Cavapoo | Is This Cavadoodle Right For You?

The Cavapoo, also known as Cavoodle is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. Reputable breeders cross Miniature Poodles with Cavaliers as Toy Poodles tend to develop more hereditary health problems that they could pass on to their young.

The Cavoodle is often made into a family pet or companion due to its sweet, kind, docile and loyal nature.

Origin of Cavapoo

This dog breed was first bred America during the 1950s by breeders who wished to provide a low-shedding dog for people with allergies. Poodles were used due to this reason.

As with any other crossbreeds, there’s no guarantee as to which characteristics and traits a Cavapoo might inherit from its parents.

This breed, however, is not recognized by The Kennel Club in the UK and other international dog clubs.

Are Cavapoos good temperament?

The Cavapoo is known for to be a loyal, affectionate, and friendly family pet and companion.

It can inherit many of the personalities and characteristics of its parent breeds. The sweet nature of this breed allows them to get along with everyone, including children.

This dog can become wholly devoted to its family and would love to participate in everything that goes on in the house. When socialized from a young age, the Cavapoo can get along with other pets and dogs.

This small dog can fit in with most lifestyles without any problem because it is highly adaptable. It’s an intelligent dog that has inherited the intelligence of its parent breeds.

As such, the Cavoodle should be provided with the right amount of mental stimulation and daily exercise for it to be completely obedient, happy and well-rounded. Positive reinforcement methods can be used to train this breed.

Many Cavapoos like water and enjoy swimming. It’s best to keep your Cavapoo on a leash when walking near dangerous watercourses to prevent it from leaping in. However, there are also some dogs that don’t even want to get their feet wet.

If your dog is not very fond of water, you should not force it to swim. The Cavoodle is a sensitive dog by nature, so it doesn’t answer well to heavy-handed training or harsh correction.

When a young dog or puppy gets things wrong or has an “accident” indoors, you shouldn’t tell it off harshly.

Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques and can immediately pick up on what’s being asked of them as they love to please and receive praise and treats.

This breed, however, doesn’t like being left on its own for long periods as it thrives on human company. The Cavapoo is happy when it lives in a house where one person stays typically at home.

If this dog is left alone for extended periods, it can develop unwanted behavioral problems that can be difficult to correct such as separation anxiety, excessive barking, and destructive behavior.

Is a Cavapoo a good family dog?

The sweet and amenable nature of Cavapoos also makes it an excellent option for a first-time dog owner.

This breed is open to learning new things and loves the attention it’s given when being trained. The Cavapoo is a playful breed and loves participating in interactive games and canine sports.

Although the dog doesn’t have an extremely high prey drive, it doesn’t mean that it will not chase a cat if it gets the chance to.

Socialized and well trained Cavapoos can be taught not to chase other animals, provided that they’re trained early enough when puppies because this is the period where they’re most open to learning the rules.

Cavapoos don’t like the sound of their voice too much. They can also be trained not to bark.

If they don’t like their environment or left alone for extended periods, they may start barking to show that they want more attention or that they’re stressed out.

The Cavapoo is an excellent watchdog and will immediately let you know when something’s going on in the surroundings that they don’t like or when there are strangers around or in your house.

Younger kids can be a bit too noisy and rowdy for Cavoodles to cope with, so care should be observed when these small dogs are around young children and toddlers.

Any interaction between the children and the dogs should be supervised by an adult to ensure things stay calm.

Children may approach the dog too quickly, which may frighten the dog. As such, this breed is not the best option for families with toddlers and very young children in the home.

How long does a Cavapoo live?

The average lifespan of cavapoo is between 13 and 15 years when given the right high-quality diet to suit their ages and when properly cared for.

How big do Cavapoo dogs get?

The average height of a male Cavapoo is 33 to 45 cm, while a female is 33 to 45 cm. Males can weigh between 5 and 10 kg. Females can weigh between 5 and 10 kg.

Each dog is a little different when it comes to coat texture, shape, size, and color as their traits depend on their parent breeds and whether or not it is a first generation Cavoodle. Many Cavapoos have a cute round face with droopy ears and lovely large eyes.

Some puppies have a more Cavalier like appearance, while others look more like a Poodle. These dogs have a bouncy gait. Many Cavoodles inherit the Poodle’s high stepping gait.

The most common coat colors of Cavapoos are white, black, gold, chestnut, tricolor (tan, black and white) and Blenheim (white and chestnut).

The length, texture, and color of a Cavoodle’s coat can be entirely different from one dog to another. Some have more of a Poodle type coat, while others lean towards the Cavalier.

This is why some dogs can have a wavier coat that they inherit from the Poodle, while others have a silky coat that they get from the Cavalier.

Are Cava-Poo easy to train?

The training of a Cavapoo should start the moment it arrives in a new house.

It would be best if you didn’t wait too long before starting your dog’s education. The first stages of the dog’s education should be a fun experience for everyone.

Once your dog is older and fully vaccinated, you can start its training in earnest. Puppies can be enrolled in a puppy class when they’re around 10 to 12 weeks old.

Their training should be consistent for them to understand what’s expected of them.Cavapoos can be naughty, but they can be trained to do their business outside.

Some of the commands that you can teach them to include Stay Come, Quiet, Sit, Bed, Leave it and Down.

Do Cavapoo Shed?

Cavapoos are considered to low-shedding mixed dogs, so they have become a popular option with people who have allergies. Some Cavoodles, however, shed much hair.

The kind of grooming that a Cavapoo needs depends on their coat type. If the dog has a longer coat, you should have your dog regularly clipped.

It is best to have its coat professionally groomed every four to six weeks. Brush its coat daily to prevent tangles and knots from forming. Daily grooming also helps reinforce the bond between you and your dog.

To make it easier for you to groom your dog, you should have the right tools for the job.

The grooming tools that you need include a bristle or pin brush, nail clippers, slicker brush, round ended scissors, metal wide-toothed comb, Detangler, tweezers, and dog specific conditioner and shampoo.

Clean the tear stains under their eyes regularly with a damp cloth. You should also check their belly, and their backside as these areas tend to get dirty if not washed on a regular basis.

Poop can get caught in their hair, which should be washed off immediately before trimming around the area.

Male dogs can develop urine stains on their belly, which can get smelly and cause the dog to develop sores if left for too long. You should also closely observe their teeth to make sure there’s no excessive plaque build-up on them.

Check your dog’s ears regularly and clean them when needed. Wax build-up can cause a painful infection that can be difficult to clear up.

Cavapoo Exercise Needs

Proper exercise is also required for Cavapoos. A short walk in the morning is beautiful, but a long walk in the afternoon is necessary.

If you’re going to let them roam around your back garden, you should keep your fencing extremely secure to keep your dog in because if it finds a weakness in the fence, it will escape and get into all kinds of trouble.

Just don’t over exercise a Cavoodle puppy as its bones and joints are still growing.

Too much pressure on their bones and joints can cause problems later on. Don’t let them run up and down the stairs or jump up or off furniture.

Feeding Cavoodle Dog Breed

If you got your Cavapoo from a breeder, you should stick to the feeding schedule given by the breeder to prevent tummy upsets. In case you want to change your dog’s diet, you should do it gradually.

If the dog develops tummy upsets, you should put it back on its original diet and talk to the vet before trying to change its diet again.

Once the puppy is settled into your house, you can gradually change its diet.

• A 2-month old Cavapoo can be given 96 grams to 127 grams of food depending on its build.
• If your dog is already three months old, you can feed it 108 grams to 149 grams of food every day.
• A 4-month old puppy should get 113 grams to 158 grams of food depending on its build.
• At six months old, your puppy should eat 103 grams to 159 grams of food.
• A 7-month old Cavapoo can be given 92 grams to 144 grams of food.
• Give 81 grams to 129 grams of food to an 8-month old puppy, 81 grams to 115 grams to a 10-month old and 80 grams to 114 grams to an 11-month old.
• A 12-month old puppy can be fed adult dog food.

Mature dogs should be given a high-quality diet as well. Feed your dog once in the morning and once in the evening.

The food should meet their nutritional requirements. Cavapoos weighing 5 kilograms can be given 69 grams to 90 grams of food depending on activity.

For dogs weighing 8 kilograms, 110 grams to 144 grams of food should be enough. Dogs weighing 10 kilograms can be given 138 grams to 181 grams depending on activity.

Follow this guide every day to ensure that your dog is getting all the nutrients it needs to grow properly.

Is Cavapoo Hypoallergenic?

Since one of their parent breeds is the Poodle, Cavapoos are sometimes promoted as hypoallergenic dogs.

Allergies are caused by dander or the dead cells that are shed by all breeds of dogs. A particular type of coat does not cause it.

Are Cavapoos healthy?

Like other breeds, Cavapoos can also suffer from hereditary health problems that usually affect their parent breeds.

Reputable breeders would always have the parent breeds tested for any health problems to reduce the chances of their offspring getting the health issues and disorders that affect them.

The universal health problems that affect the Cavalier and the Poodle are

• Hereditary cataracts
• Luxating patella
• Hip dysplasia
• Distichiasis
• Tracheal collapse
• Mitral valve degeneration
• Cushing’s disease
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Skin problems
• Urolithiasis
• Entropion
• Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia
• Cryptorchidism in males
• Mitral valve disease
• Atlantoaxial subluxation
• Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia
• Hydrocephalus
• Otitis externa
• Type I diabetes
• Syringomyelia
• Patellar luxation
• Epilepsy
• Granulomatous meningoencephalitis
• Intervertebral disc disease and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

They can also suffer from different kinds of cancers, including hyperadrenocorticism, basal cell tumors, and oral melanoma.

