Cavapoo: Cavapoo Dog Personality, Adoption and Care

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Vicki Smirnova

Vicki Smirnova is a professional writer and editor who adores animals and helps readers get along well with their pets. She has been working in digital media for more than 5 years and has great experience writing content about lifestyle, including pets. Vicki specializes in dog health and nutrition, cat feeding, dog training. She is an aquarium lover and is passionate to write about fish care at home. Also, Vicki headed several websites and worked as a news editor.

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Updated on: 11/17/2022

A Сavapoo is a mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle. Both of these breeds are ideal as companion dogs due to their natural sensitivity, human orientation and friendly nature.

The result of breeding a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle can be different: some puppies inherit all the best from both breeds. Cavapoos are long-lived: from 10 to 15 years.

This dog looks so charming that meeting this cute creature will not leave anyone indifferent. They are miniature and look like puppies all their lives. Their fluffy fur ensures that they will not freeze during winter walks; a Cavapoo will need a jacket only in severe frost. Their coat color is one color – black, golden, white – or two-color; tri-color is also found (see below).

cavapooPhoto by @Bonandbon from Freepik
Weight8-25 pounds
Height 9-14 inches
Colors and Patternsblack gray red-brown/chocolate/liver fawn cream white
Lifespan10-15 years
Suitable forFamilies looking for an active, playful, hypoallergenic dog

History of the Cavapoo mixed breed dog

The Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle (often a miniature). The Cavapoo existed for many years before Australian breeders began to specifically breed them in the late 90s. They wanted to create a miniature dog for allergy sufferers since its coat is considered hypoallergenic. Also, the future breed was supposed to inherit the calm disposition of the Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Due to the fact that this is a cross between two independent breeds, their offspring are a lottery: Cavapoos can be small or large and completely different colors. [1]

Interesting facts about Cavapoo Breed

The Cavapoo is a popular hybrid dog breed, which is also called a designer dog. They are so cute that, even in adulthood, they look like puppies, and most owners agree that this is the perfect dog.

This designer breed combines the best qualities of two thoroughbred/purebred parents. Such a breed is not genetically fixed; that is, it does not have persistent qualities. Therefore, by inheritance, a puppy can receive any combination of characteristics and features inherent in its parents.

Official cynology has not recognized the design trend in dog breeding. Such dogs do not have a pedigree; thus, there is no official standard, and Cavapoos are not registered in kennel clubs, nor do they participate in exhibitions.

READ MORE: Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier Mix

Cavapoo size

This pet was bred by crossing two breeds: the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the miniature poodle (poodle hybrid dogs). Cavapoos come in several sizes and typically weigh 9 – 25 pounds and are 9 – 14 inches tall at the withers (it is worth noting that many Cavapoos can be smaller or larger).

Teacup Cavapoo

The teacup sized, a relatively new designation (and is the smallest size breeders offer), are typically very small in size: about 5-10 pounds and 8-10 inches tall. Imagine holding a standard-size sheet of paper – this is the size of an adult Teacup cavapoo.

Toy Cavapoo

The Toy Cavapoo is slightly larger than the Teacup Cavapoo. They are traditionally bred from a normal-sized Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a tiny or toy poodle. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel measures 12 – 13 inches in height and weighs 13-18 pounds. At the same time, a tiny or toy poodle weighs 6 to 9 pounds and is about 10 inches tall.

An adult Toy Cavapoo can average 7-13 pounds in weight and about 12 inches tall. If you live in an apartment or condominium, the smaller Toy pet can make a great pet, as they can still live in smaller spaces, unlike other Doodle breeds that need more space to run and exercise.

Mini Cavapoo

The Mini or Miniature Cavapoo size is by far one of the most popular sizes for this dog breed. This size is only slightly larger than the Toy Cavapoo size and is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a mini poodle parent. The mini poodle weighs between 12-20 pounds and is about 15 inches tall. An adult Mini Cavapoo can average 13-25 pounds in weight and 12-16 inches in height.

Most people like Mini puppies because they are not too small, but not too big, either. With their hypoallergenic and non-shedding coat, the Mini Cavapoo is a very sweet companion dog that will get along great with all members of your extended family.

white cream cavapoo puppyPhoto by Dominic Buccilli from Pexels

Full grown

If the breeder used a standard poodle, then you will get a standard Cavapoo. Standard poodles weigh between 40 – 70 pounds and are over 15 inches tall. When crossed with a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, the standard Cavapoo weighs 20 – 30+ pounds and 18 inches tall. Since this is the largest size pet, make sure you have enough space in your house for your dog; this breed also requires daily exercise.

A full-grown pet is a small or medium-sized dog, well built, with correct proportions and a toned body. It has an expressive round muzzle, large almond-shaped eyes and characteristic medium-length, drooping ears. [2]

Cavapoo Personality

Cavapoos are, first of all, good companions – they have a mild and friendly nature. The puppy will be attached to the owner from the very first day. They are complaisant and obedient and simply adore people, trying to be near them all the time. They love to play and have fun, especially if they find the support of one of the family members. They get along great with children.

