Everything you need to know about Cavapoos

Big cuddles, long games of fetch and more cuddles - that’s the life of a happy Cavapoo. If you’re thinking about adopting or pet sitting a pooch of this people (and pet)-loving breed, learn all about their quirks, perks and personality in this handy guide. Without further ado then, let’s explore (almost) all there is to know about these sweet-natured socialites.

Cavapoo dog breed characteristics

• Origin: The Cavapoo is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle. 
• Size: The Cavapoo is a new mixed breed, so there haven’t been breed standards set for these fluffballs just yet. While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are quite consistent on the size front, the different types of Poodle means Cavapoo sizes are also quite varying. So, Cavapoos can weigh anywhere from nine to twenty-five pounds and grow to between nine and fourteen inches from paw to shoulder (although, some may be smaller or larger!).
• Character: Outgoing, friendly, playful and a little needy.
• Grooming: Brush your Cavapoo somewhere between every day and once a week to avoid matting, then take a trip to a professional groomer around every six weeks.
• Health needs: Some Cavapoos may experience congenital heart attacks, progressive retinal atrophy and slipping kneecaps.
• Training: Cavapoos are obedient and relatively easy to train. It’s important to get these pups used to being alone from a young age, as separation anxiety is common.
• Energy levels: Highly energetic and playful.
• Intelligence: Highly intelligent (Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds!).
• Lifespan: 10-15 years.
• Noise levels: Low tendencies to bark or howl.

What is a Cavapoo?

Otherwise known as playful bundles of fluff (to us, anyway), Cavapoos are a mixed breed of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel  and Poodle. Now a popular so-called ‘designer breed’, Cavapoo dogs were originally bred in Australia in the late 1990s. Why? Well both parent breeds have pretty desirable traits - Poodles are one of the most hypoallergenic dogs going and they’re the brain boxes of the canine world. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are outgoing, calm and loving, so combining the two was a no-brainer for those down under, and with Poodle mixes on the rise, the popularity of Cavapoos has only continued to grow.

Types of Cavapoo dogs

While the breed standard for King Charles Spaniels is pretty linear, there are a few types of Poodles out there that are included in the breeding process. These include the Standard, Miniature and Toy Poodles (plus the unofficial Teacup Poodle). So, depending on which type of Poodle the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was bred with, we can find Standard, Mini, Toy or Teacup Cavapoos. The variation doesn’t end there, though. Like with any mixed breed dog, the type of Cavapoo depends on the generation it comes from. It can seem a little complicated on the surface, so here’s a breakdown…

• F1 Cavapoo: One Poodle and one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel produces an F1 Cavapoo.
• F1b Cavapoo: An F1 Cavapoo mixed with a Poodle or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel produces an F1b Cavapoo.
• F2 Cavapoo: Two F1 Cavapoos produce an F2 Cavapoo.

What does a Cavapoo dog look like?

Fluff, fluff and more fluff - that’s what you get when you cross a four-legged cutie with a Poodle, and the Cavapoo is no exception! While they vary massively in size (depending on which type of Poodle is in the mix), these pups can (unsurprisingly) take after either parent when it comes to fur colour. Find black Cavapoos, white Cavapoos, plus cream, fawn, chocolate, gold and chestnut. In terms of fur texture, it’s either soft and wavy or curly, and most of the time, it’s (almost) hypoallergenic, like their Poodle parents. Aside from those adorable fur jackets, Cavapoos have relatively low-hanging (fluff-coated ears), dark button eyes and of course, a cute button nose.

Cavapoo personality

Cavapoos are the ideal fluffballs if you and those you live with are after an affectionate family dog who’s playful, energetic and dedicated to their pack. They’re highly social and thrive off the company and attention of others (including children). Because of their gentle, loving nature, Cavapoos can make great therapy dogs. Their social tendencies are fab as they’re super friendly and upbeat to spend time with, but it does have a flipside. Their need to be around others means they’re prone to separation anxiety, which can result in destructive behaviours like barking and chewing furniture. The solution? Socialise Cavapoo puppies and balance it out with time alone. The sooner these pups get used to their own company, the better, and the easier your life will be as a pet parent! Their high intelligence means training is no issue for new pet parents, but it does mean they need lots of stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Think games of fetch, hiking and canine sports to keep those brainboxes active.

What’s the ideal home for a Cavapoo?

