The Cavapoo is a hybrid dog that was created by crossing a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are often called Cavapoos in the UK but in other parts of the world, they can be referred to as Cavoodles. Originating in America during the 1950s, the Cavapoo was one of the first hybrid designer dogs bred. Cavapoos are popular as family dogs as they are placid, sweet-natured and loyal. The Cavapoo is the smaller cousin of the Cockapoo and can have a high-maintenance wavy or silky coat.
As Cavapoos haven’t been around for very long, each individual is slightly different when it comes to size, personality and coat texture/ colour. This is because these traits depend on the parent dogs and whether the Cavapoo puppy is a first-generation Cavapoo. Cavapoos are thought to be more hypoallergenic than other dog breeds thanks to their poodle lineage and low-shedding coats.
Cavapoos are adorable, they have soft, floppy ears, round faces and large, endearing eyes. Some Cavapoos have more Poodle physical traits while others look more like Cavaliers. The breed is small in size, they are very bouncy and playful dogs. The coat of a Cavapoo can vary from individual to individual, they can have silky Cavalier-like coats or wavy Poodle-like coats. The common coat colours include black, white, gold, chestnut and tricolour.
How big do Cavapoo dogs get?
Height - Males: 33 - 45cm. Females: 33 - 45cm.
Weight - Males: 5 - 10kg. Females: 5 - 10kg.
Cavapoos are known for being friendly, affectionate and clever little dogs that thrive on human company. They have an all-around positive personality which is one of the reasons Cavapoos are so popular, they are outgoing and love to play. Cavapoos will get along with everyone, they are very social and hate to be alone. In fact, they are so friendly they are likely to greet an intruder with a wagging tail so this breed definitely doesn’t make a good guard dog. If you are looking for a dog breed that is affectionate, fairly easy to train and doesn’t need much exercise, the Cavapoo is an excellent choice.
Are Cavapoo dogs intelligent? Yes (3/5).
Are Cavapoo dogs affectionate? Yes.
Do Cavapoo dogs have high or low energy levels? Medium energy levels.
Are Cavapoo dogs loyal? Yes.
Are Cavapoo dogs playful? Yes, they are very playful.
Are Cavapoo dogs aggressive? No.
Are Cavapoo dogs easy to train? Yes.
Are Cavapoo dogs good guard dogs? No, they are friendly towards everyone.
The Cavapoo is a highly social dog that gets along with everyone. Cavapoos are wonderful around older kids but aren’t great with younger children who are too boisterous with them. When it comes to other dogs, Cavapoos are friendly and get along with them. Cavapoos also get along with other pets they have grown up with including cats. When meeting strangers, Cavapoos tend to be polite and friendly.
Do Cavapoo dogs get along with other pets? Yes.
Do Cavapoo dogs get along with other dogs? Yes.
Are Cavapoo dogs good with kids? Yes.
Are Cavapoo dogs good with strangers? Yes.
Cavapoos are excellent dogs for first-time owners. The breed thrives being around people and is eager to please their owners making them easy to train. The Cavapoo is a highly adaptable dog that is just as happy in an apartment as they are in the countryside. While a Cavapoo can handle an hour or two alone this is not a good breed to choose if you are out at work all day. These playful dogs thrive on being around people and Cavapoos are known for being quite sensitive. Thanks to their Poodle heritage and low-shedding coats, Cavapoos are considered to be hypoallergenic.
Are Cavapoo dogs good for first-time owners? Yes (5/5).
Are Cavapoo dogs hypoallergenic? Yes, they are considered to be.
Are Cavapoo dogs prone to drooling? No.
Are Cavapoo dogs a good breed for apartment living? Yes.
Do Cavapoo dogs shed a lot? No.
Do Cavapoo dogs bark a lot? No.
Can Cavapoo dogs be left alone at home? Only for very short periods.
Can Cavapoo dogs handle the heat? No, their short noses can mean they overheat in hot weather.
Can Cavapoo dogs handle cold temperatures? Yes.
Are Cavapoo dogs sensitive to loud noises? They can be.
The Cavapoo breed has an average life expectancy of 12 - 15 years. While the breed is generally healthy, Cavapoos are prone to suffering from some of the conditions the parent breeds (Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) also face. This includes:
Cataracts - Miniature Poodles and Cavaliers are prone to cataracts. This is when the lens becomes cloudy and causes a loss of vision. Eye screening should be carried out on the parent dogs to ensure they do not suffer from the condition.
Syringomyelia - This is a condition often found in smaller dogs, particularly Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. This is caused by irresponsible breeding practices and is when the skull is too small for the brain so cavities develop on the spinal cord and neck resulting in intense pain. Symptoms are usually seen between 6 months - 3 years and regular screening is recommended to be carried out by Cavapoo owners.
