Whether you’re looking for a cute Cavapoo puppy or want to learn more about this terrific hybrid and how to care for your pup’s health and training, we’ve got the takeaway. We’ve also added some essential Cavapoo feeding tips to help you choose the best puppy food for your new Cavapoo puppy.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Cavapoo is their hypoallergenic coats, inherited from the Poodle side, which makes them suitable as a family pet for all allergy sufferers. The Cavapoo is also highly trainable and excels in obedience training and most dog sports.
So, if you’re looking to purchase or adopt a Cavapoo puppy, here’s the takeaway:
Breed Overview
- Group: Mixed Breed (Not officially recognized by the AKC)
- Height: Generally ranges from 9 to 14 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: Typically between 8 to 20 pounds
- Coat: Soft, either curly or wavy, can be hypoallergenic
- Coat Color: Varies widely, including cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, and chestnut
- Life Span: About 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: Friendly, playful, affectionate, and intelligent
- Hypoallergenic: Often, due to Poodle genetics
- Origin: A crossbreed of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle
Characteristics of the Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is a charming and popular mix with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle. Known for their friendly and affectionate nature, Cavapoos are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 15 and 30 pounds, making them suitable for various living situations.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed is part of the UKC Companion Group and AKC Toy Group. It is a small (12-13inches/ 13-18 lbs), well-balanced dog breed with a gentle, affectionate temperament that is easygoing.
Combine this with the intelligent Poodle from the UKC Gun Dog Group and AKC Non-Sporting Group, and you’ll have an intelligent, easy-to-train dog breed. The Cavapoo has a longer lifespan than other breeds and is gentle, kind, and devoted to its family.
- Affection Level: High
- Friendliness: High
- Kid-Friendly: High
- Pet-Friendly: High
- Exercise Needs: Medium
- Playfulness: High
- Energy Level: Medium
- Trainability: High
- Intelligence: High
- Maintenance: Low
- Tendency to Bark: Low
- Amount of Shedding: Very Low
The Cavapoo: History
The Cavapoo, also known as the Cavoodle, is a crossbreed dog that has gained popularity over the past few decades. This breed is a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, combining the best traits of both breeds.
The first breeding stages began in the US during the 1950s, yet some breeders suggest that the first Cavapoos came from Australia in the 1990s.
Breeding Cavapoos is part of a more significant trend of creating designer dogs, which began in the late 20th century. The primary goal was to develop breeds that combined the desirable traits of two purebreds, often focusing on temperament, size, and hypoallergenic qualities.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a parent breed, is known for its gentle and affectionate nature. Originating from the United Kingdom, this breed has a history of being a favored companion in royal courts.
The other parent breed, the Poodle, is renowned for its intelligence and hypoallergenic coat. Poodles come in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy), which allows for some variation in the size of the Cavapoo.
The Cavapoo quickly became popular due to its adorable appearance and friendly disposition. These dogs inherited the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat, making them suitable for families with allergies.
They inherited a loving and gentle temperament from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, making them excellent companions. The Cavapoo is also a small-sized breed with a calm temperament that has become one of the most popular hybrids because they’re an excellent fit for various lifestyles.
Over the years, Cavapoos have been bred for health and temperament, with responsible breeders conducting genetic testing to avoid health issues common in the parent breeds.
As a result, Cavapoos are generally healthy, robust dogs with a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years.
Today, the Cavapoo is celebrated for its sweet nature, intelligence, and low-shedding coat. They are considered ideal family pets and companions, adaptable to various living environments and lifestyles.
Their popularity continues to grow, with a strong community of enthusiasts and breeders dedicated to this charming and lovable breed.
Cavapoo Care
The Cavapoo is a hypoallergenic hybrid that needs regular grooming because of its curly coat. Regular brushing several times a week is crucial for Cavapoos. This prevents matting and tangling of their curly coat.
Use a soft bristle or slicker brush suitable for their coat type. When it comes to their health, Cavapoos are generally healthy but, like all breeds, may be predisposed to some health issues. That’s why purchasing a Cavapoo puppy from a reputable breeder like Pettito Dallas, is so important.
Here are some health issues to look out for during puppyhood:
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): This is a common heart condition in older dogs, especially in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect heart issues early.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, which can lead to arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can help manage this condition.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye disorder that eventually leads to blindness. Responsible breeders should screen for this condition.
- Luxating Patellas: This is where the kneecap slips out of place. It can be managed with medication or surgery if severe.
- Allergies and Skin Conditions: Cavapoos can inherit the Poodle’s propensity for skin allergies. These can usually be managed with diet, medication, and regular grooming.
