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Key Breed Facts
Breed Characteristics
Breed Highlights
Intelligence / Trainability
Children and Other Pets
Caring for a Cavapoo
Average Cost to keep/care for a Cavapoo
Breed Specific Buying Advice

Key Breed Facts

Popularity #18 out of 244 Dog Breeds. (More Info)

The Cavapoo breed is also commonly known by the names Poodle x King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Cavoodle, Cavoo.
13 - 15 years
Pedigree Breed ?
No - Hybrid Dog Breed
Males 33 - 45 cm
Females 33 - 45 cm at the withers
Males 5 - 10 kg
Females 5 - 10 kg
Average Price (More Info)
£971 for Non KC Registered Dogs

Breed Characteristics

Breed Highlights


  • Cavapoos are extremely people-oriented and love being in a home environment
  • They are great around kids of all ages
  • They are very social dogs by nature and get on with everyone
  • They are a good choice for first time dog owners providing they do not leave their pets alone for too long
  • They are very adaptable little dogs
  • Cavapoos are very intelligent and therefore in the right hands are easy to train
  • They are very good watchdogs


  • Cavapoos hate being left on their own and suffer from separation anxiety
  • They need to be professionally groomed several times a year
  • Some Cavapoos shed quite a lot of hair
  • Some Cavapoos suffer from serious health issues which means heavy vet bills


The Cavapoo is a cross between two pure breeds, namely a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are sometimes called Cavoodles in a few parts of the world which includes Australia, but are more commonly referred to as Cavapoos in the UK. They are one of the first "designer dogs" to appear on the scene when they were bred in America during the 1950's.

Reputable breeders use Miniature Poodles which they cross with Cavaliers because Toy Poodles are prone to suffer from more hereditary health issues which they could pass on to their offspring. Cavoos are now an extremely popular choice whether as a companion or family pet thanks to their loyal, kind, placid and extremely sweet natures with the added bonus being they are thought to be "low shedding" dogs. Cavapoos are the smaller cousins of the Cockapoo and can either have a silky coat or a wavy coat depending which of their parent breeds they have thrown to, but both coats are quite high maintenance on the grooming front.



However, as with many cross breeds or "hybrid dogs", there is never any guarantee as to which traits and characteristics a Cavapoo might inherit from their parents, but this has not affected their popularity. Responsible breeders now use Miniature Poodles to cross with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels because Toy Poodles are known to suffer from more hereditary health concerns which they could pass on to puppies.

Cavapoos are known to have kind, affectionate, loyal natures and although they have been around since the fifties, they are not as yet recognised by The Kennel Club here in the UK (June 2016), nor is the Cavapoo recognised by other international dog clubs. However, as time goes by and with careful, selective breeding, a consistency in the Cavapoos looks, temperament and size might be achieved which could as a result mean they would eventually be recognised as a breed in their own right, but this could well take several generations.

Today, the Cavapoo remains one of the most popular new breeds on the planet even though it’s a bit of a gamble as to how puppies turn out when it comes to size, looks and temperament. With this said, every dog is unique and this applies to these little dogs that over time have proved themselves to be kind, loving and charming companions and family pets to have in a home.

Interesting facts about the breed

  • Cavapoos are among the most popular breeds not only in the UK, but elsewhere in the world even though they are a relative new hybrid dog breed to appear on the scene
  • They are renowned for their sweet natures
  • Cavapoos can have silky or wavy coats depending on which of their parent breeds they have thrown to
  • Some Cavapoos are hypoallergenic whereas others are not, but all Cavapoos shed dander which could trigger an allergy in people
  • Cavapoos come in lots of different colours


Height at the withers: Males 33 - 45 cm, Females 33 - 45 cm

Average weight: Males 5 - 10 kg, Females 5 - 10 kg

Every Cavapoo is slightly different when it comes to colour, size, shape and coat texture because it all depends on their parent dogs and whether or not they are first generation Cavoos. They are thought to be hypoallergenic, although it has to be said, that although they have inherited this from their Poodle lineage, it is the dander a dog sheds that is partly responsible for triggering allergies in people. With this said, the Cavapoo is still considered to a low-shedding little dog and one that’s become a popular choice with people who suffer from allergies.

A lot of Cavoos have cute round faces with floppy ears which are soft to the touch. They have very endearing large eyes, full of expression which adds to their adorable looks. However, some puppies inherit a more Poodle like appearance whereas others will lean towards the Cavalier when it comes to physical traits.

When it comes to coat colours, the texture and length of a Cavapoos hair can be quite different from dog to dog with some leaning towards the Poodle and others having more of a Cavalier type coat. As such some Cavapoos can have silky coats which they inherit from the Cavalier whereas others have a wavier coat which is a good indication they have thrown more to the Poodle. When it comes to colours, Cavapoos come in a variety with the most commonly seen coat colours being as follows:

  • Black
  • White
  • Chestnut
  • Gold
  • Blenheim - chestnut and white
  • Tricolour - black, white and tan


A Cavapoo's gait is bouncy and when they move they do so positively, covering a lot of ground when they do. Many dogs inherit the high stepping gait of a Poodle which adds to their elegant looks.


It is really important that potential owners contact reputable Cavapoo breeders when thinking about sharing a home with one of these sweet natured dogs. The reason being that although there is not set "breed standard" because they are not recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club, it is essential that good breeding practices be adhered to so that no exaggerations are bred into puppies. It is also crucial that both parent dogs be tested for the relevant health concerns associated with their breeds.


The Cavapoo can inherit many of the characteristics and personalities of their parent breeds and they are renowned for being affectionate, friendly and loyal companions and family pets which is why they have consistently been among the most popular cross breeds around both here in the UK and elsewhere in the world for such a long time. They are renowned for being extremely sweet-natured which means they get on with everyone and everything.

They become totally devoted to their families, loving nothing more than to be part of a household and involved in everything that goes on in the home. They are also known to get on well with children and when well socialised from a young age, they like being around other dogs and pets too. In short, a Cavoo is an all-round, highly adaptable small dog and one that fits in with most lifestyles with no trouble at all because they are so adaptable and versatile.

The only downside to sharing a home with a Cavapoo is that they thrive on human company and hate being left on their own for any extended periods of time. As such, they are happy when they live in a household where one person usually stays at home when everyone else is out. If left to their own devices for long periods of time, these charming small dogs can quickly develop some unwanted behavioural issues which can be hard to correct. This includes excessive barking, being destructive around the home and suffering from separation anxiety.

They are clever dogs having inherited their intelligence from both parent breeds and as such they need to be given the right amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation for them to be truly happy, well-rounded and obedient dogs. When a Cavapoo is well socialised from a young age and correctly trained using positive reinforcement methods, they are a real pleasure to have around and many of these charming dogs do a great job as therapy dogs.

They are known to be sensitive dogs by nature and as such they do not answer well to any sort of harsh correction or heavy-handed training. When a puppy or young dog gets things wrong, it's never a good idea to tell them off harshly, even if they've had an "accident" indoors. Cavoos do respond very well to positive reinforcement training methods and will quickly pick up on what is being asked of them because they love to please and like nothing more than to receive praise and a treat as a reward.

Are they a good choice for first time owners?

Cavapoos are a great choice for first time dog owners because they are so amenable and sweet natured. They thrive on being around people and are therefore very receptive to learning new things and adore the one to one attention they are given when being trained.

What about prey drive?

Being such social dogs by nature and as previously mentioned, Cavapoos tend to get on with other dogs and animals. They do not have a very high prey drive, but this does not mean a dog won't chase the neighbour's cat if ever they get the chance to. A well trained and socialised Cavapoo can be taught not to chase another animal providing their education was started early enough when puppies are the most receptive to learning the rules.

What about playfulness?

Cavapoos are playful and they enjoy taking part in lots of canine sports and playing interactive games like "fetch". Being energetic, they excel at activities like agility and thoroughly enjoy the attention they are given when being trained and when they are taking part in competitions, shows and events.

What about adaptability?

Cavapoos are extremely adaptable and are just as happy living in an apartment in town as they are living in a house in the country, providing they are given enough daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom from setting in.

What about excessive barking?

Cavapoos are not known to like the sound of their own voices too much and can be taught not to bark for the sake of it. With this said, if a dog is left on their own for long periods of time or they are unhappy in their environment, they may well start to bark which is their way of showing they are stressed out and that they would like a little more attention.

Do Cavapoos like water?

Many Cavapoos do like water and will happily jump in to have a swim more especially when the weather is hot. Some dogs, however, are not that keen and don't even like to get their feet wet and should never be forced to take swim. It is always a good idea to keep a Cavapoo on a lead when walking anywhere near more dangerous watercourses just in case they decide to leap in.

Are Cavapoos good watchdogs?

Cavapoos are good watchdogs and will quickly let an owner know when there are strangers about or when something is going on in their environment that they don't like.

