Are Cavapoos Hypoallergenic?

Yes! The Cavapoo or Cavoodle is a hypoallergenic dog breed that hardly sheds or drools.

  • small hypoallergenic dog
  • medium energy dog
  • hypoallergenic dog
  • low dander dog
  • apartment friendly dog
  • kid friendly dog
  • high maitenence dog

The Cavapoo, also known as Cavoodle, is a cross between a miniature or toy poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. In Australia in the late 1990s, this breed became highly popular with crossbreeding programs. The Cavoodle, soon became one of the most popular breeds in Australia.

Cavoodles were bred to be small, social dogs with non-shedding or low-shedding hypoallergenic coats. The hope was that they would get along well with children, which was ultimately a success, since they love kids! Cavoodles are popular due to their amazing temperaments, low-shedding coats, and outgoing attitudes.

This breed is also increasingly popular in the United Kingdom. They are well sought after and will follow you around incessantly, whether you like it or not because they adore their humans so much! They are meant to be companion animals and should live indoors, not outside by themselves.

Pro tip! If you’re thinking about getting a Cavapoo puppy, you should learn the basics of potty training first. Potty training starts from day 1!
We recommend this guide. It’s cheap, and if the techniques don’t work for you, you can get your money back. Check it out here!

For a quick summary of the Cavoodle skip to our further down the page.

Cavapoo Quick Facts

Hypoallergenic Dog:



Low shedding





Breed Group:

Poodle Mix

13-15 years

Energy Level:




Family Dog:


About the Breed

The Cavapoo Physical Characteristics and Coat

Cavapoos have a soft, but dense, single-layered coat that ranges from wavy to straight. Due to their Poodle heritage, these dogs have hypoallergenic coats, and most of them will shed very little, if at all! They are not particularly drooly, which also helps to cut down on allergies, as dog saliva is one of the key causes of dog allergies in people. With their large brown eyes and medium length muzzle, they are prone to melting your heart! Although their appearance can vary from dog to dog, their round face and long ears are unmistakable.

Even though the Cavoodle generally has long hair in a variety of colors and combinations, they do not tend to shed much at all as long as they are properly groomed. The Cavoodle’s hypoallergenic coat is easy to maintain with weekly brushing and grooming at home, as well as a trip to a groomer every six weeks.

Tibetan Terrier Havanese Shih Tzu Maltipoo
Tibetan Terrier Havanese Shih Tzu Maltipoo

Cavapoo Temperament

Cavoodles are exceptional companions and therapy dogs due to their incredible show of affection for the human race, whether it be the elderly or a small child. This breed will treat everyone as their equal, lavishing the whole extended family with love, even other pets.

Even though they will bark at people they don’t know, they are not an aggressive dog by any means. Cavoodles are very vocal, but not to the point of being yappy, and can lean towards getting separation anxiety if left by their lonesome for too long. This breed will show their love for others by licking and acting playful. With their gentle ways and carefree attitude, it’s impossible for them not to a big part of your day. Playtime with a ball or socializing with other dogs are two of their favorite things to do.

Are you considering adopting a Cavoodle?

  • Cavoodles are little, but well suited to both bigger and smaller spaces as long as they get enough exercise.
  • This breed is extremely smart, yet can be difficult to train due to their high intelligence.
  • Cavapoos will bark at strangers or new visitors, however, they love people and most pets.
  • They shed very little, but they need regular brushing because of their longer hair.

Exercise & Training

Encouraging Good Behavior In Your Cavapoo

If you love playful pups, you will absolutely fall in love with this breed! Daily walks with loved ones and some patience when it comes to training is all they really need to succeed. Cavoodles can be a little tricky to train since they have a hard time seeing anyone as their alpha. In their eyes, everyone is equal, and they prefer it that way. However, with kind words, rewards, and a firm resolve, obedience training should not be a big issue. With their brains and laid-back attitude towards most everything, a little encouragement and guidance will go a long way with them. Cavapoos will bark at strangers and visitors. However, they are wonderful guard dogs because of their alert sense of the people around them, and will definitely let you know if anyone is dropping by.

Exercise Needs

For Cavoodles, a daily walk is a favorite pastime of theirs. This breed loves to get out and explore, while getting some exercise with their human family. So, they need to play and get moderate amounts of exercise to be fully satisfied. Although Cavapoos enjoy being active, they are not hyperactive! Due to their smaller size, they do not require a lot of room to move around in. Cavoodles prefer people to other animals, but do not generally act aggressively towards other pets and creatures. So, with that being said, a dog park where they can run, explore, and socialize is a really great idea for this breed.

