Read time: 9 mins
21 Dec 2019
As a rising star in the world of companion dogs, the Cavapoo has become a beloved addition to households worldwide, known for its adaptable nature, hypoallergenic coat, and irresistible personality.
Cavapoos or Cavoodles – whichever you prefer to call them – are what happens when a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Mini or Toy Poodle meet. These ultra-fluffy pups are full of fun, easy to train and affectionate. They're so irresistibly adorable it's almost impossible to walk down the street without half a dozen strangers stopping to ask for a cuddle. With your dog, that is, not you.
These delightful companions were bred to combine the affectionate nature of the Cavalier with the hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle. The aim was to create a family-friendly dog with a good temperament and minimal shedding, making them an ideal choice for households with children or allergies.
According to the The Kennel Club UK guidelines, Cavapoos are classified as crossbreed dogs. As a crossbreed, they result from the intentional combination of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. While crossbreeds aren't assigned specific breed standards or recognised pedigrees by traditional kennel clubs, Cavapoos are beloved for their charming personalities and make wonderful companions.
Cavapoos make ideal companions for families with children, active individuals and first-time dog owners due to their friendly, gentle nature and adaptable temperament. Well-suited for various living situations, including apartments, these social dogs thrive on companionship, making them perfect for people seeking a loyal and affectionate furry friend.
Additionally, Cavapoos, known for their hypoallergenic qualities, are suitable for individuals with allergy concerns. A patient and gentle approach to training, coupled with regular exercise and attention, ensures a strong bond between the Cavapoo and their owner, making them a delightful addition to a loving home.
Due to their delightful mix of Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a Cavapoo can, in theory, grow up to be any size between the two breeds.
According to We Love Doodles, an adult Cavapoo will stand at around 9 to 14 inches tall. This can vary depending not only on their parent genes but also gender, diet and exercise level.
According to We Love Doodles, an adult Cavapoo will weigh between 10 to 20 pounds.
Typically, a Cavapoo puppy is bred using a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. However, there are some variations that can be bred with a standard size Poodle and this will produce much larger offspring that is likely to exceed 20 pounds and be up to 14 inches tall.
Cavapoos generally stop growing at around 12 months old, with the majority of their growth period happening in the first six months of their life. You can usually have a good indication of how big they’re going to grow from six months onwards.
Cavapoos can have a variety of coat colours, and the specific colouration can vary based on the genes inherited from their parent breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. Common coat colors for Cavapoos include:
Blenheim: This is a chestnut and white color combination, often seen in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent breed.
Tricolor: A combination of black, white, and tan, resembling the traditional markings of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Black and white: Some Cavapoos may have a predominantly black coat with white markings.
Apricot: This color is often associated with the Poodle parent and can range from light cream to a deeper apricot hue.
Red: Similar to apricot but leaning more towards a reddish tint.
Cream: A lighter shade of coat, often solid or with minimal markings.
Chocolate: A rich brown color, sometimes seen in Cavapoos with the influence of the chocolate-colored Poodle.
Whether or not a Cavapoo will shed fur is dependent on which parent they inherit their coat from. Poodles are a low-shedding, allergy-friendly breed. On the other hand, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are higher-shedders.
Generally speaking though, Cavapoos are known to shed very little.
Again, due to their parental variation, it is hard to say whether or not a Cavapoo will be hypoallergenic.
It’s useful to note that no dog breed is considered 100% hypoallergenic, whilst some breeds are regarded as non-shedding, they will still produce dander (dead skin cells) which can also trigger allergy symptoms.
Grooming a Cavapoo involves regular care to maintain their coat health and overall cleanliness. Here are general guidelines for grooming a Cavapoo:
Cavapoos can have curly or wavy coats, which may be prone to matting. Regular brushing helps prevent tangles and keeps the coat in good condition. Brush your Cavapoo at least a few times a week, if not daily, using a slicker brush or a comb.
Bathe your Cavapoo as needed, typically every 4-6 weeks or when they get dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent skin irritation. Be mindful not to over-bathe, as it can strip the coat of natural oils.