Intelligence / Trainability

The fact that Cavapoos are a cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel means these charming dogs are intelligent. Therefore, they are very trainable and teaching them to do things is an enjoyable experience all round. However, a Cavoo's training must start the moment they arrive in a new home because they younger a dog is, the easier it is for them to learn new things. It would be a mistake to wait too long before starting their education, but with this said the first stages of their education which is when they are being taught the "ground rules" should never be too intensive, but rather an enjoyable, fun experience for all concerned.

Once a puppy is older and they are fully vaccinated, their training can start in earnest. Enrolling a puppy into a puppy class when they are around 10 to 12 weeks old goes a long way in successfully socialising them so they grow up to be confident, outgoing mature dogs. Their training not only has to start early, but it has to be consistent for dogs to understand what is expected of them. Cavapoos like to know their place in a pack and are never happier and more obedient than when they know who they can look to for direction and guidance.


  • Come
  • Sit
  • Stay
  • Quiet
  • Leave it
  • Down
  • Bed

Once a dog is older, they can be taught other more complicated commands to ensure they grow up to be more obedient and well-behaved.

Children and Other Pets

Cavapoos have earned themselves the reputation for being both wonderful companions and family pets because they get on well with older children who know how to behave around small dogs. Younger children can be a little too boisterous and noisy for a Cavoo to cope with and as such, care has to be taken when they are around toddlers and very young children. In short, they are not the best choice for families with very young children in the home. It's best for any interaction between dogs and kids to be supervised by an adult to make sure things stay calm and playtime does not get too lively which could end up with someone getting scared or hurt. The problem is that Cavoos are so cute that children of all ages cannot help approaching them a little too quickly which tends to frighten these little dogs.



Cavapoo Health


Like so many other breeds, the Cavapoo is known to suffer from a few hereditary health issues that commonly affect their parent breeds which are worth knowing about if you are planning share your home with one of these charming dogs. A reputable breeder would always have their stud dogs tested for any health issues that are associated with the breeds because this is the only way of reducing the chances of their offspring inheriting any of the known disorders and health issues. The health concerns that are known to affect the Poodle and the Cavalier are as follows:

Cavapoos have short muzzles and as such they are extremely sensitive to heat so during the hotter summer months, care should be taken to ensure a dog does not overheat which they can do all too quickly and easily which could prove fatal.

What about vaccinations?

Cavapoo Puppies would have had their first vaccinations, but it's essential for them to have their follow-up jabs at the right time with the vaccination schedule being as follows:



What about spaying and neutering?

A male Cavapoo can safely be neutered when they are 6 months old and females can be spayed when they are 6 months old too.

What about obesity problems?

As with any other breed, feeding the correct amounts of food every day and giving a Cavapoo the right amount of daily exercise will ensure they remain fit and healthy. It is also important not to offer too many "food treats" which could upset their daily calorie intake and lead to a dog putting on too much weight. Obesity is a serious health concern which can shorten a dog's life by several years.

What about allergies?

Some Cavapoos can develop allergies and it can be very hard finding out just what triggers them. It's a good idea to keep a diary of when a dog's allergy flares up and when it is at it's worse because the more information a vet can be given, the easier it would be for them to discover what the triggers are, bearing in mind that it could still take quite a lot of time and effort to do so. Some of the more common triggers for allergies include the following:

  • Environment
  • A reaction to certain chemicals commonly found in household cleaning products
  • Seasonal allergies which includes pollen and grasses
  • Food which includes certain meats and cereals often used in dog food
  • Tick and flea bites
  • Dust mites
  • Mould

Participating in health schemes

As previously mentioned, reputable breeders would always have their stud dogs tested for health conditions associated with the breed.

For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, the relevant health schemes available for the breed are as follows:

  • Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) - Cavaliers should be tested annually from the age of 1-year old
  • Syringomyelia (SM) - bitches should be 2+ years old before being used in a breeding programme and have been MRI scanned
  • BVA/KC/SDS eye scheme for hereditary cataracts
  • BVA/KC/SDS eye scheme for multifocal retinal dysplasia (MRD)

More about Mitral Valve Disease Murmurs

With Mitral Valve murmurs, there are different grades of the condition which a vet would be able to test for. The different grades are as follows which indicate the severity of a dog's condition and how much the valve is leaking:

  • Grade 1 (I): it is possible to hear the murmur using a stethoscope in a quiet room
  • Grade 2 (II): the murmur can be routinely heard using a stethoscope.
  • Grade 3 (III): the murmurs are that much louder with vets being able to hear them as soon as they place a stethoscope on a dog's chest
  • Grade 4 (IV): the murmur is quite loud with the vibrations being felt using fingertips without the need of using a stethoscope.
  • Grade 5 (V): the murmur is louder with what is known as having a precordial "trill".
  • Grade 6 (VI): The murmur is so loud it can be heard without the need of a stethoscope

