17 Facts About the Lovable Cavapoo

Teddy bears, adorable, cuddly, smart — these are all terms people use to describe the Cavapoo, a cross between a Poodle and a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. 

Known for their pleasant dispositions and adorable looks, these dogs effortlessly take their place in any family. Their low-shed coats make them a good choice for allergy sufferers, too.

This designer dog is a devoted companion who’s always willing to romp after the kids or snuggle on the couch. Let’s explore some interesting facts about Cavapoos to see why they’re becoming more popular as both therapy dogs and family pets.

What is a Cavapoo?

A Cavapoo is a small mixed-breed dog with teddy bear features and a curly coat. Easy to train and highly affectionate, the Cavapoo fits well into most households.

This designer hybrid breed is a cross between a King Charles Cavalier and a Poodle. If you want something smaller, then consider the mini Cavapoo, which is a cross with a Miniature Poodle.

Cavapoos are a low-maintenance breed, but pet owners still need to commit to daily walks, regular brushing, and plenty of TLC. If you’re thinking of adopting a Cavapoo, or if you already have one in your home, you may be interested in learning more about the breed.

Here are our favorite fun facts about these affectionate family dogs:

1. Cavapoos go by different names

This breed has some pretty creative names. The most common are Cavoodle, Cavadoodle, and Cadoodle. 

These dogs go by many nicknames because there are so many portmanteaus you can make by combining the words “Cavalier” and “Poodle.”

All these nicknames point to the cuteness of the breed and its cuddly and easy-going temperament.

2. The Cavapoo is a new dog breed

The Cavapoo has a noble parental background. The Poodle is a water dog, skilled at flushing and retrieving fowl from the water. They’re excellent swimmers and hunters with high intelligence. Europeans prized them as hunters and liked to include them in family portraits. 

Reaching as far back as the European Renaissance, Cavaliers were bred to be companion dogs who could warm the laps of nobility. In the 1700s, King Charles I loved them so much that the breed was named after him. In the 1940s, they made their way to the United States. The AKC recognized the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel as an official breed in 1995, and they became the 140th recognized breed.

The first modern Cavapoos were bred in Australia in the 1990s after the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle gained a popular following. They became one of Australia’s most popular dogs, even though they were a newer designer breed. The AKC doesn’t recognize hybrids as breeds, but in 2009 the International Designer Canine Registry approved the crossbreed for its registry.

3. The Cavapoo has no breed standards 

Standards for the Cavapoo breed are difficult because puppies can take after either parent. 

However, there are a few common traits. Cavapoos are known for their:

• Low-shed coats
• Intelligence
• Loyalty
• Sociable temperament
• High-energy
• Trainability

Plus, most Cavapoos get along well with all family members (even other four-leggers). And due to their fur and Poodle ancestry, they’re also popular hypoallergenic dogs.

4. The Cavapoo can vary in size

The standard Cavapoo is a cross between a poodle and a medium-sized Cavalier. They range in size depending on how big the poodle is. 

Here’s a general size guide:

• Toy Cavapoo: 7-14 pounds and 9-12 inches tall
• Miniature Cavapoo: 10-18 pounds and 12-14 inches tall
• Standard Cavapoo: 20-25 pounds and up to 18 inches tall

Remember, with mixed-breed pups, the final size of your dog can’t be guaranteed and you may end up with a pet that’s bigger than you planned.

5. Cavapoos can have different coats

Cavapoo puppies come in a variety of colors. The most common are gold, black, chestnut, cream, white, or a tricolor of black, tan and white. 

Depending on which parent breed a Cavapoo takes after, they can have three kinds of coat:

Hair: This is a wiry and tough coat that’s low-shedding. It’s more of a terrier look with a longer mustache and eyebrows (called furnishings). This coat type requires the least amount of grooming.

Fleece: The fleece coat type is the loose, wavy coat we know and love. It requires grooming more often and is less allergy-friendly than the other types. Cavapoo parents clip dogs with this hair type every 8 weeks to maintain their good looks.

Wool: This is a tightly-curled coat that takes after the poodle parent. It’s low-shed and allergy-friendly. These dogs also need to be clipped to maintain their unique looks.

6. Cavapoos are family-oriented 

Cavapoos have the low-shed coats, gentle nature‌, and intelligence of the Poodle with the playful, energetic, loving disposition of the Cavalier. This is a people-oriented breed that develops strong bonds with their families. They want to be included in everything you do.

Cavapoos love kids both big and small and get along well with other dogs and cats in the household. But that pleasant, people-focused personality makes them lousy watchdogs.

They also have a high prey drive, since they come from hunting backgrounds. Small animals like rodents and birds may inspire them to give chase.

