Cavapoo: Your All-Around Wonder Dog - K9 Web (2024)

Last Updated on April 24, 2023

Looking for a new addition to the family? Why not get a Cavapoo? It’s the crossbreed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.

If you’re not sure about getting this hybrid, don’t worry! We created this guide filled with everything you need to know about the Cavapoo, which is also called a Cavoodle, Cavapoodle, Cavadoodle, or Cavadoo.

Read on and we hope this will help you decide if a Cavoodle will be joining your family – or if it’s time to go for another breed hunt.

What is a Cavapoo?

Back in the 1950s, breeders wanted to create a new designer dog who has a low to non-shedding coat and suffers from fewer genetic diseases.

So they crossed two purebred dogs known for their hypoallergenic coat and gentle temperament.

The result? The Cavapoo, a crossbreed meant to be an excellent family companion.

Along with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a Toy or Mini Poodle is typically used in creating a Cavoodle. Responsible breeders favor Mini Poodles since they tend to be healthier than the toy-sized ones.

Breeders avoid using the standard Poodle due to its larger size and prefer smaller variations of the dog to ensure the safety of the crossbreeding process.

What does a Cavoodle look like more – the Cavalier or the Poodle?

Similar to their size, the appearance of a Cavapoodle varies, even between puppy of the same litter.

This crossbreed’s looks largely depend on which parent it takes most of its genes from.

These dogs have a sturdy body and a round-shaped head topped with long ears.

Any of their coat colors will match with their dark eyes and their black nose.

This adorable dog looks like a teddy bear – it may even be cuter!

A Cavadoodle can have two types of coat: a curly coat that they’ll get from the Poodle or a long coat from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Their hair may also turn out a bit wavy. But, whatever the texture of their coat is, they will be fluffy.

This pooch can have a solid-colored or a multi-colored coat. They come in different colors: white, cream, gold, tan, apricot, chocolate, red and black, just to name a few.

Their coats can also have a Blenheim pattern, a mix of chestnut and white color, or a merle pattern, a coat with swirls.

Will a Cavadoodle be toy-sized or mini-sized?

It depends on the size of their parents. There is no breed standard for this dog, but we can determine their expected height and weight range.

The average height of an full grown Cavapoo is 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 cm), but these dogs can turn out smaller or bigger.

With a toy Poodle parent, a toy Cavapoo can also be 11 inches (33 cm) tall. If their Poodle parent is a mini, they can grow to 18 inches (45 cm).

The same goes for their weight. This dog can weigh between 12 to 25 pounds (5 to 11 kg), depending on their parents’ sizes.

You may get a Cavoodle who weighs less than 11 pounds or more than 26 pounds – with crossbreeds you’ll never know.

Cavapoos tend to stop growing after eight months. These dogs reach their adult size between their 12th to 18th month.

Check out this video of Cavadoo puppies:

What are Cavapoo dogs like?

Most of this designer breed will have the playfulness and gentleness of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the intelligence and energy of the Poodle.

But each Cavadoodle will have a different temperament depending on what they inherit from their parents and how they are raised and trained.

This fluffball will adapt to your lifestyle.

When a Cavadoo comes into your life, there won’t be too many changes – these dogs are highly adaptable. They are ideal for a wide variety of owners such as singles, seniors, active owners, and even couch potatoes.

They are also great for families since they get along with children of any age. They are charming and gentle, which makes them reliable around young ones.

Older kids will love active playtime with this fun-loving crossbreed, whether indoors or outdoors.

Their friendliness also makes them a great addition to families who already have other dogs. But you should know that Cavoodles have a high prey drive and may not be as friendly towards cats and other small animals.

With their small stature and behavior, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-Poodle mixes make perfect apartment dogs.

They can also live in homes with a big yard, but make sure not to leave them outside at night because they prefer to live indoors.

It’s a playful pooch.

With its two energetic parents, it’s not surprising that the Cavadoo is a lively dog.

Combining the Poodle’s agility and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s love for running, Cavadoodles will have the energy to play with you and your family.

If you have younger children, try to supervise when your dog and kids play together to make sure they don’t accidentally hurt each other.

Cavoodles are fragile due to their size, and they may get injured when handled roughly.

It’s courageous, but it can’t be a guard dog.

Cavapoos are brave, but you can’t rely on them much for protection. These good-natured dogs can’t be guard dogs because their friendly nature.

However, these hybrids may make for good watch dogs, especially with their alertness and their tendency to bark at potential threats. This dog will definitely let you know that a stranger’s at your door.

