Understanding the Curly Hair Cavapoo: Characteristics and Needs

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Posted Oct 20, 2024

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The curly hair Cavapoo is a unique and lovable breed, known for its adorable curls and playful personality. They are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, which is why they often inherit the best traits from both parents.

Cavapoos typically weigh between 10-25 pounds and stand between 10-14 inches tall. This makes them a great companion for families or individuals who live in small spaces.

Their curly coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This can be a daily task, especially during shedding season.

What Is a?

A Cavapoo is a crossbreed dog that combines a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle, typically a Toy or Miniature Poodle.

Their curly coats are a result of the Poodle's influence.

Cavapoos can inherit the low-shedding trait from their Poodle parent, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

They often require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Their friendly and gentle nature makes them a popular choice as family pets.

Cavapoos are generally small in size, weighing between 10-25 pounds.

Curly Hair Cavapoo Characteristics

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The Cavapoo's curly hair is a result of their Poodle gene, which is strong enough to dominate over other breeds' coat types. This means that your curly hair Cavapoo is likely to have a curly coat.

Their curly coat is not just a matter of aesthetics, it's also a practical feature that helps them stay warm and protected from their environment. The tightly curled fur underneath their top coat is even more tightly curled, providing extra insulation.

As a result, curly hair Cavapoos are less prone to shedding, making them ideal for individuals with allergies and asthma.

See what others are reading: Cavapoo Coat Types

Coat Types & Characteristics

Cavapoos are known for their unpredictable coat types, which can vary based on their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parent genes.

Their coat can be quite curly, thanks to the strong Poodle gene influence. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies, as they're often considered hypoallergenic dogs.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Do German Shepherds Have Double Coats

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The Cavapoo's coat can also be less prone to shedding, which is a bonus for those who don't want to deal with dog hair. However, if they have a more dominant Spaniel gene, shedding can occur, especially in the first few months of their life.

As they grow and mature, shedding often decreases, and their coat becomes more manageable. This is a relief for many Cavapoo owners who were worried about the amount of dog hair they'd be dealing with.

Poo

The curly coat of a Cavapoo is truly one of a kind. It's inherited from the Poodle parent and is most common in backcross generations where Poodle genes dominate, such as F1b, F1bb, F2b, and F2bb Cavapoos.

This coat type is a dream for those who suffer from allergies, as it's the least shedding of the three. However, it does require daily brushing to keep it healthy and free of mats.

Cavapoos with curly coats can be prone to knots and tangles, so regular grooming is essential to prevent these issues.

Size and Growth

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Curly hair cavapoos are a small breed, often weighing just 5 - 10kgs.

They tend to be more child-friendly compared to larger breeds.

Males tend to weigh more than females, which is a notable characteristic of this breed.

Cavapoos are classed as a small breed, often weighing just 5 - 10kgs, with males tending to weigh more than females.

Their average size is 9 - 14 inches, which makes them a great fit for smaller houses and gardens.

They require less exercise than larger breeds, which is a significant advantage for many owners.

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Personality and Training

Curly hair Cavapoos are sweet, loving, and intelligent dogs who thrive on attention and affection from their owners.

They're highly sociable and form strong bonds with their families, making them a great addition to a growing family with children who are supervised, of course. Cavapoos love to play fetch and burn off energy, which is perfect for families who love to play together.

Cavapoos are also very easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners, responding well to positive reinforcement.

Personality

Adorable purebred dog with curly fur contemplating stormy ocean from sandy coast while looking away under light sky
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Cavapoos are sweet, loving, and intelligent dogs who form strong bonds with their owners.

They love attention and are highly sociable, often being as obsessed with their owners as the owners are with them.

Most Cavapoos are child-friendly, but it's essential to supervise interactions between dogs and young children.

They have so much energy to burn and are big fans of playing fetch, making them a perfect companion for kids who enjoy throwing balls and fetching them.

Training Dogs

Training your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you have a Cavapoo. Cavapoos are intelligent and eager to learn, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement.

They respond well to quick and consistent training, so the sooner you start, the better. This will help them become familiar with their surroundings and new experiences.

Cavapoos are loving and affectionate, but this can also make them reliant on their owners, which can lead to separation anxiety. Teaching them to be self-sufficient for periods of the day is essential during their early training.

Care

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Taking care of a curly-haired Cavapoo requires attention to their grooming needs. Brushing is a must, as curly-coated Cavapoos are prone to matting.

Regular brushing will keep knots and tangles at bay, helping remove loose dirt and debris from the coat. This should be done daily, or at least 3-4 times a week.

To prevent matting, brush out any knots and tangles as soon as they form. This will make the process much easier and less painful for your dog.

