A Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.
They’re often dubbed a designer dog because of their increasing popularity over the past decades.
A crossbreed is a dog of mixed blood, whose parents are of two different breeds, or a mixture of several breeds.
The mix have proven popular due to their hypoallergenic qualities and great temperaments.
Cavapoos can come in a range of different colors and sizes depending on which traits they inherit from each parent.
In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into everything Cavapoo to help you learn more about the cross breed.
We’ll hear from Cooper (@_instacoop) and Bella (@bella_the_butternutter) who will help provide an insight into the Cavapoo cross breed.
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What is a Cavapoo?
Bella the Cavapoo (Photo: @bella_the_butternutter / Instagram)
Cavapoo is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. They can also be called Cavadoodles or Cavoodles. Alternatively, you could refer to them as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle mix.
The Cavapoo is a cross breed that excel as companion dogs, although some are exceedingly good at agility.
Where do Cavapoo come from?
Like the Cockapoo, the Cavapoo is a hybrid cross that is thought to have originated in the United States in the 1950s. Their exact origin is unknown.
However, other websites speculate that Cavapoos were bred intentionally for the first time in Australia in the 1990s.
You’ll find Cavapoos across the world due to their soaring popularity as family pets, especially amongst dog lovers with allergies.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The first Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were thought to have arrived in England from Scotland in the 1600s. They were a particular hit with the royal family. As their name indicates, King Charles and King Charles II played a big role in the breed’s development and popularity.
The influx of Asian breeds saw their appearance gradually altered before Roswell Eldridge offered a prize during a Crufts Dog Show in London to breeders who could restore the longer nose that had been commonplace during their initial arrival in England.
The result was the revival of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They’re the 18th most popular dog in the USA.
Poodles
Poodles are often associated with France but their origins can be traced back to Germany. They were often used for duck hunting by the French nobility. Other roles included using their noses to find mushrooms in woods.
They come in three different sizes: standard, miniature and toy. The latter two sizes emerged in the 1400 when breeders looked to create smaller versions of the Poodle. Poodles were recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1886. They’ve got a reputation for being highly intelligent dogs (second only to the Border Collie in The Intelligence Of Dogs).
The AKC ranks the Poodle has the seventh most popular breed in America.
Cavapoo size
Cooper the Cavapoo (Photo: @_instacoop / Instagram)
Cavapoos are usually small dogs with an affectionate and calm nature.
Breeders will usually use a miniature or toy Poodle crossed with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to ensure Cavapoos are relatively small dogs.
Cavapoos have a height range of between nine and 14 inches, while they can weigh between eight and 20 pounds.
Cavapoo appearance
Cavapoo puppy (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Cavapoo will inherit certain traits from their Cavalier and Poodle parent. Therefore, it’s impossible to say with any degree of certainty which characteristics a Cavapoo will inherit from each breed parent.
These mix will usually have a solid head with floppy ears and big eyebrows. They’re small dogs as reflected by their Cavalier parent.
Cavapoos should have a long muzzle with a black nose, with big brown eyes.
Cavapoo colors
Bella the Cavapoo (Photo: @bella_the_butternutter / Instagram)
Cavapoo will come in three main colors: black, white and brown. The designer dog can also be found in chestnut, tri-color, apricot, cream, phantom, red sable and sable.
Cavapoo temperament
Cavapoo have a family-friendly temperament. They usually excel as companion dogs as they like to be in the company of their owners.
These designer dogs could be a good fit for an elderly person looking for a companion or a young family with small children.
Cavapoos like to be in your company so if you have to leave your dog at home for long spells at a time, they may not be the right breed for you.
They’re social dogs that should get on well with other pets and people. However, as with all breeds and mixes, you should socialise your furry friend from a young age.
Are Cavapoos great family dogs?
Cooper the Cavapoo (Photo: @_instacoop / Instagram)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are common family pets due to their affectionate and patient nature. Just like the Cavalier, Cavapoos are active dogs that tend to excel in a family setting.
They’ve got relatively high energy levels so they’ll be able to match energetic small children. Cavapoos will enjoy a game of fetch in the garden, playing some frisbee or even some agility.
Children will need to be educated about how to properly handle a Cavapoo, as they’re still relatively small dogs that still need to be cared for appropriately.
Cavapoo training
Bella the Cavapoo (Photo: @bella_the_butternutter / Instagram)
Cavapoo are considered to be smart dogs so the mixed breed do well when it comes to training.
As we mentioned above, the Poodle is considered one of the smartest dogs in the world. Usually, they’re ranked ahead of other smart breed such as German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.
Of course, there’s no guarantee a Cavapoo will inherit the IQ of their Poodle parent. However, these hybrid dogs are usually considered smart and eager to please.
