Cavapoo Breed Guide

Cavapoo Details

Size:
Small
Weight:
10-20 Pounds
Energy Level:
High
Lifespan:
12-16 Years
Shedding:
Low
Grooming:
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Trainability:
Easy

Cavapoo Guide

The Cavapoo is a hybrid cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Miniature Poodle. Cavapoos are small dogs that weigh between 10 and 20 pounds and stand 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a lifespan of 12 to 16 years and come in a variety of coat colors, including black, sable, cream, tan, and apricot.

Cavapoos are low-shedding and considered hypoallergenic due to their Poodle parentage. Cavapoos are known for their gentle and affectionate nature and make excellent companions for families with children or other pets. In addition, they are intelligent and easily trained, making them well-suited for life in an urban environment.

Cavapoos require moderate exercise and do not do well if left alone for long periods. However, grooming needs are minimal but will vary depending on the length of the coat. Overall, the Cavapoo is a delightful breed that makes a wonderful companion for nearly any household.

Cavapoo Variations

The F1 Cavapoo is the original Cavapoo breed and therefore has the most similarities to its parent breeds. The main difference between an F1 Cavapoo and other Cavapoo variations is the percentage of each breed that they contain. An F1 Cavapoo is 50% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and 50% Miniature Poodle, whereas an F1b Cavapoo is 25% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and 75% Miniature Poodle.

Some people believe that the higher percentage of Poodle in an F1b Cavapoo makes them more intelligent and less likely to shed than an F1 Cavapoo. However, both types of Cavapoos make excellent companion dogs and are equally unlikely to shed.

History 

Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Poodles are two of the most popular breeds used in hybrid crossings, primarily because they have such distinctively different histories. The Cavalier origins can be traced back hundreds of years to when they were bred as Toy Spaniels by royalty in England. Poodles have a more recent history dating back to Germany, where they were originally bred as water dogs.

The Cavapoo is a relatively new dog breed that first appeared in Australia in the late 1990s. It is thought that the Cavapoo was originally bred as a companion dog for people with allergies because of their low-shedding coat. They quickly gained popularity in Australia and eventually made its way to the United States, where it has become one of the most popular designer breeds. 

Appearance 

Coat

There are actually three different types of Cavapoo coats. That’s right – depending on which parent breed your Cavapoo takes after, they can have either a hair, fleece or wool coat.

  • Hair Coat: If your Cavapoo has a hair coat, it will be wiry and tough with furnishings (similar to a terrier). This type of coat is low-shedding, making it a great option for people with allergies. However, it does require more grooming than the other types of Cavapoo coats. 
  • Fleece Coat: A Cavapoo with a fleece coat will have loose, wavy curls. This is by far the most popular type of Cavapoo coat since it’s so soft and cuddly. Fleece coats also don’t shed very much, making them a good choice for people with allergies. 
  • Wool Coat: A Cavapoo with a wool coat will have tightly-curled hair that is similar to the coat of a standard poodle. Wool coats do not shed at all, making them the best option for people with severe allergies. However, they do require daily brushing and regular grooming sessions to prevent matting.

Cavapoo coats come in solid colors, such as black, brown, red, beige, and tan, but can also come with splashes of white, black, apricot, and more mixed in. In other words, they can come in a wide range of colors depending on their parent’s colors.

Some Cavapoo puppies’ fur is one color when they’re born but changes to another color as they grow up! Their coat may also sport a few different colors around the muzzle, on the tips of their paws and ears, and on their chest.

Size

Cavapoos can be any size, from toy to miniature but are typically somewhere in the middle.

They range in size based on the height of their parents, which can be either miniature or toy poodles.

As a result, Cavapoos generally fall between 10 and 13 inches tall and weigh an average of 10 to 20 pounds. So even though they’re not technically considered a small breed dog, your Cavapoo will likely enjoy sitting on your lap all day long!

Lifespan 

One of the best things about Cavapoos is their lifespan. Cavapoos typically live 12 to 16 years, which is longer than many other dog breeds.

Because they are a crossbreed, they tend to be healthier than purebred dogs and have fewer genetic health problems. This means that you can enjoy many years of companionship with your Cavapoo. If you are looking for a dog that will be a part of your family for years to come, the Cavapoo is an excellent choice.

Environment 

Cavapoos are adaptable dogs that do well in both apartments and houses. They enjoy being around people and do not do well when left alone for long periods.

