Bred to be a hypoallergenic companion dog, the Cavapoo is perfectly suited for families. With their rounded faces, large eyes, wide brows, and long ears hanging below the chin, Cavapoos are also categorized as crossbreed (hybrid) dogs.
Known as a 'fuzzy-faced teddy bear,’ Cavapoos are a small designer dog recognized by the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and approved by the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) since 2009. Cavapoos are also called Cavoodle, Cavapoodle, Cavadoo, and Cavadoodle.
History
No one person can be credited with developing the Cavapoo. Cavapoos appeared in the early 1950s in both the United States and Australia. However, their recent explosion in popularity began in Australia during the late 1990s and has spread to the UK and the United States since.
Appearance
Cavapoos are a product of selective breeding—the intentional mixing of two purebred dogs—the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle (either miniature or toy.) This leads to appearance variance due to crossbreeding. Additionally, since the Poodle parent can be either toy or miniature, the height of the Cavapoo will fall within two different ranges.
The Cavapoo’s coat can be curly or feathered with the length ranging between medium and long. A curly coat is inherited from the Poodle parent and the straight coat is influenced by the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. Cavapoo coloring includes solid chestnut, gold, black, white, tawny (apricot), Blenheim (chestnut and white), and Tricolor (black, white, and chestnut).
One huge benefit of the Cavapoo is hidden in its fur. They grow a no-to-low-shed coat. Plus, it usually retains hypoallergenic qualities inherited from the poodle parent.
Cavapoo bodies are short and strong, their necks are elongated, and their tails are long. Cavapoos come in two general size ranges. Results are influenced by the poodle parent and if it is a toy (smaller) or miniature (taller) dog.
| Toy Cavapoo | Mini Cavapoo |
|
11-13" tall* |
13-18" tall* |
|
12-18 lbs |
18-25 lbs |
* A dog’s height is measured to the withers. The withers is the ridge between the shoulder blades of an animal.
Health
Cavapoos are active dogs because of their Spaniel parents and adults will need regular walks between 30 and 60 minutes a day. Owners won’t be overwhelmed by the Cavapoo’s energy level but should provide a healthy exercise and play schedule to maintain this energetic dog’s quality of life.
A Cavapoo’s lifespan is between 13-15 years. A crossbreed’s diverse genetic makeup gives them ‘hybrid vigor’ and this positively influences their health and the length of their lives. However, a short muzzle means Cavapoos will be sensitive to heat.
Some Cavapoos are predisposed to weight gain as obesity is often diagnosed in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Consequently, some breeders prefer the miniature poodle parent to the toy poodles since they have fewer health-related issues.
Cavapoos can suffer from Luxating patella (a condition in which the patella, or kneecap, dislocates or moves out of its normal location), congenital heart defects, eye conditions, and hip dysplasia. However, it is possible to avoid issues like these using DNA testing - like Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Temperament
Cavapoos endear all the qualities of a companion dog, described by owners and breeders as outgoing, playful, and gentle. Some say they are just as happy curling up next to you as they are running through the woods on a walk. Additionally, Cavapoos are suitable for apartment living if have daily exercise, and they are not prone to barking much.
Cavapoos prefer humans over other dogs and can become attached to one owner. They are good with both elderly folks and kids. Although as puppies, they are very little - so small children will need supervision when spending time with their tiny pups at first.
Cavapoos are sociable, needing a significant amount of attention and special treatment. If you are away frequently or for long periods of time, they may develop separation anxiety. Symptoms of separation anxiety may include:
- Urinating or defecating in the house
- Barking and howling
- Chewing or digging
- Escaping
- Pacing
Training
Cavapoos are highly trainable as they are intelligent and demonstrate an eagerness to please. They respond best to gentle guidance rather than strong discipline.
Begin early socialization and obedience training as pups. In the early months, the Cavapoo’s attention span is short and training may take 9-12 months to stick. However, most trainers feel they learn house rules and owner expectations quickly.
Crate training works for Cavapoos as they want to toilet at a distance from where they sleep. However, don’t leave them secluded in the crate for long periods of time. As mentioned above, Cavapoos are highly sociable and desire a strong bond with the family.
Grooming
Cavapoo grooming is considered low to moderate maintenance. They love attention and the one-on-one time grooming provides will make them willing participants. Begin grooming Cavapoos early so they become accustomed to the comb, brush, and clippers so close to their face.
Cavapoos have a luxurious coat that requires brushing several times a week to avoid knots. Remove twigs and yard debris which can tangle in the fur. Shedding is not a major issue. A Cavapoo’s fur needs to be clipped because it does not fall out. Groomers recommend clipping them 3-4 times a year.
A curly-coated Cavapoo (poodle influenced) will have less shedding than a straight-coated (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) dog. However, curly fur tangles and knots easily. So, frequent brushing is necessary in order to avoid knots and matted fur.
Trim their excess ear fur and thoroughly dry the ears after bathing to avoid infections. The Cavapoo brow fur may require trimming if it hangs over the eyes. If fur grows long under their legs, brush frequently to avoid knots.
All in all, the Cavapoo makes a delightful, loyal companion, especially for families.