Cavoodle | Mixed Breed Information, Pictures & Facts

One of the most sought-after Poodle mixed breed dogs is the Cavoodle. As a designer breed, you can expect this intelligent dog to have the combined looks and personalities of its parent breeds.

Aside from their adorable features, Cavoodles are great companion dogs. They love spending time with people and are generally affectionate to their owners. There are certainly a lot of advantages to owning this mixed breed.

If you’re keen to take a Cavoodle puppy home, this article will provide all the relevant information about this designer dog. Aside from their appearance and temperament, you will also learn this dog’s history and much more!

Breed Overview

What Is a Cavoodle?

The Cavoodle, also known as the Cavapoo or Cavadoodle, is a hybrid between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. This small designer dog is a perfect family pet due to its gentle and loving personality. Its size is also suited for apartment living.

Cavapoos are increasingly popular with many dog owners mainly because of their gentle nature. Their non-aggressive behavior, combined with their adorable features, make them perfect family dogs.

Despite not being purebred dogs, Cavadoodles offer unique personalities and traits that can’t be found in other breeds.

You can even register a Cavoodle puppy to designer dog registries like the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Cavoodle Origin and History

The first Cavoodle was developed in the United States during the 1950s. This was when breeders were trying to produce a hypoallergenic, low-shedding dog by crossing different dog breeds with a Poodle.

Since the Cavalier Spaniel and Poodle both have a lower tendency to cause allergies to their owners, breeders began combining these two purebred dogs.

Both Toy and Miniature Poodles can be crossed with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. However, Cavoodle breeders usually choose Miniature Poodles since Toy Poodles have a higher susceptibility to hereditary diseases.

This resulted in the Cavoodle designer breed that eventually became popular household pets in the United Kingdom and even Australia in the 1990s.

Since these crossbred dogs were highly sought-after, the breed was rapidly recognized by various designer dog registries and clubs.

However, due to their mixed-breed status, they remain unrecognized by major international kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (AKC).

Cavoodle Appearance

The Cavoodle’s appearance is a unique mix of its Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parents’ physical characteristics. Generally, they are small dogs that have longer-than-average bodies covered in luxurious coats.

Their thick, soft coat may be feathered or curly in texture and may come in different colors similar to their Poodle or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. Some of their common shades include apricot, red, black, and brown.

Cavoodles also often have darker markings on their faces. Moreover, rarer color variations like phantom and parti-color are also possible for them to exhibit.

Their floppy ears usually hang past the chin and are set right above the eyes. The neck is a bit elongated, while the tail is long and often hangs past the Cavoodle’s hocks.

Another irresistible feature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle mix is their large, round, expressive eyes. They also sport a short to medium-length muzzle.

Cavoodle Size and Weight

A huge part of the Cavoodle’s charm is its small size. Their full-grown height and weight will mainly depend if it has a toy or Miniature Poodle parent.

Those bred from Toy Poodles have a height of 11 to 14 inches and weigh around 10 to 15 pounds.

Meanwhile, Cavoodles produced from Miniature Poodles have heights ranging between 13 and 16 inches tall and weigh about 26 to 40 pounds.

Cavoodle puppies that come from a Moyen Poodle lineage will have measurements between Toy and Miniature Cavoodles. These varieties are mostly found in Europe.

The gender of their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Poodle parent breed can also affect their adult size. Aside from genetics, nutrition, exercise, and environment, all play equal roles in the growth of a Cavoodle.

Here’s a video documenting the growth of a Cavoodle puppy:

Cavoodle Temperament and Personality

Apart from their delightful appearances, many pet owners admire Cavoodles for their loving and gentle dispositions. They enjoy socializing with family members and are considered loyal companions.

As an affectionate companion dog, a Cavoodle forms strong attachments to its owners. However, this may result in separation anxiety, especially when you leave this dog breed alone for a long time.

Without constant attention, they may resort to excessive barking, digging, and other destructive behavior. Crate training at a young age can help curb these tendencies.

Cavapoos are also playful and energetic dogs. They are best suited for an active family that can provide them with enjoyable play sessions.

They may not be the best guard dogs, but they can make good watchdogs. You shouldn’t worry about having other dog breeds and other household pets because Cavadoodles can easily get along with them with proper training.

Cavoodle Lifespan and Health Issues

The average life expectancy of a Cavoodle falls between 10 and 14 years, which is longer than the lifespan of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

Some may even live longer if given appropriate care. However, owners should watch out for genetic diseases that may affect this hybrid dog.

Some of the common health issues that may affect a Cavapoo include the following:

• Luxating Patella: This is an orthopedic issue that refers to the dislocation of the knee caps. Luxating patella is common in small dogs like the Cavadoodle and may be corrected through surgery.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A Cavoodle is also prone to develop eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy. This ocular condition causes the degeneration of the retina which may result in blindness.
• Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease: Another common health issue in small hybrid breeds like the Cavoodle is degenerative mitral valve disease. This leads to the progressive degeneration of the mitral valve that may cause heart failure.

Other possible health concerns for this mixed breed are hip dysplasia, entropion, glaucoma, and epilepsy.

