Is a Cavapoo Right for You? Complete Breed Profile & Expert Tips

Originating in Australia, the Cavapoo (also referred to as a Cavoodle or Cavadoodle) is a mix between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are lovely and bright, and they would be a great complement for anyone searching for a mellow and affectionate dog friend because of their winning combination. 

Additionally, they are somewhat petite, which we believe adds to their endless puppy charm, but they have large hearts and lots of love to give. It makes sense to cuddle them even more because they are known to bark a little less and to have a slightly cooler mood than some other doodles.

Is a Cavapoo dog the best breed for you? We’ve covered almost everything you’ll need to know in this comprehensive breed profile because there are many factors to consider when bringing a dog into your life. For the most important information regarding Cavapoos, we spoke with Nicole Ellis, a panellist on The Dog People and licensed professional dog trainer who has extensive experience working with Doodle breeds, breeders, and owners.

Characteristics

Types of Cavapoo

Some Poodle breeds are used in the breeding process, even though the breed standard for King Charles Spaniels is very linear. The Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles are among them (along with the unofficial Teacup Poodle). Therefore, we can discover Standard, Mini, Toy, or Teacup Cavapoos, depending on the type of Poodle the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was bred with. But the variety doesn’t stop there. The breed type of a Cavapoo is determined by its generation, just like any other mixed breed dog. On the surface, it may appear somewhat complex, so let’s break it down.

What does “F” denote?

The letter “F” denotes generation and stands for “filial “.

What does “B” denote?

In the F1b Cavapoo, the letters “F,” “1,” and “b” stand for “filial,” first generation, and back-cross, respectively. The breed’s initial back-cross generation is an F1b Cavapoo. When a dog is back-crossed, it indicates that it was once a purebred Poodle.

F1 Cavapoo

Produced by crossing a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The F1 Cavapoo is the first generation of the breed, produced by mating a purebred Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle with a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Half a Poodle and Half a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel make up an F1 Cavapoo. One of the most popular generations is the F1 Cavapoo, which can be easily found at breeders and on trustworthy websites that advertise dog breeders, such as Puppy Spot.

An F1 Cavapoo typically inherits an equal number of features from each parent breed, albeit they may look more like a Poodle or a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. F1 Cavapoos have short, wavy coats, round features, and floppy ears. They are available in a variety of hues, including red, apricot, white, cream, silver, and black.

F1b Cavapoo

A Poodle or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel crossed with an F1 Cavapoo results in an F1b Cavapoo. An F1 Cavapoo and a standard, miniature, or toy Poodle breed are crossed to produce an F1b Cavapoo. 25% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and 75% Poodle make up the resultant dog. Much like F1b Cavapoos, F1 Cavapoos are quite popular and can be found at breeders as well as on reliable dog breeder advertising websites such as PuppySpot.

Because it carries a higher percentage of Poodle genes than Cavalier King Charles Spaniel genes, an F1b Cavapoo has a more poodle-like appearance. The greatest distinguishing characteristic of an F1b Cavapoo is that its coat is curly instead of wavy, more akin to that of a Poodle. In addition to being taller and slimmer than F1 Cavapoos, F1b Cavapoos have a body type more akin to a Poodle.  

F1bb Cavapoo

A purebred Poodle, which can be toy, miniature, or standard-sized, crosses with an F1bb Cavapoo (Cavapoo x Poodle). They are 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. F1bb Cavapoos don’t exist very often.

 

F2 Cavapoo

An F2 Cavapoo is the result of two F1 Cavapoos. The second generation of the breed, produced by crossing an F1 Cavapoo with another F1 Cavapoo, is known as an F2 Cavapoo. They are half Poodle and half Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Since F2 Cavapoos have the same number of features from both parent breeds as F1 Cavapoos, they look remarkably similar. The short, wavy coat of an F2 Cavapoo can be found in a variety of colours, including apricot, white, cream, red, silver, and black. Their faces are round, with floppy ears and button eyes.

 

 

Thinking of a Black Goldendoodle? Learn Why They’re Stealing Hearts!

Temperament & Personality of Cavapoo

The Cavapoo has one of the most endearing and versatile dispositions of any dog because it combines the brains of a Poodle with the kind nature of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Being highly gregarious canines, Cavapoos develop close relationships with both their owners and those in their immediate vicinity. They are excellent family dogs since they adore being a part of the home, they thrive on attention and engagement, and they get along well with kids. Because of their gentle disposition, intelligence, and versatility, they adapt well to most lifestyles and react well to training. They’re the perfect breed for someone getting their first dog.

