Cavapoo

Temperament and Personality

Cavapoos are affectionate, playful, and utterly irresistible, making them a wonderful companion for families and individuals alike. With a mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s sweet nature and the Poodle’s high intelligence, they’re the perfect blend of cuddly companion and fun-loving playmate.

These lively pups thrive on attention and love being included in all the family activities. Whether it’s a game in the back garden or watching a film on the couch, Cavapoos never want to leave your side.

They’re not just loving towards their family though – Cavapoos are curious, sociable dogs that like to make friends wherever they go. They’re easygoing and rarely have a problem with anyone, getting along well with children, dogs, and even cats. Strangers are fair game for friendship too! Cavapoos prefer to greet everyone with a smile and wagging tail instead of a big bark, so they’re unlikely to alert you if people approach the house and make lousy watchdogs.  

However, their deep love for companionship comes with a downside; separation anxiety in Cavapoos is a common challenge. These pups don’t enjoy being left alone for long and may resort to excessive barking, chewing, or other behaviour problems when lonely. When it comes to bedtime, some Cavapoos might struggle to settle, especially if they aren’t near their favourite humans. This can lead to behaviour problems at night, like whining or restless pacing. 

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for a cute and cuddly, cheerful companion, the Cavapoo could be the breed for you.

Cavapoo paw-sonality traits

• Friendly with everyone

• Loving and affectionate

• Eager to please

• Highly intelligent

• People-oriented

• Needs human companionship

• Forms strong bonds with owners

• Enjoys learning tricks

• Loyal and eager to please 

• Loves attention

• Highly adaptable to different lifestyles

• Energetic and lively

• Curious and keen to learn

• Not big barkers

• Moderate exercise needs

• Hates being left alone

Cavapoo pros and cons

Are Cavapoos good family dogs?

Yes, Cavapoos are a firm family favourite, and for good reason. They adore being around people and are fantastic with kids, thriving in loving, energetic homes where they can be part of the action. Cavapoos adapt well to different family dynamics, from bustling households to quieter, cosy settings. However, Cavapoos are people-oriented pups that don’t do well when left alone for long periods. Families with demanding schedules or that work long hours might not be ideal, as these social dogs can develop separation anxiety. But with their warm hearts and cheerful personalities, Cavapoos quickly become the centre of family life.

Are Cavapoos good with children?

Yes, Cavapoos are fun-loving, gentle, and love being around children. However, due to their small size and delicate nature, they don’t do well with roughhousing or boisterous play, so might be a better playmate for older children that know how to handle a dog with care.

Are Cavapoos good with other pets?

Yes, Cavapoos are known to get along well with other dogs, and they enjoy making furry friends wherever they go. They can also live with cats and other small animals too, provided they’ve been socialised properly from a young age.

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Cavapoo properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Cavapoo need?

When fully grown, Cavapoos need around 30–60 minutes of daily exercise, involving brisk walks, playtime, and lots of mental enrichment to keep them happy and healthy.  

These cutie patooties may be small, but they have plenty of energy to burn, so make sure they get some off-lead time in a secure environment to run around. Games of fetch and agility training are also good ways to give their brains and bodies a good workout. Using a harness on walks is recommended for this breed to protect their delicate necks. 

When they’re not sniffing and exploring outside, Cavapoos like to keep busy with puzzle toys, trick training, and games of hide-and-seek. Without enough things to do, Cavapoos can become bored and mischievous, but given the right amount of physical and mental stimulation, they’re content cuddle buddies that’ll happily curl up by your side.

How do you train a Cavapoo?

The Cavapoo is as clever as they are cute, making training a fun and rewarding experience for novice and experienced owners alike. Thanks to their Poodle parent, they’re highly intelligent and quick to learn, while their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel side brings an eagerness to please. This winning combination means Cavapoos thrive on positive reinforcement and pick up commands in no time. 

Whether it’s mastering basic obedience, showing off playful tricks, or excelling in agility courses, Cavapoos shine as enthusiastic students that love to impress their favourite humans.

Unleash your Cavapoo’s potential with some fun training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as these Duck & Rosemary Meaty Treats. Just be mindful of how many treats you dispense during training, as they’re small dogs that don’t need as many calories as other breeds.

2. Be gentle. Cavapoos are sensitive souls, and won’t respond well to harsh tones or corrections. Stay upbeat and always adopt a reward-based approach to training.

