Cavapoo

Last updated: March 23, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© bonandbon/Shutterstock.com

The temperament of a Cavapoo allows this breed to make an excellent family dog as well as a great therapy dog.


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Cavapoo Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Cavapoo Locations

Cavapoo Facts

Fun Fact
The temperament of a Cavapoo allows this breed to make an excellent family dog as well as a great therapy dog.
Diet
Omnivore

Cavapoo Physical Characteristics


Cavapoo as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Hypoallergenic
Yes
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Cold climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
Affectionate, playful, and loyal
Dog group
Toy
Male weight
9-25 lbs
Female weight
9-25 lbs

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Cavapoos are gaining popularity, likely due to their wonderful personality. This breed is very curious, playful, and friendly.

Cavapoos are a hybrid or mixed, dog breed that is the result of combining a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavapoos are gaining popularity, likely due to their wonderful personality. This breed is very curious, playful, and friendly. They can make excellent family dogs and do very well with children. Cavapoos are also a good addition to homes with other pets since they don’t have a prey drive like other breeds.

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Cavapoos are also very intelligent and relatively easy to train. They can make a good pet for individuals who have never owned a dog before. Cavapoos were bred to be hypoallergenic with the non-shedding Poodle genes, so most don’t shed very much. They also may be called a Cavadoole, Cavoodle, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle Mix.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Cavapoo

Pros!Cons!
Friendly and social: They get along with people and other animals.High activity needs: They have a lot of energy and require regular attention and exercise.
Low shedding: They do not shed very much and some are hypoallergenic.May develop separation anxiety: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle mixes love being with their family members, but do not like being left alone. They may bark excessively or become destructive if left alone for too long.
Adaptable: Cavadoodles can adapt well to new situations and people.Difficult to housetrain: Housetraining a Cavapoo will likely take a fair amount of time and patience.

Evolution And History Of The Breed

The cavapoo breed didn’t begin in the United States until later decades, it was actually first bred in Australia in the 1950s. Breeders wanted to create a smaller breed of dog that didn’t have a high rate of shedding so people with allergies would be able to have more options. By combining it with the hypoallergenic Poodle and the mellow Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they came up with the ideal breed of the cavapoo, a dog that has minimal shedding.

Size And Weight

Cavapoos are a small dog breed. Males and females are generally between 11 and 16 inches tall and weigh between 9 and 25 pounds. Males are more likely to be a bit taller or heavier than females. The exact size of each dog can vary based on the genes they inherit from the Poodle or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Also, Miniature or Toy Poodles may both be used to breed Cavapoos, which will also impact their final size.

The size of a puppy can also vary based on the genetic mix they inherit, but most of this variety should be full-grown by the time they are one year old.

Height (Male):9 inches to 16 inches
Height (Female):9 inches to 16 inches
Weight (Male):9 pounds to 25 pounds
Weight (Female):9 pounds to 25 pounds

Common Health Issues

Cavapoo dog sitting in the grass

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle mixes have a few health concerns that you should watch out for, like mitral valve disease.

©Sandra Standbridge/Shutterstock.com

Below are a few potential health concerns for Cavapoos. Keep an eye out for these health issues and bring your dog to a veterinarian if you suspect something is wrong.

Progressive retinal atrophy is one potential issue that could affect Cavapoos. This is an eye disease that causes the retina of the eye to deteriorate. After some time, this can cause night blindness and eventually complete blindness. There is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy at this point.

Some Cavapoos also have congenital heart problems, such as mitral valve disease. This is a condition where there is too much press from the heart’s left ventricle, which can cause the valve to wear out and leak. This can cause a heart murmur.

A third health condition to be aware of for Cavapoos is a luxating patella. This is a slipped kneecap that happens because of a malformation of the kneecap or an injury to the kneecap. The kneecap on dogs with this condition slips out of place as they walk and can cause pain or make walking challenging. Your vet will likely be able to prescribe a medication to address this issue.

To recap, a few health issues to be aware of if you plan to own a Cavapoo include:

  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Congenital heart problems
  • Luxating patella

Temperament And Behavior

The exact temperament of this dog can vary based on personality traits inherited from the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents. Though nearly all Cavapoos wind up being very well-tempered and friendly dogs. This breed is kind, social, and loves spending time with its family members. They are also highly intelligent.

A Cavapoo’s traits mean they can be a great companion for a child, though they typically do best with older children because of their smaller size. They do not like to be left alone. Also, they may develop separation anxiety if they are left for too long which can cause them to bark or partake in negative or destructive behaviors.

How To Take Care Of A Cavapoo

Keep a Cavapoo’s temperament and potential health concerns in mind as you prepare to care for your dog. You should also take into account their dietary needs, activity requirements, grooming needs, and training need to offer the best care possible to help keep your dog happy and healthy.