Mitral Valve Disease - This disease is common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It is when the mitral valve degenerates and fails the close properly causing blood to flow backwards into the ventricle. This can cause congestive heart failure but regular screening can help catch the disease in its early stages.
Patella Luxation - This is when the kneecap dislocates, something both parent breeds are susceptible to suffering from. This can be treated with pain relief, physiotherapy, exercise control and surgery.
Hip dysplasia - This is a painful condition that causes abnormal development of the hip joints. This is more common in medium-large breeds but can affect Cavapoos. Treatment is available and severe cases may require surgery.
Epilepsy - Cavalier King Charles Spaniels suffer from seizures. This is something that can usually be managed with medication.
How long do Cavapoo dogs live? - 12 - 15 years
Although small in size, Cavapoos are energetic dogs that need a couple of short, leisurely walks a day to keep them happy. It’s important to keep the walks interesting as Cavapoos are inquisitive and will become bored if they walk the same route all the time. Cavapoos love walking around the local park where they can meet lots of dogs and people. One of the most beneficial things for a Cavapoo is a secure back garden or secure grassy area in the park where they can play interactive games and socialise. When at home, dog puzzles and treat finders are a great way to keep a Cavapoo occupied and mentally stimulated.
How much exercise does a Cavapoo dog need? At least 45 minutes per day
Do Cavapoo dogs like water play? Yes, particularly in warmer weather.
The Cavapoo breed is not prone to gaining weight but it is important they are fed the right amount and exercise enough each day to avoid health issues. A Cavapoo puppy needs between 80 - 160g of high-quality dry food per day, the actual amount will depend on the age and build of the puppy. This is just an estimate, every dog is unique and needs a personal dietary plan made.
Are Cavapoo dogs prone to weight gain? No.
How much should I feed a Cavapoo puppy? Between 80 - 160g of high-quality dry food per day, depending on the puppy’s age and build.
How much should I feed an adult Cavapoo dog? Between 65 - 180g of high-quality dry food per day, depending on weight and activity level.
Grooming: The coat of a Cavapoo is high maintenance and requires daily brushing. Fortunately, Cavapoos love the one on one attention they get during these grooming sessions. Cavapoos need to be professionally groomed every 4 - 6 weeks. The breed also gets tear stains so it’s important to clean under the Cavapoos eyes on a regular basis to prevent this. The belly and backside also need to be checked and cleaned regularly as they can become dirty and stained. It is also important to keep an eye on a Cavapoo’s teeth and ears, cleaning them regularly to avoid issues.
Emotional Care: A Cavapoo loves being around others so requires a lot of their owner’s time. They are easy to train and tend to enjoy the process, often wanting to make their owners happy. In terms of exercise, the Cavapoo is not demanding and is more than happy with a couple of short walks each day. If a Cavapoo is left alone all day or doesn’t get to play or exercise each day then they will become bored and depressed. They may bark excessively if they are unhappy, stressed or want more attention.
History of the Cavapoo
First bred in America in the 1950s, Cavapoos were one of the first “designer dogs” that were bred. The Cavapoo was bred to create a low-shedding dog that would be a good pet choice for people suffering from allergies. It did not take long for these small, affectionate dogs to work their way into the hearts of people in the U.S.A, UK and across the world.
Cavapoos are especially popular in Australia where they were bred in high numbers during the 1990s. They are now one of the most popular breeds in Australia, and the rest of the world, and are considered excellent family dogs. As the Cavapoo breed is still relatively new, the size, temperament and appearance of the puppies can vary as different characteristics are inherited from each parent. However, this has not impacted the popularity of the Cavapoo.
Today, responsible breeders will use Miniature Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as opposed to Toy Poodles due to the increase in health issues seen in the Toy breed.
The Cavapoo is one of the first “designer dog” breeds.
Cavapoos are extremely popular around the world.
Cavapoos are also known as Cavoodles.
Cavapoos make excellent therapy dogs.
The Cavapoo breed is good for people with allergies.
If you think a Cavapoo is right for your home, take a look at our buying guide for information on finding and buying a puppy. As Cavapoos can be expensive it is important to be aware of scams and bad practices. To make finding your new dog easier, all breeders on Puppies have been vetted to ensure they are responsible. Check out our Cavapoo Puppy page to find available dogs in your local area.
How much does a Cavapoo cost to buy? £1800 - £3500
How much does a Cavapoo cost to feed? £25 per month
How much does insurance for a Cavapoo cost? - £30 per month
An alternative option is to adopt a Cavapoo. Talk to your local dog rescue centre or speak to the associations below about rehoming a Cavapoo:
