Cavapoo is an allergy-friendly, intelligent and sturdy crossbreed between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This mixed breed is also known as the Cavoodle, Cavoos, Cavipoo, Cavadoodle, or Cavapoodle. Cavapoos have 3 types of coats.
Generally, Cavapoos are friendly, sociable dogs that have a sweet expression and make great family pets.
Cavapoo is known for his sweet expression, being sociable, friendly, and is a prized family pet.
This dog gets his charms from both of his parents that are outgoing, playful, and loving. With these qualities, this Cavalier Spaniel Poodle is becoming increasingly popular among dog lovers.
There is a lot about this dog than what meets the eye and most of which we are going to talk about in this Poodle mix guide. We are also going to look at some ways you can take care of him once he is home.
Let us get right into it.
Cavapoo mix at a glance
Initially, Cavapoos were bred to be hypoallergenic dogs and that makes them great for allergy sufferers.
These pooches are part of the growing designer dogs trend and are one of the most popular designer dogs.
You should not expect one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle mix to look similar to the other. However, breeding of this canine has become more consistent producing offsprings of consistent qualities.
But you should expect each dog to have their unique traits because just like hoomans, dogs are individuals.
In your search for a Cavalier Poodle, you can never be completely sure of how the puppy is going to turn out.
At other times you may even get a dog that looks more like one of the parent breeds than the other. There is a belief that this furry friend is one of the healthiest dogs, but this theory is yet to be proven.
Cavapoos are highly adaptable, good for apartment living, and very social even with a stranger seeing them as potential friends.
However, you have to get this dog socialized at an early age for him to get along well with strangers and other pets. Early socialization also makes sure that the dog becomes a well-rounded for you something that we all like to have in our dogs.
About the Cavapoo
The breeders’ main intention of crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle was to get a hypoallergenic dog breed for dog lovers that are prone to suffer from dog-related allergies.
Crossbreeding to get this hybrid started in the 1950s in America.
However, breeding of the Cavapoo is often credited to a 1990s Australian breeding program. They are said to have produced the first Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix.
Both the Miniature and Toy Poodle can be used to produce these dogs but the Miniature Poodle is preferred.
Breed and pedigree recognition
Although both of his parents are recognized by the American Kennel Club the Cavapoo is not.
However, there are some kennel clubs and organizations that recognize this pooch.
These are;
- The Dog Registry of America Inc
- American Canine Hybrid Club
- Designer Breed Registry
- Designer Dogs Kennel Club
- The International Designer Canine Registry.
General Characteristics and general appearance
Cavapoo Summary Table | |
---|---|
Size | 9 to 14 inches |
Weight | 7 to 18 pounds |
Lifespan | 10 – 14 years |
Breed Type | Mixes and more |
Purpose | Companions and family dog |
Suitable For | Families and apartment living |
Color Variations | Gold, black, white, Blenheim(brown and white), or tricolor (black, white and tan) |
Temperament | Good-natured, Affectionate, Sociable, Loyal, Playful, Friendly |
Other Names | Cavoodle, Cavoos, Cavipoo, Cavadoodle, or Cavapoodle |
Height and weight
On average, a Cavalier Poodle puppy will grow to a size of between 9 to 14 inches and weight anywhere from 7 to 18 pounds depending on the size of the Poodle used during breeding.
The Physical appearance
These dogs are compact with long floppy ears and large brows.
Their wide-set eyes are large and round giving them an innocent and expressive appearance.
They also have a long muzzle with a cute bottom nose with small round, fluffy feet.
Cavalier King Spaniel Poodle mix coat appearance and shedding
Cavadoodles can come in 3 different coat types.
- Wool
- Fleece which is the most common
- Hair
The different types of fur depend on the genes that are inherited from the parent breeds.
Most of the dogs have a wavy or curly coat while some have a hairy coat that is quite wiry and rough almost similar to that of Terriers.
The wool coats have tight curls which makes them low-shedding.
Some may inherit the soft Poodle’s coat while some may inherit the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coat which has a silky feel to it, is longer and wavier.
Cavapoos that inherit the Poodle is said to be hypoallergenic and have minimal shedding.
Colors:
The coat colors also vary widely with the most common colors being
White | Chestnut | Black |
Tri-color | Sable | Cream |
Phantom | Apricot | Red sable |
Is the Cavapoodle hypoallergenic?
No dog can be 100% hypoallergenic.
These dogs are bred from Poodles which is considered to be hypoallergenic. So, if you are an allergic sufferer then this dog might be suited for you.
But you should remember that this all depends on what you are allergic to. If you are allergic to dog saliva or urine then your allergy may be triggered.
If you are allergic to dog dander then a Cavapoo will do just fine as he sheds less and in the process produces less dander when compared to other dogs that might cause allergic reactions.
Before buying a puppy, spend time with the adult parents and monitor your reactions.
Cavoodle temperament and personality traits
Characteristics | rating |
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Exercise requirements | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of training | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Friendliness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Adaptability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of care | ⭐⭐ |
Sociability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
This is a people-oriented dog with a strong desire to please.
These dogs tend to incredibly smart thanks to their Poodle parent which is listed as one of the smartest dog breeds on the planet.
Due to their intelligence, training these dogs is fun as they always want to learn new tricks and commands.
The desire for Cavapoos to be around people makes these dogs susceptible to separation anxiety if you leave them alone.
He is also clingy and if you don’t like being followed everywhere by your pooch, this may not be the best canine for you.
They are, however, not lapdogs. This is mainly because of his high energy and likes to spend his time doing various activities such as swimming, hiking, and even playing.
Is Cavapoodle good with children?
Cavapoos are outgoing and affectionate dogs that are good and playful with children.
However, kids can get extra cheerful and rowdy when they get a puppy and in the process end up hurting or frightening the Cavapoo puppy.
A person of any age would find the personality of a Cavapoodle appealing. This applies even to older people as Cavapoos would make great companions for them.
Does the Poodle Cavalier King Spaniel mix bark a lot?
Cavapoos don’t have a reputation to bark a lot.
However, some dogs can be noisier than others but all these depend on genetics, the environment, and the training that you give him.
He may bark when he sees a stranger at the door but this will be to alert you.
Even with that said, he will not react with aggression towards the stranger but rather welcome them with enthusiasm just like he would do for any other family member.
Also, you should not expect a Covapoo to be a guard but he will tend to protect the house if he has inherited a lot of the Poodle’s genes.
How to Feed a Cavapoo
When it comes to a Cavapoodle’s health and wellness it is essential to choose the right diet.
Making this decision can be challenging because there are so many options out there that are being pushed and advertised.
These options range from wet food, dry food, canned to raw food. This is why you should do your research and make sure that you are well-informed on the best diet for the dog.
This is a small breed but he can use 25 calories per pound of his body weight each day.
Research has shown that dogs are more carnivores than there are omnivorous this means that diet should have meat as the main ingredient.
However, you can still feed them on other foods such as safe vegetables and fruits.
Something else that you should consider before feeding your Cavapoo is the age of the pooch. Transitioning from one food to another can be a tricky process but should be done slowly and carefully.
Feeding puppies
Once you have gotten your Cavapoodle puppy from your breeder or a rescue shelter you may want to change the puppy’s diet.
This should be done gradually as doing it too fast may upset the dog’s stomach.
Puppies that are up to 4 months should be fed 4 times a day.
Have a strict feeding schedule with intervals where he can go to the bathroom.
Raw food is not recommended for puppies due to their fragile digestive system. At this age, you should not give your puppy too much protein as it may overspeed their growth and affect bone development.
As the puppy matures you can start feeding him 2 or 3 times a day.
You can introduce your puppy to bones but be careful not to give him cooked bones.
