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Cavapoo Breed Information

Red and white Cavapoo puppy sitting on the bed

The Cavapoo, also referred to as Cavadoodle or Cavoodle is one of the most  sought-after Doodle Dogs . A cross between the affectionate and gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the agile and intelligent miniature Poodle, the designer dog is sure to display a fantastic personality.  

A small dog in appearance, with a sweet round face, endearing large eyes, a button nose, and long floppy ears, the Cavadoodle is truly one of the most adorable and cuddly pups.  

The Cavapoo hypoallergenic coat is soft and silky, and varies from straight to wavy or curly. It comes in a variety of beautiful colors which are most commonly black, brown, tricolor, white, and yellow.  

As a doodle dog or hybrid, the Cava-poo dog (aka Cavadoodle or Cavoodle) embodies the small size of both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mini Poodle. It has an average weight between 8 to 20 pounds and an average height of 9 to 14 inches.  

Affectionate, gentle, graceful, and with an agile mindset, the Cavoodle certainly inherits an amazing set of qualities from both parent breeds.  

BREED TYPE / MIX Doodle Hybrid / Poodle crossed with a Cavalier King Charles ENERGY Moderate SHEDDING Minimum TRAINING Responsive TEMPERAMENT Intelligent, Loving, Social ADULT WEIGHT 8-20 lbs ADULT HEIGHT 9-14 in LIFE SPAN 12-15 yrs

Characteristics

  • Well natured, with a calm temperament and a sweet disposition, known to be highly receptive to human emotion, the Cava Poo (Cavadoodle or Cavoodle) is an excellent therapy dog  
  • Sociable and outgoing, the Cava-poos are the friendliest of dogs – they are friendly and affectionate with kids of all ages, other pets, and strangers  
  • The Cava-poo is best suited for large and small families, with or without children, singles, and seniors  
  • The Cavoodles live longer healthier lives due to hybrid vigor  
  • Cavoodle Puppies are easy to train as they love to learn and enjoy performing for an audience  
  • Cava Poos have hypoallergenic coats and the shedding is minimal  
  • Cavoodles are highly adaptable pups – whether it’s a small apartment or a big house with or without a yard, the Cava Poo is quick to adapt to any living situation   
Red Cavapoo puppy sitting on the grass

Appearance

The Cava-poo (Cavadoodle or Cavoodle) is small in stature, with a sweet round face, big beautiful eyes, a button nose, and long adorable floppy ears. Inheriting the small size of both parent breeds, their height reaches 9 to 14 inches and their weight can be anywhere between 8 to 20 pounds.  

The Cavoodle's coat is hypoallergenic (with minimal to no shedding), varies from straight to wavy or curly, and comes in a variety of stunning colors. The most common colors for this breed are black, brown, tricolor, white, and yellow. As with most crossbreeds, this designer dog can resemble either parent more or can have a balanced mix of features from both breeds. That being said, the Cavalier spaniel and poodle mix does take a little more after the Cavalier King Charles spaniel in appearance, and more after the Poodle in coat qualities.  

The Cavapoo colors are also, in most cases, variations and mixes of colors from both parent breeds, with the rarest and most sought-after being:  

Black or white Cavadoodles are also among the hardest to find. Their size can vary quite a bit as well depending on the size of their Poodle parent. Mini or Toy Poodles are generally used for this Cavalier/Poodle mix. A Cavapoo adult can reach up to 14 inches and 20 pounds. Depending on the Poodle parent's size, these dogs are called either Mini Cavapoos or Toy Cavapoos.

RELATED: Cavapoo Size Guide: How Big Do Cavapoos Get?

Temperament

The Cava-poos (Cavadoodle or Cavoodle) are kind and loyal dogs. Their friendly and cheerful nature coupled with their lack of aggression has made them one of the most sought-after dog breeds. The breed's temperament is even and calm and that is perhaps their most appreciated quality – gorgeous looks aside. They do not bite or growl, they are neither jumpy nor easily scared and they love just about everyone they meet.  

Relaxed, gracious, and well-balanced, this designer dog is fantastic with children of all ages, pets, other dogs, and strangers. Some of their favorite activities include going on long walks and meeting new people, exploring new territories, finding new friends at the dog park, and playing dog games with their human family. With their cheerful nature, their love for games, and cheeky wild side, the Cavoodles will keep everyone around entertained and happy for hours.