Cavapoos are very attached to people and are friendly with other pets. Cavapoos are gentle creatures that love to be played with. The dog does not like loneliness and is sad without attention. Therefore, leaving home, you need to leave toys.

Adaptability3
Adapts to apartment living3
Tolerates being alone2
Tolerates cold weather4
Tolerates hot weather3
All around friendliness5
Affectionate with family5
Kid-friendly5
Dog friendly4
Cat friendly4
Friendly toward strangers4
Health/grooming3
Amount of shedding2
Drooling potential1
Easy to groom3
General health3
Trainability3
Easy to train4
Intelligence4
Tendency to bark or howl3
Activity3
Energy level3
Intensity2
Exercise needs3

Activity and Dog Training

Cavapoo puppies are intelligent dogs and very energetic; however, they need early socialization. They are easy to train and will understand and clearly execute commands after 9-12 months. During training, the dog is recommended to be encouraged in every possible way.

It is recommended to take a course of early socialization with the Cavapoo and teach it the basics of obedience. Like all small dogs, the pet has difficulty learning the house is to be kept tidy, so it is recommended to crate it at first.

READ MORE: Wheaten Terrier Poodle Mix Breed Care, Temperament and Adoption

Care

The soft and silky coat of the dog can be slightly curly and fall in free waves. Depending on the coat type, this pet may need regular brushing to prevent tangles. Also, a pet of this breed may need the services of a professional groomer. It is important to keep the ears clean and trim the dog’s nails regularly.

Cavapoos can be susceptible to all hereditary diseases of source breeds, including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, thyroid problems, cataracts and other eye diseases. They can be prone to ear infections, so keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry is important.

Is a Cavapoo Hypoallergenic?

If a Cavapoo has inherited the traits of poodles to a greater extent, then it will hardly shed. This is a good pet choice for those prone to wool allergies. Please note that the coat and skin of the Cavapoo need regular care: comb out three times a week; wash every three weeks.

Cavapoo Breeders

Canine organizations today do not recognize the Cavapoo puppies as a breed, so there is no official standard. If you want to take a dog of this breed into your family, the most important thing is to give preference to a responsible breeder who will honestly provide comprehensive information about the pet’s parents and the pet itself: its character, eating habits, health status and nuances of caring for it.

When looking for a puppy, try to get one from a trusted breeder; otherwise, the dog may have health and socialization problems if kept improperly.

Price

If you want to own a dog of this breed, be prepared to pay around $1,500 (or more) for a Cavapoo puppy from a reputable and responsible breeder.

Adoption and Rescue

If you want to adopt a pet of this breed, go to the DogTime adoption page. Here, you can search for suitable dogs for adoption by breed!

Conclusions

This designer hybrid dogs are friendly, sociable and get along well with children. They are always happy with outdoor games. These fluffy pets feel great in a city apartment, but they certainly need to be taken for a walk every day.

This pet is a cute dog, but with character. The upbringing of the Cavapoo must be ongoing. Even if training at a very early age does not give the expected results, continue to patiently educate the pet, teach commands and show it how to play with puzzle toys.

Usually, Cavapoos like to bark loudly. It takes up to a year to train a dog to stop barking on command. You may need the help of a dog handler.

These dogs adore their owners so much that they become melancholy even because of a short separation. And when a dog is bored, this is a direct path to destructive behavior. This pet is best left alone as little as possible; therefore, such a pet is not suitable for people who stay at work for long periods of time and are rarely at home.

READ MORE: Chinese Dog Breeds

FAQ

Are Cavapoos good family dogs?

The Cavapoo is an affectionate, loyal and very friendly do that gets along well with older children (who know how to handle a dog) and is friendly with other dogs and other pets.

Do Cavapoos bark a lot?

Usually, Cavapoos like to bark loudly. It takes up to a year to train a dog to stop barking on command. You may need the help of a dog handler.

How much money does a Cavapoo cost?

Be prepared to pay $1,500 for a Cavapoo puppy from a reputable breeder. The average price of a puppy from a reputable breeder is usually over $1,500.

What problems do Cavapoos have?

Cavapoos can be susceptible to all hereditary diseases of source breeds, including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, thyroid problems, cataracts and other eye diseases.

Are Cavapoos high maintenance?

The Cavapoo may need regular brushing to prevent tangles or may need the services of a professional groomer. It is important to keep the ears clean and trim the dog’s nails regularly.

Article Sources:

  1. “Poodle. Description, Uses, Crossbreeds, & Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, britannica.com/animal/poodle#ref923336.
  2. “English Toy Spaniel. Breed of Dog.” Encyclopedia Britannica, britannica.com/animal/English-toy-spaniel#ref116217.