Check and clean your Cavapoo's ears regularly, especially if they have floppy ears. Use a dog-friendly ear cleaning solution and a cotton ball to gently clean the ears. Be cautious not to insert anything deep into the ear canal.
Keep the area around your Cavapoo's eyes clean to prevent tear staining. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any discharge.
Consider scheduling professional grooming sessions every few months to maintain a well-groomed appearance. Professional groomers can also help with specific grooming tasks like trimming the coat.
Cavapoos is not only an adorable presence in any household but also a devoted and loyal friend.
Yes, Cavapoos are generally excellent family dogs.
They are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them great companions for children and adults alike.
Yes, Cavapoos are often considered easy to train.
They are intelligent and eager to please, responding well to positive reinforcement and consistent training methods.
Cavapoos are not known to be excessive barkers.
Proper training and socialisation can help manage barking behavior.
Yes, Cavapoos are generally intelligent dogs.
They inherit intelligence from both parent breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, making them quick learners and adaptable to various situations.
While Cavapoos enjoy human company and can experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, they can be trained to tolerate alone time.
It's important to gradually acclimate them to being alone and provide mental stimulation, toys, and a comfortable environment.
Yes, many Cavapoos can swim and may even enjoy it.
However, individual preferences vary, and not all dogs automatically take to water. If introducing your Cavapoo to swimming, do so gradually and ensure they are comfortable and safe in the water.
Cavapoos typically require a moderate amount of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
On average, they benefit from around 30 minutes to an hour of exercise each day. This can include walks, playtime, and interactive activities. While they are not extremely high-energy dogs, regular exercise helps prevent boredom and promotes their overall well-being.
It's essential to tailor the exercise routine to the individual preferences and energy levels of your Cavapoo.
Cavapoos, like many dog breeds, may be prone to certain health conditions, and it's essential for potential owners to be aware of these potential issues. While these conditions may be more prevalent in the parent breeds, crossbreeding can sometimes reduce the likelihood of inherited issues.
Some common health concerns associated with Cavapoos include:
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): This heart condition is relatively common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, one of the parent breeds of Cavapoos.
Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that can affect the hip joint, leading to arthritis and discomfort.
Ear Problems: Cavapoos, with their floppy ears, may be prone to ear infections. Regular cleaning and care can help prevent issues.
Patellar Luxation: This is a condition where the kneecap can temporarily dislocate, leading to lameness.
Maintaining a healthy diet, providing regular exercise, and addressing any health concerns promptly can contribute to a longer and happier life for your Cavapoo.
First and foremost, you should ensure that you’re buying your pup from a reputable breeder or rescue centre. This will help to ensure that your dog has been bred and cared for in the right circumstances. A sound woof of advice from us, if it seems too good to be true it’s likely that it is. A dog is a huge investment in time, money and love, so make sure that you take the time to do plenty of research before making any decisions.
Cavapoos are fast becoming one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK. According to Pets4Homes, they are the second most popular deliberate cross-breed and 20th most popular breed overall. Because of this increased popularity and demand, breeders are able to charge more for a Cavapoo pup.
Based on research they conducted in 2022, the average price for a Cavapoo was estimated to be £1,637.
As well as the cost to purchase a Labrador, it’s important to be mindful of the other expenses involved when bringing a pooch into your life. Such as:
• Vaccines, flea & worming treatments (including initial and yearly booster vaccines)
• Neutering or spaying
• Equipment (collar, harness, lead, bed, bowls, brushes, washes, toys, poo bags)
• Food
• Insurance
• Daycare and boarding
Cavapoos can be extremely fussy eaters indeed. Poodles have a natural tendency to be more picky about their food and often this trait is passed down to Cavapoos. Tackling a fussy pup can be really difficult, but providing them with a delicious dog food with lots of variety is a great first step.
At Butternut Box, we have 12 different recipes, including a veggie and plant-based option if that's your pooch's preference. When you sign up to Butternut Box, we ask you a few questions about your dog, such as their breed, age, weight and activity level. This helps our super-clever algorithm to work out exactly how much food your dog needs to maintain a healthy weight. It even takes into account treats, so you can continue to reward your precious pup.
To get an exact price and plan, click the Build Your Box button.