These dogs reach maturity when they are between 12 to 18 months old. At this age, you can feed the dog once or twice every day.
Speak to your veterinarian to get advice on what the best diet for your dog is and if you notice and if you notice any health issues that may be food-related.
Cavalier Spaniel Poodle mix kibble feeding tips
Always read the labels to make sure that meat is the main ingredient. The more the meat-based protein that is in the kibble the better it will be for your pooch.
You should also consider what is in the kibble besides meat.
Look for a label that says that the meal is complete and balanced which is a good sign of high-quality kibble.
Pick the food product that is marked for small dogs as Cavapoodle mix is a small dog breed.
Calorie requirements:
- Adult; 300-600 calories
- Puppy; 480-1000 calories
Exercise requirements
The Cavapoo may be a mellow and gentle pooch but he loves to exercise and this is thanks to his Poodle genes.
Anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes of exercise every day will be good for the dog before he lays down to rest.
When they are not playing or running in the yard yo can simply play brain games with them as this is a really intelligent dog.
Just don’t use too many food games to prevent over-eating. What you can do is split their meal times into game rewards.
Cavapoo grooming requirements
This breed is considered to be a high maintenance breed although he doesn’t shed much.
The attention that a Cavapoo requires is more than other dogs do. This is mostly for those Cavapoos that have inherited the Poodle’s coat which easily gets tangled(happens especially in the armpits and the collar sits or harness) unless well taken care of.
You must familiarize your pooch with grooming while he is still young to prevent having trouble when he gets older.
Visit a groomer after every to have your dog professionally groomed and clipped.
Brushing the coat
One of the best brushes to use while grooming this canine is a pin and bristle brush(a simple two-sided brush). The softer side is used for styling the coat while the harder metal side is used for getting minor tangles out.
You need to brush the coat several times a week to keep it free of tangles and soft.
It is also important that you brush the coat after bathing the dog as it can frizz and lead to future tangles.
While brushing you need to make sure that you start it from a small section(head or foot) and go on covering the rest of the body.
Be gentle with the dog while brushing.
To get out those major tangles and knots from your dog use a metal brush that has wide teeth. You can also get a de-matting comb that is used for the same purpose.
Hair trimming:
If you don’t have experience with trimming your Cavapoodle then it would be better if you took him to a professional groomer.
Tell your groomer how you want your dog to look since there is no standard for trimming a Cavapoo’s hair.
Some owners prefer the Teddy bear clip which keeps the body and legs relatively short with a round face.
It is recommended that you carry a photo showing how you want your pooch to be trimmed.
There is hair that grows in the ears which can lead to infections and eventually lead to sinus issues. To prevent this make sure that your groomer has plucked the hair from the dog’s ears.
The ears should be kept clean as the Cavvy parent breed is prone to ear infections. Wipe the ears with clean, damp clothing, and also, don’t forget to frequently clean the dog’s teeth.
Nail clipping:
If your dog is walking and you hear the nails hitting the floor then that means that there are too long.
The nails need to cut if the dog frequently walks on cement surfaces or any other hard surfaces.
Nail clipping and trimming can be done by a professional groomer that is if you don’t feel comfortable while doing it yourself.
You will need a pair of good nail clippers to do this by yourself.
Cavapoo Training requirements
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle mix is a highly trainable hybrid.
This hybrid dog is not completely established and the claims cannot be fully proven as each generation usually has different traits.
However, if you own a Cavapoo you will find that he responds well to reward-based training and positive reinforcement.
Using aversive training methods such as punishment may result in the dog being aggressive from fear and anxiety.
For example, if you want to train your dog to sit, reward him when he sits once you mention the “sit” command.
The dog quickly associates the behavior with a reward and will always react positively. If she fails to sit then do not punish her and instead of doing this then just ignore the behavior.
Potty training should be your priority immediately your dog gets home or when the Cavapoo is still young.
To learn more about toilet training you can visit the article in this link.
Crate training should be your next priority as you go about training this dog.
