Cavapoos are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, typically a Toy or Miniature variety.
They usually weigh between 10-25 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 30 pounds.
Their height can range from 14 to 18 inches (35-45 cm) at the shoulder.
Growth and Development
Cavapoos typically reach their full height between 6-9 months, depending on the size of the Poodle parent involved in breeding.
A Cavapoo's adult size can vary from 16 to 18 inches at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 20 to 35 pounds, with males generally being slightly taller and heavier than females.
Their growth rate is influenced by their Poodle heritage, with Toy Poodles being the fastest growers, reaching full height around 6-7 months and weight at ten months, while Standard Poodles take about two years to stop growing.
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Full Growth Phases
Cavapoos are a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles, and their growth phases depend on what size Poodle was used to breed them.
Mini Poodles reach full adult size around 1 year, similar to the Cavalier Spaniels. They achieve their complete height by 8-9 months and full weight by 12 months.
Toy Poodles grow the fastest, reaching adult height at 6-7 months and weight at ten months. This means that Cavapoos bred with Toy Poodles will be full grown sooner, around ten months old.
The size of the Poodle parent impacts how quickly the Cavapoo puppies reach their full adult size. For example, Cavapoos from Standard Poodles take the longest to stop growing, typically around 2 years.
Here's a rough estimate of when Cavapoos reach certain milestones:
This growth chart can give you an idea of what to expect, but keep in mind that every dog is different and may vary depending on their individual development.
Examining Previous Litters
Examining Previous Litters is a valuable way to estimate your Cavapoo's adult size.
You can review past litters from the same breeding pair and look for a consistent pattern in puppy sizes. If these litters have produced puppies of similar sizes, it's reasonable to expect that your puppy will also fall within that same size range.
A single litter might not provide sufficient data to predict future sizes accurately, but multiple litters can give you a more reliable estimate.
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Physical Characteristics
The Cavapoo is a small-sized pup, but there's still quite a bit of room for variety.
Their size ranges between 7 and 25 pounds in weight, and their height usually sits between 9 and 16 inches when measured at the shoulder. This means that you can expect your adult Cavapoo to be on the smaller side.
There are two main sizes of Cavapoos: Toy and Mini Cavapoo. The Toy Cavapoo weighs between 7-13 pounds, while the Mini Cavapoo weighs between 13-25 pounds. Here's a quick comparison:
Their size is largely determined by the size of their parents and genetics. So, if you're trying to predict your adult Cavapoo's full-grown size, take a look at their parents!
Worth a look: Cavapoo Growth Chart
Size
Cavapoos come in various sizes depending on their parents and genetics.
The average full-grown size of a Cavapoo is quite variable, ranging from 7 to 25 pounds in weight and 9 to 16 inches in height at the shoulder. The most common sizes are Toy and Mini Cavapoo.
Here's a breakdown of the typical weights for each type:
- Toy Cavapoo: 7-13 pounds
- Mini Cavapoo: 13-25 pounds
Their height usually sits between 9 to 16 inches when measured at the shoulder. Some breeders refer to Mini Cavapoos as "Standard" or "Medium", as they're bigger than the Toy Cavapoo.
The weight and height of a Cavapoo are determined by their parents' size, genetics, and overall health and development.
Texture and Length
The texture and length of a Cavapoo's coat can vary significantly.
Cavapoos often start with a soft, puppy fur texture that changes as they mature.
Their adult coats can be wavy, curly, or somewhere in between - straight coats are rare but can occasionally occur.
Adult Cavapoo coats range from 1 to 3 inches long without trimming.
Ears and Tail
Cavapoos inherit their long, silky, floppy ears from their parent breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
These adorable ears are covered in bountiful fur and add to the Cavapoo's cute appeal. Their tails curve onto their back when relaxed or hang down when walking, also inherited from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
You'll want to keep an eye on your Cavapoo's ears between cleanings, especially if they suffer from allergies, as this can lead to itchiness and infection. Clean their ears regularly while grooming them to prevent any issues.
