Cavapoo at a Glance: Quick Facts

Before we dive deep, here is a quick overview of the Cavapoo key characteristics. This table provides a snapshot of what you can expect from this spirited toy breed.

Temperament

Affectionate, intelligent, outgoing, playful, and gentle. Eager to please and forms strong bonds

Height

9-14 inches

Weight

12-25 pounds

Lifespan

10-15 years

Grooming Needs

Moderate to High. Daily brushing is required to prevent mats; professional grooming is needed every 4-8 weeks

Exercise Level

Moderate. Daily walks and regular playtime are sufficient

Good With

Families, children, singles, seniors, and other pets (with proper socialization).

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Shedding Level

Low to non-shedding. Often a great choice for those with mild allergies

The Soul of a Cavapoo: Temperament and Personality

Toy Poodle On Grassy Field

The Cavapoo’s defining characteristic is its incredibly endearing and sociable nature. This is a dog that was bred for companionship, and it excels at its job. Inheriting the gentle, placid soul of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they are sweet-natured and thrive on human affection. They are the quintessential lap dogs, always ready for a cuddle session on the couch. However, the Poodle parentage injects a brilliant spark of intelligence and a playful, sometimes goofy, spirit. This combination results in a well-rounded, emotionally intuitive dog that is both a fun-loving playmate and a sensitive, devoted friend.

Cavapoos are known for being exceptionally outgoing. They tend to view strangers as friends they haven’t met yet, and their friendly demeanor makes them fantastic family pets. They get along wonderfully with children, though their smaller size means interactions with very young kids should always be supervised to ensure the puppy’s safety. This breed also cohabitates well with other dogs and even cats, especially when socialized from a young age. Their loving nature and high trainability also make them outstanding candidates for therapy and emotional support roles. They truly live to be part of the family pack and will repay your love and attention a thousand times over with unwavering loyalty.

Is a Cavapoo Right For Your Family & Lifestyle?

The Cavapoo’s adaptability is one of its most celebrated traits, but no breed is a perfect fit for everyone. Making an informed, honest assessment of your lifestyle is the most loving first step you can take for your future puppy.

A Cavapoo is an ideal companion for:

First-Time Owners: Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and forgiving nature make them one of the best breeds for novice dog parents.

Families with Children: Their gentle and playful personality makes them a wonderful, sturdy (for a small dog) playmate for kids.

Apartment Dwellers: Their moderate exercise needs and smaller size mean they adapt beautifully to apartment or city living, as long as they get daily walks.

People with Allergies: While no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, the Cavapoo’s low-shedding coat produces significantly less dander, making it a great option for many allergy sufferers.

You might want to reconsider a Cavapoo if:

You’re Away from Home Frequently: Cavapoos bond very deeply with their families and are prone to developing separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

You Dislike Grooming: Their beautiful, low-shedding coat is high-maintenance and requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent painful mats and tangles.

You Want a Guard Dog: A Cavapoo is more likely to greet an intruder with a wagging tail than a warning bark. They are friendly watchdogs at best.

You Live in an Extreme Climate: Their short muzzles can make them sensitive to high heat, and their single coat doesn’t offer much protection from intense cold, requiring extra care in these environments.

Caring for Your Cavapoo: Needs & Recommendations

Bringing a Cavapoo into your home means committing to their health and happiness. With the right care routine, your Cavapoo will thrive.

Diet & Nutrition

A high-quality small-breed dog food is the foundation of a Cavapoo’s health. Their diet should be rich in protein and healthy fats to fuel their moderate energy levels. It’s crucial to follow feeding guidelines and monitor their weight, as this breed can be prone to weight gain if overfed or under-exercised. Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Look for foods that include omega fatty acids to support their skin and coat health.

Exercise Requirements

A Cavapoo’s energy level is best described as adaptable. They are content with 30-45 minutes of exercise per day, which can be broken into a couple of brisk walks and a spirited game of fetch in the yard. They love chasing balls and will happily join you for more activity if you lead an active lifestyle. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical; puzzle toys and training games are excellent ways to engage their sharp Poodle brain and prevent boredom.

Grooming

The Cavapoo’s Poodle heritage means a beautiful, low-shedding coat, but it requires significant upkeep.

  • Brushing: Daily brushing with a slicker brush and a metal comb is essential to work through tangles and prevent mats from forming, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and on the belly.
  • Bathing: A bath every 4-6 weeks, or as needed, with a high-quality dog shampoo will keep their coat clean and healthy. Avoid over-bathing, which can strip natural oils.
  • Professional Grooming: A trip to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks is necessary for a full haircut to maintain a manageable length.
  • Nails & Ears: Trim their nails once or twice a month. Their floppy ears can trap moisture, so check and clean them weekly with a vet-approved solution to prevent infections.
  • Dental Care: Small breeds are prone to dental issues. Daily tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste is the best defense against periodontal disease.
Training & Socialization

Cavapoos are a trainer’s dream. They are highly intelligent and genuinely eager to please their owners.

  • Positive Reinforcement: This is the only method to use. Cavapoos are sensitive souls and can shut down or become sulky with harsh tones or corrections. Reward-based training using treats, praise, and toys will yield the best results.
  • Keep it Fun: Due to their Poodle intelligence, they can get bored with repetitive commands. Keep training sessions short (10-15 minutes), engaging, and fun.
  • Early Socialization: From a young age, expose your Cavapoo puppy to a wide variety of sights, sounds, people, and other vaccinated dogs. This ensures they grow into the confident, friendly, and well-adjusted adult they are meant to be.
  • Potty Training: Consistency is paramount. Take them out frequently, especially after waking up, after playing, and after eating. Crate training can be an invaluable tool to help with housebreaking.

