idea of combining these breeds was to create a dog that doesn't cause allergies, the truth is different. Some Cavapoos may still trigger allergies for people sensitive to dander and saliva, which all dogs produce, no matter their coat type.

Suitability for Family Life

Cavapoos are loving dogs with cheerful and playful natures, making them great pets for families. Still, it’s crucial to keep in mind that these cute dogs are not toys. Ensure that your kids are mature enough to know how to treat pets correctly and can listen to rules while playing.

Did You know?

This breed is known by several other names, including Cavoodles, Cadoodles, and Cavadoodles. Their coats can come in three varieties: low-shedding and smooth, rough and wiry, or soft and curly.

Similar Breeds

Need to Know

Good dog for non-experienced owners
Basic training required
Enjoys active walks
Small dog
Some drool
Requires frequent grooming
Chatty and vocal dog
Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual