Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel & Poodle Mix): Pictures, Info & Care

The Cuddly and Charming Cavapoo: Your Guide to this Popular Poodle Mix

Are you looking for an affectionate, playful, low-shedding dog to add to your family? Look no further than the adorable Cavapoo! This designer dog breed, a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, has captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world with their teddy bear looks and sweet disposition.

Whether you call them a Cavapoo, Cavadoodle or Cavoodle, one thing is for sure – these spunky little pups are loaded with personality! Let‘s take a closer look at what makes the charismatic Cavapoo so special.

Breed History

The Cavapoo is a relatively new mixed breed that likely originated in the United States in the 1990s. Breeders began intentionally crossing Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles to create a small companion dog that combined the best traits of both parent breeds.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a long and noble history, dating back to the 1600s in England where they were beloved lap dogs of King Charles I and King Charles II. These gentle spaniels were selectively bred to be small in size with round heads, large dark eyes, and silky coats. They were the pampered pets of royal courts and aristocratic families.

The Poodle also has an esteemed heritage in Europe, albeit a slightly more working class one. Standard Poodles originated in Germany where they were used as retrieving water dogs. Their dense, curly coats provided protection and insulation in cold water. The miniature and toy versions were later bred down in size to create portable companion dogs for nobles and wealthy families, especially in France where they became a status symbol.

By crossing these two popular breeds, breeders hoped to create the ultimate lap dog – cute and cuddly like a Cavalier but non-shedding like a Poodle. And over the past 25 plus years, the Cavapoo has certainly proven to be a successful hybrid, consistently ranking as one of the most popular mixed dog breeds.

Physical Characteristics

Since the Cavapoo is a first generation cross, they can inherit a range of physical traits from their parent breeds. Most are small in stature, classified in the toy to small dog size range. They typically stand 9 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 8 to 20 pounds fully grown, with females usually on the lower end of the scale.

Cavapoos can vary quite a bit in their coat type, color and texture depending on which parent they take after most. They may have the longer, silkier, wavy coat of the Cavalier or a denser, curlier, more Poodle-like coat. Most have a combination of both that results in a soft, fluffy, teddy bear look. Cavapoos come in a range of lovely colors including white, cream, apricot, gold, chestnut, black, and tricolor combinations.

One of the most endearing qualities of Cavapoos is their cute, squishy faces. They have round heads with a slightly domed forehead, large round dark eyes, and a relatively short muzzle. Their drop ears are well-feathered and frame their face perfectly. Most have compact, sturdy bodies that are a little longer than tall, with a tail that is usually docked to a few inches.

Temperament and Personality

Cavapoos are known for being friendly, happy, adaptable dogs that thrive on human companionship. They are very affectionate with their families and love nothing more than snuggling in a warm lap. They tend to form especially strong bonds with one or two people.

These spunky pups have a moderate to high energy level. They are playful and fun-loving, always up for a good game of fetch or tug-of-war. They also tend to retain some of the retrieving instinct from their Poodle lineage and love to chase and carry toys and balls. Puzzle toys that dispense treats are a great way to engage their active minds.

While Cavapoos do well with an average amount of exercise, they are not overly demanding in their activity needs. A couple of 30 minutes walks per day plus some active playtime is usually sufficient. They are adaptable to many living situations and do quite well in apartments as long as they get enough attention and mental stimulation. They should not be left alone for extended periods or they may develop separation anxiety.

The eager-to-please Cavapoo is typically a quick learner. They respond very well to positive reinforcement training using praise, petting, play and treats as rewards. Harsh corrections should be avoided as they can be a bit sensitive. Basic obedience commands, tricks, and even advanced skills like agility are all things Cavapoos can excel at with the right motivation.

Cavapoos generally get along well with children, especially if raised with them. They love the attention and playtime kids provide. However, because of their small size, supervision is important to make sure they do not accidentally get injured. They are usually social and friendly with other dogs and can do well with cats if introduced properly.