Cavapoos are lively, energetic tiny dogs that love to play. They enjoy nothing more than playing fetch, so they require just the correct amount of daily exercise and stimulation to prevent boredom. It’s a well-known fact that Cavapoos are exceptional in a wide range of dog sports.

Due to their high level of sensitivity, Cavapoos are kind and affectionate, making them excellent therapy dogs. 

Due to their intense attachment to their owners and other humans, Cavapoos frequently experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Occasionally, this might lead to excessive barking or disruptive behaviour within the home.

Cavapoo Health and Care

In terms of health, Cavapoos are generally in good shape, but there are a few conditions you should be aware of that could arise, such as luxating patella (kneecap problems), mitral valve disease (heart disease), ear infections, and skin allergies. If you do choose to use a breeder, you can reduce the likelihood that your dog will experience these problems by working with a respectable breeder. Cavapoos typically live between 12 and 18 years, so if you provide your dog with a healthy diet, exercise, and frequent veterinary visits, your dog should have a long and happy life.Their requirements for exercise are moderate. For their well-being, regular playtime walks, and cerebral stimulation are essential.

Is there a hypoallergenic Cavapoo?

Cavapoos are regarded as nearly hypoallergenic due to their Poodle ancestry. Why? As no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, people who have allergies should still use caution when around dogs. It’s important to keep in mind that there’s no assurance a mixed breed puppy born to a Poodle parent will get the Poodle coat. Hence, the shedding will occur far more frequently in Cavapoos with straight or wavy hair than in those with curly coats. However, it’s safe to assume that Cavapoos will shed far less than their parents or grandparents’ Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Entropion in Cavapoos

Dogs of all breeds, including Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, are susceptible to entropion. The condition when one eyelid rolls inward is especially unpleasant. 

This is thought to be brought on by a genetic inheritance that results in unpleasant and unwanted conditions. When the eyelid rolls in, the lashes scrape on the actual eye, resulting in further problems. This may result in corneal ulcers, discomfort, oedema, and other issues. Entropion needs to be treated right away due to its discomfort and more severe adverse effects. Depending on the severity, the course of treatment may vary, although surgery is almost always necessary. Due to their intense attachment to their owners and other humans, Cavapoos frequently experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Occasionally, this might lead to excessive barking or disruptive behaviour within the home.

Cavapoos’ Mitral Valve Disease

In dogs, mitral valve dysfunction is the most frequent cardiac condition. The mitral valve is in charge of stopping blood from flowing backwards through the heart’s chambers. When a dog has mitral valve disease, blood flows backwards through the heart because the valve is unable to function properly. A heart murmur alone, without any other symptoms, is one of the early indicators of mitral valve dysfunction. The symptoms worsen as the condition worsens. This can involve unconsciousness, intolerance to physical activity, and in extreme circumstances, abrupt demise. Fortunately, there is a cure. The dog doesn’t need to receive treatment until it starts to show symptoms. Medications are the initial line of treatment.

Cavapoos’ Cataracts

In essence, cataracts are a foggy clouding of the eye’s lens. If neglected, they may result in partial or total vision loss. One possibility to help maintain vision is surgical intervention. Dogs can self-inflict damage to their eyes by clawing at them or engaging in excessive activity after surgery, even though the procedure itself is quite successful. One of the costlier Cavapoo health conditions to treat is cataracts.

Cavapoos Hernia

Although most people wouldn’t think of dogs as having hernias, dogs can also get them! Compared to other dog breeds, inguinal hernias are more common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, making them a health issue with a higher breed-specific risk. While some hernias are more serious than others, all of them need to be surgically repaired because they cannot heal on their own.

Learn more about the delightful Mini Irish Doodle puppies and their unique traits

Grooming of Cavapoo

Puppies of Cavapoo breeds can have straight, curly, or wavy fur. They are virtually often hypoallergenic, meaning that their fur develops more like their friends’ Sapiens hair. Regular brushing will help prevent matting and the accumulation of dirt clumps. You should also take them to a professional groomer every six weeks or so, due to the rate their hair grows, to ensure that their fur is in the finest possible condition. Take care to keep their nails short and check that their ears are clean when brushing them.