3. Socialise from the start. Early socialisation is essential, even for the friendly Cavapoo. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations to help them become calm and confident canines.

4. Be consistent. They’re fast learners, so they’ll pick up bad habits as easily as good ones. Be consistent with your approach and ensure everyone in the household uses the same command words.

5. Work on recall. Cavapoos love to romp around the park to let off steam, so it’s vital they’ve mastered the art of recall. Use a long line lead, clear vocal commands and high value treats to encourage them to come back to you.

6. Teach them tricks. Cavapoos are clever cookies, and are great candidates for trick training. Teaching them how to roll over, spin, or do high five is not only engages their brain, but it’s a great way to bond with your dog too.

7. Get them used to grooming. Frequently touch them around the ears, legs, undercarriage, mouth, and feet to help them become comfortable with being groomed and handled.

8. Keep training sessions short and sweet. Cavapoo puppies have short attention spans, so do short 10 minute bursts a few times a day to ensure they stay focused. You should rotate between different commands and games too to keep training fresh.

9. Try dog sports or therapy training. Canine sports such as flyball, agility, and fetch are great ways to keep their brains and bodies busy. These cuties can also excel as therapy dogs, thanks to their sweet and sunny dispositions. 

10. Reduce the risk of separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help Cavapoos be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Cavapoos need?

It depends on the type of coat they inherit, but on the whole, Cavapoos need a fair bit of grooming to stay immaculate. Regular brushing and trips to the groomers should be part of any Cavapoo owner’s routine. 

As a cross bred, Cavapoo coat types can be somewhat unpredictable, especially if they’re a first generation pup. Some have a silky coat with subtle waves, while others can have short, curly coats with a woolly texture. Cavapoo shedding is low thanks to the Poodle gene, but straight-haired Cavapoos have a more dominant Spaniel gene, and may shed more and be unsuitable for allergy sufferers.

There are many Cavapoo colours and combinations. Solid colours include white, cream, brown, red, and apricot. Bicolour includes black and white, black and tan, or white and brown, while some Cavapoos might have the signature Cavalier tricolour pattern of black, white, and tan. The Phantom Cavapoo might sound spooky, but it’s a rare colour pattern that involves a black or brown base with tan markings on specific parts of the body (eyebrows, muzzle, chest, front legs, haunches, and bum). 

Here are some Cavapoo grooming tips to keep them looking cute and cuddly all year round. 

• Brush their coats several times a week to remove dead hairs and prevent matting. The best brush for a Cavapoo is a slicker brush or metal comb.

• Always check inside their ears for signs of infection when grooming. Bacteria loves to grow where it can’t be seen! To prevent infection, clean their ears regularly and dry thoroughly after baths. Use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas, but don’t stick anything down their ear canal. A dog-friendly ear cleaner can help too.

• Bathe once a month using a dog-friendly shampoo to keep their coat clean and fresh. Don’t overdo it though, as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up. 

• Book them in for a professional groom every 4–6 weeks to be trimmed and pampered. This also gives the groomer the opportunity to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.

• Choose from classic Cavapoo grooming styles such as the Teddy Bear cut. This leaves them looking fluffy and round just like a teddy. For a short Cavapoo hairstyle, opt for the Puppy Cut. It produces a short, even coat and is a good solution if your dog is prone to matting. The Kennel Cut is even shorter, resulting in a shaved Cavapoo appearance. It’s good for hot weather but provides little protection for their skin. Ask your groomer about other Cavapoo haircuts to see what’s best.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it. 

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for, and loved, the Cavapoo lifespan is 12–15 years. Being a cross breed, they benefit from hybrid vigour (or heterosis). This occurs when you breed two unrelated purebred breeds that don’t share common health problems. The puppies tend to have more health benefits and longer life spans. However, they’re still predisposed to some of the same conditions as their parent breeds.

Common Cavapoo health problems

• Mitral Valve Disease (MVD). This is a heart condition inherited from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. Blood builds up in the left atrium of the heart due to a defect in the mitral valve, causing the heart to struggle to pump blood efficiently around the body. It starts as a heart murmur that eventually becomes heart failure. Symptoms of heart disease include difficulty breathing, fainting episodes, excessive coughing, and weight loss.