The Cavapoo has a moderate tendency to bark, so some training may be needed to avoid nuisance barking. They will often bark to alert you if someone is at the door, so they can make good little watchdogs. But their barks are not usually threatening, and they are too small and friendly to be effective guard dogs.

Grooming and Care

One of the main draws of the Cavapoo is their low-shedding coats, which many people assume makes them "hypoallergenic". While no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, Cavapoos are often a good choice for mild allergy sufferers. With that said, their coats do require regular maintenance to stay clean and tangle-free.

Cavapoos should be brushed a few times per week with a pin brush or slicker brush to remove any loose hair and prevent mats and tangles from forming. The longer the coat, the more frequent brushing is needed. Some owners opt to keep their Cavapoos in a shorter ‘puppy cut‘ clip to minimize brushing. They only need occasional bathing every 4-6 weeks unless they get into something messy.

Other grooming needs include regular ear cleaning to prevent ear infections, tooth brushing a few times a week, and nail trims every 1-2 months. Cavapoos are prone to tear stains around their eyes, so daily wiping with a damp cloth can help minimize staining.

As far as feeding, Cavapoos do well on a high-quality dry dog food formulated for small breeds. They usually need ¼ to ¾ cup of food per day divided into two meals. Because they are prone to dental issues, a dental care diet or supplementing with dental chews is a good idea.

Cavapoos also need routine preventative care including vaccines, heartworm and flea/tick prevention as directed by a vet. It‘s important to keep these dogs at a healthy weight, as obesity can worsen health issues like joint problems. Providing age-appropriate exercise and not overfeeding are key.

Health Issues

All purebred dogs and designer mixes can be predisposed to certain hereditary health problems. For Cavapoos, the main issues to be aware of include:

• Luxating patellas (loose kneecaps)
• Hip dysplasia
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• Mitral valve disease (MVD)
• Syringomyelia (SM)
• Ear infections
• Dental disease

While this list looks long, the good news is that many Cavapoos are healthy dogs that may not experience any major issues. Working with a responsible breeder who does genetic testing and focuses on breeding healthy dogs is important. Keeping your Cavapoo at a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, brushing their teeth, and getting annual vet checkups can help prevent or catch issues early.

The average lifespan for a Cavapoo is around 10 to 15 years. Many will live into their early teens if kept in good health.

Finding a Cavapoo

If you think the cuddly Cavapoo would be the perfect companion for you, the first step is deciding whether you want to purchase a puppy from a breeder or adopt from a rescue group.

When going the breeder route, be sure to do your homework to find an ethical, responsible breeder. Avoid pet stores or online ads, as these puppies often come from puppy mills. Look for a breeder that is open and knowledgeable, lets you tour their facility, and asks you questions to ensure their puppies are going to good homes. They should do genetic health testing on the parents and provide a written health guarantee for the puppies.

If you would prefer to adopt, check with local animal shelters and rescue groups in your area. Petfinder.com is also a great resource to search for adoptable Cavapoos near you. While puppies can be hard to find, an older Cavapoo can be a great option, especially if you don‘t have the time for potty training and puppy mischief. Tip: try searching for both "Cavapoo" and "Poodle mix" to maximize your options.

Fun Facts

To wrap up, here are a few fun facts about the charismatic Cavapoo:

• The Cavapoo is a celebrity favorite, owned by stars like Adam Sandler, Hilary Duff, Courtney Cox and more
• Cavapoos are considered one of the best dog breeds for apartment dwellers
• Cavapoos are a top choice for therapy work and emotional support dogs due to their gentle, intuitive nature
• A Cavapoo named Oliver holds the record for "most alternating paw steps walked down by a dog facing forwards in 30 seconds" at 23 steps
• The oldest known Cavapoo lived to be 18 years and 7 months old

So there you have it – the curly-coated, cuddle-loving Cavapoo! These delightful designer dogs have so much to offer the right family. If you are looking for an affectionate, lively, low-shedding companion to share your heart and your home with, the captivating Cavapoo may just be your perfect match.