Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles/Poodle Mix) Breed Info, Pictures, Care & More

Breed Overview

The Cavapoo is a designer breed, a cross between a purebred Poodle and a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They tend to inherit the best traits from their parents, which is why many people love them and they are becoming more popular. Poodles were originally bred in Germany to hunt waterfowl, but the French were the ones to bring them into their homes. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels resulted from interbreeding King Charles Spaniels with Pugs back in the 1600s.

In the 1990s, Australia began to pair the two breeds that make the Cavapoo, so the result would be a dog who is outgoing, calm, intelligent, and more hypoallergenic. They're medium-to-small dogs who have big personalities, making them the ideal family dog.

Cavapoo Puppies

Cavapoo puppies are adorable with their gentle, inviting face and almond-shaped eyes. It won’t take long until you fall in love with your puppy because they are affectionate and loving, especially if you don’t mind your dog cuddling on your lap. They are social and love meeting new people and other pets.

Adult Cavapoos aren’t a high-energy dog, though they will be more energetic and playful when they are young, and since they are an intelligent breed, they aren’t difficult to train but they do have a stubborn streak. Some health issues can afflict your Cavapoo, so it is good to be aware of what those are.

Three Little-Known Facts About the Cavapoo

1. Cavapoos make great therapy dogs.

Because of their sweet and gentle disposition, they are ideal companions and therapy dogs. Many are hypoallergenic and small enough that they can easily cuddle with someone who needs cheering up.

2. They are also known as Cavoodle or Cavadoodle.

It depends on who you talk to if you want to know for sure which name is preferred. Typically, when you mention one or the other, people will know what breed you are referring to. However, Cavapoo is the most popular name for this hybrid breed.

3. The American Kennel Club does not recognize them.

Since they aren’t purebred dogs, the AKC doesn’t recognize this breed. But the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club recognize the Cavapoo.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cavapoo 🧠

The Cavapoo will usually exhibit the best qualities from their purebred parents, such as gentleness, affectionate, and sociability. It doesn’t mean they won’t have any negative aspects, however, such as being high-strung or suffer from separation anxiety.

They are intelligent and love to be the center of attention, whether that be playing fetch or cuddling on your lap. Don’t expect the Cavapoo to be a guard dog, because they like people and are friendly toward everyone.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Cavapoos are ideal for families with older children. This is because younger children may accidentally hurt this small dog when playing. However, the temperament of the Cavapoo meshes well with a family unit because they like to be around people. In fact, they can suffer from separation anxiety if they aren’t used to being by themselves. There are training techniques that can teach them to tolerate separation, but you still want to include them as part of the family so they will remain happy.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

If you have other animals in your home, such as dogs or cats, you can socialize your Cavapoo so everyone can be friends. Since they are friendly, it is not hard for them to like another pet in the home. The only downside to other pets would be if your Cavapoo wasn’t receiving enough attention because you don’t have enough time to spend with them.

Things to Know When Owning a Cavapoo

Before you bring a Cavapoo into your home, there are a few things to know to prepare yourself so you can provide the best care to this loveable breed. It isn’t difficult to take care of this breed, but as with other dogs, it does require time and patience to be the best dog parent you can be.

Food & Diet Requirements

Cavapoos aren’t high-energy dogs, but since they are considered a small breed (though some may be a little larger), it would be best to feed them a specialized small breed formula. These cater to the individual needs so they receive the right amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates as well as vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy and vibrant through all life stages.

Puppy formula is ideal for Cavapoo puppies so they can receive extra calories and fat, and the added DHA is great for the brain and eye development. A senior formula will be lower in calories so your dog doesn’t become overweight because of a lower energy level, and these recipes include supplements to keep the joints healthy for increased mobility as your dog ages.

Exercise 🐕

Daily exercise is ideal to keep them in shape, and the Cavapoo enjoys going for walks and playing a game of fetch or tug-of-war. Since they have a short muzzle, they can’t tolerate the heat as efficiently as other dogs, so it is best not to exercise during the heat of the day, and if they need to stay outside during the hot weather, make sure they have plenty of shade and fresh water.

Training 🦮

Training your Cavapoo is not a difficult task because they are smart and willing to please. They respond best to positive reinforcement, and if you begin training them at a young age, they will develop good habits and learn to socialize. Training should be fun and not overly taxing, so spread the sessions out and provide rewards to your Cavapoo when they do a good job.

Since they can suffer from separation anxiety, this means they can be clingy when you are around and hyperactive when you return because they missed you while you were gone. There are many tips available that can help with teaching your dog how to tolerate your absences.

Grooming ✂️

The Cavapoo has a medium-length coat that tends to be somewhat wavy. Getting a professional haircut once a month will keep their hair from getting too long because they don’t shed. Brushing them every two to three days will prevent mats and tangles from forming, and you can keep them smelling fresh with a bath every two weeks.

Keep their nails trimmed and brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental issues. Cavapoos can develop tear stains beneath their eyes — this can be prevented by washing their face daily to keep the stains from forming.

Health and Conditions ❤️

All dogs can develop health issues and hybrid breeds are no exception. They can inherit problems from either parent, so it’s good to get the health history of the parents from the breeder. Taking your Cavapoo to the veterinarian regularly will help prevent any issues from worsening, and it can even help prevent certain conditions from developing if you know how to care for your dog.

Male vs. Female

There are a few differences between male and female dogs, and some people prefer to keep one sex over the other. Much depends upon the personality of the dog and if the dog has been spayed or neutered.

Male Cavapoos are usually more confident and dominant compared to females, while female Cavapoos may demand more attention and be territorial. The best way to ensure that you have a dog who is well-behaved is to begin socializing and training them from a young age. That way, they will mature into obedient and attentive adults.

Conclusion

Cavapoos are a popular choice for many dog owners because of their pleasant disposition and size. They are ideal for small homes and apartment living because they aren’t high-energy dogs. However, Cavapoos are social and make excellent therapy dogs because they love attention and no one is a stranger to them.

You can train a Cavapoo easily with plenty of positive reinforcement, but make sure they are socialized from a young age, and it is recommended to keep small children away if they don’t know how to play with a small dog. If you decide to get a Cavapoo, you won’t be disappointed because you will have a lifelong companion who is devoted and loyal to you and your family.

Related Reads: 

• Cavachon vs Cavapoo: What’s the Difference?

• Affenpoo (Affenpinscher & Poodle Mix): Info, Pics, Traits, Facts

Featured Image Credit: Steven B Gold, Shutterstock