For another approach, see: Cavapoo vs King Charles Spaniel
Understanding the Breed
Cavapoos are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, making them intelligent and easy to train.
Their ancestry also means they can vary significantly in size, coat color, and pattern, with some resembling one parent breed more than the other.
The Poodle Factor
The size of your Cavapoo can vary significantly depending on the size of the Poodle involved in its breeding.
Cavapoos bred with Toy Poodles tend to reach their full size earlier than those mixed with Standard Poodles. This means that if you're expecting a smaller Cavapoo, it's likely to be fully grown sooner.
Understanding these growth milestones is crucial for providing the right care and anticipating your furry companion's needs.
Coat Coloring,
Cavapoos come in a wide range of colors, including black, white, chestnut, apricot, red, cream, silver, chocolate, and parti.
The coat color can vary significantly based on their genetic makeup, resulting in stunning combinations of traits from both parental breeds. Their coats can be short or long, curly or straight, depending on the Poodle side of their heritage.
Parti-colored cavapoos have large patches of white mixed with a second color, giving them a unique and eye-catching appearance. Markings like spots or masks are also possible in this breed.
Cavapoos that inherit more of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's coat tend to shed moderately, while those with Poodle-like coats tend to shed less. This can be an important consideration for dog owners who prefer a low-shedding breed.
The Full Temperament
Cavapoos are extremely affectionate dogs who form strong bonds with their family.
They crave closeness, attention, and cuddles from their favorite people. In fact, they tend to be excellent companions for inexperienced dog owners due to their intelligence and ease of training.
With their lively, outgoing nature, Cavapoos love to play and will happily chase after toys and play fetch for hours if given the chance. Their fun and playful nature helps them stay youthful in spirit.
Few dogs are friendlier than the Cavapoo, as they get along wonderfully with people of all ages, other pets, and even strangers they meet on the street. Proper socialization enhances this natural trait.
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Cavapoos try to make their owners happy and do well with positive reinforcement during training. Their close bond with family motivates them to do what's asked of them.
Here are some key personality traits you can expect in your fully-grown Cavapoo:
- Affectionate
- Playful
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Eager to Please
Overall, the full temperament of a Cavapoo is a wonderful combination of traits that make them a popular family companion.
Factors Affecting
A Cavapoo's size will depend on its genetics, with Miniature Poodles and Standard Poodles producing larger puppies when bred with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
The quality of a Cavapoo's diet can also impact its growth rate, as high-quality diets are essential for healthy development.
Cavapoo puppies require regular exercise to engage bone, joint, and muscle growth, which is crucial for their overall health and well-being.
A full-grown Cavapoo's size can vary significantly, ranging from 7 to 40 pounds and 8 to 17 inches in height.
Health and Wellness
Cavapoos can live up to 12-15 years with proper care and attention. As they age, responsible breeders check for potential health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia.
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor your Cavapoo's health, especially later in life when conditions like heart problems and ear infections may arise. Heart murmurs can be a sign of underlying heart issues, so make sure to have your vet examine your pet for any signs of this.
Some common health concerns in Cavapoos include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and even cancer or organ failure at an older age. Regular eye exams and ear cleanings can help prevent these issues.
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Health Issues to Discuss with Your Veterinarian
As a responsible Cavapoo owner, it's essential to discuss potential health issues with your veterinarian.
Cavapoos can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, leading to painful arthritis, especially later in life. Maintaining your dog at a good weight is crucial to reduce any symptoms.
Regular ear cleaning is vital for preventing ear infections in Cavapoos, as their droopy ears can catch water, wax, and dirt. This simple habit can save you and your pet from a lot of discomfort.
Eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts are possible in Cavapoos, so it's crucial to monitor for any vision issues during annual eye exams. These check-ups can help identify problems early on.