• Syringomyelia (SM). This is an inherited, progressive neurological disease where fluid builds up around the spinal canal due to abnormalities of the skull. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis, and it typically appears between the ages of 6 months and 4 years. Classic signs include scratching the air near their neck and shoulders (but not making contact with the skin), yelping or whimpering for no apparent reason, weakness in the legs, head shaking, and seizures. Medical treatments can help, but surgery may be required to help alleviate the pain. 

• Allergies. Cavapoos are prone to allergies triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.

• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from high platforms too frequently.

• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues.Those looking to bring a Cavapoo puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. Diseases of the joints can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive diets, and joint supplements.

• Addison’s Disease. Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, this condition occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone – essential hormones for stress response and electrolyte balance. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, and sudden collapse. Treatment involves hormone replacement therapy along with lifelong monitoring to manage stress and maintain stability.

• Eye Problems. Both Cavaliers and Poodles are prone to a number of eye problems, which can be passed on to the Cavapoo. This includes cataracts, dry eye, cherry eye, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy. Young adult dogs can develop these issues and if left untreated, can lead to more severe outcomes such as blindness.

• Ear Infections. The excess curly hair in their ear canals traps moisture and dirt, which can cause infections. Regular cleaning can help reduce the risk of infection. 

• Dental Disease. This is a common health issue that tends to occur as dogs age, especially small breeds like the Cavapoo. Tartar and plaque buildup leads to inflammation of the gums, and eventually tooth and bone decay. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Cavapoo a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Cavapoo eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Cavapoo will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their energy levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed. 

A good rule of thumb is to feed full grown Cavapoos twice a day to fuel them for their activities. A food designed especially for small breeds is a good choice, as the size of the kibble is smaller and perfect for their tiny teeth!

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

The best food for a Cavapoo is a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets their nutritional needs. As they can have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, you might want to consider a hypoallergenic dog food. Adding natural supplements to their diet, such as Salmon Oil, can also help to boost their physical and mental health.

Help with gut health

These little sweeties can have sensitive stomachs, so it’s best to stick to a feeding routine and monitor any dietary changes closely. The best food for a Cavapoo with a sensitive stomach is a hypoallergenic dog food that’s been designed especially with allergies in mind. It contains ingredients that are less likely to trigger an adverse reaction, whether your dog has a known allergy or not, so it’s deemed generally safer on a dog’s digestion. 

Protect their joints

To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t encourage too many high impact activities such as jumping up and down from high platforms. You could also consider our Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing.

Monitor their heart 

Because they’re half Cavalier, Cavapoos can develop MVD, so schedule regular cardiac evaluations with your vet to monitor and manage their heart health.

Monitor weight

A healthy adult Cavapoo should weigh between 5–11 kg, depending on whether they’ve been bred with a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle. As they don’t need loads of exercise, it’s important they’re not overindulged, as carrying extra weight puts pressure on their joints, internal organs, and increases the risk of heart disease. For curvy Cavapoos, consider this Slim & Slender Dry Food.

Look after their eyes

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts or retinal issues, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health. 

Protect their skin & coat

For dogs suffering from itchy skin, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like our Bionic Biotic. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.

Look after their teeth

Cavapoos are prone to dental disease, so a portion of their daily calories should be allotted to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy. Schedule in a professional clean once a year to remove tartar and plaque build up. 

Exercise regularly

Cavapoos don’t need a lot of exercise, and as such, they can easily pile on the pounds. It’s important they get their daily walkies to stay happy and healthy.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Cavapoo’s dream home.

Cavapoo vs Cockapoo: What’s the difference?  

Choosing between a Cavapoo and a Cockapoo is no easy feat, as both are equally adorable. When it comes to size differences, the Cavapoo (a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle) is typically smaller and more compact, while the Cockapoo (a blend of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle) tends to be a bit bigger and sturdier. If you want to know which one barks more between a Cavapoo and Cockapoo, Cockapoos are often more vocal, making them great for alerting you to visitors. Cavapoos are known for their quieter, snuggly demeanor, but they still might have a word with the postman! Either way, both dogs are a delight to be around.

Cavapoo vs Maltipoo: What’s the difference?  

The Cavapoo (a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle) often has a slightly more laid-back, cuddly personality compared to the Maltipoo (a Maltese and Poodle mix), which is known for its energetic, playful vibe. When it comes to appearance, Cavapoos often boast wavy or curly coats, while Maltipoos tend to have fluffier, lighter-textured fur. Cavapoos are typically calm and gentle barkers, while Maltipoos might be a bit more excitable when someone’s at the door. Either way, you’re guaranteed a loving, hypoallergenic buddy.  

