Cavapoo AKC Dog Breed Complete Guide

The Cavapoo AKC dog breed is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, typically a Toy or Miniature Poodle.

This adorable mix is a relatively new breed, developed in the 1990s to create a low-shedding, hypoallergenic companion dog.

The Cavapoo is often described as gentle, affectionate, and playful, making them an excellent choice for families with children.

They are relatively small in size, weighing between 10-25 pounds and standing between 14-18 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Cavapoo is a breed that's gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They originated in Australia in the 1990s.

Here are some quick facts about the Cavapoo:

Their temperament is one of their best qualities - they're affectionate, friendly, and sociable. They get along well with children, other pets, and strangers.

Here are their exercise needs in a nutshell:

The Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. They're known for their affectionate temperament and teddy bear-like appearance.

Cavapoos are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 15 and 30 pounds. This makes them a great choice for families with smaller living spaces.

Their coats are soft, wavy, curly, or straight, and come in various colors: black, white, brown, and cream.

The Cavapoo is a crossbreed between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature or Toy Poodle, weighing between 8-25 pounds.

Their friendly, playful nature makes them a great fit for many families, including first-time pet parents. They love to go with the flow when they get plenty of love and attention from their people.

Cavapoos have a low-shedding coat due to their Poodle parentage, but this comes with the responsibility of consistent grooming.

Here are some key characteristics of the Cavapoo breed:

The Cavapoo breed has its roots in Australia, where designer breeders started intentionally mixing Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles in the late 1990s.

Breeders wanted to combine the outgoing and calmer nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence of a Poodle.

Since Poodles tend to shed less, they were also selected to create a mixed breed for allergy sufferers.

The demand for Cavapoos climbed quickly, and breeders continued to create them.

Expand your knowledge: Cavapoo vs King Charles Spaniel

The Cavapoo's size can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent, but most weigh between 9 to 25 pounds.

Cavapoos typically range in height from 9 to 14 inches at the shoulder.

They can be small or larger, and some even weigh in at the lower end of the scale, around 8 pounds.

Their small stature makes them a great fit for families living in apartments or with limited space.

Their Poodle parentage also influences their overall size, with Toy Poodles contributing to their compact build.

Worth a look: How Big Is a Cavapoo

Cavapoos are wonderful small- to medium-sized dogs that can make a great addition to many families. However, they require a lot of grooming and are prone to health issues.

One of the biggest pros of Cavapoos is their affectionate nature. They love being around their humans and tend to be filled with excitement when you come home from being out. They are also highly trainable, eager to please, and only require a medium amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their low-shedding coat is another major advantage, making them an excellent option for people with allergies. But don't forget, this low-shedding coat requires consistent grooming.

Here are some key characteristics of Cavapoos:

Overall, Cavapoos are a great fit for many families, but they do require some extra attention and care.

Cavapoos are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to some common health problems. Mitral valve disease, a heart condition that affects the mitral valve, is one such issue that can cause symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, and fainting.

Progressive retinal atrophy, a group of eye diseases, can lead to blindness. It's a genetic condition that's not curable, but treatments can slow its progression.

Cavapoos are also prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joints don't fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. Hip dysplasia is often treated with surgery or medication.

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes seizures, can be controlled with medication, but it's not curable. Syringomyelia, a severe condition affecting the spinal cord, can cause damage to the spinal cord's tissue and lead to symptoms like pain and partial paralysis.

Dental problems are common in all dogs, but Cavapoos are especially prone to tartar buildup, leading to gum disease and tooth loss. Regular veterinary checkups can help detect these issues early on.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Cavapoos:

To keep your Cavapoo healthy, it's essential to maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise, such as daily walks and play sessions, can help prevent weight gain and heart issues.

Broaden your view: How Big Will My Cavapoo Get Calculator

Cavapoos have a unique coat that's a mix of their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parents. Their coats can be a variety of colors, including cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, chestnut, and white.

They usually have short, soft, and wavy or curly coats that require regular grooming. Brushing out their coat once a week can help keep it healthy.

Their curly coats enable them to tolerate moderate cold and heat. However, they should not be left outside in extremely warm or cold temperatures.

Cavapoos have a low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Regular brushing, bathing, and trimming are all parts of grooming a Cavapoo.

Plan on brushing your Cavapoo about three times a week, and book a grooming appointment every six weeks. This will help prevent matting and tangling.

Their wavy curls may start to mat if they're not brushed at least once to twice a week. Mats can be uncomfortable and even painful, and make the skin underneath prone to infections.

Cavapoos are prone to tear stains on their light-colored fur. Washing your dog's face daily can prevent this problem.

Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting, tangling, and skin infections. It's also crucial for keeping their nails trimmed, ears clean, and fur inside their ears trimmed.

Readers also liked: Grooming Cavapoo

Cavapoos are generally friendly dogs that can get along with other dogs and even cats when properly socialized.

They love attention, so if they aren't the only animal in the house, be sure you can still give your Cavapoo the attention they need.

Cavapoos are gentle and even-keeled, making them a great fit for first-time dog parents.

They don't require vigorous exercise, but do need regular grooming to keep their coats from becoming unruly.

Light to moderate exercise, paired with reward-based training, will go a long way toward keeping your pup happy.

Cavapoos are adaptable to all kinds of living situations, from tiny apartments to big houses with yards.

However, they do need plenty of love and attention, and can suffer from separation anxiety if not addressed early on.

Remember, while Cavapoos have low-shedding coats, they are not truly hypoallergenic, and some may still produce allergens that can cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

On a similar theme: What Do I Need for a Cavapoo Puppy

Choosing the right food for your Cavapoo is crucial, as they can gain weight easily if overfed. Stick to a regular feeding schedule and avoid leaving food out during the day.

For more insights, see: Cavapoo Diet

A commercially available food with nutrients approved by the AAFCO is a good starting point. However, always be aware of any reactions your Cavapoo may have to certain ingredients.

Feed your Cavapoo a measured amount of life stage-appropriate food two to three times a day. Cavapoo puppies need three to four small meals daily on a consistent schedule.

The label on your pup's dog food should provide a starting point for how much to feed your Cavapoo, based on his size. But it's essential to chat with your vet about other variables like age, activity level, and current body composition.

Your vet may recommend food or treats with a joint supplement to help prevent hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.

Cavapoos are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training, making them a joy to train.

One of the biggest considerations with Cavapoos is separation anxiety, which can lead to undesirable behaviors like chewing or barking. To help with this, give your Cavapoo a mentally stimulating activity like a KONG, lick mat, or puzzle toy whenever he's left alone.

Cavapoos thrive on attention and praise, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement-based training. They can start learning basic obedience as early as 12 weeks of age.

To prevent destructive behaviors when left alone, it's essential to crate train your Cavapoo puppy and increase exercise. This will help them feel more secure and reduce the likelihood of separation anxiety.

Cavapoos are also prone to being overly attached to their family, which can make them less suitable as guard dogs. However, with proper training, they can learn to be alone and even excel in agility and obedience competitions.

Additional reading: How to Train a Cavapoo

Cavapoos have a low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This means they need to be brushed at least once to twice a week to keep their wavy curls from matting.

Their curly coats enable them to tolerate moderate cold and heat, but they should still be protected from extreme temperatures. This makes them a great choice for people who live in temperate climates.

Regular brushing will also help keep their coat healthy and prevent skin problems. It's essential to brush out your Cavapoo's coat once a week to keep it looking its best.

Ear and eye cleaning are crucial to prevent infections in Cavapoos. You should clean their ears regularly, paying special attention to the fur inside the ears.

Cavapoos are prone to tear stains on their light-colored fur, so it's essential to wash their face daily to prevent this problem. There are also tear stain removers for dogs that can be used to keep their face clean.

Their nails need to be trimmed regularly to prevent them from snagging or breaking. This is an easy task that can be done at home with the right tools.

Overall, grooming a Cavapoo requires regular attention to their coat, ears, eyes, and nails. With the right care and attention, your Cavapoo will be happy and healthy.

A fresh viewpoint: Cavapoo Coat Types

Cavapoos are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have an average lifespan of 12-15 years, which is a good indication of their overall health.

Take a look at this: Cavapoo Health Issues

One of the most common health issues in Cavapoos is Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), a heart condition that affects the mitral valve and can cause symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, and fainting.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is another condition that can affect Cavapoos, causing blindness and other vision problems. It's a genetic condition that's not curable, but there are treatments that can slow its progression.

Hip Dysplasia is a condition where the hip joints don't fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. It's often treated with surgery or medication.

Luxating Patella is a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain and lameness. It's often treated with surgery or physical therapy.

Some Cavapoos may also be prone to Epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Epilepsy can be controlled with medication, but it's not curable.

Dental problems are also common in Cavapoos, with tartar buildup leading to gum disease and tooth loss. Regular dental care can help prevent these problems.

Allergies are another common issue in Cavapoos, causing symptoms like skin problems, ear infections, and respiratory problems. Most allergies can be managed with medical treatment, but they may require lifelong management.

A fresh viewpoint: Cavapoo Behavior Problems

Here are some common health issues in Cavapoos: