Cavapoo – Dog Guide, Temperament, Sizes (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle Mix)

Cavapoo full grown

Have you ever been smitten by photos of Cavapoo you that you saw online? In this case, you should continue reading to know more interesting facts and details about these endearing puppies.

Remember, since you are dealing with a first-generation mix here, getting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle should be done with care and caution.

It is necessary to make yourself more familiar with their traits, characteristics, personality, and other grooming and care needs. It is to ensure that both you and your pooch will be happy for a long time.

What is a Cavapoo?

white cavapoo

The Cavapoo pups are also known as the Cavipoo, Cavoodle, Cavadoo, or Cavadoodle.

The origins of these designer dog breeds have been lost to history. However, the crossbreeding program during the 1990s in Australia is responsible for the first-ever cross of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Miniature Poodle.

It was the ACA Breeders Kennels who made the initial Cavapoo cross. Many fur families wanted a small dog breed that is good with children. This cross eventually led to this breed’s creation—a stunning, fun, and delightful mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle breeds. 

Cavapoo Origin

The Cavapoo puppies are an adorable cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This dog breed was a famous designer dog that first appeared in the 1950s. They were well-mannered and cute little pups; thus, more people have become attracted to them.

The fact that this specific type of low shedding canine will not pose any danger for those who suffer from allergies made them trendy pets for families with children. Eventually, it did not take long before the cute puppies started to flood homes in the United States and worldwide. These adorable pups were also in movie sets.

However, breeders were not yet familiar with the characteristics and traits that the Cavapoodle will inherit. It made the entire breeding process somewhat risky. There was no assurance of the physical attributes or the puppies’ behavior that will come from the crossbreeding process.

Over the years, things have changed. This breed has prospered due to the numerous advancements in breeding capabilities. There are now lower risks of your mixed breed suffering from several hereditary health concerns. These health concerns are no longer passed down to the litter.

In essence, you were getting a Cavapoodle guarantee that you’ll have a loving, loyal, and affectionate canine companion that will surely win your heart over.

What are Cavapoo Puppies Like?

Since this breed came from mixing either Toy or Miniature Poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, they are smaller than other dog breeds. But apart from their size, everything else about this dog is unique. 

Their uniqueness is mainly because mixed-breed dogs can inherit the characteristics of either parent. Thus, it is impossible to tell which side the offspring will take after more.

In general, Cavapoos have sturdy tiny bodies and sweet expressions. They get endearing characteristics from their lineage. More so, these canines can also be fun, playful, and outgoing. They are pretty smart with a moderate activity level. Likewise, they are a great companion for families with small children.

Cavapoo Appearance

cute cavadoodle

Cavadoodle puppies can take after both or either parent. They can have various colors common in Poodles. They can have solid colors or have the so-called “party” colors wherein some other colors cover the prevalent color in tints or patches.

This adorable canine mix has long and curly or silky hair. Likewise, they have a smaller size, but their body is quite sturdy. They are also smart and highly trainable. However, there is no guarantee here if you are looking for specific characteristics, like hypoallergenic puppies.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are often not more than 12 to 13 inches in height. They are a toy breed with a weight of 13 to 18 pounds. On the other hand, Miniature Poodles are around 10 to 15 inches while Standard Poodles are 15 inches and beyond. Miniatures weigh from 10 to 15 pounds.

Considering these things, how big do these cuties get?

Assuming that your Cavadoodle puppy was born to parents within this particular size range, the height and weight of your pup can vary. The primary rule here is to check the parents’ measurements. You can expect for the range that the parents cover.

Cavapoo Temperament

cute cavapoo puppies

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is sweet, gentle, and graceful. They also make excellent companion dogs. Take note that they have a sporting ancestry, which means that they love to chase squirrels and others. They also like to lounge around and lead an active lifestyle. Moderate exercise levels are ideal for them.

Meanwhile, Poodles are famous for their strength, intelligence, and athleticism. These dogs are agile with exceptional tracking instincts. A Poodle is also affectionate, proud, and people-oriented. They love to play, fun, and activity.

A cross of these two breeds will likely be great with other pets and children alike. The personality of a Cavapoo dog is adaptable and sweet because both breeds share the same qualities. However, you have to brace yourself for traits of either of the two breeds combined.

General Care and Grooming 

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has silky, straight, and long hair. They need regular brushing as well as bathing. They seldom shed, particularly in season. On the other hand, Poodles need lots of grooming and brushing to prevent any matting. It is a reason why owners usually opt to keep Poodle hair trimmed short. However, similar to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poodles do not shed much too.