Grooming and Care

Maintaining Your Cavoodle’s Coat

A Cavoodle’s coat, whilst beautiful and soft, can take a great deal of care if you’re a first-time dog owner. Generally speaking though, most consider the grooming for this breed to be fairly low maintenance. The hypoallergenic coat comes in a variety of shades and can be either wavy or straight. Even though this type of dog does not usually shed much, if at all, they require regular brushing at home a few times a week or so, as well as professional grooming at least once every six weeks. The Cavapoo needs to be taken to the groomer for a clipping of your choosing to prevent the long coat from becoming a tangled, knotted mess. Also, the regular brushing and grooming by a professional will help to maintain the healthy sheen of their hair. Cavoodles love to be pampered and will appreciate the extra tender loving care you provide them.

Teeth, Ears and Nails

All of the Oodle-type dogs have ears that need frequent examination and cleaning to prevent them from becoming infected. A Cavoodle’s floppy ears should be dried well after baths to make certain there is no water in them. If water is left in their ears, it can create many problems such as ear infections. If the vet recommends a cleanser, you can clean their ears with a cotton ball during your weekly checks. Pay attention to any bad odors or redness. Do not insert anything into the ear canal (including q-tips) or you could cause injury to the dog’s eardrums. Daily brushing of their teeth is also highly recommended or else tartar can build up quickly, leading to gingivitis and tooth decay. To make certain that a Cavapoo’s eyes are healthy, they should be cleaned every day in order to prevent built-up eye discharge or tear staining. At the very least, once or twice a month, you will need to trim your dog’s nails to keep them from getting too long. The toenails have blood vessels in them so be sure not to trim their nails too low, or they may bleed. Ask your vet or groomer for pointers if you are uncertain on what to do. As you groom, check for rashes, sores or other signs of infection on any part of the body.


Cavoodle Health Issues and Care

Cavoodles are prone to certain health issues but are usually a healthy breed. This does not mean that all dogs of this breed will develop these issues, however, it will give you some things to watch out for. Epilepsy cannot be prevented and is usually caused by genetics, or toxins in the dog’s system. Medication can help with epileptic seizures. Diabetes is the main cause for Cataracts, which can only be fixed through surgical measures. However, the risk of developing Diabetes, Cataracts, and Progressive Renal Atrophy can be lessened by helping your dog maintain a proper weight through a correct diet and the right amount of exercise.

Here are the tests Cavoodle breeders should perform :

  • Hip Evaluation
  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation
  • Patella Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy DNA Test

Cavapoo Health Problems





Epilepsy Frequent Seizures
Unusual head shaking
Muscle twitching and spasms
Loss of consciousness
Panic or confusion
Stiff legs
Temporary loss of vision
Recurrences of the symptoms listed above
This condition is lifelong, but medication can help Keep your dog away from environmental toxins and chemicals.

Have your dog examined by a vet yearly, and treat any health issues immediately.

Choose a dog from a reputable breeder

Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy Loss of coordination in hind legs, wobbling when walking, dragging feet, legs buckling, weak limbs, inability to walk, urinary and fecal incontinence No way to treat the disease itself, but things can be done to prevent further issues: good nursing care, physical rehabilitation, pressure sore prevention, monitoring for urinary infections, and ways to increase mobility through use of harnesses and carts. Cannot be prevented. Progressive spinal cord issue in older dogs. No way to treat the disease itself, but things can be done to prevent further issues: good nursing care, physical rehabilitation, pressure sore prevention, monitoring for urinary infections, and ways to increase mobility through use of harnesses and carts. Cannot be prevented. Progressive spinal cord issue in older dogs.
Progressive Renal Atrophy Night blindness that progresses to blindness in light as well.
Dilated pupils.
Inability to see clearly in bright light.
The pupil (opening of the eye) has abnormal reactions to light.
None The puppy’s parents should be screened for PRA.
Infected dogs should be registered with the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) and should not be bred.
Cataracts A bluish, gray, or white layer in the eye.
A sudden reluctance to climb stairs or jump on furniture.
Eye irritation/redness, discharge or blinking.
Rubbing or scratching of the eyes.
Patellar Luxation Intermittent lameness
Loss of range of motion in one or both hind legs
Abnormal function of one or both hind legs
Temporary paralysis of the knee joint
Pain when moving
Difficulty rising
Reluctance to run or jump
Swelling at or around the knee joint
Leg brace/bandage
Cage rest
Patellar Luxation is caused by trauma to the kneecap.
Small and toy dog breeds are often genetically predisposed.Purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder.
Heart Disease Defects in heart structure usually indicated by the presence of a heart murmur using an echocardiogram Medication or surgery, depending on the severity Not preventable, monitor closely
Allergies Itchy red, moist, or scabbed skin
Increased scratching
Itchy, runny eyes
Scratching at the back or base of tail (Often from fleas)
Chewing excessively on feet (often a food allergy)
Swollen Pads
Excessive licking
Allergies Itchy red, moist, or scabbed skin
Increased scratching
Itchy, runny eyes
Chewing excessively on feet (often a food allergy)
Swollen Pads
Excessive licking Anti-Allergy MedicationsBenadryl (ask your vet before administering and do not use as a long-term or permanent solution as it can irritate the stomach lining)If your dog responds severely to an allergy (swollen tongue, difficulty breathing, falling asleep while standing)
Bring them to the vet.
The vet will give them a cortisone shot. Allergy panels can be performed to try to uncover the cause of a dog’s allergies.Try switching your dog to a high-quality food. We recommend Canidae.Wipe your dog’s paws and belly after playing outside.Bathe your dog with anti-itch dog shampoo.Keep chemicals, smoke, and other irritable inhalants at a minimum.
Allergy panels can be performed to try to uncover the cause of a dog’s allergies.

