Published Friday, June 24, 2022 by Elena R. in Popular Dogs
Cavapoos are one of the most popular doodle breeds in the world. Combining the best qualities of Cavalier King Charles spaniels with that of the Poodle breed, these doodle puppies have it all. They are small, fashionable, and truly adorable. Their intelligence levels are high, and they have the sweetest personalities. They are also hypoallergenic, which means you can safely own them even if you suffer from pet allergies.
Cavapoo puppies will make you fall head over heels for them, there is no question about it. Their cute puppy looks and sweet-loving nature are enough to enchant you at first sight. They're fantastic little pets that love their owners strongly, and if that isn’t enough, know that they’re also great with kids. Their qualities are limitless, but they also have a few not-so-great qualities that you should know about before you adopt one. Here are the top 10 pros and cons of owning a Cavapoo.
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Pros of Owning a Cavapoo
The pros of owning a Cavapoo are endless and if we started writing a book about them, we would probably never finish. But today, we’re only going to talk about their most important qualities and the top pros of owning Cavapoos.
Temperament
Cavapoos are lovey-dovey dogs that thrive with attention. Their nature is their sweetest aspect, and it shines through in everything they do. If you decide to own a Cavapoo, know that this designer dog will provide you and your family with joy and unconditional love.
Cavapoos are good with everyone, whether we’re talking about other dogs, pets, strangers, adults, or kids. They have plenty of love to go around and their joy is limitless. Their temperament is calm and gentle, which makes them great pets for all ages. They don’t shy away from games or cuddles, and they are always eager to interact with people.
Their loving and attentive nature also makes them one of the best therapy puppies you could own. Their happy disposition, playfulness, and cuddliness are all it takes to fight loneliness or feelings of depression.
RELATED: Everything you need to know about the Cavapoo's temperament
Size
Cavapoos are small to toy-sized dogs, whether they are F1 or F1b generations. They can weigh as little as 7-8 pounds and reach as little as 9 inches in height at maturity. This means that you can take them everywhere. Traveling with them becomes effortless. You can take them on planes, or even go on a shopping spree with them in your purse. Room at home is also plenty when owning a Cavapoo. These toy dogs take up very little space and can live comfortably in micro apartments.
RELATED: Cavapoo Size Guide: How Big Do Cavapoo Get?
Exercise Needs
Living with a Cavapoo is easy, and this is another big pro of owning one. They are small, easy-to-care-for dogs that don’t require extensive daily walk routines or training. They can be fine with just one walk around the block every day and a game or two with their owners indoors. They can also adapt to a more energetic environment where trips to the dog park and an occasional short hike are part of their daily routine, but they do best with moderate exercise.
As a moderate-to-low energy breed, Cavapoos aren’t demanding at all. 20 to 30 minutes of walks and games is all it takes to keep them happy, healthy, and in great shape.
Health
One of the biggest pros of owning a Cavapoo is that you don’t have to empty your wallet on vet bills. Cavapoos are inexpensive dogs when it comes to veterinary costs. They don’t get sick easily and are pretty hardy. Selective breeding gives designer dogs the best chance for a long, healthy life. Cavapoos, like all designer pups, benefit from health enhancement thanks to hybrid vigor. They don’t inherit the common ailments that affect Poodles and Cavalier spaniels, and they have excellent health records.
Being a cross of healthy, regularly tested purebred parents, these pups can go on their entire lives without suffering from the slightest health problems. Owning a Cavapoo means your wallet is safe and you have a happy dog on your hands for a long time.
RELATED: Cavapoo Lifespan: Secrets to Longevity
Compatibility
Thanks to their amazing personalities and balanced temperament, Cavapoos can be owned by anyone. As we mentioned before, they are great with kids, often sharing the same love for games and friendship. They make one of the best breeds for families with toddlers, teens, and everyone in between.
Their calm nature and low exercise needs also make them perfect little pets for seniors. They are easy to care for and naturally well-behaved. They don’t require much training either, which makes them perfect for non-experienced owners too.
As a single owner, your Cavapoo will be your best friend. And you couldn’t ask for a better pet. Incredible loyalty and devotion are what this dog spoils his owners with.
RELATED: 15 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
Trainability
Smart like the Poodle and eager to please like the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, the Cavapoo puppy makes one terrific student when it comes to training. These designer pups have the ability to learn a myriad of tricks and commands given their intelligence. They are not only impressively smart but also quite eager to learn anything that will make their owners happy.
Like the Poodle and the Cavalier, the Cavapoo can be trained for therapy, service, guidance, and other amazing dog jobs. This dog has an agile mindset, and all you need to activate it is some positive reinforcement and some delicious treats. Praise works wonders when training these puppies, and so do belly rubs and petting. The breed’s intelligence and trainability are one of the best pros of owning a Cavapoo. Anyone can train them, even kids.
Hypoallergenic
Another amazing pro of owning a Cavapoo is the breed’s hypoallergenic qualities. As a Poodle mix, the Cavapoo has a low-shedding coat and less dander and allergy-inducing saliva compared to other dogs. This means that you can safely own a Cavapoo if you are allergic to dogs. And you won’t have to vacuum your house every day because there won’t be hair everywhere. But are all Cavapoos hypoallergenic?
