Cavapoo Breed Guide: Size, Temperament, Appearance, Health & Care Explained

The Cavapoo, also known as the Cavoodle, is a designer dog breed created by crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle (usually Miniature or Toy). This adorable hybrid is loved for its friendly temperament, intelligence, and low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat — perfect for families and allergy sufferers alike.

Cavapoos are affectionate, playful, and highly adaptable, thriving in both apartments and larger homes. With their soft, medium-length coats, expressive eyes, and loving nature, they make excellent family pets, therapy dogs, and companions for people of all ages. Their combination of Spaniel sweetness and Poodle cleverness makes the Cavapoo one of the most popular mixed breeds in the UK and beyond.

This Cavapoo Breed Guide will help you understand everything you need to know about this delightful breed.

Cavapoo History

The Cavapoo, also known as the Cavoodle, first appeared in Australia during the early 1990s. Breeders wanted to combine the gentle and affectionate personality of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. Their goal was to create a small companion dog suitable for families, allergy sufferers, and therapy work.

The experiment was an instant success. The resulting Cavapoo had the Cavalier’s loving nature and the Poodle’s intelligence, along with a soft, wavy coat that shed very little. Within a few years, the breed became extremely popular in Australia and New Zealand, and soon spread to the United Kingdom and the United States.

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Cavapoo had gained recognition as one of the most beloved designer dog breeds, following the rise of other Poodle crosses like the Cockapoo and Labradoodle. Today, Cavapoos remain among the most sought-after small mixed breeds thanks to their sweet nature, adaptability, and family-friendly temperament.

Cavapoo breed overview

Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Weight: 5 – 10 kg
Height: 09– 14 inches
Colors: black, red, gold, cream, tan, chocolate, white, fawn, chestnut, tri-color, bicolor. solid, caramel, brown, golden
Size: small, medium
Breed Type / Group: hybrid
Coat: medium length, wavy, curly, super cute
Temperament / Personality: friendly, affectionate, gentle, playful, loyal, even-tempered, empathetic, adorable
Hypoallergenic: yes
Origin: Australia

Cavapoo Appearance

The Cavapoo, a mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, shows wide variation in looks based on breeding, height, and build. Some appear small, daintier, and similar to a toy poodle, while others are stockier and taller due to Miniature Poodle or Cavalier influence.

Coat Type

Their coat may be fluffy, woolly, silky coated, soft wave, or thick heavy curls. Thanks to Poodle ancestors, many carry colour fading genes, causing their coat colours to lighten as they grow.

Coat Colours & Patterns

Cavapoos come in white, cream, shades of gold, red, tan, black, chocolate, solid colours like apricot, plus bicolor patterns such as black and white or red and white. They may also show patches, larger patches, tricolour, tri-colour, parti-colour, or a second parti-colour variation with a distinct base.

Some Cavapoos display phantom markings with phantom points on the eyebrows and legs, the merle gene creating a marbled, mottled coat, or a sable coat where darker hairs and lighter hairs shift under different lighting. Always choose reputable breeders who prioritize health and well-being.

Size and Weight

Cavapoo size depends on lineage, parent breeds, and whether the breeder uses Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodles.

Toy Cavapoo

• 7–13 pounds (3–6 kg)
• 9–12 inches (23–30 cm)
• Small, compact, and ideal for limited spaces.

Miniature Cavapoo

• 13–20 pounds (6–9 kg)
• 12–16 inches (30–41 cm)
• Slightly larger, fitting comfortably into most homes.

Standard Cavapoo

• 20–45 pounds (9–20 kg)
• 16–18 inches (41–46 cm)
• Less common but known for a bigger presence and personality.

Temperament & Personality

Cavapoos are sweet, loving, and intelligent dogs known for their sociable nature and strong affection toward their owners. They form strong bonds and fit perfectly into a family-friendly home. Their personality blends the affectionate charm of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the sharp intelligence of the Poodle parent breeds, creating confident, eager-to-please companions.

Family & Social Behaviour

They have gentle natures, making them child-friendly, and with proper training and early socialisation, they interact well with kids, cats, and other pets. These adaptable dogs love attention and adjust easily to both large homes and apartments.

Training & Activity Needs

Their mixed lineage gives them a patient temperament but also means they may develop separation anxiety if left alone too long. Regular exercise and mentally stimulating activities like a KONG, lick mat, or puzzle toy help prevent unwanted barking or chewing.

With proper training, routine, and positive interactions, Cavapoos thrive as affectionate, flexible, and loving family dogs.

Cavapoo Training

Cavapoos are intelligent, eager, and easy to train thanks to their Poodle parent and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel traits. They learn quickly, love praise, and respond well to positive reinforcement and tasty treats like Duck & Rosemary Meaty Treats. Short 10-minute sessions help them stay focused while learning basics like sit, stay, come, and down.

