The Cavapoo Breed
Meet the Cavapoo, a mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle breeds. These charming dogs are the epitome of a designer breed, boasting a unique blend of their parents' best traits. Known for their outgoing, playful, and curious nature, Cavapoos are the perfect companions for families and individuals alike. Their adaptability is remarkable, thriving in various living environments, from cozy apartments to spacious homes.
Cavapoos stand out with their distinctive coats, which can range from multi-colored patterns to solid hues, adding to their allure. What's more, they're known for being hypoallergenic, thanks to their hair-like coat that minimizes shedding. Whether you're a senior looking for a gentle companion or a family with kids seeking a playful pet, the Cavapoo's loving and sociable nature makes them an ideal choice for any home.
Key Takeaways About the Cavapoo Breed
Affectionate Companions: Cavapoos are renowned for their loving and sociable nature. They form strong bonds with family members and are known for their gentle demeanor, making them excellent companions for both children and other pets.
Size and Appearance: Typically weighing between 8 to 25 pounds and standing 9 to 14 inches tall, Cavapoos are small to medium-sized dogs. Their coats, inheriting the hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle, can range from curly to wavy and come in a variety of colors.
Health Considerations: Generally healthy with a lifespan of 10-15 years, Cavapoos may inherit certain health conditions from their parent breeds. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health and well-being.
Exercise Needs: These dogs require moderate exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks and playtime, coupled with mental stimulation through interactive games and training, are beneficial for their physical and mental health.
Trainability and Intelligence: Cavapoos are intelligent and quick learners, making them highly trainable. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, ideal for first-time dog owners.
Grooming Requirements: Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat’s condition and prevent matting. Attention to dental health is also important due to their susceptibility to dental issues.
Social Needs: Prone to separation anxiety, Cavapoos thrive on companionship and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. They enjoy being an active part of the family’s daily life.
Adaptability: Cavapoos adapt well to various living environments, from apartments to homes with yards. Their versatile nature makes them suitable for a range of lifestyles, including busy families and seniors.
Cute Cavapoo Pictures!
The History of theCavapoo Breed
The Cavapoo breed was first created in Australia in the 1990s and quickly gained popularity due to its adorable appearance and friendly personality. It is believed that the intention of creating this breed was to combine the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle with the gentle and loving personality of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Quick Cavapoo Facts
| HEIGHT: 9-14 inches | WEIGHT: 8-25 lbs |
| LIFESPAN: 10-15 years | BREED SIZE: Small |
| GOOD with: Children, Seniors, Cats, Dogs, & Families |
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| TEMPERAMENT: Loving, Gentle-natured, Friendly, & Energetic | SHEDDING: Very Low to None |
| INTELLIGENCE: High | EXERCISE NEEDS: Medium |
| BARKING LEVEL: Low to Medium | DROOL AMOUNT: Low |
| COLORS: Black, Grey, Red, Brown/Chocolate, Fawn, Cream, White | |
| PATTERNS: Blenheim, tri-color, phantom, merl, & tuxedo | |
| BREED GROUP: Hybrid | COAT LENGTH/TEXTURE : Long, Medium, Curly |
Cavapoo FAQs
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Yes, Cavapoos are excellent pets for suitable families, thanks to their friendly, affectionate, and social nature, combined with high intelligence and trainability, making them ideal for first-time owners. Their small size fits well in apartments or small homes, and their moderate energy levels mean they don't need extensive space for exercise. While they are generally low to moderate in grooming and exercise needs, it's crucial to consider each dog's unique personality, energy level, and compatibility with its new family to ensure a good fit.
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On average, the cost of a Cavapoo ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 and can vary depending on various factors, such as the breeder, location, and the coat color of the puppy. For a full breakdown of Cavapoo costs visit our article How Much Does a Cavapoo Puppy Cost?
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Cavapoos are often considered hypoallergenic due to their Poodle heritage, but no breed is completely hypoallergenic, and individual reactions can vary. It's advisable to spend time with a Cavapoo before adopting to assess personal allergy responses.
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Pros
1. Friendly and affectionate
2. Low-shedding and hypoallergenic
3. Good with children and other pets
4. Low-maintenance
Cons
1. Some Health problems
2. Professional grooming
3. Separation anxiety
We break the Pros and Cons of Cavapoos down extensively on our blog.
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Some of the potential health issues that Cavapoos may face include:
•Patellar Luxation: A condition where the knee joint slides in and out of place, causing discomfort and potential lameness.
•Ear Infections: Cavapoos have floppy ears that can trap moisture and promote the growth of bacteria, leading to ear infections.
•Dental Problems: Cavapoos, like many small dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as overcrowding, misalignment, and tooth decay.
•Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic condition that causes the gradual loss of vision.Some of the potential health issues that Cavapoos may face include:
It's important to note that not all Cavapoos will necessarily experience these problems, and responsible breeding practices can help to minimize the risk.
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Cavapoos, like any dog, do bark. However, they are highly intelligent and trainable dogs, and with proper training and socialization, they can learn to control their barking and only bark when necessary.
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Cavapoos are generally low to moderate maintenance dogs, ideal for apartment living due to their small size and moderate energy levels, requiring regular exercise and indoor relaxation. Their coat, ranging from moderate to high maintenance, may need regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent matting, making them suitable for busy owners and families with proper care and training.
Cavapoo Characteristics
Appearance
The Cavapoo is a common favorite for many people, it’s a cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles. The maltipoo can weigh between 8 and 25 lbs and can stand between 9 and 14 inches at the shoulder. Cavapoos have a small to medium-sized build and are known for their cute, round faces and floppy ears. They have a soft, curly or wavy coat that comes in a variety of colors including black, grey, red, brown/chocolate, fawn, cream, white or a mixture of any. They can be a combination of two or more colors or they can be a solid color. The most common color that cavapoos have is a mostly white coat, and then some coloration around their ears and face. Usually, their coat is medium to long and curly or wavy, similar to the poodle. With Cavapoos, there are three basic coat types, straight and silky, thick and curly, or wavy and flowy. The type of coat a Cavapoo has depends on whether the Poodle or Cavalier genes are more dominant. Usually, the more curly their coat is, the more allergy friendly they are.
Full Grown Cavapoo Size
A full grown Cavapoo usually weighs between 12-25 pounds and stands at a height of 9-14 inches. The size of a Cavapoo can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent, with smaller Poodles resulting in smaller Cavapoos and larger Poodles resulting in larger Cavapoos. Read a more detailed breakdown of Cavapoo full grown characteristics on our blog.
Cavapoo Adaptability - ★★★★☆
Sensitivity Level
Adapts Well to Apartment Living
Cavapoos are on the more sensitive side which means they will do a lot better in environments that are more quiet and calm, they can withstand some noise. But if you have a lot of kids and a house that usually is full of noise, a breed that is less sensitive will be better for you. Cavapoos are very loving and will always give you snuggles and they will always seek your love and attention.
Contrary to popular belief, a lot of small dog breeds don’t do well in small living areas like apartments. They usually are too hyper and yippy to be stuck in a small area. But with Cavapoos, they are more on the calm side and do very well in apartments, Cavapoos are able to adapt to any living situation because of their excellent temperament. However, they do still need daily exercise and a quick walk will definitely do that for them.
Being Alone Tolerance
Good for New Owners
While no dog should ever be left alone for an extended amount of time, but Cavapoos especially should not be left alone and will start to experience separation anxiety. Which can also lead to unwanted behavior like chewing on furniture, whining, barking, and more. Cavapoos, can be left alone for a little bit like while you run to the store, but any longer than about a half hour is too long and you may want to look into getting a dog sitter.
Cavapoos are one of the breeds that are really easy for first time owners. They are easy to train, are low maintenance and don’t shed everywhere, and they are very intelligent which means they will catch on to training really easily. Cavapoos are all-around the perfect dog breed and are a great choice for people who have not ever had a dog before.
Tolerates Hot/Cold Weather
People usually assume that Cavapoos and Poodles have a thick coat because of how curly it is, but it is actually the opposite, their coat is pretty thin and they don’t do very well in severely hot or cold temperatures. Poodles and Cavapoos actually have thinner coats, and most dogs with thin coats can’t withstand the heat or the cold. So make sure you have good shade in the summer and a good place for them to warm up in the winter.
Cavapoo Friendliness - ★★★★☆
Cavapoos are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. They are good with children and other pets and are highly social animals that enjoy human interaction. They are also intelligent dogs that respond well to training and are quick learners. They are low-maintenance dogs that are happy to curl up on your lap and cuddle. They are also low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for families with allergies.
Friendly Towards Strangers
Affectionate with Family
Cavapoos are very outgoing and love to be around people. Like most dogs, they can be a little weary at first, but they warm up very quickly once they realise and understand that they are not a threat. They will either run up to visitors and welcome them, or they will observe from a distance.
Cavapoos are very affectionate and love being around people, they easily create strong bonds with their family. This comes from poodles who are bred to work with their owner and also Cavaliers being a lap dog and loving friend.
They also do very well with children and babies and they know when to be gentle. However, like with all dogs, you will still need to be present when your kids are playing with your puppy because sometimes kids can get overly excited and scare the puppy, which usually results in a little nipping from the dog.