The recommended health tests for Poodles are as follows:

Where Poodles are concerned, it is mandatory under the Kennel Club rules for Assured Breeders to have all dogs tested using the following scheme and they recommend other breeders also follow suit:

  • DNA test - prcd-PRA

Other tests that Miniature Poodles should undergo before being used in a breeding programme to produce Cavapoos are as follows:

  • Hip score testing with parent dogs having a hip score that's lower than 10.5
  • Eye testing for optic nerve hypoplasia
  • DNA testing for Von Willebrand’s Disease

What about breed specific breeding restrictions?

Cavapoos are not recognised by the Kennel Club and therefore there are not breed specific breeding restrictions in place.

What about Assured Breeder requirements?

Because the Cavapoo is not a recognised breed, there are no KC Assured Breeders at the current time.

Caring for a Cavapoo

As with any other breed, Cavapoos need to be groomed on a regular basis to make sure their coats and skin are kept in top condition, bearing in mind that they are high maintenance and benefit from being professionally groomed several times a year. They also need to be given regular daily exercise to ensure they remain fit and healthy. On top of this, dogs need to be fed good quality food that meets all their nutritional needs to suit the different stages of their lives.

Caring for a Cavapoo puppy

Cavapoo puppies are adorably cute so it is too easy to spoil them when they first arrive in their new homes. However, it would be a mistake to let a puppy get away with too much because it could lead to serious behavioural problems further down the line which could be hard to correct. It's important to set ground rules, limits and boundaries right from the word go so that a Cavapoo puppy knows what is expected of them and who they can look to for direction and guidance.

Puppy-proofing a house and the garden must be done well in advance of a puppy's arrival which means setting up a quiet area for them to nap in as well as safe places for them to play even when they cannot be watched over. The quiet area should not be too out of the way because a puppy needs to know someone is around and it's a good idea to be able to hear them so if they do get into trouble, it does not turn into a more serious situation. With this said, the quiet area should be out of the way of too much traffic which could disturb a puppy and prevent them from napping when they need to.

All electric cables and wires need to be put out of harm's way because all puppies like to chew and gnaw on things which could end in disaster if they do so on a live wire. Garden tools and other implements also need to be put away to prevent a young puppy from injuring themselves when they are outside.

Things you'll need for your puppy

There are certain items needed to take care of a puppy which should be purchased in advance of them arriving in their new homes. The things needed are as follows:

  • A well-made playpen which is ideal to keep puppy safe when they are playing and to place "puppy-pads" in to start their house training
  • Child gates to fit on doors to prevent a puppy from having free access to the whole house
  • Food and water bowls making sure they are not too deep and ideally they should be ceramic rather than plastic or metal
  • A good quality collar, harness and dog lead
  • A well made dog crate that's not too small or too big that a puppy feels lost in it
  • A good quality dog bed bearing in mind that a puppy might chew on it
  • Dog or baby blankets to put in the crate and dog bed
  • Dog specific toothpaste and tooth brush

Keeping the noise down

All puppies are sensitive to loud sounds which is why it's important to keep the noise down in the home. Music should not be played too loudly and the volume on a television or other device should not be set too high which could stress a little puppy out and prevent them from napping bearing in mind that a puppy can sleep for anything up to 21 hours a day.

Keeping vet appointments

Puppies are always vaccinated before they are sold, but as previously mentioned, it is up to their new owners to make sure they are given their follow-up shots at the right time which should be as follows:


When it comes to boosters, it's best to discuss these with a vet because there is a lot of debate about whether a dog really needs them after a certain time. However, if a Cavapoo ever needed to go into kennels, their vaccinations would need to be

What about Cavapoos when they reach their golden years?

Like all other dogs, when a Cavapoo reaches their golden years there are certain changes in their looks and personalities that are to be expected. Older dogs can go grey around their faces and more especially on their muzzles. Their eyesight and vision might not be as good as it once was too. Other changes to watch out for include the following:

  • An older dog's appetite might change and they get pickier about their food which means rethinking their diet to ensure they are getting all the nutrients needed to remain healthy
  • They are more susceptible to infection and illness because their immune systems are not as good as they were when a dog was younger which is why more frequent visits to the vet are essential
  • Older dogs tend to sleep more during the day and can be awake during the night which can be put down to their cognitive function not being as sharp as it once was
  • They lose muscle tone and body condition because they are less willing to go out for long walks
  • Older dogs often suffer from arthritis which is why it's important to invest in a comfy dog bed that's easier for them to get up from


A Cavapoo's coat can be quite different from dog to dog. As such it depends on their coat type as to how much grooming is needed to keep things tidy. If they boast having a longer coat, then more frequent grooming would be necessary with some owners having their Cavapoos regularly clipped which makes managing things that much easier in between visits to a grooming parlour and it's best to have a Cavapoos coat professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks.