Once you have completed house training, you can proceed to manners training. You should train your dog that jumping on people and biting are not good behaviors.
Early socialization is important, introducing the dog to the world and other different people and animals.
This is so that they don’t respond with fear or aggression as they will have already experienced a different side of the world apart from home.
Known health issues with this Poodle mix
Just like any other dog crossbreeds and mixes are susceptible to inherited diseases and genetic health problems. Cavapoos are susceptible to the health problems of both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle.
With this said there is also a chance that the crossbreeding these two dog breeds lower the chances of certain inherited health complications.
Some of the health-related problems with the Cavapoo are:
Hip dysplasia
This is an inherited condition where the bone at the thigh fails to fit the hip joint snugly.
Some dogs will show signs of pain on one or both of the rear legs but others may not show any sign that they are not comfortable.
To diagnose the best thing you can do is to get an x-ray screening. As the dog gets older he may develop arthritis.
Patellar luxation
This condition is also known as stifles and is a condition that is common in small dogs.
Luxation means the dislocation of an anatomical part. Patellar luxation occurs when the dog’s kneecap(patella) is gets dislocated from the grove of the thigh bone in the femur causing a lot of pain to the dog.
This condition can also cause your dog to get crippled but your Cavapoo can still lead a normal life even with the condition.
Heart defects
This condition is common due to the prevalence of this condition in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Retinal atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy(PRA) is an inherited condition.
The degeneration of the retinal nerve cells may cause night blindness, loss of vision in Cavapoos. This is a common issue in many hybrids and pedigrees.
Pros and cons of the Cavapoo
Pros |
Cons |
---|---|
Cavapoo is a low shedding suited for allergy sufferers | Cavoodles are not suited for busy owners |
Cavapoodle can easily adapt to life in an apartment and have a long lifespan | Cavapoos cannot be left alone for long periods as they can develop behavioral issues and separation anxiety |
They come in different colors sizes and textures giving you a wide variety to choose from | Cavapoodles are nor recommended for owners that have very young children |
Cavapoos have a sweet appearance | Grooming takes a lot of time and attention |
Cavoodles are good therapy dogs thanks to their kind, affectionate, sensitive, and placid temperament | Even if they are well socialized and trained Cavoodles tend to chase smaller animals |
These dogs have a high intelligence and energy levels | They can develop hereditary health issues |
They are highly trainable and are always ready to learn new tricks and commands | Cavapoodles are very sensitive to heat and too much heat could kill them |
Cavoodle get along well with children and other pets | When they are young Cavoodles should not be over-exercised due to their sensitive bones and joints |
They are good companion dogs | These dogs are super clingy following their owners everywhere they go |

Breeds Similar to the Cavapoo
Cockapoo = Poodle + Cocker Spaniel
Maltipoo = Poodle + Maltese
Labradoodle = Poodle + Labrador
Goldendoodle = Poodle + Golden Retriever
Schnoodle = Poodle + Schnauzer crossbreed
Peekapoo = Poodle + Pekingese
Yorkipoo = Poodle + Yorkshire Terrier
Pomapoo = Poodle + Pomeranian
Pomapoo = Poodle + Pomeranian
Chipoo = Poodle + Chihuahua
Poochon = Poodle + Bichon Frise
Doxiepoo = Poodle + Dachshund
Bernedoodle = Poodle + Bernese Mountain Dog
Bassetoodle = Poodle + Basset Hound
Boxerdoodle = Poodle + Boxer
Bossi-Poo = Poodle + Boston Terrier
Lhasa Poo = Poodle + Lhasa Apso
Eskapoo = Poodle + American Eskimo
Jack-A-Poo = Poodle + Jack Russell Terrier
Breed summary
Cavoodle has the intelligence of a Poodle and the gentle nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
This breed is a good family pet and will fit in any family.
They are highly trainable and are always ready to learn new tricks and commands.
There you go WOOF!!