Hi, you may be wondering about the cavapoo’s dog breed and whether it will suit your needs. In this article, I will introduce you to cavapoo’s personality, appearance, demands, and other related facts for the sake of helping to take your important decision, whether cavapoo’s dog breed is for you or not.
The Cavapoo dog breed is a hybrid dog breed, crossed between the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle. The Cavapoos have gotten calmer attitude from the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and intelligence from the Poodle.
The Cavapoo, Cavoodle, Cavadoodle, or Caviapoodle (they have many aliases) are friendly, intelligent, easy to train, and low maintenance features have made them a great choice for first-time owners. This same nature has also made them a good family dog.
Cavapoo’s Appearance
Cavapoos can be different sizes and colors. Their size depends on whether the Poodle’s parent breed was a Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, or standard Poodle. They are usually tiny to medium-sized puppies.
Their soft and curly coat (sometimes it can be straight and wavy) comes in different colors including white, red, ruby, cream, black, chocolate, and shades of gold. They can also come in tri colors. Recently, the red cavapoo has gained popularity over other colored cavapoo.
But, sometimes they are born with one color of hair, As they age their color change.
Their weight is between 8-25 pounds and their height is between 9-14 inches.
The Gentle and Sweet Cavapoo’s Temperaments
If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, energetic, playful, and affectionate dog, then, the cavapoo is among the top options for you. They inherit those temperaments from their parent breeds (Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a Poodle).
You will be amazed to know that Cavapoo can understand your mood, they will give you a little bit of doggy love when you need it. Because of their human devotion, if you leave them alone for an extended period, they may experience separation anxiety. We urge you not to leave them alone for an extended period.
They could develop bad behaviors from separation anxiety. For example, excessive barking, digging, and chewing.
A cavapoo dog also can be a good friend of your kids. They will be happy to adapt with all of your family members. If you give them socializing training, they will adjust with your other pets too.
Note: If you want to further refine their temperament, use positive reinforcement technique.
Moreover, they will be good for those who have allergies. Because they shed less than other dogs (which means they are medium-hypoallergenic).
But, one thing to keep in mind, they are not good guard dogs. They behave friendly toward anyone, even with a stranger. So, if you looking for a guard dog, they won’t be able to fulfill your requirements.
Breed Overview
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Weight: 8 to 25 pounds
- Height: 9 to 14 inches
- Temperament: Friendly, playful, affectionate, and energetic
- Intelligence: High
- Trainability: High
- Coat Color: White, red, ruby, cream, black, chocolate, and shades of gold
- With Kids and Other Pet: Friendly
- Human Company Required: High
- Exercise need: Medium
- Care required: Medium
- For first-time owners? A. Perfect
Demand of Cavapoo’s Dog Breed
- Care/Grooming Required: Cavapoo’s curly coat generally sheds less. But don’t think that, you don’t need to brush their hair. You will need to brush their hair three to four times a week to prevent hair mat. Things could go messy if you don’t brush their curly hair.
Besides they need regular nail trim and occasional baths. As they are a small dog breed, they are prone to dental problems. Daily teeth brushing will prevent dental disease.
- Exercise Required: Don’t misunderstand from their size that they don’t need exercise. An adult cavapoo needs a moderate amount of exercise. Daily leash walks and playing with your kids are enough to keep them mentally and physically active.
- Ideal Environment: Due to their size and medium exercise requirements, they are a good apartment and urban dog.
- Food Required: The best dog food for a Cavapoo is high-quality, nutritious dog food, specially formulated for small to medium-sized dog breeds. Their food demand can change depending on their size (they grow variety in size), age, activity, and metabolism. Typically, an adult cavapoo’s food demand is 1 and ½ cups per day, divided into two meals.
If you are confused about their food needs, then it is best to consult with a veterinarian. He/she can give you the best suggestion about which dog food will be best for your dog.
Common Health Problems
The health issue is an important factor in selecting a dog breed. But cavapoo can easily pass this health criteria. Because cavapoo are generally very healthy during their 12-15 years life span. But you should be aware of some diseases they are prone to.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A group of hereditary diseases known as PRA damage to the retina, gradually reducing vision, and occasionally resulting in blindness. The photoreceptor cells in the dog’s eyes are the main organ affected by this inherited disorder.
- Hip Dysplasia: A growth-related condition known as hip dysplasia causes the hip joint to misfit inside the hip socket. It may result in pain and arthritis, limiting movement. This disease development is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors.
- Luxating Patella: Kneecap dislocation, also known as luxating patella, is a consequence of the dog’s kneecap moving out of place. This may be a congenital disorder or the consequence of trauma. In serious circumstances, surgery may be required to treat the intermittent lameness and discomfort it causes.
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): In this case, Dogs with mitral valve disease (MVD) often have heart problems, particularly in older small-breed dogs. The mitral valve, which divides the left atrium and ventricle, is degenerated. As the illness worsens, cardiac failure may result.
- Epilepsy: This disease is a neurological disorder. The exact cause is often unknown, genetic factors or brain abnormalities may contribute to the development of epilepsy in dogs. This disease is not completely curable but can be restrained via proper medication.
- Allergies: Some of these breeds of dogs are also affected by allergies. Allergies can cause ear infections and skin problems.
Is cavapoo for You?
Usually, the Cavapoo’s hybrid dog breed suits most people. Who doesn’t want a friendly, adorable, loyal, sweet, and intelligent dog? All those qualities exist within cavapoo.
Some dog breeds need open space, but cavapoo don’t need huge space. This feature makes them a good apartment and urban dog. Besides they are less likely to develop disease during their life span.
But there are some limitations of Cavalier King Charles spaniel and Poodle mix (Cavapoo). Many people want a high-energetic active dog, who will accompany them and help them to do their tasks. For example, herding. A cavapoo dog is not a herding dog. They are also not suitable for guarding tasks.
Before deciding to purchase or adopt a Cavapoo, it’s crucial to consider whether you have enough time to spend with it. Besides, it’s important to determine if any of your family members will be available to provide company for the Cavapoo during your absence.
If you are a busy man, don’t have enough time to give it your company, or during your absence, your apartment or house remains empty, and your family member has no time to give it company. Then the cavapoo breed is not for you.
Note: We strongly encourage adopting a dog from a rescue organization or animal shelter to help a puppy in need.
However, if you cannot find the desired puppies there, consider purchasing from a reputable breeder, as reputable breeders prioritize the well-being of a puppy.
