Cavapoo

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Need to Know

  • Good dog for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Small dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires frequent grooming
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual
  • Generally friendly with other dogs
  • Gets along with other pets with training
  • Great family dog
  • Needs a yard, but can also live happily in the city
  • Can be left alone occasionally with training
Cavapoo dog breed sitting side view looking at camera in forest

Personality

Their adorable button eyes and teddy bear fur just skim the surface of what makes Cavapoo dogs precious bundles of fluff. They are a delightful mix of affection and intelligence. While their small stature might suggest a laid-back lifestyle, the Poodle influence shines through. These "canine Einsteins" require regular training sessions and daily exercise to keep their minds and bodies stimulated. The Cavapoo breed craves human connection and involvement. Their easygoing nature extends to other furry friends, so they are fantastic additions to multi-pet households.

The Cavapoo's exact birthplace is a bit of a mystery, with claims from the USA, Australia, and the UK, primarily in the latter part of the 20th century. This era saw a rise in popularity for Poodle mixes, and the Cavapoo emerged from the desire for a small, non-shedding, hypoallergenic companion. Their undeniable looks and playful personalities continue to make them a popular choice for families worldwide.

Cavapoos thrive on companionship, so if you lead a busy lifestyle that requires frequent absences, this breed might not be the right choice. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mixes are intelligent and energetic, so regular training sessions and enrichment games are essential. Couple that with frequent and varied walks, and you'll have a happy, well-adjusted pup by your side. Cavapoos reward their owners with loyalty and love, but it's a two-way street.

Adult Cavapoo dogs require daily exercise. Don't worry if you can't dedicate a whole block of time; split it into two or three shorter walks throughout the day and they will be happy. Due to their heavy coat, they are sensitive to heat, so summer walks should be completed during the coolest hours of the day.

Cavapoos can do well in the city, but they are best suited for quiet suburban or country life which is less stimulating.

Cavapoo dogs, despite regular professional trims, might develop a coat that requires frequent brushing. Make it a positive experience by pairing brushing, combing, baths, and drying with treats. This will turn grooming into a bonding session for you and your pup. While the dream of mixing the two breeds to create a low-allergen pup, reality had other plans. Some Cavapoos are not hypoallergenic for those allergic to dander and saliva, which all dogs produce, regardless of fur type.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix’s intelligence makes them highly trainable, but there's a catch; they can pick up bad habits just as easily as good ones. Begin training from a young age when they're most receptive to learning.

The Cavapoo dog breed is friendly and their playful personalities make them fantastic family companions. However, it's important to remember that these adorable pups aren't living stuffed animals. Make sure your children are old enough to understand proper pet handling and can follow instructions during playtime.

The cost of a Cavapoo from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.

Adopting a Cavapoo?

Interested in adopting a Cavapoo? Here are answers to some common questions about bringing one of these charming dogs home.

Are Cavapoo dogs smart?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix inherits intelligence from the Poodle side. This makes them eager to please and relatively easy to train. Some Cavapoos are smart enough to continually learn tricks.

Do Cavapoo dogs bark a lot?

They aren't known as excessive barkers. With proper training and socialization, you can teach them to communicate their needs appropriately.

puppies and kittens

Learn more about feeding and caring for your Cavapoo on Purina.

Did You Know?

  • The breed also goes by other nicknames like Cavoodles, Cadoodles, or Cavadoodles.
  • They can have three different coat types: low-shedding, wiry and tough; loose and wavy; or tightly curled.