7. Cavapoos need regular exercise

Even mini Cavapoos have loads of energy. These pups need daily physical exercise and lots of mental stimulation like trick training, brain games, and playtime with their favorite people. 

Thirty minutes of energetic play per day keeps them calm and happy. When left alone, puzzle toys and a variety of chews will keep them busy and out of trouble until you come home.

8. Cavapoos adapt well to many living situations

Their smaller size and quiet demeanor make Cavapoos adaptable to a variety of living situations. 

As long as they get enough exercise, Cavapoos can happily live in an apartment or small house. They also thrive in families with children and other pets. While they can spend some time outdoors in a secure yard, they don’t do well in extreme cold.

9. Cavapoos can lead long and healthy lives

Hybrid vigor, or heterosis, develops when you breed two unrelated purebred breeds that don’t share common health issues. This cross-breeding gives their offspring health benefits that allow them to enjoy longer lifespans than their parents.

So, how long do Cavapoos live? The average Cavapoo lifespan is between 10-14 years.

If you breed a Cavapoo to a Cavapoo, you lose much of the heterosis, which is why reputable breeders are so careful about parental lines when breeding. In general, your Cavapoo’s lifespan should be longer than either Poodles or Cavs.

10. Cavapoos are sensitive to the moods of their humans

Since they come from people-oriented parent breeds, Cavapoos don’t react well to loud voices, harsh training methods, or disharmony. 

Their high intelligence makes them easy trainees who respond well to positive reinforcement. A calm, soft response to any misbehavior will get you the results you want much sooner than harsh or extreme reactions.

11. Cavapoos love to eat

The Cavapoo is a hearty eater who will gobble up whatever you put in front of them. It’s great to have a dog that isn’t a picky eater, but they can easily put on weight. 

To avoid a chunky Cavapoo, follow a 90:10 ratio of food and treats. Their daily dog food should comprise 90% of their daily calories, while treats and snacks should only amount to the remaining 10%. 

An eager eater can also swallow things they shouldn’t. Watch your dog and pick up anything that could harm them if ingested. Be mindful of where you leave shoes, towels, or small kid toys or they could end up in your dog’s stomach.

12. A Cavapoo is not an outdoor dog

Cavapoos are not outdoor dogs. They love to be outside for playtime, but they’re too small for extreme temperatures. And their temperaments are not suited to being alone outdoors all day.

They prefer to be wherever you are and will make better pets when they’re included in all family activities. 

13. Designer dogs are expensive, and the Cavapoo is no exception

Cavapoo litters contain up to eight pups. Due to their popularity and good looks, you can expect to pay $1,000 to $4,500 for a Cavapoo.

If you want a Cavapoo without the steep price tag, check out rescues and shelters first.

14. Cavapoos are Instagram influencers, too

Where do all the cool dogs hang out? On Instagram, of course. If you need an extra dose of Cavapoo cuteness, follow the exploits of Cooper the Cavapoo, known as the “chicken nugget with legs”.  Or join the 50,000 followers of Rumi and his brother Enzo, or Pelle with over 62,000 followers.

15. Cavapoos are attentive service dogs 

Easily trained and attuned to the needs of their companions, Cavapoo service dogs act as PTSD dogs, trauma dogs, depression dogs‌, and therapy dogs. 

16. Cavapoos can get separation anxiety

Cavapoos are sociable dogs and love being part of a family. Often called lapdogs, these pups don’t do well when left alone for too long. It’s not uncommon for Cavapoos to get separation anxiety and fret when their favorite people are away for too long. 

Loneliness can result in a range of undesirable behaviors, including excessive barking, chewing, and digging.

17. Cavapoos have a few known health issues

Even though they have hybrid vigor, Cavapoos have developed some health and anatomical issues. These are the most common:

• Patellar Luxation: A painful kneecap issue that sometimes requires surgery.
• Mitral Valve Disease: A heart murmur caused by leakage into the mitral valve.
• Hip Dysplasia: A congenital hip problem that can cause pain and lead to difficulty walking. 
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative disease that can lead to blindness if left untreated.
• Tracheal Collapse: This occurs when the trachea rings lose rigidity and can make breathing difficult.

Regular veterinarian check-ups can help you diagnose these problems early, allowing for intervention before a condition worsens. 

When it comes to future accidents or illness, a Pumpkin pet insurance plan can help to cover the costs of eligible vet bills. This means you can focus on your dog’s health needs instead of the cost of expensive veterinary care.

Is the Cavapoo your perfect dog?

Cavapoos and mini Cavapoos are a good choice for families and the ideal breed for pet parents who are prepared to spend plenty of time with their new dog. 

They need daily exercise, cuddles, and regular grooming. If you are looking for a constant companion who will amuse you endlessly, look no further than the lovable Cavapoo.

FAQs about Cavapoos

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