Cavapoo

Get to Know Cavapoos

• Designer Breed: Cavapoos are a popular designer breed, a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. They were bred to combine the best traits of both breeds, such as the Poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic coat with the Cavalier’s affectionate nature.
• Non-Shedding Coats: Cavapoos have non-shedding coats. Although it cannot be guaranteed that they are hypoallergenic, they are a good bet for people with allergies, as they are less likely to emit dander when they take on the curly coat of their Poodle ancestors. However, their coats can range from curly, wavy, or straight. Regardless, Cavapoos require regular grooming.
• Highly Sociable: Cavapoos are known for their friendly and social temperament. They thrive on human interaction and are great with children, other pets, and even strangers, making them ideal family companions.
• Adaptable Size: Cavapoos are small to medium-sized dogs, making them well-suited for various living environments, from apartments to larger homes. Their size also makes them easy to travel with.
• Playful and Energetic: Cavapoos are playful and energetic dogs that enjoy interactive play and exercise. Their intelligence also means they excel in training and can learn a variety of commands and tricks.

Breed History

The Cavapoo, also known as a Cavoodle, is a popular hybrid breed resulting from the cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. This breed emerged in the late 20th century as breeders aimed to create a small, friendly, and intelligent companion dog with low-shedding qualities. The Poodle’s high intelligence and low-shedding coat combined with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s affectionate and gentle nature have produced a breed that is both lovable and adaptable. The Cavapoo’s popularity has grown rapidly due to its charming personality and suitability for families, singles, and those with allergies.

Personality and Behaviour

• Affectionate and Loving: Cavapoos are known for their loving and devoted temperament. They are highly affectionate and thrive on companionship, making them ideal for families and individuals who are looking for a constant companion. They form strong bonds with their human families and often seek attention and cuddles. Their gentle nature makes them great with children, and they’re usually friendly with other pets as well.
• Intelligent and Easy to Train: With their Poodle heritage, Cavapoos are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy training sessions that involve treats and praise. Their smart and curious nature means they need mental stimulation to stay happy, so interactive toys, training, and problem-solving activities are ideal for them. Early training and socialization are important to help them grow into well-rounded adults.
• Playful and Energetic: Cavapoos are playful and full of energy, but they don’t have the intense exercise needs of some other breeds. They enjoy playtime, walks, and spending time with their family members. Regular play and daily walks are sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. They love to explore and can be quite mischievous when excited, so an engaging environment is beneficial for their overall well-being.

Care

• Exercise: Cavapoos need regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health, but their exercise requirements are generally moderate. A daily walk of 30 to 60 minutes, along with play sessions and interactive activities, is usually sufficient. They enjoy playtime in the backyard, games of fetch, and puzzles that challenge their intelligence. Although they have moderate energy levels, they benefit greatly from routine exercise to stay fit and avoid boredom.
• Grooming: One of the key selling points of the Cavapoo is its coat, which can vary depending on the genetics of the individual dog. Most Cavapoos inherit a wavy or curly coat similar to a Poodle, which sheds very little and, though not completely allergen-free, can be allergy-friendly for some people. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting and tangling; daily brushing is ideal, but at a minimum, they should be brushed 2-3 times a week. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks can help keep their coat in good condition. Regular ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and nail trimming should also be part of their grooming routine to maintain overall health.
• Training and Socialization: Cavapoos are intelligent and eager to please, which makes training them a rewarding experience. They respond well to positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and play, and enjoy learning new commands and tricks. Early training and socialization are essential for helping them develop good behavior and confidence in different settings and with different people and animals. Exposing them to a variety of experiences early on helps prevent shyness or timid behavior as adults. Because they are naturally social, they benefit from interactions with other dogs and humans.