Characteristics
- The Cavapoo (Cavadoodle or Cavoodle) is a beneficial therapy dog because it is well-mannered, peaceful, and has a lovely disposition. It is also considered to be highly attentive to human emotions.
- The Cavapoos are the nicest of dogs, sociable and extroverted. They are friendly and affectionate with children of all ages, other pets, and strangers.
- The Cavapoo is ideal for large and small families, with or without children, singles, and seniors.
- Cavoodles have longer, healthier lives thanks to hybrid vigor.
- Cavoodle puppies are simple to train since they like learning and performing for an audience.
- Cavapoos have hypoallergenic coats and minimum shedding. They are adaptable to every living condition, including small apartments and large houses with or without yards.
Appearance
The Cavapoo, also known as the Cavadoodle or Cavoodle, boasts a petite frame complemented by an endearing round face, strikingly large eyes, a charming button nose, and irresistibly long floppy ears. With the compact stature of their parent breeds, these dogs typically stand between 9 and 14 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 8 to 20 pounds.
The Cavoodle boasts a hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally, offering a delightful range of textures from straight to wavy or curly, all available in a stunning array of colors. This breed typically showcases a palette of colors, including black, brown, tricolor, white, and yellow.
This designer dog, like many crossbreeds, may take after one parent more prominently or showcase a harmonious blend of traits from both breeds. In terms of appearance, the Cavalier Spaniel and Poodle mix leans more towards the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, while it inherits its coat qualities predominantly from the Poodle.
The colors of Cavapoos typically showcase a delightful blend and variation from both parent breeds, with the rarest and most coveted options being:
Dark
Monochrome
Deep Crimson Pure White Soft Apricot Rich Brown
Blenheim
Golden Merle
Blue Merle
Finding black or white Cavadoodles can be quite a challenge. Their size can fluctuate significantly based on the size of their Poodle parent. Typically, Mini or Toy Poodles serve as the foundation for this Cavalier/Poodle blend. An adult Cavapoo can grow to a height of 14 inches and weigh up to 20 pounds. Whether we refer to these delightful dogs as Mini Cavapoos or Toy Cavapoos depends on the size of the poodle parent.
Temperament
Cavapoos, also known as Cavadoodles or Cavoodles, are affectionate and devoted companions. Their gentle disposition and warm and joyful demeanor have established them as one of the most sought-after dog breeds in the market. The breed boasts a temperament that is both even and calm, which is arguably their most valued trait—stunning appearance notwithstanding. These creatures are friendly and calm, showing no signs of aggression or fear. They have a warm disposition and enjoy the company of nearly everyone they encounter.
This designer dog embodies a relaxed and gracious demeanor, making it a wonderful companion for children of all ages, other pets, and even strangers. They love indulging in long walks, connecting with new faces, discovering fresh places, making friends at the dog park, and engaging in playful games with their human companions. The Cavoodles, with their joyful spirit, passion for play, and playful antics, are sure to bring endless entertainment and happiness to everyone around them.
They relish showcasing their dog’s tricks and stunts, thriving on the attention they attract. These pups are affectionate, nurturing, dedicated, and deeply connected to their families, always eager to be part of every family moment. While they form strong bonds with their humans, they maintain a sense of independence and are not excessively clingy. This designer dog exhibits remarkable independence, enabling it to spend up to 8 hours a day alone in most situations.
Cavadoodles, with their energetic and sociable demeanor, are fantastic partners for hiking adventures. Although they may not be ideal for mountain treks, Cavipoos eagerly participate in family adventures and can maintain a steady pace on shorter hikes.
Care
Grooming
Grooming a Cavapoo puppy at home and professional grooming services are essential for the dog’s well-being. Both puppies and adult Cavapoos generally have low grooming requirements but still need regular care, including coat brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and teeth brushing.
For brushing, choose the right tools based on the specific hair type. Adult Cavapoos usually have wavy or curly coats, best groomed with a bristle brush, and using a slicker brush can help with matting. Aim for several brushing sessions each week or daily. Regular trimming is particularly important in summer, and popular styles include the Teddy Bear Cut and Puppy Cut.
Bathing should occur every 4 to 6 weeks to avoid stripping natural oils from the skin. Use dog-specific shampoo for best results. Nail clipping can be tricky; introducing it while the puppy is young can help. Clip nails after baths when they’re softer. Ear cleaning should be done occasionally, with professionals cleaning the ear canal monthly.