They enjoy the occasional dog trick and stunt, and they are quite fond of having all eyes on them. They are sweet, caring, devoted, and family-oriented pups who love being included in every family activity. Although they do become greatly attached to their humans, they are not overly dependent or particularly clingy. This designer dog is known to be independent, and, in most cases, can be left alone for up to 8 hours each day.  

With their athletic and outgoing nature, Cavadoodles also make great hiking companions. Even though they are small toy-sized dogs that are not built for trekking through mountains, the Cavipoo does want to be involved in family adventures and is able to keep up on short hikes.  

To understand some common canine behaviors, learn about why dogs eat grass.

RELATED: Everything You Need To Know About The Cavapoo’s Temperament

Insights

Cavapoo vs Cavachon Comparison

The Cavapoo and Cavachon are two of the most popular small breed dogs. They attribute their worldwide fame to their fabulous personalities, affectionate nature, and adorable looks. The Cavapoo and the Cavachon stand out for their remarkable abilities to adapt easily, learn quickly, and love deeply.  

A puppy’s love is a pure thing and, here at Premier...

More Comparisons to Similar Breeds

F2 Cavapoo: A Beginner’s Guide

F2 Cavapoos, or second-generation Cavapoos (Cavoodles), are a beautiful (though quite rare) breed in the world of Cavapoos. This generation has everything we love about Cavapoos, but with a little twist.  

If you’re new to F2 Cavapoos, are considering one of these beauties as your next pet, or simply curious about what this generation is about, this beginner’s guide is for you. We’ll go over what F2 means for...

More Cavapoo Insights

Care

Grooming

Grooming your Cavapoo puppy both at home and at the dog groomer is essential for your dog’s well-being. Puppies and adult Cavapoos generally have low grooming requirements. Like all dog breeds, they need to have their coats brushed, ears cleaned, nails trimmed, and teeth brushed regularly.

Before brushing your Cava-poo's coat, consider their hair type and what tools are needed for the job. Adult Cavoodles have wavy or curly-textured coats, which means that a bristle brush would work best for them. Ideally, you should brush your dog a few times per week, or daily if time allows. You can also add a slicker brush for your dog to your shopping list, in case your dog's coat gets matted and needs detangling. Mats are common in dogs that don’t get as much brushing as they should. They most often appear behind the dog’s ear, around the legs, and on the base of the tail.

RELATED: Cavapoo Grooming Guide

Cutting your dog's hair is also something that you need to do frequently, especially during summertime. You can choose one of the many popular haircuts that your groomer can do professionally or you can do it yourself at home with the right tools. Favorite haircuts for this breed include the Teddy Bear Cut, the Summer Cut, and the Puppy Cut.

Bathing your Cavalier spaniel and Poodle mix is not something you should do very often. Ideally, one bath every 4 to 6 weeks should be sufficient. Too much bathing is not healthy. It can remove natural oils that are on your dog’s skin and cause dryness and irritation. Dog shampoo is recommended when bathing Cavadoodles. You can opt for mild shampoo for dogs if you choose to bathe your dog at home or allow a professional groomer to choose a shampoo that is right for your dog. 

Most dogs are not eager to sit still while their owners work on giving them a pedicure, which is why it is always recommended to begin this grooming step when the puppies are very young. Overgrown nails are not only uncomfortable for your dog, but they can also cause pain, problems due to breakage, and deformity. If you opt to clip your dog's nails at home, make sure to use nail clippers specially designed for dogs. An ideal time to clip your dog’s nails is after its monthly bath. That is when their nails are softest and easier to clip.  

Ear cleaning is necessary but should not be done daily. Ideally, you should clean the outer part of your dog’s ears with a damp cloth every now and then and allow your dog groomer to take care of cleaning the ear canal every month or so at the vet.  

Teeth brushing is an essential part of grooming that needs to be done on a daily basis. Cava-poos can suffer from poor dental hygiene and other tooth problems if they are not brushed regularly. They can develop bad breath, gum disease, and other unpleasant dental issues. It is recommended to use vet approved dog toothpaste and a toothbrush specifically designed for dogs when brushing your dog's teeth. 

You might also find our blog on Brushing your Puppy’s Teeth useful. 