Getting your Cavoodle puppy from reputable Cavoodle breeders can lower the risk of developing health issues such as those mentioned above. If your pup shows early signs of these conditions, take them to the vet immediately.

How to Take Care of Your Cavoodle

Ensuring the quality of your dog’s life should always be a top priority. To do this, you must meet your Cavoodle’s requirements in terms of feeding, grooming, exercise, and training.

This section will discuss some essential Cavoodle care tips that every owner should follow.

Food and Diet

As high-energy dogs, Cavapoos need a balanced diet that is specifically formulated for small to medium-sized dogs. They may require around ½ to 1 cup of Cavoodle dry food daily.

However, Cavapoos can be picky eaters due to their Poodle lineage. This means that transitioning your dog to a new diet might be challenging.

Despite this, Cavoodles are still prone to obesity, especially when you give them too many treats. 

This can also be avoided by purchasing high-quality kibble that contains enough nutritional content to meet a growing puppy’s needs.

If you choose to give them a homemade diet, make sure that their meals contain the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

Cleaning and Grooming

The grooming requirement of your Cavoodle will depend on what type of coat it inherited from its parent breeds. If your dog has a Poodle-like coat, then it will shed less fur.

Meanwhile, if your Cavoodle’s coat is more like its Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent, you can expect them to shed moderately, requiring more frequent brushing to get rid of dead fur.

Nevertheless, you should brush your dog’s coat regularly, at least once a day, for around five minutes. Some Cavoodle coats may be prone to matting, so you should allocate more time to detangle your dog’s fur.

To retain the natural oils that keep its luxurious coat beautiful and shiny, you should only wash your Cavapoo once a month.

If you aren’t confident enough to trim your dog’s hair at home, you may need professional grooming services. This is important to maintain their coat’s length, especially the hair around their eyes and mouth.

Training and Exercise

As an intelligent dog, training your Cavadoodle should come easy. They are eager to listen and obey commands, especially if positive reinforcement methods are used.

Cavoodle puppies should be trained and socialized early to get used to different sights and sounds and be less wary of strangers and other pets.

With enough encouragement, your dog will grow up to be a well-tempered adult Cavoodle.

As for exercise, these designer dogs require around 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Taking them for a daily stroll at the dog park or letting them play around your yard should be enough.

To make it more fun for them, you can provide toys and puzzles to keep them mentally stimulated.

How Much Does a Cavoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Owning a Cavoodle puppy doesn’t come cheap. Purchasing one from a reputable Cavoodle breeder can cost you around $1,000 to $2,000. However, this price range may vary depending on the puppy’s bloodline and your location.

Like other dogs, the Cavoodle dog requires certain items and services for their well-being. These initial expenses cover food costs, grooming tools, initial vaccines, microchipping, and other necessary expenditures.

The initial costs of owning a Cavoodle are summarized in the table below:

As your Cavoodle goes through different life stages, its expenses are expected to increase. As it grows older, it might be more vulnerable to more health problems.

To ensure the long life expectancy of your pet, you must be willing to spend on routine veterinary care and other recurring expenses.

Places to Find Cavoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption

A Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle mix can be purchased easily from Cavoodle breeders. Nonetheless, like with other dogs, finding a Cavoodle requires careful consideration.

For some reliable sources of Cavoodle puppies, check out the list of reputable breeders below:

• Golden Valley Puppies – This is an Iowa-based Cavapoo breeder that offers high-quality Cavapoo puppies raised in a loving environment. At 5 to 6 weeks old, the puppies can be picked out by potential owners and be reserved for a $250 deposit fee. Puppy visits are scheduled once they reach eight weeks old.
• Vicky’s Toy Puppies – This is another trusted breeder that produces Doodle dogs, including Cavoodle puppies. They offer a seven-day health guarantee and ensure that each pup is free from genetic diseases. Spaying or neutering is at the discretion of the new owner.
• Crockett Doodles – This is a Doodle breeder based in South Carolina that offers Cavoodle puppies for sale. Those outside the state can pick up their new puppy from one of their pick-up locations. Pricing for Cavadoodles depends on color, size, and training received.

If you want to adopt a Cavoodle puppy or adult dog instead, you can inquire at the following rescue organizations:

• Cavalier Crazy Rescue – This is a rescue dedicated to rehoming Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and their mixes, including Cavapoos. Adult dogs can be adopted for $150, while puppies have a $750 adoption fee. All of their rescued dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and have up-to-date vaccinations.
• Carolina Poodle Rescue – This is a non-profit rescue organization focused on placing abused and neglected Poodles into loving homes, including the Cavapoo breed. Applicants are allowed to visit their farm and meet the puppy they wish to adopt.
• Doodle Dandy Rescue – This Texas-based Doodle rescue aims to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Doodle dogs like Cavapoos. They provide training, grooming, and medical care to all of their rescues through their foster care program.

Due to long waiting lists, you might not be able to secure a rescue Cavapoo from these places. For more options, you can check out our Cavoodle Facebook groups and Reddit threads.

