Cavapoo Breed Profile
The Cavapoo is the crossbreed offspring of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a Miniature Poodle. They were originally bred to offer a hypoallergenic dog with low shedding for people who suffered with allergies, however their popularity has since grown enormously as a result of their charming traits and ‘designer dog’ label.
They are a relatively small dog, often being described as teddy bear-like. This breed is highly recommended for first-time dog owners and young families with small children due to their friendly, gentle and playful qualities. They thrive best in homes where they will receive a huge amount of attention and won’t be left alone for very long. They are fantastic with other dogs, if socialised at a young age, and would be well-behaved in a multi-pet household, although a Cavapoo can get very jealous when it comes to sharing out attention.
Typical Cavapoo Facts:
Height: 9-14 inches (23-36 cm)
Weight: 8-25 lbs (4-11 kg)
Average Litter Size: 6-10 puppies
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Kennel Club Classification: Hybrid
Good with Children: Yes
Colour of a Cavapoo:
As the Cavapoo is the crossbreed of both a Poodle and a King Charles Spaniel, their coat and colour markings can’t be distinguished – they will all be unique. The coat texture can either be long and wavy or short and curly. Their coat colouring is often within a range of solid shades, including black, red, brown, tan, white and beige. However, as mentioned, you never know what you’re going to get with a Cavapoo.
Grooming a Cavapoo:
Although the Cavapoo’s coat can vary, it is recognised that their coat needs regular grooming to keep it in healthy condition and to stimulate new growth. However, shedding is less of an issue for Cavapoos, as their Poodle parent is less prone to shedding, making them hypoallergenic dogs that are great pets for allergy sufferers.
As with any other breed, make sure to check your Cavapoo’s ears around once a week for pests or irritable debris, and clean them when necessary. Make sure to trim your Cavapoo’s nails before they get too long to prevent overgrowth, splitting and possible pain. Teeth brushing should also be a regular care task to avoid any dental issues, which can be more common in smaller breeds due to the crowding of their teeth. Some health issues do involve the Cavapoo’s eyes, so ensure you keep them clean by simply wiping around them when necessary.
Cavapoo Common Ailments/Health Issues:
Cavapoos are a generally healthy breed and have yet to have any major health issues, however, common health concerns from their parent breeds have been recognised in case they may follow into the Cavapoo offspring. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been known to suffer from heart conditions, cherry eye and dry eye. The Poodle is at risk of passing down health issues including Addison’s disease and diabetes.
However, maintaining regular veterinary check-ups and providing good care at home can help to reduce the risk.
Temperament of the Cavapoo:
The Cavapoo is a popular choice for families and first-time dog owners due to their affectionate and friendly nature. They are a perfect choice for families with young children, as they love to play in a gentle manner and have a desire for lots of fuss and attention. Their loyal and sociable spirit can make this breed a good therapy dog.
Training a Cavapoo:
Cavapoos are highly intelligent and can learn quickly with consistent, daily training. Puppy training is recommended to guarantee socialising with other dogs at a young age, as well as acquiring basic obedience habits. The Cavapoo aims to please, however they have a shorter attention span than most, so make sure you provide them with treats and rewards to maintain a gentle approach to training and keep training sessions short but productive. Cavapoos don’t respond well to harsh treatment, so they may need extra patience when training.
House training, including potty training, should be introduced very early as they are generally known as being household dogs, and this can also strengthen the bond between you and your Cavapoo.
Exercise for a Cavapoo:
The Cavapoo is an active breed for a small dog, requiring a moderate amount of exercise. They can also be prone to weight gain and heart issues if they don’t maintain a healthy weight. Exercise should include one or two brisk half-hour walks a day with off-lead playtime sessions mixed in. They adapt quickly to their owners’ lifestyle due to their aim to please.
Mental stimulation will keep them alert and healthy, and training exercises and short training sessions should be sufficient.
History of the Cavapoo:
The Cavapoo, offspring of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, was first bred to create a hypoallergenic dog, perfect as a pet for those with allergies due to their low shedding traits. The crossbreed was one of the first among the ‘designer dogs’, which grew rapidly in popularity during the late 1900s.
Cavapoos were believed to have been first bred in the 1990s in Australia, however they have since grown hugely in popularity due to their charming, affectionate personality and appearance. However, to fully grasp their history, the Cavapoo’s parents, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, have to be understood.
The King Charles Spaniel dates back to the Renaissance, where they were companions to royalty, including King Charles I and Charles II. They remained a British favourite until the 19th century, when the breed began to be crossbred with Asian toy breeds, such as Pugs. However, Roswell Eldridge, a wealthy American, released an ad to British breeders with a cash prize in order to locate the old-type toy spaniel to revive the breed.
Poodles originated from the French and German border in the 15th century, originally utilising their skills in swimming to act as water retrieving dogs, often hunting waterfowl. The famous styling of the Poodle’s coat was originally for practicality for swimming, however, soon it developed into a fashion statement for young, upper-class dog owners. They soon became the most popular breed in the 1950s in America and remained in this position for over 40 years. It wasn’t until the 20th century that Toy Poodles were bred for their look and high demand across the upper class, being first spotted in America.
The Cavapoo is not currently recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club, due to its hybrid type and inconsistency in temperament, appearance and size.
Famous Cavapoos:
Cavapoo’s charm and adorable looks have since become one of the most sought-after designer dogs. Katy Perry’s Cavapoo, called Butters, has often featured on her social media, along with having his own account.
Cavapoo Stud Dog Listings
A dog owner since the early 80s, after convincing his parents to buy a Yorkshire terrier named Sadie, Darren created Dream Dogs so dog owners could find the best dog related information on the Internet.