A thorough line brushing, from head to toe, should be done occasionally. This will help distribute your dog's natural skin oils through the lengths of their hair.

Bathing is also an essential part of your curly-haired Cavapoo's grooming routine. This should be done before giving them a hair trim, or when they start to get smelly. Be sure to dry them thoroughly, especially in hard-to-reach areas like armpits, ears, and paws.

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Here's a rough guide to help you stay on track:

  • Brushing: daily or at least 3-4 times a week
  • Nail clipping: once a week
  • Hair and ear hair trimming: every 6-10 weeks
  • Bathing: depends on your Cavapoo's hair length, lifestyle, and health – some pups need weekly bathtime, while others require a wash every 4-8 weeks.

Health and Nutrition

Curly hair Cavapoos require a nutritious diet to maintain their high energy levels and overall health. They thrive on quality, freshly cooked meals that support their growth and digestive health.

Their diet should be adjusted as they mature and mellow, with owners reducing meals slightly to avoid unwanted weight gain. Cavapoos can start eating complete meals from as young as eight weeks old.

Younger dogs often require more food to support their growth and high energy levels.

Expand your knowledge: Cavapoo Energy Level

Common Health Issues

Cavapoos are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Hip Dysplasia is a common problem in Cavapoos, where the hip ball and socket haven't developed properly, causing issues with movement. This can lead to arthritis and mobility problems later in life.

Mitral Valve Disease is another condition that affects Cavapoos, particularly those with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ancestry. It's a heart condition that can be serious if left untreated.

Discover more: Cavapoo Health Issues

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Luxating Patella is a common issue that affects the kneecaps in the back legs, causing pain and discomfort. It's usually treatable with veterinary care.

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation and rubbing of the eyelashes on the dog's eye. This can be painful and uncomfortable for the dog.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can affect Cavapoos, particularly those with Poodle or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ancestry. It's a serious condition that requires veterinary care and management.

Dental issues are also common in Cavapoos, caused by bacteria in the gums that can lead to painful abscesses. Regular dental care is essential to prevent these issues.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Cavapoos:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Luxating Patella
  • Entropion
  • Epilepsy
  • Dental issues

Nutrition

Cavapoos require a nutritious diet to thrive, and what you feed them can have a big impact on their health and energy levels.

Cavapoos are energetic and busy dogs who love to be active, so they need a complete diet to support their growth and health.

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Younger Cavapoos often require more food to support their growth and high energy levels, so owners may need to feed them more frequently.

As Cavapoos mature and mellow, owners may find they need to reduce their meals slightly to avoid unwanted weight gain.

Cavapoos can thrive on a diet of freshly cooked meals, which provide the right nutrients to keep their energy levels high and their tails wagging.

At eight weeks old, Cavapoos can start to follow a feeding schedule that suits their needs, and owners can work with a team to find the right recipes and schedule for their pup.

Grooming Tutorials and Tips

Grooming a curly-haired Cavapoo requires daily brushing to prevent matting and uncomfortable knots.

Their coats can be long and thick, making regular brushing a must.

Daily brushing will also help keep your Cavapoo comfortable and prevent any matting or knotting issues.

Their non-shedding coat means professional grooming is often necessary to keep them looking and feeling their best.

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Brushing daily is especially important for curly-haired Cavapoos, as their coat can become matted and tangled easily.

Professional grooming is recommended every 4-6 weeks to keep your Cavapoo tidy and comfortable.

You can learn how to groom your curly-haired Cavapoo at home with the right guidance and tutorials.

Our video tutorials will teach you how to clip your dog's top half, head, and face, legs, feet, paws, and how to trim their ears.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can start giving your curly-haired Cavapoo haircuts as soon as you've brought them home.

It's best to consider your lifestyle, climate, and your dog's coat type when deciding on a Cavapoo haircut. For instance, if your Cavapoo has super curly hair, but you don't have the time to brush them daily, a shorter cut might be better suited.

Cavapoos tend to grow out their hair very quickly, so you should be prepared to trim your dog's hair every 6-10 weeks.

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If your Cavapoo's hair is irreversibly matted, shaving might be necessary, especially in warm climates.

You can learn how to cut your Cavapoo's hair at home by watching our full-body Doodle grooming video tutorials, but make sure your dog is fully vaccinated first.

A shaved cut can be a good option for some curly-haired Cavapoos, especially if they live in warm climates, but it's essential to consider their individual preferences and needs.

Heather Murphy

Writer

Heather Murphy is a passionate and dedicated writer with a keen interest in the world of pets. With a background in animal care, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, making her articles informative and engaging. Heather's articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as pet treats and other related subjects.

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