Their coats generally need to be brushed every day or so to prevent any knots and tangles from forming and a daily groom helps reinforce the bond between dog and owner with Cavoos loving the one-to-one attention they get during a grooming session.

Cavapoos tend to get unsightly tear stains under their eyes which need to be gently cleaned with a damp cloth on a regular basis. It's also important to check around a dog's backside and their belly because both these areas tend to get a bit dirty if not regularly washed. Males can develop urine stains on their bellies which if left for too long can get smelly and it could lead to dog's developing sores. The same applies to a dog's backside because if their hair is too long, poop can get caught in it which needs to be washed off as soon as possible before carefully trimming around the offending area.

It's essential to keep a close watch on a Cavapoo's teeth to make sure there is no excessive plaque building up on them because these little dogs are prone to suffering from dental issues and the cleaner their teeth are kept, the less chance of a problem developing.

It's also important to check a dog's ears on a regular basis and to clean them when necessary. If too much wax is allowed to build up in a dog's ears, it can lead to a painful infection which can be notoriously hard to clear up. In short, prevention is often easier than cure when it comes to ear infections.

Grooming tools needed for a Cavapoo

Having the right grooming tools to keep a Cavapoo’s skin and coat in good condition makes the task that much easier. The tools needed are as follows:

  • A pin or bristle brush
  • A slicker brush
  • A metal wide toothed comb
  • Tweezers
  • Nail clippers
  • A pair of round ended scissors
  • Detangler
  • Dog specific shampoo and conditioner








Feeding guide for a Cavapoo puppy

Once a puppy is settled into their new homes, it is safe to change their diets, but as previously touched upon, it needs to be done gradually and carefully to avoid any tummy upsets. As a rough guide, Cavapoo puppies can be fed the following amounts every day to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly:

  • 2 months old - 96g to 127g depending on a puppy's build
  • 3 months old - 108g to 149g depending on a puppy's build
  • 4 months old - 113g to 158g depending on a puppy's build
  • 6 months old - 103g to 159g depending on a puppy's build
  • 7 months old - 92g to 144g depending on a puppy's build
  • 8 months old - 81g to 129g depending on a puppy's build
  • 10 months old - 81g to 115g depending on a puppy's build
  • 11 months old - 80g to 114g depending on a puppy's build

Once a puppy is 12 months old they can be fed adult dog food as shown below.

Feeding guide for an adult Cavapoo

As a rough guide, an adult fully grown Cavapoo can be fed the following amounts every day to ensure they stay fit and healthy:

  • Dogs weighing 5 kg can be fed 69g to 90g depending on activity
  • Dogs weighing 8 kg can be fed 110g to 144g depending on activity
  • Dogs weighing 10 kg can be fed 138g to 181g depending on activity

Average Cost to keep/care for a Cavapoo

If you are looking to buy a Cavapoo, you would need to pay anything from £500 to over £1000 for a well-bred puppy. The cost of insuring a male 3-year-old Cavapoo in northern England would be £17.79 a month for basic cover but for a lifetime policy, this would set you back £41.22 a month (quote as of March 2016). When insurance companies calculate a pet's premium, they factor in several things which includes where you live in the UK and a dog's age and whether they have been neutered or spayed.



Cavapoo Buying Advice


Cavapoos are an extremely popular breed both in the UK and elsewhere in the world which means that well-bred puppies command a lot of money. As such, with Cavapoo there is specific advice, questions and protocols to follow when buying a puppy which are as follows:

  • As previously touched upon, Cavapoos are among the most popular breeds in the UK. As such, there are many amateur breeders/people who breed from a dog far too often so they can make a quick profit without caring for the welfare of the puppies, their dam or the breed in general. Under Kennel Club rules, a dam can only produce 4 litters and she must be between a certain age to do so. Anyone wishing to buy a Cavapoo puppy should think very carefully about who they purchase their puppy from and should always ask to see the relevant paperwork pertaining to a puppy's lineage, their vaccinations and their microchipping

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