The Best Dog Food For Cavapoos

Adult dogs of this variety should be fed high-quality dog food designed for small or medium dog breeds with high energy levels. The exact size of your Cavapoo along with their age, activity level, metabolism, and health will impact their ideal quantity of food each day. Cavapoos may need between ½ and 1 cup of food each day. Check with your veterinarian if you’re not sure how much food your dog needs. Split the total recommended amount of food into two servings.

Cavapoo puppies should be fed between three and four times a day when they are under six months old. This is because they have a smaller stomach than a full-grown Cavapoo and can’t handle as much food. By the time the Cavapoo reaches the age of six months, you should be fine cutting back to two feedings per day.

Since Cavapoos are at risk for congenital heart problems, watch out for dog food containing legumes. Due to a link experts have discovered between legumes and heart failure, many dog food brands have begun producing legume-free dog food.

We’ve taken this into account and found that the best dog food for Cavapoos is Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Chicken.

This recipe doesn’t include potentially dangerous legumes like peas and lentils. It’s formulated with wholesome chicken and rice just for small dogs like your Cavapoo. There’s vitamin A for vision protection, calcium for Cavapoos’ bones, joints, and cartilage, and copper for the connective tissues like those found in the knees.

Here’s where you can find Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Dry Dog Food on Chewy or Amazon.

Best Natural Dog Food
Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Chicken
  • Contains non-GMO ingredients, high-quality protein, and healthy whole grains
  • Also has essential antioxidants to support skin, coat, and immune system
  • No fillers or preservatives, only natural ingredients
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance And Grooming

cavapoo laying in the grass

Cavapoos do not shed very much and some are hypoallergenic.

©Danny Shiers/Shutterstock.com

In general, a Cavapoo’s coat is relatively easy to maintain. Most will need to be brushed just once a week. Brushing your dog’s coat will help remove dirt and loose hair and keep their coat healthy and shiny. Some Cavapoos do have longer hair and may need to be brushed more frequently or even clipped once a month or so to keep their hair from getting too long or unruly. Brushing your Cavoodle’s teeth, trimming its nails, and keeping its ears clean are also very important.

Training

Cavapoos are both intelligent and very eager to please, which makes them pretty easy to train. Your pet will be able to pick up new commands quickly, but you’ll need to be consistent and offer multiple opportunities for practice and repetition for the best results. This breed does best with training methods and focuses on positive reinforcement. Start training and socializing your dog from a very young age for the best results. Housetraining a Cavapoo can sometimes be a challenge, and you should be prepared to be patient.

Exercise

A Cavapoo’s exercise needs are not as high as some other breeds, but they still need a moderate amount of exercise each day. Take your dog for a walk or two each day and offer mental and physical stimulation through play and other opportunities to help them stay active.

Puppies

Cavapoo puppies will require a lot of care. You’ll need to be prepared to have a new ‘baby’ in the house that will require a lot of your time and attention, especially over the first few weeks and months. Start potty training and socializing your Cavapoo puppy from an early age. They’ll likely pick up training quickly but will need more time to master potty training and housetraining. Be very consistent and patient as your dog learns what is expected and when/where they should go to the bathroom.

Cavapoo puppy sitting in the grass

Cavapoos have a lot of energy and require regular attention and exercise.

©AMB-MD Photography/Shutterstock.com

Cavapoos And Children

These dogs can make great companions and playmates for a child. This breed is very social and friendly. They love spending time with the people in their families. However, due to a Cavapoo’s smaller size, they could be injured by a small child who doesn’t know how to appropriately interact with a dog. This means Cavoodles should only go to homes with older children or where an adult will always be available to closely supervise the interactions between younger children and the dog. Older children should also be supervised with a Cavapoo, as with any dog breed. This will limit the chance of either the dog or child getting injured accidentally.

Dogs Similar To Cavapoo

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havapoos, and Maltipoos are three breeds that are similar to the Cavapoo.

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: As one of the parents mixed to make a Cavapoo, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shares some similarities with Cavapoos. Both breeds are similar in size; Cavapoos have an average weight of around 18 pounds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have an average weight of around 14 pounds. Both breeds are affectionate and social. Cavapoos are more intelligent and can make a better watchdog than a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Havapoo: Havapoos and Cavapoos are both half Poodle. Both breeds are small and generally around the same size. Havapoos are more energetic and are generally healthier than Cavapoos.
  • Malitpoo: Maltipoos also have one parent that is a Poodle, like the Cavapoo. Both breeds are very intelligent, affectionate, and easy to train. Maltipoos are more vocal than Cavapoos and can be a bit more playful.

Famous Cavapoos

As such a great dog breed, it is no surprise that there are a few famous Cavapoos:

  • Butters is Katy Perry’s Cavapoo.
  • Enzo is a famous Cavapoo on Instagram. He has over 53,000 followers and his owners love posting pictures that show off his fun-loving personality.
  • Kaden and Addie are brother and sister Cavpoos who live in Maryland. They have over 31,000 followers on Instagram.

If you’ve been having a tough time coming up with a good name for your Cavapoo, read through the list below of some popular choices.