Dog Friendly
Cavapoos are very friendly with other dogs and get along well with other dogs. They don’t have a dominant personality, they would rather roll around and play with other dogs more than fight and show other dogs who is boss.
Cavapoo Training Info - ★★★★☆
Trainability
Intelligence
Cavapoos are one of the breeds that are able to understand the concept of doing something (like sit) for a treat really quickly. This makes them very easy to train. You will however likely need something like treats to help them want to do the command at first.
Since Cavapoos come from Poodles, they tend to be a very intelligent breed. This makes them very easy to train and they catch onto many tricks very easily. When a dog is more intelligent, they also need something to do to keep their mind busy, just as an active dog would need exercise.
Tendency to bark/howl
Prey Drive
Because Cavapoos also come from Cavalier King Charles, they don’t have a high tendency to bark and are more on the calm side. Like most dogs, they will only bark if they feel there is a threat near-by.
Cavapoos don’t have a very high “prey drive” and they would rather make friends with people and other dogs. However, if a bird or squirrel is passing by, your Cavapoo will most likely take an interest to it and may chase it.
Cavapoo Health and Grooming Needs - ★★★☆☆
Size
The Cavapoos full grown size depends on how big the Poodle parent is. They are usually around 8 to 25 pounds and grow up to 9 to 14 inches tall. With Cavapoos, there are both smaller ones and medium sized so you can choose what size will go well with your lifestyle while still getting the characteristics you like.
Ease of Grooming
Since Cavapoos come from Poodles, they have curlier hair which also leads to very low shedding rates. Also, as long as you stay caught up on brushing your Cavapoo, grooming and brushing will be relatively easy. But, if you go more than about a week without brushing your Cavapoos coat, they will probably have some mats. Also, it will be easier to brush and less prone to mats if you keep the coat at a short to medium length.
Overall Health
Cavapoos will usually live up to 15 years and don’t have as many health risks as most dog breeds do. Hence all dogs do have some health risks, here are some that Cavapoos are more prone to, luxating patellas, hip dyslexia, mitral valve disease, epilepsy and eye diseases. Most of these risks are created from genetics which also means they can be avoided with proper breeding and genetic testing which is why we offer a 10-year health guarantee on all of our puppies.
Average lifespan
The average lifespan of a Cavapoo is 12-15 years.
The lifespan of a Cavapoo can be affected by various factors such as genetics, diet, and exercise. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help increase the lifespan of a Cavapoo. We went into further detail on our blog about the Cavapoo lifespan and what you can do to extend it.
How to Find Cavapoo Puppies That Have Been Well Trained Importance of reputable breeders
It is important to purchase a Cavapoo puppy from a reputable breeder to ensure that you are getting a healthy and well-socialized puppy. A reputable breeder will have a proven track record of producing high-quality Cavapoos that are healthy and well-behaved.
Benefits of well-trained and socialized puppies
Well-trained and socialized puppies are easier to train and are more likely to be well-behaved. They are also more likely to be happy and confident dogs, making them a great choice for families. If you are interested in one My Doodle Puppy’s trained Cavapoo Puppies we would love for you to fill out an application!
Related Cavapoo Articles
Upcoming Cavapoo Puppies!
Want to see our newly anticipated litters we have planned? Our upcoming litters page will help you get to know the parents and other important details of litters that will be born soon.
Adoption Form
Please note, the estimated wait time to add your name to the picking list of any future litters is usually 3-4 Months. We occasionally have listed available puppies ready to adopt sooner. Please review our adoption process before filling out this form.
Customer Testimonials
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Marlene has a lot of great knowledge in Maltipoos as a breed. Very responsive breeder who will answer ALL questions. She has made every step of the process easy to understand. I got my little one on January 12. The price is well worth it for everything that is included. I don’t see many other breeders who go way and beyond as Marlene. You won’t see breeder give a 10 year health guarantee. Just My Doodle Maltipoos. I would definitely get another puppy from her in the future.
— Ln family
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Marlene is an AMAZING and professional breeder. She is responsive and knowledgeable about her puppies. She goes above and beyond to ensure that her puppies go to great homes. From start to finish she made the process of adopting our maltipoo stress free. We will definitely work with her again and recommend her to others. Thank you Marlene!
— Parris Family
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Adopting a puppy from Marlene was a wonderful experience! Marlene is the real deal. The puppies are raised around small children in a loving family environment until they are ready to go home. You are updated from the day your puppy is born until the day they come home, with tons of pictures, adorable videos etc. Both before and after your puppy comes home, Marlene is always available for any questions or advice. She’s incredibly responsive and kind, and cares deeply about the lives of the puppies after they go to their new homes.
— Berger family