Your little canine shadow

In the Cavoodle, the sweet-tempered trait of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel tones down the proudness of the Poodle.

They’re the quintessential companion dog, with their calm disposition and a charm that can be hard to resist.

Aside from trying to snuggle with you, this crossbreed will follow you around wherever you go.

Make time for these little darlings – sit side by side on the sofa, play with them, or brush their coat.

Similar to their parents, they won’t be able to deal with being left alone. When they feel lonely, expect to see destructive behavior and go deaf from their barking.

Now that we know about their characteristics and how they can be as pets, let’s see if they will be easy to take care of.

Tips on taking care of the Cavadoodle

Cavapoodles may have different appearances, but caring for this crossbreed will be more predictable.

Most Poodle-Cavalier King Spaniel mixes, for instance, will require moderate grooming to maintain their coats’ health. They also need daily exercise to release their energy.

Grooming your Cavadoo

If your hybrid gets the Poodle’s coat, you need to brush their curly hair two to three times a week. Their fur may be more prone to matting and tangling.

A Cavoodle with silky and straight hair like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s will require brushing at least once a week.

Since these dogs may inherit the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s tendency to get ear infections, clean their earsonce or twice a week.

Dental problems are another health issue with small dogs like the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cross, so brushing their teeth at least once a day is necessary.

These crossbreeds need to have their nails trimmed at least every 3 to 4 weeks. Regularly trimming your dog’s nails ensures that it can walk around comfortably.

Give your Cavapoodle a bathonce or twice a month. Giving them more than three washes in 4 weeks will remove the oils keeping their coat shiny. Frequent baths may also dry their skin and flatten their hair.

You will notice these dogs tend to have a tear or eye stains, so make sure to wipe away eye discharge before it dries up. Use a moist cloth or sponge to keep the fur around the eyes clean.

Do I need to trim my Cavoodle’s coat?

Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix may need fewer baths if you trim their coats regularly.

If your pooch tends to have a bad smell, trim or shave the hair around their genitals. This will help keep your dog from smelling like dried pee or poo.

The Cavadoodle can have different looks depending on their genes – and their haircut. Take your dog to the groomer at least every three months so it can get a nice haircut.

Discuss with your groomer the best style you want for your dog. One of the popular haircuts is the teddy bear or puppy haircut.

This cut keeps the fur at the same length for the whole body, making your dog look adorable and fluffy. Most of the hair on the ears is kept long and straight to maintain the Cavadoo look.

Are Cavapoos hypoallergenic?

The original purpose for using a Poodle in crossbreeding is to produce an offspring with a non-shedding and hypoallergenic coat.

Because of their Poodle lineage, breeders advertise Cavapoos as hypoallergenic, which is not always accurate. Depending on which parent they take after, these dogs will either be low or moderate shedders.

Some of these hybrids shed less because they inherited the Poodle’s dense, curly coat, while others with the long, straight Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coat will experience more shedding.

Cavoodle fashion: clothes, collars, and more

We totally understand if you won’t be able to resist dressing up your Cavadoo.

You could get a jumper or jacket so your dog looks extra-dapper with his new trim.

These clothes will also help protect short-haired Poodle-Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mixes from the cold.

What’s great is that you’ll easily find customized Cavapoo costumes for your pet to wear for holidays like Halloween and Christmas to costume parties.

Aside from clothes, you will need to buy a collar, leash, or harness so you can safely take your pooch outside. This way, you can restrain your dog should he give in to his prey drive.

A feeding guide for the Cavoodle

When it comes to food, these dogs will need 30 to 40 calories per pound of body weight. A 15-pound adult Cavapoo should eat around 450 to 600 calories per day.

You can feed your dog 2 cups of high-quality, protein-rich dry dog food daily. Make sure to divide this amount into multiple meals throughout the day, especially since this crossbreed is prone to bloat and digestive issues.

Adjust their calorie intake depending on their size and activity level. Be careful not to overfeed Cavapoodles since they are prone to obesity, which they inherit from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

For your Cavapoo puppy, feed them 1 cup of kibble plus an additional 200 calories per day. Divide this amount into small meals throughout the day. Puppies need more calories to help them grow strong and healthy.

Daily activity and exercise for your Cavoodle

Cavapoos do not require much exercise – they’re content with a short walk or play session daily. These dogs love to walk, which they inherit from their Poodle parent.

