Cavapoo Breed Guide

  • Breed Group
    Breed Group

    Mixed breed

  • Breed Height
    Height

    22-35 cm

  • Breed Weight
    Weight

    4-11 kg

  • Breed Lifespan
    Lifespan

    12-15 years

About the Cavapoo

The Cavapoo or Cavoodle is one of Australia's most popular mixed breeds. They have a gentle temperament and are highly intelligent, making these designer dogs an excellent choice for families with children.

The breed is the result of a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, and many examples of this breed exhibit the best traits of both of their parent breeds, which stands to reason as to why this breed is so popular down under!

What is the history & origin of the Cavapoo?

The origins of the Cavoodle are not certain, as is often the case with mixed breed dogs. While there is little consensus on this breed's origin story, the Cavapoo is a dog of many names:

  • Cavoodle

  • Cavadoodle

  • Cavipoo

  • Cavapoodle

  • Cavadoo

This hybrid or designer dog breed is often restricted to first and second generations Cavapoos by professional breeders. A first-generation Cavoodle is created when a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle are crossed, and a second-generation Cavoodle has two Cavoodle parents.

As a litter is further removed from the parents and first-generation offsprings, each puppy may favour one of the parent breeds and is then no longer considered a Cavapoo.

Who are Cavapoo dogs best for?

Cavapoos are best for families that are as gentle, sweet, friendly, and easy-going as this breed. If the Poodle is strong in your puppy, they may need extra attention and to feel like the centre of your universe.

If your Cavoodle must stay home while you are at work, adopt two or more dogs together to prevent anxiety and depression. Cavapoos also get on fabulously with other dog breeds and other species of pets.

Fleece and wool coat Cavoodles are ideal if you and your family are prone to allergies. Hair coated Cavoodles, on the other hand, generally shed and are not considered hypoallergenic dogs.

How much grooming does a Cavapoo need?

All three types of Cavapoo - hair, fleece, and wool coat Cavoodles - require regular grooming.

Start handling your puppies from the moment you bring them home, so they'll find grooming sessions less stressful. Treats and positive reinforcement are your primary tools.

Caring for your Cavoodle can be as simple as a daily five-minute brushing session at home and a scheduled professional grooming session.

A full grooming session will follow these steps:

  1. Brush out your Cavapoo's coat to fluff, detangle, and remove matted hair.

  2. Soak your Cavoodle's coat thoroughly and lather in an organic, sensitive skin shampoo.

  3. Rinse your dog's coat well, then use some dog conditioner.

  4. Dry your Cavapoo dog's coat while brushing it to keep it tangle-free.

  5. Next, trim the nails.

  6. Clip your dog's coat to keep home grooming sessions short.

  7. Use scissors for sensitive areas like the paws, pads, hindquarters, ears, and face.

  8. Offer a treat and lots of cuddles to your Cavoodle furbaby.

Do Cavapoo bark much?

While these descendants of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are not known for their excessive barking, once a puppy has found their bark, they'll happily let you know!

Like most dogs, your Cavapoo will bark to communicate with you and to alert you to any threats or unexpected changes in the area.

If your Cavapoo barks more than usual, you should first identify the reason for their sudden change in behaviour as it will inform your next step.

Your Cavoodle is a dog with an affectionate nature and very protective of those loved ones. This breed is not shy or fearful, and once a threat is identified, your furry friend will stand its ground and announce it loudly.

If there is nothing threatening in your environment, perhaps your dog is trying to tell you that they are bored. While they are laid-back, bored Cavapoos may become destructive.

Cavoodles are not high energy dogs, but they require stimulation and the attention provided by you, your family, and other pets.

Do Cavapoo bite?

Puppies play-bite, which is normal behaviour in most dogs, including mixed breeds like Cavadoodle. Your puppy will learn to stop this behaviour with the help of obedience classes.

Just like grooming, it's important to expose your dog to obedience training and socialising classes early in puppyhood.

Chew toys will help redirect your dog's biting appropriately. Your little Cavoodle can never have too many toys, and if your wallet disagrees, you can make simple chew toys with some old t-shirts and tennis balls.

What is the temperament & personality of a Cavapoo?

The popularity of this breed is rightfully earned as Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Toy or Miniature Poodle parents created one of the most companionable dog breeds.

These furballs will bond with you and your family very quickly, and you shall have a lifelong, loyal and protective friend.

What is the weight & size of a Cavapoo?

This small breed is ideal for a dog lover who lives in a tiny home.

Toy Cavadoodles are between 28cm and 35cm at the shoulder, while mini Cavadoodles range between 30 and 40 cm.

Cavadoodles weigh anywhere between 3.6 and 11 kg. Despite their low exercise requirements, these lightweight bundles of joy are not prone to excessive weight gain, so keeping them at a healthy weight shouldn't be too difficult.

How much training does a Cavapoo need?

Because this mixed breed is highly intelligent and friendly, training can be a delightful bonding experience for you and your dog, so potty training will be an absolute breeze for this breed.

These affectionate pups need a lot of mental stimulation, and they enjoy learning new tricks. And when you would rather be a couch potato, you'll have a watchful, interested companion.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Cavapoo?

One of the breeders' goals when they crossed a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog with a Poodle parent, was to strengthen the health profile of the new breed.

The Cavoodle breed has achieved this hybrid vigour by eliminating many of the health problems of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

When you adopt a Cavoodle, be sure to ask the breeder to screen the puppies for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Dogs affected by PRA lose their sight with age and become blind.

Both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles are prone to PRA.

What is the lifespan of a Cavapoo?

Healthy, happy Cavoodles can live anywhere between 10 and 15 years, slightly longer than some other dogs.

How much should you feed a Cavapoo?

Remember to continue feeding your new pup the same food they're used to from the breeder or rescue. Implement any dietary changes slowly and allow your dog to take the lead.

These affectionate dogs will gently make it known if a food is not to their liking. Like every other dog, your Cavapoo puppy needs a safe and quiet environment for mealtime.

Whether you provide dry dog food or a raw dog food diet, make plenty of fresh, clean water available.

It is essential that you work with your trusted veterinarian and perhaps a canine nutrition expert to create the perfect balanced diet for your best friend.

What is the price of a Cavapoo in Australia?

When looking for a reputable breeder, keep in mind that there are only three kinds of registered breeders in Australia:

  • Victorian Minister Approved Breeder

  • Domestic Animal Business

  • Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) Breeder

You are more likely to adopt your Cavapoo puppies from a domestic animal business since ANKC breeders only produce pure breed dogs.

Wherever you choose to adopt your puppies, the purchase price or adoption fee is the first financial investment you make toward their future and well-being.

Because this mixed breed is considered a designer breed, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2,500 and $7,000 for one furry bundle of joy.

Pros

  • Low Shedding
  • Eager To Please
  • Good For Novice Owners

Cons

  • May bark a lot
  • Prone to separation anxiety
  • High grooming requirements

Our Handy Cavapoo Guides