Separation anxiety is common in Cavapoos, so spending plenty of time with your pup is important. However, if you do need to leave them alone for a while, make sure you provide them with plenty of toys and chews that can keep them occupied.

Despite their small size, Cavapoos require moderate exercise and enjoy playing outside or taking walks. They are relatively active dogs but do not need a lot of exercise, so they do not need a large yard to run around in. Instead, a daily walk or play session will suffice.

They do well in cold weather but may overheat in warm weather, so care should be taken to protect them from extreme temperatures.

Temperament 

Cavapoos are known for their gentle, loving nature and are often said to have the best of both breeds. Cavaliers are known for their sweet dispositions and ability to get along with everyone, including other dogs and children. On the other hand, Poodles are intelligent and active, giving them a playful yet eager-to-please personality.

Cavapoos typically inherit the best qualities of both breeds, making them loyal, affectionate companions that are great with families. They are also relatively easy to train and tend to be less needy than some other breeds. So whether you’re looking for a cuddly lapdog or an energetic playmate, a Cavapoo is likely to be the perfect fit.

They are sociable by nature and love being around people. They get along well with other animals and make great family pets. Cavapoos tend to be calm dogs, but they do have moments of playful energy, so they may not be suitable for those looking for a completely laidback pet. 

Grooming 

Cavapoos are a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Their coat is considered hypoallergenic, meaning it produces less dander and is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in people. However, they will still need to be brushed regularly to prevent mats and tangles from forming in their fur.

Cavapoos’ should also be clipped every few months to keep their hair short and tidy. Bathing your cavapoo every few weeks using a mild dog shampoo will help to keep their coat clean and healthy.

Be sure to rinse all soap out of your dog’s fur to prevent skin irritation. Dry your dog’s fur thoroughly with a towel after bathing to avoid any uncomfortable moisture build-up.

Cavapoos have long, floppy ears that can trap dirt and moisture. This makes them susceptible to ear infections. To prevent this, clean your Cavapoo’s ears once a week with a cotton ball soaked in warm water or an ear-cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian. Never insert anything into the ear canal, as this can damage the delicate tissue and make an infection more likely. 

Keeping their nails trimmed is also important, as long nails can make walking difficult and put unnecessary pressure on the dog’s joints. If you are uncomfortable clipping your Cavapoo’s nails at home, take them to a groomer or veterinarian for professional help.

Following these simple grooming tips will help to keep your cavapoo looking and feeling his best.

Nutrition 

While they make great companions, they also require a bit of special care regarding their diet. Cavapoos need a high-quality diet consisting of meat, vegetables, fruits, grains, and healthy fats. This helps ensure they get the nutrients they need to stay healthy and active. When choosing a food for your Cavapoo, look for a formula specifically designed for small breeds.

You should also avoid foods that contain fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy, as these can cause weight gain and health problems. By providing your Cavapoo with the proper nutrition, you can help them stay happy and healthy for years to come.

Training 

Like all dogs, Cavapoos need to be properly trained in order to be well-behaved members of the family. The good news is that Cavapoos are highly intelligent and usually quick to learn.

Most Cavapoos can be easily trained to perform basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. One of the best things about Cavapoos is that they can be trained to do just about anything. So whether you want your dog to fetch your slippers or sit on command, Cavapoos are up for the task.

In addition, Cavapoos are also reasonably easy to potty train. However, they can also be stubborn at times, so it is essential to be consistent with training. Cavapoos often respond well to positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise. Patience is also key when training a Cavapoo, as they may not always understand what you want them to do right away.

When it comes to training Cavapoos, the key is to start early and be consistent with your methods. Then, with a little time and effort, you will be able to train your Cavapoo to be the perfect pet.

Exercise

One of the things that prospective Cavapoo owners often want to know is how much exercise their pet will need. Cavapoos are relatively active dogs and require at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

This can be in the form of a walk, a run, or playing fetch in the park. If you live in an apartment or have a small yard, you may need to be creative in order to provide your Cavapoo with enough exercise. For example, you can take them to doggy daycare or sign up for dog-walking services. 

Conclusion  

All in all, Cavapoos make great companion dogs for those who are looking for an intelligent, affectionate, low-maintenance breed. They do require daily exercise and may be prone to separation anxiety, but their many positive qualities outweigh their negatives.

So if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic, low-shedding dog that will love you unconditionally, a Cavapoo may be the perfect breed for you!