Spend 30 minutes to an hour a day for physical activity with your pooch. If you have a garden or yard, they will also be happy having the space to run around and explore.

If you prefer a dog with a higher level of activity, the Cavadoodle can also match your pace for a quick jog. Make sure to check if your dog is thirsty and hot since these crossbreeds tend to be sensitive to heat.

Similar to a kid, your hybrid will enjoy having a toy. Get them a tug rope, plushies, chew toys, or puzzle toys that they can keep busy with.

Training your Cavapoo: how difficult is it?

Due to their smart and curious nature, these crossbreeds are easy to train. This is especially true for Cavoodles who take after their Poodle parent.

They tend to be obedient and have great agility, which they get from both parents. Tracking and retrieving activities are their bread and butter, thanks to their Poodle genes.

Cavapoodles are also easily trained as service or therapy dogs because of the gentleness they get from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

You may have a difficult time training puppies due to their short attention span. You will also have to be more patient when it comes to their house training. If you make training sessions quick, fun, and consistent, you can overcome the Cavadoo’s attention problem.

Don’t worry; you will have an easier time with their socialization because these dogs are sociable and kind-natured.

After a day of training or exercise, make sure your dog has enough rest. Let your adult Poodle-Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix sleep for at least 12 hours.

A younger or older Cavoodle will need more shut-eye, around 6 hours more than usual.

Is the Cavapoo a healthy dog?

Crossbreeds are sometimes believed to be healthier because of hybrid vigor. However, the Cavadoodle is prone to genetic diseases from its parent breeds.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is susceptible to particular health problems. From this purebred dog, your dog may inherit:

• Heart conditions such as Myxomatous Mitral Valve Prolapse
• Syringomyelia, a skeletal and spinal problem
• Platelet disorder
• Ear infections resulting in itchy ears and other consequences
• Obesity, which is common in small dogs

Even if Poodles have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, these purebred dogs have multiple health issues. Epilepsy, Addison’s disease, and Von Willebrand Disease are just some health conditions that the Poodle may pass down to this crossbreed.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-Poodle mixes are also prone to eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts and luxating patellas or dislocated knees.

If you notice your Cavoodle shaking, he might be cold or sick. Shaking is common in Poodles as well, but it won’t hurt to take your dog to the vet just to be sure.

If you take your pooch to the veterinarian for regular checkups and maintain their health, they can live for a long time. The average lifespan of a Cavapoo is around 10 to 15 years.

Can Cavapoos have puppies?

Of course, they can!

If an F1 Cavapoo is a first-generation offspring of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, the F2 Cavadoodle is the puppy that results from breeding two Cavoodle dogs.

If you breed two F2 Cavapoos, the result is an F3 Cavapoodle.

On the other hand, breeding a Cavadoo with either a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Poodle makes their offspring an F1B Cavapoo.

The usual Cavadoodle litter size is 2 to 8 puppies.

Who are some famous Cavapoos?

Mixing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle produces an adorable result, which is why we can find several famous Cavadoodles on the internet.

These dogs became popular for being pets of celebrities from different countries or their irresistible looks.

Butters

World-renowned singer Katy Perry brings Butters the Cavadoo along on her tours. Perry loves Butters so much she has her dog’s face all over her customized silk pajama set.

Smith

British actress Angela Griffin has a cute and cheeky Cavapoodle named Smith. The actress mentioned how Smith chewed $250 Prada glasses owned by her husband – this dog has one expensive chew toy.

Reuben

Julia Gillard, the first female and former Prime Minister of Australia, received Reuben the Cavadoodle for her 50th birthday.

The Former Prime Minister called Reuben “the best, best present.”

Allegra

Hollywood star Hugh Jackman, known for his role in X-Men has a Cavadoo puppy named Allegra. He loves to post photos of Allegra and Dali, a French Bulldog, on Instagram.

Lucas and Nelson

Celebrity veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Chimes of Bondi Vet, owns two Cavapoos named Lucas and Nelson. She loves them so much; she made sure they were present at her wedding.

Comparing the Cavapoo to other designer dogs

If you’re undecided which designer breed to get, here is a summary of the difference between the Cavoodle and other designer breeds:

Cavapoo vs. co*ckapoo

A co*ckapoo is a mix of a co*cker Spaniel and a Poodle. The Cavapoo already has separation anxiety, but with co*ckapoos, it is more intense.

The Cavadoodle needs less exercise and less maintenance overall. On the other hand, co*ckapoos will be easier to train, and they have a longer life expectancy.