Health & Lifespan: What to Expect

Cavapoos generally enjoy a healthy lifespan of 10 to 15 years. As a hybrid breed, they benefit from “hybrid vigor,” which can reduce the risk of some genetic issues. However, they can still be predisposed to conditions common in their parent breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle.

At PuppyGuyz, we believe in transparency and responsible breeding. Our partner breeders conduct extensive health screenings to minimize the risk of these issues. 

Common concerns to be aware of include:

  • Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): A common heart condition in Cavaliers.
  • Patellar Luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An eye disease that can lead to blindness.
  • Hip Dysplasia: An abnormal formation of the hip socket.
  • Syringomyelia (SM): A neurological condition more common in Cavaliers.

Choosing a puppy from a breeder who performs genetic testing and provides a comprehensive health guarantee is the single most important step you can take to ensure a long, healthy life for your companion.

The History of the Cavapoo: From Australia to Your Home

Happy cavapoo puppy in the garden

The story of the Cavapoo begins in the late 1990s in Australia. Breeders there sought to create a small, friendly companion dog that combined the gentle nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. The goal was a dog with a wonderful temperament that would be well-suited for families and individuals with allergies.
The crossbreed was an instant success, and the Cavapoo quickly became one of Australia’s most popular “designer” breeds. Their fame soon spread across the globe, and they are now a beloved and sought-after companion in the United States and the United Kingdom. While not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a purebred, they are recognized by several hybrid registries like the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC). Sometimes also called a “Cavoodle” or “Cavadoodle,” their history is short but their impact on the hearts of dog lovers is immense.

Meet Our Available Cavapoo Puppies

Your new best friend is waiting. Our Cavapoo puppies are raised with love and care by our network of ethical, vetted breeders. Each puppy comes with a full health guarantee, up-to-date vaccinations, and the promise of a lifetime of support from PuppyGuyz. Browse our gallery of available puppies below.

Rosie female cavapoo
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Cavapoo – Rosie

$2,300.00
Duke Male Siberian Husky
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Siberian Husky – Duke

$2,300.00
Betty Siberian Husky Female
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Siberian Husky – Betty

$2,300.00
fern Female German Shepherd
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German Shepherd – Fern

$2,300.00
Rory Male German Shepherd
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German Shepherd – Rory

$2,300.00
Daisy female Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Daisy

$2,300.00
Harry male Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Harry

$2,300.00
Isabella female Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Isabella

$2,300.00
View all Available Puppies

Find a Cavapoo Near You

While we offer safe, secure home delivery across the entire United States, we have strong networks of responsible breeders in and around several major states. We can help you find the perfect Cavapoo puppy in:

Looking for a English Bulldog puppy in your area? We deliver healthy, well-socialized puppies to families across the United States. Explore our available puppies by state to find the perfect addition to your family:

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Your Comprehensive Cavapoo FAQ

We’ve compiled and answered the most common questions about Cavapoos, using our expertise and insights from across the web to create the most complete FAQ available.

What is a Cavapoo?

A Cavapoo is a hybrid or “designer” dog breed, a cross between a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a purebred Poodle (usually a Miniature or Toy Poodle). They are specifically bred to be excellent companion animals, inheriting the best traits from both parent breeds.

What is an F1 Cavapoo?

An F1 Cavapoo is a first-generation cross, meaning one parent is a 100% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the other is a 100% Poodle. This generation has the most “hybrid vigor” and their traits, like coat type, can be a bit unpredictable but are generally wavy and low-shedding.

What is an F1b Cavapoo?

An F1b Cavapoo is a backcross. This is created by breeding an F1 Cavapoo with a 100% Poodle. The “b” stands for backcross. This results in a puppy that is 75% Poodle and 25% Cavalier. F1b Cavapoos are often preferred by those with more significant allergies, as they are the most likely to have a curly, non-shedding coat.

Do Cavapoos shed a lot?

No, Cavapoos are considered a low-shedding breed, thanks to their Poodle genetics. However, “low-shedding” does not mean “no-shedding.” They will lose some hair, particularly during brushing, but you won’t find large amounts of hair on your furniture or clothes.

Are Cavapoos hypoallergenic?

They are often considered a good choice for people with allergies. Because they shed very little, they release less dander into the environment, which is the primary trigger for most pet allergies. However, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, as allergens are also found in saliva and urine. An F1b Cavapoo is generally the best option for allergy sufferers.

Do Cavapoos bark a lot?

Cavapoos are not known for being excessive barkers. They are generally quiet dogs but may alert-bark if someone comes to the door or if they hear an unusual noise. Proper training and socialization can easily manage this tendency.

Are Cavapoos easy to train?

Yes, they are one of the easier breeds to train. Their Poodle intelligence and Cavalier eagerness to please make them quick learners who respond very well to positive reinforcement and consistency.

Are Cavapoos easy to potty train?

With consistency and patience, Cavapoos can be potty trained relatively easily. Their small bladder size as puppies means they need frequent trips outside. Establishing a strict routine and using a crate can make the process much smoother.

How often do you bathe a Cavapoo?

A bath is only necessary every 4 to 6 weeks, or if they get particularly dirty. Over-bathing can dry out their skin and coat. Use a gentle, vet-approved dog shampoo.

How long do Cavapoos live?

The average lifespan for a healthy Cavapoo is between 10 and 15 years. Proper diet, regular exercise, and preventative veterinary care can help them live a long and happy life.