What is a Cavapoo?

Cavapoos are playful, gentle and people-loving dogs. A cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, they combine brains with cuddliness. They’re great for families but need regular grooming and don’t always love being left alone.

A guide to owning a Cavapoo

A Cavapoo (or Cavoodle in some parts of the world) is one of the most popular designer dog breeds around. With big eyes, soft curls and a good-tempered nature, they’re a nice mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle.

Cavapoos are affectionate and generally good with both children and other pets. They’re also smart and eager to please, which can make training easier than with some other small breeds.

Like any dog, though, Cavapoos have their own needs and quirks. Below, we look at their temperament, common health concerns, grooming requirements and more.

Are Cavapoos good family dogs?

Yes, with early socialisation, Cavapoos make great family pets. They’re loving, gentle and usually great with kids. Just make sure young children are taught to treat them gently.

Cavapoo size and appearance

Cavapoos are small to medium-sized dogs with an adorable, teddy bear vibe. They often get soft, curly or wavy coats from their Poodle side. And big, soulful eyes from their Cavalier side. Add in floppy ears and an expressive face, and you’ve got a dog that basically never stops looking like a puppy.

Cavapoos vary depending on whether the Poodle parent was toy or miniature-sized. But on average, they’re about 23-38cm tall at the shoulder, and weigh between 5-10kg.

Some Cavapoos will have solid coats, while others may have patches or more complex markings. Their coat can come in a wide range of colours, including:

• Apricot
• Blenheim (chestnut and white)
• Black
• Tricolour (black, white and tan)
• Cream or golden

What was the Cavapoo bred for?

A cross between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles, Cavapoos were originally bred to be companion dogs.

What is the Cavapoo’s temperament?

The Cavapoo’s personality is:

• Gentle souls: Thanks to their Cavalier roots, Cavapoos are usually soft-natured and good with kids and other animals.
• Sociable: They love being around people and don’t do well if left alone for too long.
• Smart: Thanks largely to their Poodle side, Cavapoos are intelligent and usually quick to pick up commands.
• Playful: They enjoy games, toys and plenty of interaction.
• Velcro dogs: Cavapoos are known for being cuddly and affectionate, often following their humans from room to room.

Can Cavapoos be left alone?

Cavapoos love company and can suffer from separation anxiety if you leave them alone for too long. If you’re going to be out for a good part of the day, make sure they have toys, somewhere comfortable to retreat to, and ask someone to check in on them for play and exercise.

It’s worth noting that no dog should be left alone for longer than four hours. With Cavapoos, it’s likely to be significantly less.

How much exercise does a Cavapoo need?

Cavapoos are energetic little dogs that benefit from daily walks and a chance to run and play. Up to 60 minutes of exercise a day is usually enough, but mental stimulation is important too. They often enjoy toys, training games and even learning tricks.

Because they’re small, a few short sessions of play and walkies each day can be just as effective as one long outing. They’re also very people-focused, so make sure you’re part of the fun. A simple game of fetch in the garden can be the highlight of their day.

Can Cavapoos swim?

Many Cavapoos enjoy water, especially if the Poodle side of their personality is more dominant. But because of their small size, always supervise them around water and consider a doggy life jacket if they’re not confident swimmers.

Cavapoos are a cross between Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. We know that both of these dogs are susceptible to mitral valve disease, so their offspring will be at an increased risk too. In this condition, the mitral valve within the heart becomes abnormal, creating a murmur. Over time the valve can continue to degenerate, leading to congestive heart failure. Symptoms can include coughing, exercise intolerance, breathing difficulties and collapse.

Inherited joint abnormalities are another possibility in this crossbreed. Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation frequently affect Poodles and Cavaliers, so they could also affect the Cavapoo.

However, the most common issue I see in Cavapoos is skin allergies. Dogs with skin allergies scratch more than usual, nibble and lick their paws and are at increased risk of ear and skin infections. They can be allergic to environmental triggers like house dust mites, grass pollens and tree pollens, or they could have an underlying food allergy. One Cavapoo I treated decided to have allergy testing. We took blood samples to identify his triggers and then used this information to start him on immunotherapy. Here small doses of allergens were administered to him at regular intervals to desensitise his immune system. It worked really well for him. However, not all dogs respond to this treatment, and could require other kinds of medication to control their symptoms.

Dr Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS

Meet our pet experts

How long do Cavapoos live?

The average Cavapoo lives around 12-15 years. Good care, the right diet and plenty of exercise all help increase the prospect of a long, happy life.

What are the common health issues for a Cavapoo?

Like all crossbreeds, Cavapoos can inherit health issues from either parent breed. One of the most common is mitral valve disease – a heart condition often seen in Cavaliers that can be passed on to Cavapoos. It typically starts with a murmur and can gradually lead to heart failure.

Skin allergies are another frequent issue, with many Cavapoos prone to itching, licking, and infections. Managing their triggers and staying on top of skin care can make a big difference. They can also develop joint problems, such as hip dysplasia or luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps), which may affect their mobility and sometimes require either ongoing or surgical treatment.

Cavapoo grooming and hygiene

Cavapoo fur is usually curly or wavy and can become tangled without care. Here are a few ways to keep them looking tip-top:

• Brush your Cavapoo a few times a week to prevent matting.
• Bathe them as needed, but not too often as it can dry out their skin.
• Trim their coat regularly, either at home or take a trip to a professional groomer.
• Clean their teeth and ears weekly, and trim nails when needed.

Do Cavapoos shed?

All dogs shed to some extent, but Cavapoos are considered a low-shedding breed, particularly if they inherit more of their Poodle parent’s coat. However, this doesn’t mean no hair at all. You’ll likely find the odd strand here and there, and regular grooming is still a must to keep their coat in check.

Are Cavapoos hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Cavapoos can be a good choice for allergy sufferers due to their low-shedding coat. That said, they still produce dander (dead skin), so it depends on the person.

Training a Cavapoo is usually a great experience. They’re clever, eager to please and quick to learn, especially when treats are involved. That said, consistency is key.

Here are a few pointers:

• Start young and begin with basic commands and house training.
• Use positive reinforcement, such as praise, treats and affection. You’ll find you get better results than harsh methods like scolding, plus it helps when bonding with your dog.
• Keep it short and fun. Cavapoos respond best to short, upbeat sessions.
• Socialise them early. Meeting new people, dogs and environments will help build their confidence.
• As velcro dogs, it’s a good idea to introduce absence training. Leave your pup for a very short amount of time (even just walking to the end of the drive and back so they don’t have time to become distressed), and go for slightly longer each time. This means that later, if necessary, being left alone won’t come as a shock.

What insurance do I need for my Cavapoo?

The level of dog insurance you choose for your Cavapoo will usually come down to your circumstances and budget. So you know exactly what you’re getting for your money, read our guide to whether pet insurance is worth it.

We think that all dogs deserve the most comprehensive level of cover as possible, which is why we only sell different types of lifetime cover. We could also cover your Cavapoo for any pre-existing conditions they may have with our Lifetime Plus policy, subject to acceptance*.