Cavapoo vs. Cavachon

A Cavachon has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise for parents. Compared to the Cavoodle, Cavachons have lower energy levels, perfect for lazy or less active owners.

Similar to the co*ckapoo, Cavachons are more manageable to train and have a longer lifespan than the Cavapoo.

Cavapoo vs. Cavapoochon

Cavapoochons are an offspring of a female Cavachon and male toy Poodle. The aim in breeding these two dogs is to have a breed that has a non-shedding coat.

Compared to the Cavapoodle and its parents, Cavapoochons have a kinder and gentler personality, fitting in with any family – with children of any age and other dogs or pets.

Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle

A Goldendoodle is a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. With its parents’ size, it will be larger than the Cavoodle – you’ll be needing more space.

A bigger dog also means more fur to brush, so expect to spend more time grooming the Golden Retriever-Poodle cross. If you want to take home a more laid-back dog, go for a Cavadoodle since Goldendoodles will have more energy.

Cavapoo vs Maltipoo

Maltipoos are a mix of a Maltese and a Poodle. The Maltipoo usually suffers from fewer genetic diseases than the Cavadoo since the Maltese is a healthy dog breed.

If you get a Maltese-Poodle mix, you will need to adjust your schedule around them since they are less independent and more prone to separation anxiety.

How much will it cost to get a Cavapoo?

With their adorable looks and sweet temperament, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Cavadooodles are in high demand – and more demand means a higher price.

You can get a Cavoodle puppy for around $1,200 to $1,800. If you’re looking to get a puppy with a specific appearance, expect to pay more than $2,000.

These crossbreeds cost a pretty penny, but you must never compromise health for a lower price.

Make sure you get your money’s worth by choosing trustworthy, reputable Cavapoo breeders such as these:

• Best Cavapoo Breeders (bestcavapoos.com) is located in South Carolina, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. As of this writing, they charge $900 for black Cavoodles, $1,400 for other colors (except red and apricot, which cost $1,800), and $2,100 for tri-color, Blenheim, or red and white Cavadoos.
• My Cavapoos (cavapoopuppiesplace.com) is a home-based breeder found in Washington. They have been breeding Cavapoodles for 13 years. The puppies’ parents are all American Kennel Club (AKC) registered and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certified for DNA tests and genetic diseases.
• Petit Jean Puppies (petitjeanpuppies.com)is a USDA Class A licensed breeder based in Arkansas. All parents are AKC-registered and OFA, patella, and eye certified, and all Petit Jean puppies are spayed and neutered. The price for cream, black, apricot, tri-color or red varieties is $2000 or more. Chocolate or merle varieties cost $2,200 and up.

It’s best to ask the breeder or seller about the parents of the Cavapoodle you are getting to get an idea of their possible health issues and personality.

If a breeder sells Cavadoodles without papers or advertises them as the healthiest dogs or a hypoallergenic breed, skip them.

Responsible breeders will warn you about the possible diseases your puppy may have, and let you know that crossbreeds tend to have different appearances and traits.

A reputable breeder will also ask questions about your home and lifestyle to ensure that the puppy will be a good match for your family.

Never buy from a breeder who won’t answer questions or refuse to let you come over for a visit.

Cavapoo rescue and adoption

If you want to get a crossbreed with a specific appearance and a more stable temperament, try adoption! You may find Cavoodles who need a home on Facebook pages such as Texas Sweeties Dog Rescue.

You can also look at rescue centers for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodles.

• Cavalier Rescue USA
• The Cavalier Rescue (Alabama)
• American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Trust
• Carolina Poodle Rescue
• NorCal Poodle Rescue (California)
• Poodle Rescue of Houston (Texas)

Check nearby rescues, shelters, and kennels for a Cavadoodle looking for a new home. You never know, you might find the best companion for you or your family.

Is the Cavapoo the right companion for you?

Because it’s a crossbreed, you can never be sure of how a Cavapoodle pup’s appearance, health, and temperament will turn out.

The good news is that most Cavoodles are adaptable dogs that can fit in well with any family and adjust to various lifestyles. These hybrids have a gentle and sweet nature, so they’ll get along with most people they meet.

Don’t forget; you’ll need to make time for regular grooming and exercise for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-Poodle hybrid.

Some patience is also essential in training this dog, as he can be stubborn and have a short attention span.

Want to tell us about your Cavoodle? Leave your thoughts, feedback, and stories in the comment section below.