Try switching your dog to a high-quality food. We recommend Canidae.

Wipe your dog’s paws and belly after playing outside.

Bathe your dog with anti-itch dog shampoo.

Keep chemicals, smoke, and other irritable inhalants at a minimum.


Cavoodles are highly intelligent, friendly, gentle, and affectionate. They love spending time with their family and even get along with other pets. This breed’s playful nature lends to their lovable and adorable demeanor. Cute as a button, yet wonderful watchdogs, Cavapoos will bark at strangers. However, if the dog is introduced to a new person, this laid-back pup will be licking the newcomer in no time flat! As much as this breed adores their human family, they absolutely loathe being by themselves. Some Cavoodles can get intense bouts of separation anxiety when left alone. Due to this dog’s small stature, they fit comfortably in almost any kind of living environment and like to go on daily walks with their adoring family.

My Cavapoo has separation anxiety!

Try this soundtrack for dogs. It comes with instructions as to how you can help your Cavoodle overcome anxiety. Click here for more information!

Cavapoo FAQ

Is the Cavoodle aggressive?

No. They are happy-go-lucky and outgoing.

Are Cavoodles friendly?

Yes. They are very affectionate.

Is the Cavoodle good with cats?

Yes. They befriend everyone and everything.

Does the Cavoodle shed?

It depends. Genetically they don’t usually shed much, but it varies from dog to dog.

Where does the Cavoodle come from?

Australia. They are a cross breed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and either a Toy or Miniature Poodle.

Are Cavoodles hyper?

No. They are social dogs, but not hyper.

Are Cavoodles good with babies?

Yes. They love everyone, but all dogs should be monitored with small children. Extra training before the baby comes can help dogs adjust better, so try Brain Training for Dogs.

Are Cavoodles good with kids?

Yes. They adore children and playing with them.

Can Cavoodles be left alone?

No. They develop separation anxiety if they are alone for too long.

Cavoodle Facts Summary

Did you know? Music can help new puppies adjust to their crate quicker! If you’re going to crate train your Cavapoo, you should try this soundtrack.

Breed Cavoodle
Other Names? Cavapoo, oodles, poodle-crosses
Hypoallergenic? Yes
Height 9.8-14.9 inches (25-38 cm)
Weight 11-26.5 pounds (5-12 kg)
Lifespan 13-15 years
Temperament 13-15 years
Colours Black, white, tan, rust, brown, blonde, white, black, gold and tawny or a combination of colors which are wide ranging
Coat – describe the coat Thick, soft and luxurious long coat that can either be straight or wavy
How much grooming? Brushing and grooming once a week to prevent knotting of coat and a trip to a groomer every six weeks
How much shedding Low to none, varies with each dog
Dander levels Low
dander level
Saliva – Do they Drool or Lick much? They lick a lot to show affection, but rarely drool
Energy levels Moderately energetic, but not overly so
How much exercise do they need? How much exercise do they need? Medium level of exercise needed, but not vigorous
Health problems Health problems Allergies, heart issues, patellar luxation, cataracts, progressive renal atrophy and epilepsy
Good for apartment? Yes
Suitable for kids? Yes
How much do they bark? How much do they bark? Moderately
Can they be left alone? Can they be left alone? Not for too long. They get separation anxiety as they love to be close to their humans
Intelligent? Yes, extremely so!
Trainable? Yes, high potential of trainability if patience is used
How popular as a pet? Very popular, especially in Australia
Any other important facts? They can be great therapy dogs because of their sweet, gentle nature around people

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