Is a Cavapoo the right dog for you?

A Cavapoo is a designer dog that has become very popular. The Cavapoo, like a cockapoo, is a poodle mix and can be the product of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and either a toy poodle and a miniature poodle or mini poodle. 

A crossbreed of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle, Cavapoos have several great qualities that they have inherited from the parent breeds. This designer breed with a teddy bear appearance is a perennial favorite and also is known as a Cavoodle. Their small size usually doesn’t exceed 25 pounds.

If you are deciding whether or not to adopt one of these beautiful, four-legged animals as your new family pet, it’s worth knowing a little bit more about them.

Do some research and weigh the pros and cons of owning a Cavapoo before you make your decision.

Cavapoo temperament

Both poodles and Cavalier King Charles spaniels are friendly and outgoing dogs that are easy to please. That means it’s more likely a Cavoodle will be the same.

The dog’s temperament depends on more than just their parents. While the mother will shape and mold the pup’s behavior, other factors include the amount of socialization they receive and their environment.  For the most part, though, a Cavapoo will repay kindness, warmth, and attention in kind.

The dogs are excellent companion dogs and good family dogs. Be warned; if you don’t put forth the effort to give your Cavapoo time and attention, the dog could become distant and withdrawn.

On the other hand, if you shower a Cavoodles with love and attention, the dogs can become a little clingy and needy. If you don’t want a dog that wants to sit with you every waking moment, you might want to look elsewhere.

Cavapoo grooming needs

Is a Cavapoo hypoallergenic? The dogs are not hypoallergenic. Although the dogs are a poodle mix, they shed less and are more suitable for people who struggle with allergies. Just remember the dogs do have shedding coats.

Their curly coats are rarely solid color, instead, picking up the colors found in both French poodles and Cavalier King Charles spaniels, especially black and white.

Although they are relatively easy to look after, it is worth noting that the dog still needs regular grooming from a professional groomer. 

Do Cavapoos shed? A little, but not too much. The dogs generally have either a wavy or curly coat, though there can be some variation on this depending on the genes they inherit from their parents.

Is a Cavapoo hard or easy to groom? Ideally, the dog’s coat should be brushed every two or three days to ensure tangles and mats do not develop. The dog also needs baths every two to four weeks.

Most Cavoodle owners make regular appointments with a professional dog groomer every four to six weeks. Even so, you will still need to brush your dog regularly with a high-quality brush.

If you can’t commit to this kind of grooming schedule, it might be worth looking at other breeds that require less work and effort.

If you decide to groom your dog at home, you’ll need to purchase clippers.

Cavapoo training

Both Cavalier King Charles spaniels and poodles are known for being smart, easy-to-train dogs. Both breeds that make up these doodle dogs also are known for having a moderate activity level.

Therefore, it makes sense that, for the most part, a Cavapoo will have similar qualities.

When it comes to training, it is crucial that you start early and use positive reinforcement training. From the very first day your new dog enters your home, you can begin training.  Even when they are as young as just eight weeks, they are capable of taking in the things you try to teach them.

Waiting to train a Cavapoo puppy until he’s six months means you’re more likely to deal with a dog that is more headstrong and obstinate.

Overall though, the dogs want to learn new things and be obedient.

Socialize your puppy as much as possible and consider taking doggy obedience courses. Putting in the time to train your puppy will be richly rewarded.

Cavoodle exercise needs

Cavapoos do not need as much exercise as some breeds, like cockapoos. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are popular as lap dogs, after all.

Like most dogs, however, they do require some regular exercise. They need daily walks and are better suited to homes with some garden or yard space where they can run around freely. They also need daily mental stimulation and can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.

Consider another breed if you live in an apartment or have little or no time for daily walks.

Health issues

Cavoodles are prone to several common health problems. Issues to watch for include hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness. These dog breeds also can have congenital heart problems. If you decide to buy a puppy, work with a reputable Cavapoo breeder. 

Because the dogs have long, floppy ears, they are prone to ear infections. That means it will be critical for you to keep your dog’s ears clean. 

Life expectancy for these small dogs is typically 10 to 15 years.

Want to adopt? 

If you’re considering adopting a Cavapoo, search for dogs using Petfinder or contact rescue groups like Carolina Poodle Rescue, Fluffy Dog Rescue, or Poo-Mix Rescue.

Read more from Simon Barker on Pooching Around.

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