The adoption process can be quite tedious, and not all applicants can qualify to adopt a dog. To make sure that your application gets approved, do intensive research.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Cavoodle

Owning a Cavoodle may be a pleasant experience for many dog owners but can be quite challenging for others. Similar to other breeds, they have their own pros and cons.

Before you decide to purchase this designer breed, you should be aware of the possible advantages and disadvantages of owning one.

First, here is a list of the pros of owning a Cavoodle dog:

• Highly intelligent breed: Due to their parents’ innate cognitive abilities, a Cavadoodle is also known as an intelligent breed. They can quickly learn commands and tricks when given proper training at a young age.
• Low-shedding and hypoallergenic: Because of their Poodle genes, Cavapoos are considered low-shedding dogs that are also hypoallergenic. They are a perfect choice for allergy sufferers and those that prefer not to have so much fur around the house.
• Can live in small apartments: Cavadoodles are small dogs that are well-suited for small spaces. They are great pets for those living in small apartments and condominiums. They don’t take up much space, even when playing.
• Relatively healthy hybrid dogs: If their Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents are both healthy, a Cavoodle puppy will definitely grow up without health complications. They can live for more than 16 years if their optimal health condition is maintained.

Meanwhile, here are some cons of owning a Cavoodle as a household pet:

• Prone to separation anxiety: Cavoodles form strong bonds with their owners. Thus, they are very prone to separation anxiety, especially if their humans are away for a long time. As a result, they may display unwanted behavior such as chewing, barking, and destroying furniture.
• Might display stubbornness: Despite their intelligence, a Cavapoo may become stubborn when training. They may completely ignore their owners and continue playing or minding their own business.
• Not ideal for first-time owners: Because of the above reason, first-time owners might not be the best match for a Cavadoodle. This breed requires a firm and patient owner that can manage their stubborn behavior.

Aside from being financially ready, aspiring Cavoodle owners must be prepared to handle this dog’s behavior and meet its needs.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of having this designer breed can lessen the possibility of neglect and abandonment. Being the best match for a Cavapoo will result in meaningful and lifelong companionship.

Should You Get a Male or Female Cavoodle?

Another common question when getting a Cavapoo is whether you should get a male or female dog. There can be major differences between the two, and knowing these aspects can help you decide better.

The differences between the two can be very subtle in terms of appearance. But when it comes to behavior, males and females may display polarizing traits.

If you want a larger dog that is territorial, you should consider getting a male Cavoodle. Their dominant personality may be beneficial if you want a more protective canine around the house.

Meanwhile, if you want a less aggressive pup with a stockier build, you should choose a female Cavaoodle. They can also live longer than males.

In the end, choosing between a male or female Cavapoo is subjective and will mainly depend on your preference. But if you don’t want to make this choice, having both in the same household is also a good option!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cavoodles High Maintenance?

Cavoodles can be high-maintenance dogs in terms of grooming, depending on the coat they inherit from their parents.

If your Cavoodle has a thick, soft coat that is longer than normal, you will need to do more frequent brushing.

If they have a silkier coat like their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you need to allocate more time to keep their coat shiny and tangle-free.

Do Cavoodles Shed a Lot?

Cavoodle coats don’t shed as much due to the breed’s Poodle genes. In fact, this is one of the reasons why breeders chose to breed Cavoodle dogs. Their low-shedding trait makes them highly popular breeds.

This means that you won’t need to clean and rid your house of fur all the time.

Are Cavoodles Hypoallergenic?

Due to their Poodle-like coats, Cavoodles are classified as hypoallergenic dogs. Although no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, they are still good choices for those allergic to pet dander.

They shed less fur, so they don’t produce as many allergens as other breeds. 

Can Cavoodles Be Left Alone?

Cavoodles can be left alone but for only short periods. Leaving them alone for the whole day can lead to separation anxiety. That’s why this breed is not recommended for busy families.

Fortunately, crate training can help minimize this tendency. You can include an item with your scent in the crate so your dog won’t feel alone.

Do Cavoodles Bark a Lot?

Cavoodles are very vocal dogs. They tend to bark a lot to get your attention or when they’re bored. They may also bark at strangers and unfamiliar noises. 

Although they are naturally very talkative dogs, you can train them to lessen this tendency. Obedience training can help a lot to lessen their frequent barking.

Are Cavoodles Easy to Train?

Unfortunately, Cavoodles are not the easiest dogs to train. They have a stubborn streak that can be challenging to handle by inexperienced owners.

They need a consistent and patient owner with a firm hand to effectively train them. Using positive reinforcement also works wonders in teaching your dog to obey commands.

If you aren’t too confident to train your dog at home, you can enroll them in puppy classes so that they can be disciplined by a professional trainer.

Final Thoughts

A mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle is expected to be unlike many purebred dogs. They are charming, intelligent, active, and loving dogs in one cute package. 

Cavadoodles are great companions for individuals and families alike. However, they need an owner that can give them enough time and attention. They also require a patient handler with enough experience in training dogs.

Despite some of these drawbacks, Cavoodles are still popular breeds that carry the best characteristics of their parent breeds. With the right owner, this dog can be the best pet anyone can have!

Are you set on becoming a Cavoodle owner? Share your thoughts about this designer dog in the comments below!