Cavapoo: is it the right breed for you?

Cavapoo Summary: 

• First bred in 1950s to create a low shedding dog
• Soft, short curly and coat
• Common colours include black, gold, chestnut, cream, fawn & chocolate
• Cavapoo life expectancy = 12 - 15 years
• Average size = 35 - 45 cm
• Average weight = 5 - 10 kg
• Estimated monthly cost = Medium
• Exercise needs = Medium
• Attention needs = Medium
• Sociability = High

Please note: A dog’s exercise, training/stimulation and grooming requirements can depend on several factors such as age and health. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet.

How big do Cavapoos get?

Cavapoos are classed as a small breed. Because of this, they will reach their adult size quicker than larger breeds. Your average Cavapoo will be around 9 - 14 inches. That's about the same size as a 2-litre fizzy drink bottle. 

How much exercise do Cavapoos need?

This breed is energetic and highly intelligent. To keep them physically and mentally stimulated, they will need between 45 minutes — one hour of exercise a day. This can be split into a shorter walk in the morning, followed by a longer walk in the evening.

To keep them happy and healthy, take them to a secure environment where they can run off-lead, with lots of interesting things to see and sniff. As with all breeds, be careful not to over-exercise them whilst they are still growing, as this can have long term effects on their joints. 

Cavapoo dietary needs

Your dog or puppy will need a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It’s best to feed them complete dog food specially formulated for small breeds to ensure that they are getting the right amount of vitamins and nutrients. 

Growing pups may prefer 3-4 smaller servings during the day, rather than two larger meals. This can be reduced to two meals a day as your dog gets older.

The recommended portion size will depend on your individual dog. You’ll need to take into account their activity level, age and metabolism. To avoid weight gain, make sure your dog has a healthy and balanced diet and gets plenty of exercise.

For dietary advice that’s specific to your dog, have a chat with your local vet or the breeder you’re purchasing your puppy from.

Training: how to train a Cavapoo

Cavapoos are intelligent, generally obedient dogs who respond well to training and learning new things. It's sometimes the case that toilet training can take longer than with other breeds, although with patience and perseverance, they will pick it up. 

They're also a social breed and enjoy human interaction and playing with other dogs. They will benefit from socialising from an early age and attending puppy socialization classes. 

As is the case with all breeds, they will start to approach new experiences with caution when they're around 12 weeks old. Therefore, it’s really important for their development that they experience as many different situations as possible. 

While they are still so young and receptive, it's a good idea to introduce your puppy to other dogs, people and livestock as well as car travel and unfamiliar noises, such as traffic.

Affectionate dogs who love cuddling and human interaction, Cavapoos can be prone to developing separation anxiety. It’s good practice to leave them on their own for small periods during training so that they can get used to being by themselves. 

Grooming: do Cavapoos shed?

Coats can vary quite a lot from dog to dog. Some have straight, wavy coats that they will have inherited from the Cavalier King Charles side of their lineage. Dogs or puppies with this type of coat will be more prone to shedding than those with wiry, curly hair. Generally speaking, Cavapoos will shed less than the average dog. 

You might have heard claims from owners or breeders that Cavapoos are hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, no dogs are 100% hypoallergenic. However, Cavapoos are bred from poodles, which are one of the most hypoallergenic breeds, so they may cause fewer symptoms in allergy sufferers. 

They need to be groomed regularly to prevent knots and tangles. A daily brush is a great way to make sure their skin and coat stays in tip-top condition, as well as providing an opportunity to bond with your dog. 

The coat of this breed can be quite high maintenance, and they will benefit from professional grooming every 6 weeks or so, depending on how long their coat is. 

Cost of owning a Cavapoo 

When considering the lifetime cost of owning your new dog, remember to take into account the following costs: 

• What to feed your Cavapoo
• Veterinary care
• Pet insurance
• Kennels or dog sitters
• Cavapoo grooming costs
• Toys and equipment
• Preventative healthcare

As a rough guide, allow between £80 and £90 a month to cover the ongoing costs of owning this breed. Our vets have drawn up this handy guide to save dog owners money.

Are Cavapoos prone to any health problems?

Cavapoos are prone to certain health problems, just like all breeds. This doesn’t mean your dog is guaranteed to contract any particular disease – it’s just something to bear in mind.

To keep your pet as healthy as possible, monitor them closely and attend routine six-month health checks with your vet. This will allow the vet to give your dog a thorough check-up and to pick up on minor (often symptomless) conditions before they have a chance to escalate into something worse.

Possible health complications for this breed include:

• Cavapoo dental issues and gum disease
• Infections
• Cavapoo obesity and weight gain
• Dog allergies (including fleas food and pollen)
• Eye problems
• Hip dysplasia 

Before welcoming a new dog into your household, make sure you’re able to cover the costs of any routine or emergency medical treatment they may need. Pet insurance will help massively with this. Why not ask your vet about their recommended pet insurance policy?

Cavapoo temperament, socialising and ideal home environment

Cavapoos make for great family pets and are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. They love human interaction and enjoy playing at home or in the park. 

They are extremely friendly and adaptable dogs that get on well with young children and other pets. They will be very happy in almost any home environment, providing their food, exercise and attention needs are met.

One of the things to bear in mind when deciding whether to get this breed is that they can become really attached to their family. This means that they can display separation anxiety when they are left on their own. 

If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining pooch who loves cuddles and is loyal to his family, this might just be the dog for you!

Read More: Separation anxiety training: easing your dog’s nerves when they’re left alone

Are Cavapoos suitable for first time owners? 

Cavapoos are a really good choice for first time owners because of their adaptability and friendliness. They love to experience new things and generally pick up training quite quickly. 

If you aren’t going to be at home for long periods of time, your dog might struggle with separation anxiety, so this is something to consider if you’re away from home for long periods of the day. 

What is a Cavapoochon?

The Cavapoochon is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise and Toy Poodle. Small in stature but big in personality, Cavapoochons are usually highly intelligent and receptive to training. While there are a lot similarities between Cavapoochons and Cavapoos, Cavapoochons tend to weigh slightly less, need less exercise and have a smaller appetite.

Cavapoo vs Cockapoo

Even though they're among the UK's most popular breeds, prospective dog owners often struggle to choose between Cockapoo and Cavapoo puppies. Cockapoos are a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle and are slightly bigger than Cavapoos. Cockapoos typically need more exercise and are considered harder to train than their Cav counterparts. Both breeds are generally great with children.

Need more info?

For more info on finding the best dog breed for you and your lifestyle, have a chat with your vet. Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.