Cavapoo vs Cavachon vs Cavapoochon: What’s the difference?  

With these Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mixes, it’s all about their unique blends of charm! The Cavapoo combines the Cavalier and Poodle, resulting in an affectionate, low-shedding companion. The Cavachon (a Cavalier and Bichon Frise mix) leans toward a fluffier coat and a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe. The Cavapoochon is a mix of Cavalier, Poodle, and Bichon Frise, offering the best of three worlds with its teddy bear-like appearance and sweet, adaptable personality. In terms of temperament, Cavapoos are playful but low-key, Cavachons are sociable snugglers, and Cavapoochons often strike a perfect balance of cuddly and fun. Whichever you choose, you’ll have a best furry friend for life.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Cavapoo is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much does a Cavapoo cost?

Cavapoo puppies can cost anywhere between £1,000 and £2,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The total monthly cost for owning a Cavapoo can be up to £80, depending on food and insurance levels.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost £20 - £ 40 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

It’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Cavapoo should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a crossbreed without any pre-existing conditions is around £300. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Cavapoo Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Cavapoo even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the cutest designer breeds!

• Although they’re a popular designer breed, Cavapoos are still not recognised by any Kennel Club as a registered breed. 

• Cavapoos are also called Cavoodles, Cavadoos, Cadoodles, or Cavadoodles, so take your pick!

• Hybrid breeds like the Cavapoo are generally more healthy than their parent breeds. This is due to hybrid vigour, or heterosis, which occurs when you breed two unrelated purebred breeds that don’t share common health problems. The puppies from this crossbreeding tend to have more health benefits and longer life spans. When two Cavapoos mate (resulting in F2 Cavapoos), this offsets the heterosis because they share the same health conditions, increasing the puppies’ likelihood of inheriting genetic conditions. However, coat types, temperament, and other traits become more predictable in F2 lines.  

• What is a Teacup Cavapoo? A Teacup Cavapoo is essentially a very small Toy Cavapoo, and they’re roughly 1 kg lighter. When fully grown, Teacup Cavapoos weigh between 2–5 kg. The term ‘teacup’ is used to describe a dog that’s smaller than the breed standard. They’re the result of two naturally small dogs mating, but a lot of breeders resort to using unethical practices to produce these tiny versions, such as breeding runts, incestual pairings, or malnourishing the dogs. 

• How big does a Cavapoo get? It really depends on whether they’ve been bred with a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle. Toy Cavapoos weigh between 4–6 kg, Mini Cavapoos weigh between 6–8 kg, and Standard Cavapoos weigh between 9–11 kg. They measure 23–45 cm in height, depending on the parent Poodle.

• Want to know when a Cavapoo stops growing? As a small breed, they usually reach their full adult size quicker than other dogs, and are fully grown by the time they’re one year old. Although, they often continue to look like puppies throughout adulthood thanks to their teddy-bear-like appearance.

• Cavapoos typically have fluffy, curly tails that complement their cute look. However, some may have shorter tails or no tail at all, due to a genetic variation in the T gene. This variation can interfere with the normal development of the tail during the early stages of embryonic growth, resulting in either a bobtail or a complete lack of tail.
  
  

History and Origin

It’s thought the Cavapoo was first bred in the United States in the 1950s, and then again in the 1990s in Australia and the UK. By combining the gentle, affectionate nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle, the goal was to create the ultimate family-friendly, hypoallergenic companion that has less health issues than the parent breeds.

However, like with many ‘Doodle’ crosses, the coat type turned out to be quite unpredictable, depending on whether they inherited more of a Spaniel coat that sheds, or a Poodle coat that’s low-shedding. This didn’t stop the Cavapoo from stealing hearts though. Loved for their playful personalities and teddy bear looks, Cavapoos have remained a popular choice for those wanting a snuggly yet spirited best friend.

While these cuties might be newer additions to the dog world, their parents certainly aren’t. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a charming breed with a royal legacy dating back to 16th century England. The Poodle, on the other paw, hails from Germany, and was originally bred in the 15th century as a water retriever and then later refined in France.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Cavapoo. 

1. Research the breed. Cavapoos are sweet and loving but they’re prone to suffer from separation anxiety, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Cavapoo puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight week olds. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Cavapoos and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Cavapoo, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Cavapoos in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.