F1b Cavapoos, which are a mix of a Cavapoo backcrossed with a Poodle have better qualities when it comes to allergies. Because they are 75% Poodle, they come with the same hypoallergenic coat their parent is renowned for. F1 Cavapoos can also inherit the Poodles curly, hypoallergenic coat.
RELATED: 10 Reasons Why the Cavapoo is a Top Dog
Cons of Owning a Cavapoo
While owning a Cavapoo comes with more pros than we can count, there are also a few cons a future Cavapoo owner should be aware of. Here are the top cons of owning a Cavapoo.
Grooming Needs
The grooming needs of a Cavapoo can be high, especially if you opt for a longer hairstyle. Frequent brushing and grooming are one of the cons of owning a Cavapoo. These dogs require a brush every other day if not daily, and regular cleaning.
Their grooming needs can be lower if you opt for a shorter haircut like the Cavapoo Puppy Cut or Summer Cut, but you will still need to brush their coats frequently to ensure they don’t get matted or tangled.
Other parts of grooming these cuties involve bathing them every month or so, trimming their nails every few weeks, and brushing their teeth daily. Frequent visits to the groomer are also a possibility, especially if you opt for a shorter haircut. Their hair grows quite long and fast, so this means you will have to give them a professional haircut every month or two.
Attachment Levels
As a dog that loves nothing more than to be with his owners, the Cavapoo is prone to separation anxiety. This is common for all dogs that attach to their humans like magnets. They want to be included in everything their owner does, and if that doesn’t happen, they can become anxious or even destructive.
Cavapoos don’t typically display destructive behavior, even when they are alone. They are more likely to suffer feelings of loneliness and abandonment if they are left on their own for too long. They are not big barkers either, but separation anxiety can cause them to become yappy.
Because of their strong attachment, Cavapoos are typically recommended to families and owners who have someone at home most of the time. Since these dogs are bred for companionship, that is what they crave and need. Being left alone is not something they like or handle well. They can be trained to be a bit more independent, but their nature remains attached.
Adventures and Sports
Cavapoos are not an active breed that you can take on long hikes or runs. They are far too relaxed and prefer to snuggle on the couch rather than climb mountains. Although they love to explore the world at the side of their owners, these dogs are not built for an active lifestyle. Their energy levels are low, which means they are likely to prefer a life of Zen and relaxation.
They have the agility and athleticism to conquer sporting competitions, and they do great when it comes to active games, but they can only go on for about half an hour before they tire and need to rest. Because of this, they are not recommended to owners who lead an active lifestyle. These pups are more suited for a balanced lifestyle that includes a bit of exercise and lots of cuddles.
RELATED: Top 30 Cavapoo Facts
Final Thoughts on the Pros and Cons of Owning a Cavapoo
Like all breeds, designer and purebreds alike, Cavapoo dogs are a good fit for a specific owner and lifestyle. They need to be raised with care and love and will do great with an owner that can meet their needs.
These pups are all about love, cuddles, and companionship. They enjoy being with their owners more than anything else and thrive in a family setting where there are kids to play with and people to love.
Their pros certainly outweigh their cons by a mile, but their cons may be a decisive factor for many potential owners. That’s why it is always best to be aware of them and to do extensive research before adopting a puppy.
Scroll down to see FAQs about the pros and cons of owning a Cavapoo!
Elena R.
About The Author
Elena is a leading expert in the field of dog behavior, care, and training, with over a decade of experience in writing about dogs. As a published writer and lifelong dog enthusiast, Elena currently shares her home with three beloved canine companions. She is dedicated to staying up to date on the latest advancements in dog care and training, ensuring that her articles provide readers with accurate and valuable insights. With her extensive knowledge and passion for all things canine, Elena's contributions to the Premier Pups community offer both expertise and authority on a wide range of dog-related topics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cavapoo, and what are the benefits of owning one? A Cavapoo is a designer breed that is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. Some benefits of owning a Cavapoo include their affectionate and playful nature, their intelligence, and their low-shedding coat.
How much exercise does a Cavapoo need, and what are their grooming requirements? Cavapoos have moderate exercise needs and typically require a daily walk or playtime. They also have minimal grooming needs and only need to be brushed regularly and have their nails trimmed as needed.
What are the potential health concerns of owning a Cavapoo? Like all dogs, Cavapoos are susceptible to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and ear infections. However, by choosing a reputable breeder and providing your Cavapoo with proper veterinary care, you can help mitigate these risks.
Are Cavapoos good with children and other pets? Yes, Cavapoos are generally good with children and other pets when socialized properly. They have a gentle nature and love to play, making them an excellent choice for families with young children.
How much does it cost to own a Cavapoo, and what are some potential drawbacks of owning one? The cost of owning a Cavapoo can vary depending on factors such as the breeder, location, and the dog's age and health. Some potential drawbacks of owning a Cavapoo include their tendency to suffer from separation anxiety, their need for socialization and training, and their potential for health issues that can be costly to treat. However, with proper care and attention, these issues can be managed, making Cavapoos a beloved and rewarding pet for many owners.