Whats a Cavapoo: Ultimate Guide to This Lovable Breed

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Posted Sep 15, 2024

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The Cavapoo is a crossbreed dog that combines the affectionate nature of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the low-shedding coat of a Poodle.

This lovable breed typically weighs between 10-25 pounds and stands about 14-20 inches tall, making them a great companion for city dwellers or those with small living spaces.

Their friendly demeanor makes them an excellent choice for families with children, as they are patient and gentle.

Physical Characteristics

A Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, typically a Toy or Miniature variety.

Their physical characteristics are quite endearing. They usually have a medium-length coat that's curly or wavy in texture, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.

The size of a Cavapoo can vary depending on the Poodle parent, but they often weigh between 10-20 pounds and stand around 14 inches tall at the shoulder.

Size & Appearance

Cavapoos are small to medium-sized dogs, depending on their Poodle parent.

They can measure between 9 and 14 inches at the shoulder, making them a great size for families with smaller living spaces. Typically, both males and females will fall within this height range.

Their weight can also vary, but most Cavapoos weigh between 9 and 25 pounds, which is relatively lightweight compared to other breeds.

Teaching children proper dog handling etiquette is essential when it comes to interacting with these adorable dogs, as they can be mistaken for small stuffed animals due to their soft and cuddly appearance.

Coat & Colors

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The Cavapoo's coat is often a mix of their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parents' characteristics.

Their coats can be a variety of colors, including cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, chestnut, and white. They can also be solid colors or tri-colored.

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

Their curly coats enable them to tolerate moderate cold and heat temperatures.

Grooming

Cavapoos' coats can be a mix of their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parents, resulting in a variety of colors including cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, chestnut, and white.

Their coats are usually short, soft, and wavy or curly, making them prone to becoming fluffballs. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coat healthy.

To prevent unwanted knots, tangles, or matting, brush your Cavapoo's coat once a week. This will also help stimulate new growth.

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Some owners may find that their Cavapoos shed quite a lot of hair, while others are low shedding and hypoallergenic. All Cavapoos shed dander, which can be problematic for some allergy sufferers.

To maintain good oral hygiene, clean your Cavapoo's teeth regularly to remove plaque and prevent periodontal infections. Their small and narrow jaws make them more prone to these issues.

You'll also want to use a damp cloth to clean around their eyes and ears to remove tear stains and prevent the build-up of wax.

Here are some general grooming tips for your Cavapoo:

  • Brush their coat daily, especially if it's longer.
  • Clean their teeth regularly.
  • Use a damp cloth to clean around their eyes and ears.
  • Take them to a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks.

Their curly coats can tolerate moderate cold and heat, but they shouldn't be left outside in extreme temperatures. Regular grooming will help keep your Cavapoo looking fresh and trimmed.

Cavapoo Health and Care

Cavapoos are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to some common health problems inherited from their parent breeds.

One of the most significant health concerns for Cavapoos is Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), a heart condition that affects the mitral valve and can cause symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, and fainting. Regular veterinary checkups are essential to detect this condition early on.

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Cavapoos also tend to suffer from dental problems due to tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss if not properly cared for. Brushing their teeth daily is crucial to prevent these issues.

Here's a list of some common health issues that Cavapoos may face:

  • Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Luxating Patella
  • Epilepsy
  • Syringomyelia (SM)
  • Dental problems
  • Allergies

To keep your Cavapoo healthy, it's essential to maintain a regular care routine that includes daily walks and play sessions, as well as regular veterinary checkups.

Health

Cavapoos are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to some common health problems inherited from their parent breeds.

One of the most significant concerns for Cavapoos is Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), a heart condition that affects the mitral valve and can cause symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, and fainting. Regular veterinary checkups are crucial in detecting this issue early on.

Cavapoos are also prone to dental problems, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss if not addressed properly. Brushing their teeth daily is essential in maintaining good oral health.

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In addition to MVD and dental issues, Cavapoos may experience other health concerns such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a genetic condition that can lead to blindness, and Epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes seizures. These conditions are not curable, but there are treatments available to manage them.

It's essential to keep up with regular veterinary checkups to detect any potential health concerns early on. Your veterinarian can help you develop a care routine tailored to your Cavapoo's specific needs.

Here are some common health issues that affect Cavapoos:

  • Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Epilepsy
  • Luxating Patella (kneecap dislocation)
  • Dental problems

Regular veterinary checkups, proper care, and attention to your Cavapoo's specific needs can go a long way in ensuring they live a happy and healthy life.

Feeding

Feeding your Cavapoo requires a thoughtful approach. An ideal Cavapoo diet should be formulated for a small- to medium-sized breed with high energy levels.

Their tendency to gain weight if overfed means you must stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limiting treats is also crucial, as they can quickly add up in calories.

You'll need to adjust your Cavapoo's diet as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years. This change will require guidance from your veterinarian, who can provide personalized recommendations based on individual factors such as weight, energy, and health variations among dogs.

Cavapoo Training and Behavior

Cavapoos are extremely trainable and obedient breeds that love to please their owners. This is due to their intelligence, which makes training easy.

The sooner the training and socialisation starts, ideally from a young age, the better. Their sensitive nature means Cavapoos don't respond well to heavy-handed training. Be gentle, give them plenty of one-to-one attention, and use lots of positive reinforcement.

To avoid boredom, Cavapoos need lots of mental stimulation. They love human interaction, attention, and affection, so feel free to give them as much as possible.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when training your Cavapoo:

  • **Age**: Start training from a young age (ideally 8-12 weeks)
  • **Method**: Use positive reinforcement techniques
  • **Duration**: Keep training sessions short and fun

By following these tips, you can help your Cavapoo become a well-behaved and obedient companion.

Temperament

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Cavapoos are extremely social dogs and thrive on attention and interaction.

They form a strong attachment to their owners and the people around them, making them great with children and ideal family pets. As a sensitive breed, they're gentle and loving, often making great therapy dogs. However, this close bond can sometimes result in separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time, leading to excessive barking or destructive behavior.

Cavapoos are intelligent and adaptable, responding well to training and fitting easily into most lifestyles. They're a fantastic breed for first-time dog owners, as they're easy to train and eager to please. In fact, with proper socialization and training, Cavapoos can excel at canine sports like agility and obedience competitions.

However, their love of being around people means they don't do well when left alone for hours on end. If you have a busy schedule or live in an area with noise restrictions, this might not be the best breed for you.

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Here are some key traits to keep in mind:

  • **Socialization:** Cavapoos need plenty of social interaction and attention from their owners.
  • **Training:** With proper training, Cavapoos can excel at canine sports and behave well when left alone.
  • **Separation anxiety:** Be prepared for separation anxiety if you leave your Cavapoo alone for long periods.
  • **Exercise needs:** Cavapoos need regular exercise to avoid boredom and destructive behavior.

By understanding these traits, you can better prepare yourself and your family for the joys of owning a Cavapoo.

Training & Exercise

The Cavapoo is an extremely trainable breed that loves to please its owner. This is largely due to their high intelligence and eager-to-please nature.

To tap into this, it's essential to start training and socialisation as soon as possible, ideally from a young age and as soon as they arrive in the home. This will help them learn good habits and prevent unwanted behaviors from developing.

Cavapoos are very sensitive dogs that don't respond well to heavy-handed training. Instead, be gentle, give them plenty of one-to-one attention, and use lots of positive reinforcement like treats and praise.

Their high energy levels mean they need regular exercise – ideally an hour every day – which should include at least one long walk and plenty of time in a secure garden or enclosed open space to sniff around and explore.

Here are some fun activities you can try with your Cavapoo:

• Agility courses where jumping over hurdles, running through tunnels, and weaving through poles challenge their minds as well as their bodies

• Games like hide and seek that cater to their inquisitive nature and love of interaction

• Fetch, which they enjoy more than most due to their retriever instinct thanks to their Poodle heritage

Remember, knowing their place in the pack is very important to this breed, so consistent training and direction are key to having a happy and obedient companion.

Cavapoo Parent Breeds and Genetics

The Cavapoo parent breeds are a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Their combination is what makes them look so gorgeous.

The term 'designer dog' simply refers to dogs bred from two purebred parents, which can increase genetic diversity and make them healthier and sturdier.

This breed combines the genetics of its two parent breeds in a positive way.

So far, there have not been any reported problems with the new designer Cavapoo breed.

Cavapoo Rescue and Ownership

Finding a Cavapoo rescue group can be challenging due to their mixed breed nature, but you may want to try Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Poodle breed-specific rescues.

Some reputable rescues include Cavalier Rescue USA and Carolina Poodle Rescue. These organizations often care for mixes like the Cavapoo.

Before bringing a Cavapoo into your home, it's essential to consider their needs. They are sweet-natured, energetic dogs that form strong bonds with people and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

To ensure you're getting a healthy puppy, remember to choose a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Lucy's Law dictates that new puppies must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue, not from third-party sellers.

Rescue Groups

Rescue Groups can be a great resource for finding your new furry friend.

Finding a breed-specific rescue for Cavapoos may be hard because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes.

If you're looking for a place to start, here are some rescues you can try:

  • Cavalier Rescue USA
  • Carolina Poodle Rescue

These organizations may have Cavapoos available for adoption, or be able to point you in the right direction.

Before Buying or Rehoming

Cavapoos are sweet-natured, energetic dogs that form a strong bond with the people around them.

They're great with children and make a good choice for first-time owners or those looking for a friendly family dog. Their adaptable nature means they can fit in to almost any lifestyle or household environment.

To ensure you get a healthy Cavapoo, be fussy about the breeder you choose. Remember that Lucy's Law dictates new puppies or kittens must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue – third party sellers are illegal.

Before getting a dog, consider whether it's the best pet for you. Think about your lifestyle and whether a canine friend will thrive in your environment.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a Cavapoo:

  • Cavapoos can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.

As you weigh the pros and cons, remember that with proper guidance and direction, Cavapoos are easily trainable. This intelligence and trainability make them a great choice for many owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Cavapoos bark a lot?

Cavapoos are generally quiet dogs, but individual personalities may vary. Socialization plays a role in determining how much they bark.

Is Cavapoo a good dog?

Yes, Cavapoos are excellent family dogs due to their affectionate nature and ability to form strong bonds with owners. They're ideal for households with children and thrive on interaction and attention.

What are some fun facts about Cavapoos?

Cavapoos come in three unique coat types: wiry, wavy, or tightly curled. Despite their playful nature, they are best suited for indoor living due to their adaptable temperament.

Why are Cavapoo puppies so expensive?

Cavapoo puppies' prices vary greatly due to factors like their parents' registration status with kennel clubs. Generally, those with Kennel Club registered Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents tend to be pricier.

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