While others believe a Poodle’s coat is hypoallergenic, experts say that there is no such thing. The only way for you to determine if you will have allergic reactions to dogs is if you come in contact with it.

Foods to Feed Your Cavadoodle

Cavadoodles may eat almost everything, yet it does not mean that you must neglect their nutrition. Their diet mix must not contain harmful chemicals as well as preservatives. They are prone to develop allergic reactions. Likewise, their foods should not contain meat chemicals. If you feed them with human food, avoid raw meat might as it may contain bacteria and E-coli.

Beef, chicken, and other meat that was processed are suitable for the Cavadoodle. Do not give your canine foods with generic animal fats. Healthy fats come from chicken fat, beef fat, and fish oil. These dogs require a lot of meat-based proteins. You can get this from lean chicken, deer, lamb, turkey, and beef.

Take note that your dogs must have seventy-five percent of proteins to fats. Excessive fat in the diet can result in liver problems and obesity. Some dog owners might tell you that foods for people aren’t ideal for dogs. But, some of these can serve as excellent treats.

Chicken is a delicious and healthy meal to serve your pups. Raw and cooked chicken is safe, yet never give your dog chicken bones.

Another treat is cheese. It contains calcium, protein, and it will not compromise your pooch’s health. These nutrients are great for our Cavapoo’s healthy development. You can also feed your dog with carrots. These are low in calories and rich in Vitamin A. Like humans, dogs may get bored eating the same thing; thus, give your pet a variety of fruits too.

Are They Hypoallergenic?

mini cavapoo dog

The shedding of Cavapoo depends on what kind of hair genes they inherit. These dogs might cause allergies, but it can be challenging to know. It is important to brush their coat daily to avoid matting. Likewise, you can find a professional dog groomer for your pet’s grooming needs. Both breeds need regular ear checks and nail trims. Likewise, they might also get reddish tear stains; thus, daily face washings are needed.

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Health Concerns

Both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles have particular health problems passed on to their litter.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

One of the significant health problems of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is syringomyelia. It is a complicated condition caused by the shape of the skull’s back part. It is the result of breeding practices for the dog’s adorable head. Generally, the back part of the head of your dog can’t accommodate the cerebellum adequately. This leads to a blockage of the spinal fluid.

On the other hand, occipital bone hypoplasia is caused by resulting pressure. Dogs may experience damage and pain to the cervical spinal cord, neck, and shoulder. Likewise, there is limited treatment for this kind of condition.

Majority of these dog breed also suffers from mitral valve prolapse. This condition causes the blood to lead back to the heart’s atrium from the ventricle. Moreover, this disease and some heart problems like heart murmurs may become severe and could cause heart failure. Other Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also have an inherited giant platelet disorder. There is no genetic diversity in such dogs, making it hard to get rid of such conditions.

Poodles

Poodles are often at risk for some autoimmune disorders like sebaceous adenitis and Addison’s disease. These dogs are prone to von Willebrand’s disease, a bleeding disorder. Additionally, they are also likely to have Legg-Calve Perthes, a bleeding disorder in the hips.

Likewise, Poodles are at risk for diabetes, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. They might suffer from heart defects like an atrial septal defect. Dislocation of kneecap or patella, bloat, eye problems, hypothyroidism, and hepatitis are common problems in Poodles.

Based on the lifespans of Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, the lifespan of their mixed pups may range up to 18 years.

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Training and Socialization Requirements

Both Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are eager to please and adaptable. They are good candidates for early socialization and training. Cavalier King Charles are great at obedience, agility training, and rally. They can also be excellent therapy dogs. Similarly, Poodles are skilled at retrieving, tracking, obedience, and agility.

What’s a Perfect Home for Cavapoos?

These dogs are excellent companion dogs. They are friendly and good with other animals and kids. They’re also small, so you do not need to worry about the harm of big dogs. Once socialized, Poodle Cavalier King Charles Spaniels mix can be fun dogs that can be an excellent match for any household.

How to Get a Cavadoodle Puppy?

Even if it’s not a pure breed, you will have no trouble searching for breeders of Poodle Cavalier King Charles Spaniels mix online or in your area. You will likely pay premium prices for designer puppies. Ensure that you are dealing with a reliable breeder who raised these puppies in a nurturing and safe environment. Likewise, it would be best if you also asked to see the living conditions and parents. See to it that there are health tests to see possible problems in parent breeds. 

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Should You Get a Cavapoodle?

You are the only one who can decide if Cavapoodle is ideal for you and your family. These dogs are fun, adorable little animals with loving temperaments and sweet expressions. However, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels suffer from health problems that might be passed down to its puppy. Also, if you have the energy and time to train a Cavapoo puppy properly, it is an excellent dog choice for you.

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