As always, remember that grooming and training work well hand in hand. Teaching your puppy to be comfortable with being held, inspected, and handled, and allowing them time to become comfortable with the grooming tools before their first brushing or bathing, will set the tone for having an easier time grooming your adult Cavapoo dog in the future. 

RELATED: Grooming your Dog at Home Guide

For more information on how trust can be ruined and rebuilt with dogs, check out our detailed guide.

Exercise Needs

The Cavadoo breed is moderately active. These amazing dogs enjoy canine games and cuddles and are generally relaxed. A 30-minute walk each day coupled with some playtime indoors is enough to keep the dog healthy and happy. Daily mental stimulation is also recommended for this pup.

Health

Cava-poos are generally very healthy dogs. Thanks to reputable breeders and crossbreeding, first-generation dogs, in particular, benefit from hybrid vigor. These dogs are less likely to inherit any conditions that their parents are prone to. Crossing or breeding dogs that don't belong to the same breed but are both purebred, will produce healthy, resilient puppies.  

Although it is unlikely for Cavoodles to inherit any of these health problems, their parents are sometimes prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, allergies, and luxating patella. 

CHD – Canine Hip Dysplasia is a condition that affects a dog’s hip joint as well as its limb movement. This condition is generally seen in larger breeds that have a rapid growth process. Hip dysplasia is not a life-threatening condition, and it is more often seen in large, purebred dog breeds. Cavoodles, which are a mixed breed, are very unlikely to develop this condition. Symptoms of hip dysplasia include unnatural movements, lethargy, leg stiffness, and weakness in the thigh muscles.  

Cataract is a condition that generally affects dogs in their senior years. Other causes for cataracts in dogs include injury to the eyes, inflammation, and sugar diabetes. Although it is not life-threatening, it can cause discomfort and loss of sight, and if left untreated, can lead to glaucoma. Signs of Cataracts in dogs include eye discoloration, dizziness, cloudy eyes, lethargy, excessive blinking, and clumsy movements.

Allergies in dogs are much like human allergies. They can be environmental, food-related, or skin allergies. Symptoms of allergies in dogs include skin irritation, itchiness, sneeze fits, inflammation, hives, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your veterinarian is best suited to identify what causes your dog’s allergies and to treat them accordingly. Cavipoos are not commonly known to suffer from dog allergies, but their parent breeds sometimes are.  

Luxating patella is, in simple terms, a displacement of the kneecap. This condition can be caused by injury or abnormalities in the joint structure. Although this condition is not very common in Cavoodle dogs, it is best to know how to read the signs in case it does occur. With luxating patella, the kneecap slips out of place, causing a dog’s movement to be forced, stiff, and unnatural. The kneecap can slip back into place on its own or require medical intervention for more severe cases. 

In some rare cases, Mitral Valve Disease can also appear in the breed.

Life Span

The Cavapoo's lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. As with all dogs, regardless of their size, a proper diet with just the right amount of exercise and regular vet check-ups will increase their lifespan.  

RELATED: Cavapoo Lifespan: Secrets to Longevity

Training

These dogs are generally easy to train. They very much enjoy the attention they receive during training but can sometimes get bored if not properly motivated. Combining delicious treats with toys, praise, and play will work wonders when training a Cavapoo puppy. Housebreaking and leash training can sometimes be a tricky task, but with proper motivation and positive reinforcement, the puppy will become an eager and obedient student.  

Our Cavadoo breeders as well as our Puppy Agents interact with the puppies daily. This helps in laying down the groundwork for further socialization once the puppies arrive at their new home. Socialization is one of the most essential steps in training. It helps young puppies grow into friendly, sociable adult dogs. These pups are friendly-natured dogs that make fast friends with other dogs and even cats, but they still need to be socialized early on.  

Training your Cavapoo from an early age is key. For those new to training puppies, our guide on early training practices for Cavapoo puppy behaviors can be beneficial.

Puppy socialization should not be rushed, especially in the first few days of the puppy’s arrival home. Allow your little pupppy time to become comfortable with its surroundings and with you before you introduce them to friends, family members, and other pets in the house. Once your puppy is happy with its new surroundings, you can begin introducing friends and family members gradually.

At around 12 weeks old, when your puppy is done with all its vaccinations, you can begin socialization training outdoors where there are other dogs and people for your friendly dog to meet. It is recommended to be patient and not force interactions when the puppy is not ready. If your puppy shows signs of being uncomfortable when meeting or interacting with another dog, it is best that you end the interaction and try again on your next walk. 