While most Cavapoos stay healthy well into their older years when breeders carefully check for health issues, older age can bring concerns like cancer and organ failure – as with any breed.
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Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition that can occur in dogs when their hip joint doesn't develop properly.
This can lead to a loose joint that can then progress to arthritis, muscle atrophy, and limited mobility.
Although it's more common in large dog breeds, it can be a problem in both Cavapoo parent breeds as well.
Allergies
Allergies can be a challenge for Cavapoos, manifesting in various ways such as excessive itching and scratching.
The symptoms can also include licking or biting their skin, red, inflamed skin, hair loss, repeated ear infections, hot spots, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory issues.
If your Cavapoo is experiencing these symptoms, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian promptly. Treatment will depend on the cause of the allergy and may involve antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy for environmental allergies.
In some cases, an elimination diet can help pinpoint the problematic ingredient if the allergy is food-related. Ensuring effective flea-control measures is also crucial for managing flea allergy dermatitis.
While most allergies can be managed with proper medical treatment, it's essential to remember that lifelong management may be necessary, and some dogs may require ongoing medication.
How Does It Affect You?
Your lifestyle can be significantly affected by the size of your Cavapoo.
Larger dogs generally eat more than smaller ones, so you'll need to factor that into your budget and feeding routine. Mini Cavapoos tend to eat slightly more than Toy Cavapoos due to their slightly larger size.
Smaller toy breeds like Toy Cavapoos can be prone to certain health conditions such as elbow dysplasia and patellar luxation, which may require special dietary considerations. This is especially true for small breeds that need food formulated specifically for them.
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The size of your home also plays a role in caring for your Cavapoo, with larger dogs requiring more space. Mini Cavapoos may have more stamina than Toy Cavapoos and therefore need more exercise like daily walks and playtime.
If you plan on traveling with your Cavapoo, their size is an important consideration - it's often easier to travel with a smaller pet, and there might be weight and size limits on airplanes if you want them to join you in the cabin.
Care and Feeding
A Cavapoo adult needs a commercially available food with nutrients approved by the AAFCO.
Consult your veterinarian before making any dietary changes, as some Cavapoos may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. They can help you determine if a change of food is necessary based on your pup's skin, coat, waste, or behavior.
You should feed your Cavapoo a measured amount of life stage-appropriate food two to three times a day, with puppies needing three to four small meals daily and adults eating twice a day.
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Training
Training is key for a happy and well-behaved Cavapoo. With their people-pleasing nature, they respond well to positive reinforcement training.
The Cavapoo's bright mind makes them a quick learner, especially when it comes to fun tricks involving interaction with you. They can learn to weave between your legs or jump through a hoop, which would be a great activity for both of you to enjoy together.
To keep your Cavapoo happy and engaged, reward-based training is essential. This includes using food puzzles that challenge their mind and stimulate their appetite.
Remember, every dog is unique, so it's crucial to research and understand the potential traits and health issues associated with both parent breeds before starting any training program.
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Exercise Needs
Cavapoos have relatively moderate exercise needs, requiring 30-60 minutes of daily activity once fully grown.
You don't need to take your Cavapoo on marathon runs, but short walks or jogs are a great way to bond and meet their exercise needs. This can be as simple as a stroll around the block or a jog with you in tow.
Playtime is essential for full-grown cavapoos, allowing them to release pent-up energy through games like fetch, tug of war, and chase. These activities can take place both indoors and outdoors, providing your Cavapoo with plenty of opportunities to get their zoomies out.
Off-leash play at the dog park gives your Cavapoo a chance to socialize and sprint around to their heart's content. Just be sure to supervise interactions, especially with larger breeds.
Here are some fun exercise ideas for your Cavapoo:
- Short walks or jogs
- Playtime (indoor and outdoor)
- Time at the dog park (supervised)
- Agility classes
- Nose work classes
Cavapoos tend to excel at canine sports like agility, which taps into their athleticism and trainability. Nosework is another great way to provide mental stimulation for your Cavapoo.