The type of coat your Cavapoo inherited will determine how well it needs to be groomed. In general, brushing your dog’s coat once a day is advised, particularly for longer coats. This will assist in avoiding any unwelcome tangles, knots, or matting. Grooming by a professional is advised every four to six weeks. 

Because of their gentle disposition, Cavapoos typically accept grooming nicely. As with all breeds, it’s advisable to give your pet some time to grow acclimated to being groomed by brushing their coat gently when they are young.

Although Cavapoos don’t shed much, you will still need to brush them frequently to avoid tangles because they do mat readily. Ideally, to prevent things from getting too bad, you should brush or comb their hair a few times every week. Additionally, you should brush them right away after a wash to prevent frizzing and tangles before their fur dries. 

Every few months, you should also take your Cavapoo to the vet to have their nails trimmed, their ears groomed (yes, this is a thing), and their overall health and cleanliness assessed.

Hybrid English Sheepdog cross vs a poodle cross with another dog breed! Click to Compare

Food and Diet for the Cavapoo

A diet specifically designed for a small- to medium-sized Cavapoo breed with high energy levels should be created. If you overfeed them, they may gain weight, so you should keep to a regular feeding schedule and avoid leaving food available during the day. 

Also, restrict how many sweets they receive. The dietary requirements of Cavapoos will vary as they grow from puppies to adults and into old age, much like those of other dogs. As there is just too much variance among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—you should seek your veterinarian for advice regarding your Cavapoo’s food.

When Cavapoo pups are six months old, they should eat three meals a day. Typically, mature Cavapoos are fed twice a day. Take caution not to overeat since this can result in obesity.

Keep up a regular feeding schedule and diet at all times. If you must adjust it, do it gradually to prevent upset stomachs, especially in pups.

Given their active and energetic nature, Cavapoos require a diet rich in protein and carbs to fuel their energy needs, along with omega fatty acids to support a healthy coat. To help them burn off any excess calories and prevent their waistline from growing, make sure your pet gets the recommended amount of exercise.

Discover more about the Golden Mountain Doodle and see if this loyal, high-energy crossbreed is the perfect companion for you

Cavapoo Coat Color and Appearance

Their coat colour can also vary, with possible hues including red, chestnut, brown, black, silver, brown and white, black and white, grey and white, tricolour (black, white, and tan)—and on and on. The possibilities are endless when it comes to their hair colour, which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering how many shades both Cavaliers and poodles themselves come in. Though the texture of their hair can be slightly unpredictable—ranging from the poodle’s thick curls to the Cavalier’s silky, wavy locks—it always manages to give this breed the appearance of a miniature teddy bear.

Cavapoos’ coats are often a mix of both their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parents. They can be a variety of colours, including cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, chestnut, and white. They can sometimes be solid colours, but often they are chestnut and white, or they can even be tri-coloured. They usually have short, soft, and wavy or curly coats. They can become quite the fluffballs, though, and require regular grooming. Because of their Poodle parent, they are somewhat less prone to shedding, which is why some allergy sufferers do well with Cavapoos. Brushing out your Cavapoo’s coat once a week should help keep it in healthy condition. Their curly coats make them able to tolerate moderate cold and heat.

Cavapoo Size and Growth

the Cavapoo breed is relatively new, there aren’t many size criteria. Having said that, Cavapoos are a cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, therefore their size will vary based on the Poodle parent’s stature. Most are between nine and twenty-five pounds in weight and between nine and fourteen inches tall at the shoulder. Nevertheless, a lot can be bigger or smaller. A Cavapoo puppy will typically mature between one and two years of age. This breed grows differently from dog to dog, however, it is mostly influenced by size, socialization, sexual maturity, and breed.

Since Cavapoos are petite breed dogs, by the time they turn one year old, they are often completely grown. Nonetheless, your Cavapoo can put on the majority of its weight between the ages of 4 and 6 months. This is before any significant size increase starts to taper off.

Additionally, you could notice that your female Cavapoo is rather shorter than her boys. This is because female dogs typically have a smaller stature than their male counterparts, similar to many other species.

When fully mature, Cavapoos typically stand between 9 and 14 inches tall. Despite their sometimes diminutive height, they have a large personality and get along well with both adults and children. 

Because their parents were purebred Cavaliers who were regarded as lap dogs, Cavapoos are said to be more laid back. It’s obvious that their Poodle parents also gave them their stunning coats and little shedding tendency.