Socializing a Cavipoo should go smoothly as they are naturally friendly and outgoing dogs. They are also independent and can be left alone at home for longer periods of time as they are not generally prone to separation anxiety.

More information on how to train your puppy.   

History

The Cavapoo is a designer puppy, a mixed breed of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel crossed with a miniature or toy Poodle. 

The first breeders to have crossed a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a miniature or toy Poodle are believed to be from Australia. Although the exact date when Cavadoo puppies first appeared is unknown, it is widely believed that the breed may have emerged between 1990 and 1995. During those years, the demand and popularity surrounding designer breeds were at their highest peak in both Australia and the United States.

Cavadoos, like the Cockapoos and Goldendoodles before them, were created to display the best of two breeds. The difference between regular crossbreeds and designer dogs like the Cava-doodle can be better understood by looking at their beginnings.

Crossbreeds can be dated back to the early 14th century when several dog breeds that we know today were still being created. During that time, crossbreeds were bred through six or more generations until the desired result was achieved. The main reason behind crossbreeding at that time was to create better-equipped dog breeds that could be used in various jobs.

Many of the larger breeds we know today were created through crossbreeding for jobs like hunting, herding, retrieving, assisting, guiding, and so on. Combining the strengths, skills, and physical qualities of two different dog breeds resulted in a new breed that was perfectly equipped for a certain job. Examples of early crossbreeds that are now recognized as purebred breeds include the English Pointer, Bull Terrier, and Greyhounds. 

Designer breeds, on the other hand, first appeared around 1950 and were created to have more balanced temperaments, better coat qualities, a more unique appearance with traits from two distinct breeds, and a smaller, more manageable size. Unlike larger crossbreeds that are created for working purposes, designer breeds are bred for a smaller, easier to handle size that fits well in an apartment setting and for hypoallergenic purposes that allow them to be owned risk-free by allergy sufferers.

Doodle breeds like the Cava-doodle, which are crossbreeds of a Poodle and a different purebred breed, were bred to inherit the Poodle’s hypoallergenic qualities along with its intelligence and the second breed’s most desirable traits. Like most doodle breeds, Cavipoos are also bred into multiple generations, each generation having certain benefits.

RELATED: A Beginner's Guide To Cavapoo Generations

For example, an F1, which we know as a first-generation Cava-poo and that is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a Miniature or Toy Poodle, is healthier than its purebred parents thanks to hybrid vigor. The F1b – second-generation Cava-poo, which is a mix of an adult Cava-doodle back-crossed with a miniature or toy Poodle, inherits 75% of the Poodle’s curly coat and hypoallergenic qualities. 

Read more about breed generations – F1, F1b, F2. 

As the breeders succeeded in their journey to create a new type of dog, the new doodle dog quickly became a favorite in both Australia and the United States. Soon after the Cavapoo puppies' popularity skyrocketed, breeders took on to creating yet another hybrid – Cavapoochon – a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a Mini Poodle, and a Bichon Frise. Because the designer breed turned out to be a most remarkable dog, breeders also began working on more size variations of the doodle dog, among which the most popular are:  

Although the exact origins of the Cavoodle are yet unknown, we can take a look back at the history of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle breeds to gain a better understanding of the doodle dog.  

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a favorite of noble and royal families for centuries, has been long associated with a life of luxury. King Charles I was so fascinated by the small breed that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was eventually named after him. Being of a sweet and calm nature, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has often been referred to as the “Spaniel Gentle”.    

The Poodle, a beautiful and versatile dog, is one of the most ancient breeds in the world. Raised as a duck hunter in Germany, the Poodle moved on to become the most adored contestant in the dog show ring and a champion of dog sports. Their proud demeanor, elegance, and affectionate nature have won the Poodles a life of luxury among kings and queens. Brilliant, loyal, and adoring, the Poodle is ranked as the second most intelligent breed in the world and is now one of the most popular breeds in the world.  

Other similar breeds that are often compared to the lovely Cavapoo breed are:  

Because of its mixed-breed status, the Cavapoo breed is yet to receive official recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, the breed is recognized by several kennel clubs of hybrid and crossbreed dogs. These are the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Dog Registry of America (DRA), Designer Dog Kennel Club (DDKC), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), and American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC). 

RELATED: Top 30 Cavapoo Facts

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