It’s a good idea to start training at a young age, whether you take your Cavapoo to puppy training, puppy manners class, agility training or hire a private dog trainer.
Cooper the Cavapoo provided us with an insight into his training.
Cooper has been very easy to train since he’s eager to please and quick to learn! I definitely was not the best at strict training, but somehow Cooper is an angel!
Cavapoo exercise
Cooper the Cavapoo (Photo: @_instacoop / Instagram)
These mixed dogs are relatively active dogs that will need regular opportunities to stretch their legs. They’ll benefit from the chance to get some mental and physical stimulation.
Poodles are dogs that require a lot of exercise. Usually Cavapoos will be energetic to a certain degree. Dog walking service Wag Walking recommend 60 minutes a day of exercise or up to eight miles a week.
Of course, you can also play with your Cavapoo in your backyard or garden to deplete their energy levels. Other ideas for exercising your Cavapoo include agility training.
Cooper has moderate exercise needs, according to his mom.
Cooper needs a good 30 minutes of play time each day. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood or a “puppy play date”.
Are Cavapoo hypoallergenic?
Cavapoos have increased popularity over the past couple of decades. This is partly down to their reputation for being hypoallergenic dogs.
A hypoallergenic dog is one that is less likely to trigger a person’s allergies due to a low shedding coat or an ability to produce little dander.
The American Kennel Club write that there’s no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog breed. However, the organization do recognise some breeds as being more hypoallergenic than other types of dog.
The Cavapoo is considered a hypoallergenic mix due to the influence of the Poodle genes.
However, every Cavapoo will be different in this regard depending on how much they take after their Poodle parent.
Cavapoo shedding
Cooper the Cavapoo (Photo: @_instacoop / Instagram)
Cavapoo tend to be low-shedding dogs thanks to their Poodle parent.
Poodles have a unique coat that consists of tight curls which retain the little dander they secrete.
Cavapoos won’t be big shedders but that doesn’t mean they won’t shed a little hair to some degree.
Here’s what Cavapoo World have to say on the subject of shedding:
Whether your Cavapoo puppy will be more on the high or low shedding side, really depends on how much of his or her coat genes are inherited from the poodle as opposed to the spaniel. If the Poodle genes dominate in this particular puppy, you can expect your new love to be fairly low-shedding. Their coat will look and feel much more like a Poodle’s sleek and curly coat than a Spaniel’s soft one.
Cavapoo haircuts
Cavapoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)
While your Cavapoo is likely to be a low shedding dog, you will still have some grooming to consider.
Most Cavapoo owners will give their hybrid dog a haircut every couple of months to maintain the condition and quality of the coat.
There are three types of haircuts that most Cavapoo owners go for:
• Teddy bear haircut – The most popular haircut, this trim will give your Cavapoo a look that isn’t too dissimilar to a little teddy bear.
• Puppy cut – This cut requires their hair be trimmed to the same length all over their body.
• Summer cut – If you’re looking to keep your Cavapoo cool, you can just opt for a short trim all over.
Cavapoo grooming
Cooper the Cavapoo (Photo: @_instacoop / Instagram)
Haircuts are one grooming consideration where Cavapoo are concerned. However, there are more considerations to keep in mind.
You’ll need to brush your Cavapoo a few times a week to ensure their coat doesn’t become matted or tangled.
It’s a good idea to regularly check their ears and ensure hair doesn’t irritate their eyes. By doing so, you can spot potential infections.
Their nails will need to be regularly clipped to prevent them from becoming uncomfortable.
Bella the Butternutter gave us an insight into her grooming regimen.
This is a good question, it totally depends on the level of maintenance you choose for your Cavapoo. We like to keep Bella’s fur short, she prefers it that way, which means getting her groom done every 6-8 weeks or so at around £45 per groom.
Cavapoo eye problems
Cavapoos can struggle with eye problems, especially if hair gets in their eyes. It’s a good idea to wipe their eyes with a clean, damp cloth regularly to ensure they’re clean and healthy.
Embrace Pet Insurance list the following eye diseases for Cavapoo owners to be aware of: progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, cataracts and glaucoma.
Cavapoo health
Cooper the Cavapoo (Photo: @_instacoop / Instagram)
Although Cavapoos are a healthy mixed breed, they can struggle with certain health problems just like any dog. Some of the potential health problems include luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, a heart condition called mitral valve disease and epilepsy.
Here’s what Embrace Pet Insurance have to say about hybrid dogs:
All hybrid dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as purebred dogs can and just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the Cavapoo is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the Cavapoo and the incidence with which they occur in her lines.
Cavapoo lifespan
Cavapoos have an average lifespan of around 12 to 16 years.