Female dogs should be over two years old before being used in a breeding program.

Dogs should also be tested once they’re one year old. Cavapoos are very sensitive to heat as they have a short muzzle.

During the hot summer months, you should keep them hydrated so that they don’t overheat.

Female dogs can be spayed when they’re six months old, while males can be neutered when they’re six months old as well.

Puppies should have their follow-up vaccinations at the right time. When they’re 10 to 12 weeks old, they should be vaccinated.

Puppies wouldn’t have full protection immediately but would be protected two weeks after they’ve had their 2nd vaccination. If you want to give your dog boosters, you should talk to a vet first.

They will help you determine whether your pooch should continue to have yearly vaccinations or boosters.

Please don’t give it too many food treats that could cause them to put on too much weight or upset their regular calorie intake.

Obesity can shorten the life of a dog for several years, so it should be prevented. Some Cavapoos can also develop allergies, but it can be challenging to find out what triggers this health problem.

You should also keep a record of when the dog’s allergy breaks out and when it is at its worse.

This way, you can give more information to the vet and make it easier for them to find out what your dog’s allergy triggers are.

Some of the common triggers for allergies include food such as,

• Certain cereals and meats used in dog food, environment
• Dust mites, mold, flea and tick bites
• A reaction to specific chemicals usually used in household cleaning products
• Seasonal allergies like grasses and pollen.

How Much is a Cavapoo Cost?

A well-bred puppy can cost anything from £500 to over £1000.

If you want to buy pet insurance, you should remember that insurance companies consider different factors when computing a pet’s premium such as the dog’s age, whether it has been spayed or neutered and your location.

You also need to purchase high-quality food for your dog. Expect to spend between £20 and £30 every month.

You also need to consider veterinary costs, including the dog’s annual health checks, vaccinations and boosters, and the cost of spaying or neutering.

These costs can add up to more than £800 every year. If you want to save money, you can adopt a dog from a rescue or shelter instead of buying from pet shops or breeders.

Adopting a Dog From a Cavapoo Rescue or Shelter

There are many reasons why you should adopt a dog from a Cavapoo rescue or shelter. One of these is that you will save a life.

Millions of adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in the US every year just because too many pets come into rescue or shelters and only a few people consider adopting a pet.

The number of euthanized animals can be significantly reduced. By adopting a dog, you’re not only opening up shelter space for other animals that need it.

You are also making the adopted dog a part of your family. Here are the other benefits of adopting a dog from a Cavapoo rescue or shelter.

Save Money and Get a Great Pet

Adoption also costs less.

When you adopt a dog, the cost of the first vaccinations, boosters, and spaying or neutering is already included in the adoption price. This can help you save some of the upfront costs of owning a dog.

Depending on the dog, you may also save on training and housebreaking costs. You will get a great pet.

Rescue groups and animal shelters are packed with healthy pets that are waiting for someone to adopt them. Most pets end up in animal shelters due to human problems such as divorce or move.

Many of these pets are already used to living with humans and house trained, so you will have an easy time introducing them to a new environment.

Adoption also helps more than just one pet. Shelters take in many lost, stray and abused pets every year. By adopting a pet, you are freeing up space for other animals.

Many animals can be given a second chance. The adoption fee also goes towards helping animal shelters care for the pets they take in.

Fight Puppy Mills

Puppy mills put profit above the well-being of dogs. Animals from these factory-style breeding facilities are housed in poor conditions and receive improper medical care.

They are often behaviorally troubled and sick. Parent breeds are kept in cages and bred over and over without proper human companionship. If they are longer profitable, they are just discarded.

Breeding dogs are abandoned, sold at auction or killed. If you buy a pet from a flea market, pet store or online seller, chances are you’re getting a dog from puppy mills.

These facilities use deceptive tactics to stay in business, and they will continue to do their atrocious practices until people stop buying from them. By adopting a pet, you can fight puppy mills.

Convenient

Animal shelters have dogs of different sizes, colors, and temperament, so you can find one that meets your needs.

Since many of the pets from rescues and shelters are already house trained, you can save your carpets and rugs as well.

Adopting a mature pet dog gives them a second hand at having a family that will take good care of them. Introducing a mature dog to your family will be more comfortable as well.

Animals give unconditional love, and they are physical, psychologically and emotionally beneficial to their companion. They are loyal and taking care of them provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

It also helps you relax and reduces feelings of loneliness. By adopting a dog, you are getting a new friend that will not betray you. It gives you bragging rights as well.

You can take a photo with your pet, post it on your social media page and enjoy the attention you will get. You can also feel proud and happy about helping a pet in need.