Cavapoo's are are a crossbreed of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle (often a miniature poodle or toy poodle) and in some circles are known as Cavoodles. They have become a very popular companion dog who are known for their outgoing, loving, affectionate nature, and their agility too. Their playful personalities have made them one of the worlds most adored pets.
Poodles are hunting dogs, they are excellent at flushing out birds and make great swimmers. Cavaliers on the other hand were bred to be companion dogs who would help keep the laps of nobility warm. During cold carriage rides, nobility would often travel with a Cavalier on their lap to keep them warm (hence why they make great lap dogs today). King Charles II loved the breed and it has since been named after him.
History
Cavapoos are a designer breed that originate from Australia. Poodle crossbreeds were very popular and around the 1990s this is when they were also crossed with the King Charles Spaniel. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognise the breed as they do not recognise hybrids. However, in 2009 they were recognised by the International Designer Canine Registry (IDRC).
Personality
Cavapoos can inherit the best traits of both parent breeds. They are often intelligent like the Poodle and have the Cavalier's sweet, gentle personality. Cavapoos are good family dogs and get along well with children and other pets. They are also low shedding dogs, making them a good choice for people with allergies. Always check with a vet and a doctor first to check they are suitable for your specific circumstances.
If you are looking for a friendly, loving and playful dog, a Cavapoo may be the perfect pet for you. Cavapoos are only as well behaved as they are trained to be. When they are puppies it is important to use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour. Early socialization is important to ensure they get on well with other dogs.
Whilst Cavapoo's generally have a good temperament, it is important to ensure they have enough mental stimulation and exercise to ensure they don't become agitated due to boredom. They also like being around people, and whilst they are not 'velcro dogs' they can get separation anxiety if left on their own.
Cavapoo's come in a variety of coat colours including black, white, chocolate, brown, chestnut, red, white, apricot, fawn and cream. Cavapoo's can have either straight or curly fur and the amount of grooming they need will depend on which parent breed they take after most.
Cavapoo's can have a range of coats depending on what traits they take on from their parents. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have long wavy hair while poodles are generally have more tightly-wound wool-like hair. This gives rise to the medium length wavy hair we know and love in their Cavapoo offspring. However, their hair can be more curly, or more straight depending on what traits they inherit from what parent.
Poodles require more grooming than Cavaliers, so a Cavapoo that takes after the Poodle may need to be groomed more regularly. It is important to brush your Cavapoo's coat regularly to remove any loose hair, prevent tangles and keep them looking their best.
Cavapoo Puppies
When choosing a breeder it is important to do your research to ensure the pup you are getting comes from a home where animals have been treated well. You will also want to know that your pup has been screened for health issues that are common in Cavapoos. Reputable breeders will often give a health guarantee on their puppies.
Health Issues
Some common health issues in Cavapoos include mitral valve disease, progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, glaucoma, cataracts, entropion and others. Many reputable breeders will have documentation on the pups parents that shows testing on their patellas, hearts and eyes. Make sure to check this documentation and take advice from a vet as a minimum before bringing a Cavapoo puppy into your home. If you don't you will risk very expensive vet bills and an unhealthy puppy.
Smaller breeds often have problems with their patellas, where their kneecaps will move around and can slip out of place. This can be a minor issue but it is best to get it checked prior to handing over any money. Additionally they can be prone to ear infections and eye diseases that can sometimes lead to blindness. These tests are also important in the case of adoption too.
Cavapoos can develop tear stains under their eyes. It isn't generally associated with a health problem but always check with a vet. Stains can be avoided by wiping the area with a moist cloth each day and keeping the hair around their eyes short.
As with most dogs, it is important to keep them well groomed, their nails trimmed and their ears clean. Most of this can be done by dog groomer, check beforehand that they have plenty of experience with Cavapoos.
FAQs
Are Cavapoos Hypoallergenic?
Close, Cavapoos are considered to be a very hypoallergenic dog breed. This means that they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people who suffer from pet allergies. However, it is important to note that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic and that each person's reaction to a dog will vary. Always consult with your doctor and/or allergist to see if a Cavapoo is the right pet for you.
Are Cavapoos Smart?
Many Cavapoos inherit the intelligence and obedience of their Poodle parent. This means that they are often quick to learn new commands and can be easily house-trained. However, like all dogs, Cavapoos require regular training and socialization in order to stay well-behaved. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not considered as smart as their Poodle counterparts but make up for it with their eagerness to please. Always have some rewards on hand when training as their are few things Cavapoos love more than praise and treats!
Are Cavapoos Good With Kids?
Cavapoos are generally good with kids. They inherit the loving and gentle nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel which makes them great family pets. However, it is important to socialize your Cavapoo from a young age so that they are comfortable around children. Always supervise younger children when they are around dogs and teach them how to interact with animals safely.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Cavapoo?
The life expectancy of a Cavapoo is 10-15 years. Cavapoos are a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. Both of these breeds have a life expectancy of 10-15 years, so it is no surprise that their Cavapoo offspring has a similar lifespan. All dogs are different and some may live longer or shorter depending on their genes and lifestyle.
Are Cavapoos Easy To Train?