The weight and height of your Cavapoo can be estimated using the chart below. Many times, the weight and height will be different from what is shown in the chart. This is typical in most situations.

Toy Cavapoo

The Toy Cavapoos are the smallest size Cavapoos. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Tiny/Toy Poodle are both little dogs, and the result of breeding the two is the tiny Toy Cavapoo. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can weigh anything from 13 to 18 pounds and range in height from 12 to 13 inches. The Toy Poodle weighs between six and nine pounds and stands around ten inches tall. 

A fully mature adult Toy Cavapoo stands 12 inches in height and weighs between 7 and 13 pounds.

Mini Cavapoo

The Toy Cavapoo and the Mini Cavapoo are very similar. The Mini Cavapoo is larger than the Toy Cavapoo, but not by much. The Mini Cavapoo is the result of crossing a Mini Poodle with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can weigh anything from 13 to 18 pounds and stand 12 to 13 inches tall. The Mini Poodle weighs between 12 and 20 pounds and stands about 15 inches tall. 

The Mini Cavapoo will mature to weigh between 13 and 25 pounds and measure between 12 and 16 inches tall.

Cavapoo Weight Chart

Age	Toy Cavapoo (Oz)	Toy Cavapoo (Kg)	Mini Cavapoo (lbs)	Mini Cavapoo (kg)
1 month	14 oz	0.4 kg	2 lbs	0.9 kg
2 months	22 oz	0.6 kg	3 lbs	1.3 kg
3 months	28 oz	0.8 kg	4 lbs	1.8 kg
4 months	38 oz	1,1 kg	6 lbs	2.7 kg
5 months	43 oz	1.2 kg	7 lbs	3.2 kg
6 months	50 oz	1.4 kg	9 lbs	4 kg
7 months	54 oz	1.5 kg	11 lbs	5 kg
8 months	58 oz	1.6 kg	12.5 lbs	5.6 kg
9 months	59 oz	1.6 kg	13 lbs	5.9 kg
10 months	65 oz	1.8 kg	14 lbs	6.4 kg
11 months	68 oz	1.9 kg	16 lbs	7.3 kg
12 months	70 oz	2 kg	18 lbs	8.2 kg

For help choosing between these two energetic breeds, read our detailed comparison of Aussiedoodle vs. Sheepadoodle

Cavapoo Favorite Toys

Dogs of all ages enjoy toys! 

In addition to being a source of entertainment, toys are also essential for oral health and, ideally, will also protect your furnishings from puppy teeth. 

Which toys are the best for Cavapoos, given the abundance of options?

Chewable Cavapoo Toys

Because they enjoy chewing, puppies need to have some chew toys; if not, they will find other things to gnaw on. While some chew toys degrade fast, some endure for a very long period. Just be aware that it’s usual to need to replace them regularly. 

Rope Toy

Because of its many uses, rope toys are very popular and have been for many years. Play tug-of-war games with your dog or use them to help soothe teething puppies. 

A must-have in every Cavapoo’s play box, this toy is great for gnawing, tossing, or tugging. 

Select higher-grade, thicker ropes with more strands; these are often of higher quality and the most durable.

Fetch Toy

Playing fetch with your Cavapoo is the best way to help them burn off excess energy. If I allow it, my dog can play fetch for hours on end. She loves playing that particular game. Recall can be improved by teaching your dog to come back to you through retrieving games. 

Make sure to call your dog excitedly after you’ve thrown the ball and ask them to return it to you. 

Keep it out of their mouths. Request that they place it at your feet. 

Chuckit

Using one of these launchers, I can toss balls much more easily. 

You can toss the ball a lot farther using the launcher than you could with your hands. 

Additionally, you can use the launcher to pick up the ball from the ground, so you won’t have to deal with dog poop on your hands. You can use this toy anyplace there’s plenty of space, such as at a dog park or on the beach.

Plush Toy 

For dogs, there are countless options for soft or plush toys. They do have squeakers and come in vibrant colours.
To ensure the longevity of this toy, the seam is double-stitched. Because the Flatz toys are created without stuffing, there won’t be much cleanup if your child is a heavy chewer. Never leave your dog or puppy alone when they are playing with soft or fluffy toys. Because they might swallow it if they can remove the squeaker.

Learn more about the Morkie vs. Yorkie Poo and their unique traits to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

FAQs