Socialisation & Techniques

Early socialisation with new people, children, dogs, and animals builds calm, confident behaviour. A gentle, reward-based method works best, as they are sensitive to harsh tones. Fun training such as roll over, spin, or high five, plus regular exercise, keeps their minds active. Consistent command words, high-value treats, and crate training help prevent separation anxiety. With patience and routine, Cavapoos become loyal and well-adjusted dogs.

Cavapoo Exercise

Cavapoos are hyper, energetic dogs that need daily activity. Adults enjoy about an hour of exercise, while puppies should avoid strain to protect developing joints and prevent long-term joint issues.

With a blend of lively Poodle and relaxed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel traits, they thrive on brisk walks, playtime, interactive games, and mental tasks like training or puzzle toys. Mixing activities—off-lead running, on-lead walking, and indoor games—prevents boredom. Avoid overexertion or extreme heat, as their flat muzzles can increase the risk of heat-related issues.

Cavapoo Grooming

Cavapoo dogs have soft coats that vary in colours, length, and texture depending on breeding and which parent’s gene is dominant. Some inherit a longer silky coat from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, while others have a curly coat from the Poodle family.

Brushing & Coat Care

Daily brushing prevents matting, knots, and tangling, especially in long or thick coats. Even with low-shedding coats, professional grooming every 4–6 weeks keeps them tidy and comfortable.

Tools & Maintenance

Use a small slicker brush for curlier Poodle-like hair and a pin brush for straighter coats. Regular bathing, trimming, ear cleaning, eye cleaning, and dental care help avoid infections and skin allergies. Keep nails trimmed, ears cleaned, and the dog’s face clean daily to prevent tear stains, itchiness, and recurring skin infections.

With a simple, consistent routine, your Cavapoo stays healthy, happy, and well-groomed

Cavapoo Health Issues

Cavapoos can inherit several conditions, though many remain healthy with a 12–15 year lifespan.

Common Conditions

• Hip Dysplasia affecting the hip, ball, and socket, leading to arthritis
• Mitral Valve Disease impacting the heart and its valves
• Luxating Patella causing slipping kneecaps
• Entropion irritating the eyelid, eyelashes, and eye
• Epilepsy, Dental issues from gum bacteria, and abscesses

Other Possible Issues

• Allergies causing itching and digestive problems
• Cataracts clouding the lens
• Syringomyelia linked to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent, affecting the spinal cord and brain
• Dry eye, Atopy, congenital heart defects
• Progressive retinal atrophy, cherry eye, orthopedic grooves, endocarditis
• Various seizures such as stiff legs, chattering jaw, or uncontrolled movements

Regular research, vet check-ups, diagnostics, treatment, medications, and sometimes surgery help manage these health issues effectively.

Cavapoo Diet & Nutrition

Cavapoos are energetic dogs that need a nutritious, complete diet to support strong energy, good digestive health, and a healthy heart, eye, skin, and coat condition. Starting the right recipes and feeding schedule from eight weeks supports growth, while adjusting meals later helps prevent weight gain.

Daily Feeding

• Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner)
• Around 1 cup per feeding for adults

Food Options

• Raw food
• Cooked meat
• Freshly-prepared meals like Butternut Box with human-quality meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals

Follow feeding recommendations, veterinarian guidance, adjust portion size, and always provide fresh water to keep small- to medium-sized, high-energy dogs in ideal condition and avoid canine obesity.

Cavapoo Living & Care Requirements

Space & Environment

Cavapoos thrive in a friendly environment with enough space to play and explore. They adapt well to apartments or houses as long as they get regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Daily Care Routine

Daily care includes feeding, grooming, exercise, and training. Brushing their coat, cleaning ears and teeth, and giving mental stimulation keeps them healthy, happy, and well-adjusted.

Cost of Owning a Cavapoo

Owning a Cavapoo involves initial purchase, food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies. Budgeting for routine care and occasional health issues ensures you can provide the best life for your dog.

Pet Insurance Tips

Getting pet insurance helps cover vet bills, emergencies, and health conditions like hip dysplasia or allergies. Compare plans, check coverage, and choose one suited to your Cavapoo’s age and health needs

Conclusion:

The Cavapoo is a friendly, intelligent, and adaptable dog that makes a perfect family companion. Understanding their temperament, training, exercise, grooming, health, and diet needs ensures they stay happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

With proper care, regular vet check-ups, and a loving home, Cavapoos thrive as loyal pets, building strong bonds with owners and making every household a joyful place

FAQ

How big do Cavapoos get?

Small to medium breed, weighing 8–25 pounds and standing 9–14 inches tall depending on whether their Poodle parent was Toy or Miniature.

Do Cavapoos bark a lot?

Cavapoos are not big barkers, but may bark more if stressed, bored, or seeking attention.

How long do Cavapoos live?

Average lifespan is 12–15 years, with proper diet, exercise, and care.

Can Cavapoos be left alone?

They’re very bonded to people and not ideal for those who work full-time. With short absences and a trainer’s help, they can adjust gradually.

Are Cavapoos high maintenance?

They’re high-maintenance when it comes to grooming but low-maintenance in exercise. Daily brushing, monthly trims, and lots of affection keep them happy.