Cavapoos are affectionate and loving, so do well in packs with children and even other pets. If you’re welcoming a Cavapoo, just make sure you supervise them around children, as these pups are on the small side, so can be easily injured. If you’ve got other pets at home, introduce the two in a calm environment to give them a chance to get to know one another. Alongside cuddles with their two-legged best buddies, Cavapoos have heaps of energy to burn. So, make sure you’ve got a backyard with room for games of fetch, learning tricks and even canine sports. A home with somebody around all the time will make your Cavapoo happy, but it could encourage separation anxiety. That’s why it’s so important for Cavapoo puppies to get the time alone they need to get comfortable in their own company.

What’s the ideal human for a Cavapoo?

While Cavapoos love nothing more than attention from two-legged buddies, it’s important that pet parents give these pups time alone from a young age to get used to their own company. They’re prone to separation anxiety, so the sooner they’re as chilled by themselves as when surrounded by others, the better.

Cavaapoo pet parents need to be as energetic as they are loving. Despite their smaller size, these pups have heaps of energy to burn, needing up to an hour of exercise per day. Incorporate that with mental stimulation, cuddles and affection, and you’ll have yourself a very happy Cavaapoo. This fine balance between exercise, problem solving and cuddles is vital for a happy pup, so only adopt a Cavaapoo if you’ve got the time and energy these cuties need. Without it, your pup will become agitated, destructive and even barky.

Are Cavapoos hypoallergenic?

Because of their Poodle parentage, Cavapoos are considered almost hypoallergenic. Why? Well we can’t strictly say that any dog is completely hypoallergenic, so those with allergies should still be careful. When it comes to mixed breeds with a Poodle parent, it’s worth remembering that there’s no guarantee that the pup produced will take after the Poodle coat. So, Cavapoos with straight or wavy locks (rather than curly) will be much more prone to shedding than those with curly coats. It’s safe to say though that Cavapoos will shed a whole lot less than their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents or grandparents.

How to train a Cavapoo dog

As the pup of a Poodle, Cavapoos are clever fluffballs who enjoy learning new things. They’re relatively easy to train with a tendency for obedience (they want to please their favourite two-legged family members, afterall!). They can take a little longer than other dogs to get to grips with toilet training, but with a bit of patience, your pooch should get the hang of it. Along with consistent training, socialise your pup from a young age - Cavapoos not only love the company of others (so will be truly thankful for the meet-ups), but having different experiences helps develop the confidence vital for Cavapoo adulthood. Cavapoo puppies should experience a variety of situations, pets and people, making sure you introduce them calmly and slowly.

How to groom a Cavapoo

Cavapoo puppies will either develop fur that’s curly, wavy or straight. Most of the time, they’re almost hypoallergenic, which means their fur grows more like the hair of their Sapien sidekicks. Groom your pooch daily to avoid matting and the build-up of dirt clumps. Because of the way their hair grows, you should also take a trip to a professional groomer every six weeks or so, just to make sure their fur is in the best condition possible. When grooming, check their ears are clean, and be sure to keep those nails short.

Cavapoo dog history

Cavapoos are a mixed breed of the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Originally bred in Australia in the late 1990s, the crossbreed has now become popular all over the world. And we can see why - these pups are loving, relatively easy to train, and highly intelligent.

Cavapoo breed health

Cavapoos are healthy pooches, but like all of our canine friends, they can be prone to a few health issues. Here’s the rundown…

• Congenital heart attacks
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Ear disorders
• Patella luxation (slipping kneecaps)
• Anal gland disorders

Getting a Cavapoo

While these pups are a relatively new ‘designer breed’, Cavapoo puppies still sadly wind up in rescue homes. Before finding a reputable breeder, have a look around the rescue homes near you to see whether any Cavapoo cuties are looking for a forever home. Rescuing a pup rather than buying from a breeder is one sure way to know your pooch has been house-broken, and has had all the vaccines and health checks they need. If you do decide to find a breeder, it’s super important you do your research, making sure they’re operating with the mother’s, father’s and pups’ best interests at the centre of their business.

Love Poodle pups?

Well there’s a lot more where that comes from - Poodle mixes are all the rage at the moment, and we can see why! Learn all there is to know about Australian Labradoodles or widen your Poodle dog horizons with our complete guide to Newfypoos.