  • Penny
  • Ginger
  • Cali
  • Molly
  • Maggie
  • Wrigley
  • Teddy
  • Quincy
  • Romeo

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

Melissa Bauernfeind was born in NYC and got her degree in Journalism from Boston University. She lived in San Diego for 10 years and is now back in NYC. She loves adventure and traveling the world with her husband but always misses her favorite little man, "P", half Chihuahua/half Jack Russell, all trouble. She got dive-certified so she could dive with the Great White Sharks someday and is hoping to swim with the Orcas as well.

Cavapoo FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much does a Cavapoo cost to own?

Breeders typically charge between $1,200 and $2,000 for a Cavapoo. The reputation of the breeder, the pedigree of the parents, and other variables can impact the total price you can expect to pay for a Cavapoo. In addition to purchasing a Cavadoodle from one of the local breeders in your area, you may also find one available for adoption through a shelter. The price to adopt a Cavapoo should be significantly less expensive and will likely cost $300 or less.

Don’t forget to factor in all the care and supplies a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle mix will need as you prepare to care for your pup. You will need to purchase a crate, a leash, a collar, a dog bed, toys, treats, and food for your pup. Your dog will also need to see a veterinarian for regular checkups and vaccinations. Expect to spend at least $1,000 to $1,500 the first year you own your dog and $500 to $1,000 each year for the rest of the dog’s life.

Is a Cavapoo a good family dog?

Yes, a Cavapoo can make an amazing family dog. This breed is loving, friendly, and social. They enjoy playing and spending time with the members of their family, including children. Because of their smaller size and the fact that they could be easily injured by a smaller child, Cavapoos are best suited for homes with older children.

How long does a Cavapoo live?

Most Cavapoos live for between 10 and 15 years.

What is a Cavapoo?

A Cavapoo is a hybrid dog breed that is a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. They are relatively small and typically weigh between about 9 and 25 pounds. A Cavadoodle’s coat may be silky or wavy depending on the genes it inherited from the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents. The color of a Cavapoo’s coat may also vary. They can be: back, white, gold, chestnut, tri-color (black, white, and tan), or Blenheim (chestnut and white).

Are Cavapoos yappy?

No, Cavapoos are not very yappy dogs. They don’t bark very often, but they will bark to alert their owners if someone is near their property.

What are the key differences between Cavapoos and Cockapoos?

The key differences between Cavapoos and Cockapoos are parent breed, size, personality, energy, coats, and grooming.

What are the key differences between Havapoos and Cavapoos?

The key differences between Havapoos and Cavapoos are parent breed, tolerance to separation, coat type, health condition, and training.

What are the key differences between Cavapoos and Goldendoodles?

The key differences between Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are parent breed, size, lifespan, health, personality, temperament, and energy level.

What are the key differences between Cavapoos and Maltipoos?

The key differences between Cavapoos and Maltipoos are parent breed, energy level, trainability, size, and noise level.

What are the key differences between Cavachons and Cavapoos?

The key differences between Cavachons and Cavapoos are parent breed, shedding, personality, temperament, energy level, and size.

What's the difference between Cavapoos and Shih Poos?

The main differences between a Cavapoo and a Shih Poo are their breeding and sizes. The Cavapoo is also considered a calmer and more friendly dog compared to the Shih Poo.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. dogtime.com, Available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/cavapoo#/slide/1
  2. thesprucepets.com, Available here: https://www.thesprucepets.com/cavapoo-full-profile-history-and-care-5079745
  3. dogzone.com, Available here: https://www.dogzone.com/crossbreeds/cavapoo/
  4. vetstreet.com, Available here: http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/cavapoo
  5. teenvogue.com, Available here: https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/celebrities-and-their-pets
  6. hellobark.com, Available here: https://hellobark.com/social-stars/cavapoo-to-follow-on-instagram/
  7. petplace.com, Available here: https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-care/great-names-for-cavapoo-dogs/
  8. dogell.com, Available here: https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/cavapoo-vs-cavalier-king-charles-spaniel#:~:text=Cavapoos%20have%20a%20higher%20energy,a%20good%20choice%20for%20you.&text=Cavapoos%20have%20an%20average%20exercise,have%20an%20average%20exercise%20need.
  9. knowyourdoodles.com, Available here: https://www.knowyourdoodles.com/havapoo-vs-cavapoo-which-breed-is-right-for-you/#:~:text=The%20one%20obvious%20difference%20between,other%20parent%20breed%20is%20different.&text=They%20are%20a%20small%20and,Poodle%20can%20also%20be%20used.
  10. dogell.com, Available here: https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/cavapoo-vs-maltipoo#:~:text=Maltipoos%20tend%20to%20have%20more%20and%20frequent%20health%20issues%20than%20other%20breeds.&text=Cavapoos%20have%20a%20higher%20energy,a%20good%20choice%20for%20you.&text=Cavapoos%20have%20an%20average%20exercise%20need.

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