Brushing daily with your teeth is crucial to prevent dental issues, so use vet-approved and dog-specific toothbrushes. Creating a comfortable environment for your Cavapoo will make grooming easier and enhance their overall grooming experience.
Exercise Needs
The Cavadoo breed is known for its moderate activity level. These wonderful dogs thrive on canine games and affectionate cuddling, typically displaying a relaxed demeanor. To ensure their health and happiness, a daily routine that includes a 30-minute walk along with some indoor playtime is beneficial. Additionally, daily mental stimulation is recommended to keep them engaged and satisfied.
Health
Cava-poos are generally healthy dogs due to reputable breeding practices that promote hybrid vigor, making them less likely to inherit common health issues. While significant health problems are rare in Cavoodles, their parent breeds may be prone to cataracts, allergies, and weight-related issues.
Cataracts, which usually develop as dogs age, can also be triggered by injuries, inflammation, or diabetes. If untreated, they can lead to vision loss, with symptoms like eye discoloration, dizziness, and excessive blinking.
Dog allergies can arise from environmental factors, food, or skin issues, presenting as skin irritation, itchiness, or gastrointestinal problems. Although Cavapoos are not commonly affected by allergies, their parent breeds sometimes are.
Cavapoo lifespans range from 12 to 15 years, and maintaining a proper diet, regular exercise, and routine vet check-ups can help extend their lives.
Training
Cavapoo puppies are generally easy to train and thrive on attention during lessons. Mixing treats, toys, praise, and playtime is effective to keep them engaged. Housebreaking and leash training can be challenging, but they learn quickly with motivation and positive reinforcement.
Daily interaction with our breeders and Puppy Agents helps establish a foundation for socialization, crucial for developing friendly, sociable adults. Early training is important, and our guide on Cavapoo behaviors can assist new puppy owners.
Gradually introduce your new puppy to its environment before socializing with friends and family. Once the puppy is around 12 weeks old and vaccinated, outdoor socialization with other dogs and people can begin. Be patient and avoid forcing interactions if the puppy appears uneasy.
Cavapoos are naturally friendly and adaptable, and they are handling being left alone without significant separation anxiety.
History
The Cavapoo is a designer mixed breed created by crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a miniature or toy Poodle. It is believed that the first breeders who developed this cross were in Australia, with Cavapoos emerging between 1990 and 1995 when designer breeds gained popularity in Australia. The U.S. Like other designer dogs, Cavapoos were bred to combine the best traits of both parent breeds. Crossbreeding dates back to the 14th century, aiming to enhance specific characteristics for various practical purposes.
Cavadoos, similar to Cockapoos and Goldendoodles before them, were bred to showcase the finest qualities of two different breeds. To better comprehend the distinction between typical crossbreeds and designer dogs such as the Cava-doodle, it’s helpful to examine their origins.
Many of the larger breeds we know today were created through crossbreeding for jobs like hunting, herding, retrieving, assisting, guiding, etc. Combining two dog breeds’ strengths, skills, and physical qualities resulted in a new breed perfectly equipped for a certain job. Examples of early crossbreeds now recognized as purebred breeds include the English Pointer, Bull Terrier, and Greyhounds.
Designer breeds emerged around 1950, aiming for balanced temperaments, better coat quality, and a smaller, manageable size suitable for apartment living and hypoallergenic needs. Like the Cavapoo, Doodle breeds combine Poodles with other breeds to inherit desirable traits such as intelligence and hypoallergenic qualities.
For instance, an F1 Cavapoo is a healthy first-generation mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature or Toy Poodle. The second-generation F1b, a back-crossed Cavapoo, retains 75% of the Poodle’s curly coat and hypoallergenic traits.
As interest in Cavapoo puppies grew in Australia and the U.S., breeders created variations like the Cavapoochon, which blends a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Mini Poodle, and Bichon Frise. Popular size variations include Mini, Toy, Teacup, F1, and F1B.
The origins of the Cavoodle could be clearer, but understanding the history of its parent breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, helps us appreciate this mixed breed.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, named after King Charles I, has a long history as a beloved companion of royalty, known for its sweet and calm demeanor. The Poodle, one of the oldest breeds, originally served as a duck hunter in Germany. It became popular in dog shows due to its elegance and intelligence, ranking as the second most intelligent breed globally.
Cavoodles are often compared to hybrids like the Cavachon, Maltipoo, Havapoo, Goldendoodle, and Cockapoo. While the Cavoodle is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), it is acknowledged by several other hybrid breed registries, including the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the Dog Registry of America (DRA).