Cavapoo diet
Bella the Cavapoo (Photo: @bella_the_butternutter / Instagram)
Just like any breed of dog, Cavapoos require a balanced and complete diet. Based upon our experience, we really believe in dog food delivery companies who provide freshly prepared meals delivered direct to your doorstep. You can check out our top dog food delivery recommendations.
RELATED: The eight best dog food delivery companies
Here’s what Bella the Butternutter had to say about Cavapoo nutrition.
Bella’s diet is incredibly important to me. I want her to eat the healthiest food possible. Bella is part of our family, so deserves to eat like part of our family. I really dislike processed food with lots of additives and nasties, I try really hard for myself to eat as much fresh food as possible – so it’s really important that Bella has the same, as I want her to live a happy healthy and long life. There was a study I read once, that fresh food can increase the lifespan of our dog’s by a dramatic 32 months (when compared to a commercial canned food diet) – From this moment I have never turned back
We have two dedicated articles for Cavapoo owners living in the USA and in the UK if you’re desperately searching for a solution to your dog’s pickiness. For American readers, you can check out the Best Dog Food For Cavapoos in the USA. Our British and Irish readers can take a look at the Best Dog Food For Cavapoos in the UK.
Cavapoo price
Cooper the Cavapoo (Photo: @_instacoop / Instagram)
Cavapoos are a designer breed but that doesn’t mean you should pay over the odds for your dog.
Cavapoo World suggest an average price range of $1,000 to $2,000 for one of these dogs.
They offer the following advice for anyone looking to buy a Cavapoo:
The answer to this question is not so simple. Cavapoo price may vastly vary depending on multiple factors, such as the location of the breeder, how popular the breed is in that particular location, the size of the breeder’s kennel, the lineage of your Cavapoo puppy etc.
Other Potential costs include dog food, pet insurance, grooming, vet trips and much more. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK.
Cavapoo breeders and puppies
If you’re looking for a Cavapoo breeder, you should do a lot of research. We recommend contacting a number of different breeders, going to meet the breeders and their dogs, asking lots of questions and ask to see proof of health checks and documentation before you buy a puppy.
Unlike a purebred dogs recognised by the AKC or the UKC, Cavapoos aren’t a breed. As a result, there isn’t a breed standard that breeders are looking to adhere to.
We strongly advise you avoid buying a dog from a pet store, third party dealer or online. You don’t want to inadvertently encourage the puppy farm industry.
Cavapoo rescue
Of course, you may prefer to rescue your Cavapoo rather than going to a breeder. You could start by visiting your local rescue shelter to see if they’ve got a Cavapoo that needs to be rehomed. Alternatively, you could research a dedicated Cavapoo rescue organisation.
Cavapoo vs Cockapoo
Cavapoo and Cockapoos are two designer breeds that are often confused.
The Cavapoo, as you’ll hopefully know by this stage, is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a miniature or toy Poodle.
The Cockapoo is a cross between an American or English Cocker Spaniel and a miniature or toy Poodle.
Generally, Cavapoos are considered a little less energetic than Cockapoos, with a calmer nature.
Both are hypoallergenic dogs that usually won’t shed much.
Cockapoos tend to be more common than Cavapoos.
Cavapoo to follow on Instagram
If you want to learn more about the Cavapoo breed, you can also look at some examples of these designer dogs on Instagram.
Social media can be a brilliant way to learn more about a particular type of dog.
Dog owners are more than happy to share advice and information related to their experience.
Here are five Cavapoos to check out on Instagram if you want to learn more:
1) Coffee (@coffeethecavoodle)
2) Rafi (@rafi_thecavoodle)
3) Kyo (@kyothecavapoo) – 1,323 followers
4) Bacchus (@hail_bacchus)
5) Royal (@royalthecavapoo)
Cavapoo pictures
Cooper the Cavapoo (Photo: @_instacoop / Instagram)
Cooper the Cavapoo (Photo: @_instacoop / Instagram)
Cooper the Cavapoo (Photo: @_instacoop / Instagram)
Are Cavapoos good dogs for first-time owners?
We asked Cooper’s mom whether she’d recommend Cavapoos for inexperienced dog owners.
100% yes! I wasn’t totally sure I could handle a puppy, but knew it was something I really wanted and Cooper has made it such a pleasure. The first month was definitely tricky while he was potty training and getting in a routine, but really, since then it has been just amazing!
Wrapping up – our final thoughts
Cavapoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)
So there we have it, we’ve reached the end of our feature on Cavapoos.
They’re a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a miniature or toy Poodle.
These dogs are affectionate, companion dogs that are eager to please their pet parents.
They’ll usually have hypoallergenic coats that don’t shed a lot.