Low Shedding High Maintenance Coats
The Low Shedding High Maintenance Coats of Cavapoos - a trade-off many pet owners are willing to make for their adorable furry friends. Daily brushing is essential, so plan on spending about 10-15 minutes each day gently working out tangles and mats.
You'll want to pay close attention to areas like the belly, armpits, and ears that can easily become knotted or matted - it's amazing how quickly those areas can get tangled up. Brushing your Cavapoo three times a week is also recommended to prevent matting and tangling.
Professional grooming is another option, with many pet owners finding it makes coat upkeep much more manageable. Trimming their coat short every 6-8 weeks can give you a lower-maintenance look while still keeping their beautiful Poodle coat intact.
Bathing your Cavapoo doesn't need to be frequent - occasional baths using a moisturizing dog shampoo keep their coat clean and help prevent matting, but make sure to dry them thoroughly afterward to avoid mildew and skin irritation.
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Pet Care Considerations
Choosing the right food for your Cavapoo is crucial. You should select a commercially available food with nutrients approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
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If you notice changes in your Cavapoo's skin, coat, waste, or behavior, it may be time to switch foods. Some Cavapoos can have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.
Feed your Cavapoo a measured amount of life stage-appropriate food two to three times a day. This will help maintain blood sugar levels in puppies and ensure adults get enough nutrients.
Cavapoo puppies need three to four small meals daily on a consistent schedule, while adults can eat twice a day. Even a couple of treats every day can add up and affect your Cavapoo's calorie count.
The label on your pup's dog food is a good starting point for determining how much to feed your Cavapoo, based on his size. However, talking to your vet about other variables like age, activity level, and body composition will give you a more accurate idea of whether he needs more or less kibble.
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Ear Care
Clean your Cavapoo's ears when you groom him.
If he suffers from allergies, his ears could become itchy and infected. This can lead to a buildup of debris in the ear canal that might cause discomfort for your furry friend.
You might smell an infection or notice him shaking his head if his ears are not properly cared for.
Care and Feeding
As you care for your Cavapoo, measuring its growth is an essential part of ensuring healthy development.
To measure your Cavapoo's height accurately, use a tape measure from the base of its front paws to its shoulder blade while it's standing still. This will give you more consistent numbers compared to measuring when it's sitting.
You'll also want to weigh your Cavapoo regularly using a pet scale, which can be done with some treats and positive training techniques to keep them calm and cooperative. Having a friend or family member assist with measurements can be helpful if your Cavapoo gets restless.
Since there aren't official standards for Cavapoo sizes, you should expect more variance in height and weight compared to purebred dogs. This means it's crucial to consult with your veterinarian regularly to ensure your Cavapoo is experiencing healthy growth and development.
Here are some general guidelines for Cavapoo size and growth:
Keep in mind that every Cavapoo is different, and your veterinarian can provide personalized advice on caring for your furry friend based on its unique growth patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Cavapoo a calm dog?
Yes, Cavapoos are known for their calm nature, inherited from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This gentle temperament makes them a great companion for families and individuals alike.
What are the downsides of Cavapoos?
Cavapoos may be prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, as well as allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential health problems early on.
How big do adult Cavapoos get?
Adult Cavapoos typically weigh 8-25 pounds and stand 9-14 inches tall. Their size may vary depending on whether they inherit a Miniature or Toy Poodle's genetics.
Is a Cavapoo a yappy dog?
Cavapoos are generally quiet dogs, but individual personalities may vary. Some Cavapoos might be more vocal than others, so it's essential to get to know your dog's temperament.
What do adult Cavapoo dogs look like?
Adult Cavapoo dogs have a distinctive teddy bear-like appearance with round faces, big eyes, and soft, fluffy coats that can be wavy or curly. Their adorable looks are one of their most notable features!
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