Cavapoos are generally easy to train. They partially inherit the intelligence of Poodles and the eagerness to please of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel making them obedient. However, like all dogs, Cavapoos require regular training and socialization in order to stay well-behaved. Start training your Cavapoo from a young age and be consistent with your commands.
Do Cavapoos Shed?
Cavapoos have a coat of fur that will need to be brushed regularly to remove any loose hair. They do not shed as much as other dog breeds, but they will still lose some hair. Brushing your Cavapoo's coat regularly will help to keep it looking its best.
How much should you feed a Cavapoo?
Cavapoos typically require two meals per day and eat a similar amount to other small/medium sized dogs. Be sure to speak to your breeder and veterinarian about the recommended feeding schedule for your Cavapoo. They can help you find a food that is right for your dog's age and size. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems, so be sure to stick to the recommended feeding schedule.
Cavapoos typically eat a diet of dry food, wet food, and treats. Breeders and veterinarians can help you find a food that is right for your dog's age, size, and activity level.
Are Cavapoos Barkers?
Cavapoos are not known to be barkers. However, all dogs have the potential to bark and it will depend on how well they are trained. Cavapoos that inherit the barking tendencies of their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent may be more prone to barking than those that take after the Poodle parent. Always train your dog not to bark excessively and provide them with enough exercise so that they are not bored. Toys also help keep their minds busy!
Can Cavapoos Swim?
Cavapoos can swim, but they may not be very good at it. Their small size and thick coat of hair may weigh them down and make it difficult for them to stay afloat. It is best to keep your Cavapoo out of the water (especially where there are currents or waves) unless you are positive that they can swim well.
Do Cavapoos Like To Cuddle?
Cavapoos are known for being loving and affectionate. They often enjoy cuddling with their owners and may even sit in laps. Cavapoos that take after the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent tend to be more cuddly than those that take after the Poodle parent. However, all Cavapoos enjoy spending time with their human family.
Do Cavapoos Like to Play?
Cavapoos love to play and can get along well with children. They will usually inherit the playful nature of the Poodle parent. Games like fetch or tug-of-war are a great way to keep your Cavapoo entertained. Always supervise young children when they are around dogs and teach them how to interact with animals safely.
Do Cavapoos Need A Lot of Exercise?
Cavapoos need moderate exercise, but they do not require as much as some other dog breeds. Two daily walks or play sessions should be enough to keep your Cavapoo happy and healthy. Remember that they are a hybrid dog so if your Cavapoo takes after the Poodle parent, they may need a bit more exercise to prevent them from getting bored.
Do Cavapoos Get Along With Other Dogs?
Cavapoos usually get along well with other dogs. They inherit the social nature of their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. However, it is always important to supervise your Cavapoo when they are around other dogs and make sure that they are getting along well. If you have another dog at home, introduce them slowly and be prepared to intervene if there is a problem.
Do Cavapoos Get Along With Cats?
Cavapoos can get along well with cats, but it is always important to supervise them when they are around other animals. Some Cavapoos may take after the Poodle parent and be more interested in chasing cats, while others may inherit the docile nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. If you have a cat at home, introduce them slowly and see how they react to each other.
Do Cavapoos Like To Chew?
Cavapoos, like all dogs have the potential to chew on things. Chewing is often a sign of boredom or anxiety. If your Cavapoo is chewing on things, make sure that they are getting enough exercise and provide them with plenty of chew toys to keep them occupied while teething.
How Big Do Cavapoos Get?
Cavapoos are a small to medium sized breed. They typically weigh between 10 and 25 pounds when they are full grown and stand between 8 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Cavapoos that take after their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent tend to be on the smaller side, while those that take after their Poodle parent may be larger.
Do Cavapoos Shed?
All dogs shed at least some hair, but Cavapoos are considered to be a low-shedding breed. They typically inherit the minimally shedding coat of the Poodle parent. However, Cavapoos that take after their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent may shed more than those that take after the Poodle parent. If you are concerned about shedding, speak to your breeder or veterinarian about which Cavapoo is right for you.
Do Cavapoos Make Good Service Dogs?
Cavapoos can make good service dogs, but they are not suitable for all types of service work. They typically inherit the gentle and loving nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. Cavapoos can be used as service dogs for people with autism, epilepsy, or other conditions that require a companion dog. However, they are not typically used as guide dogs or for other types of service work.
What Mix Are Cavapoo?
Cavapoos are a crossbreed of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. They can come in any combination of coat colors and may look different depending on their parent breeds. Cavapoos typically have a wavy or curly coat that does not shed much. They range in size from small to medium, and their coat may be short or long.
Do Cavapoo's Like Other Dogs?
Cavapoos typically inherit the friendly and social nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. They usually enjoy being around other dogs. However, all dogs are different and some Cavapoos may not enjoy being around other animals as much as others. If you are concerned about your Cavapoo's interactions with other animals, speak to your breeder or veterinarian about which Cavapoo is right for you.
Cavapoos make a great pet if your situation is right to properly look after them. Many people each year realise after purchasing a puppy that their lifestyle cannot accommodate a pet. Speak to existing owners, go to pet meetups and find out what really goes into looking after a pet and before shopping for a puppy make sure to check local adoption shelters!