- Ear Infections: Due to their floppy ears, Cavapoos can be prone to ear infections. Regular cleaning and monitoring are important.
- Congenital Heart Defects: As with many small breeds, Cavapoos can be susceptible to various heart defects present from birth.
- Dental Issues: Like many small breeds, they may have dental issues due to crowded teeth, so regular dental care is important.
Socialization & Training
Cavapoos are ideal for families, individuals, and first-time dog parents. They adapt well to various living conditions but, like all dogs, need an exercise schedule, plenty of outdoor fun, and dog sports for mental enrichment.
A properly trained and socialized Cavapoo will be a more emotionally balanced dog. If you’ve adopted a senior Cavapoo, it’s essential to start with basic training and use only positive, gentle, and reward-based methods.
Keep in mind that Cavapoos are affectionate and thrive on human companionship. They require plenty of one-on-one time with family members and do not do well when left alone for long periods.
Playtime
Playtime is essential for all dogs, especially the fun-loving Cavapoo. Consider eco-friendly dog toys to enhance playtime to satisfy your Cavapoo’s specific needs. Toys should be safe and durable and allow for optimal enrichment, even for power chewers.
Opt for dog toys with no fillers or chemicals, coarse wool fibers, and jagged edges to help keep teeth clean and scrape away plaque.
Cavapoo VS Cockapoo
If you’re wondering about the difference between both hybrids, both are not accepted by either the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club. They are both prevalent designer breeds similar to the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle.
That said, the Cockapoo is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Mini or Toy Poodle, whereas the Cavapoo is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.
Appearance
The Cavapoo has a solid head with large floppy ears and intelligent eyes. This hybrid has a black nose, a medium-length tail, and a curly coat that can be white, chocolate, red and white, apricot, or black.
The Cavapoo coat can also feature patterns like party, merle, roan, sable, or tri-color.
Healthy Nutrition
Cavapoos do well on high-quality pet food crafted to match a dog’s biological needs with sustainable and ethical ingredient sourcing. Fresh dog food like Farmer’s Dog offers gently steamed food that preserves essential nutrients to help promote optimal immune health.
The Farmer’s Dog creates personalized meal plans based on a dog’s age, breed, size, activity level, and health needs. This customization ensures that each dog receives optimal nutrition for its specific requirements.
They use human-grade ingredients in their recipes, meaning the food is made from ingredients suitable for human consumption, a higher standard than typical commercial dog food.
The company is also known for its commitment to sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and practices.
Where to Purchase a Cavapoo?
If you’re considering purchasing a Cavapoo in the Dallas area, Petitto Puppies in Dallas, is one option you might explore. Reputable breeders like Pettito Dallas, prioritize the health and well-being of all their puppies.
You also get 30-day pet insurance with Prudent Pet Insurance included when you purchase a puppy, and every puppy is backed by their comprehensive health guarantee, which provides for one year against congenital-hereditary diseases.
This includes regular veterinary check-ups, proper vaccinations, and ensuring a healthy environment for the puppies. All their puppies are obtained through personally vetted breeders and never come from puppy mills!
FAQs The Cavapoo
Q: What are the differences between the F1 and F2 Cavapoo?
A: 1B Cavapoo the F stands for Filial Hybrid, and the one means that the Cavapoo is the first generation. The B stands for backcross, meaning the puppy’s father was a Cavapoo, and the mother was a Poodle.
The F2 Cavapoo is the second generation, so both puppy parents are Cavapoos. The F2B Cavapoo is also a backcross, but the difference is that both of the puppy’s grandparents are Cavapoos.
The F1 Cavapoo is usually the better choice for those looking for a toy-sized dog. The main reason is that the F1 Cavapoo is less likely to inherit the common genetic health problems in both Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Q: What does F2B Cavapoo mean?
A: F2B Cavapoo: 62.5% Poodle & 37.5% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Q: What is the typical size of an F1 Cavapoo?
A: F1 Cavapoos, the first-generation cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, generally weighs 9 to 25 lbs with a height of about 9 to 14 inches at the shoulder. Their size largely depends on the Poodle parent, as Poodles come in different sizes (Toy, Miniature, Standard)
Q: How does the size of the Poodle parent affect the size of an F1 Cavapoo?
A: The Poodle’s size significantly influences the Cavapoo’s size. If the Poodle parent is a Toy Poodle, the Cavapoo will lean towards the smaller end of the scale. If the parent is a Miniature Poodle, the Cavapoo will likely be on the larger side of the given range.
Q: When do F1 Cavapoos reach their full size?
A: F1 Cavapoos typically reach their full adult size by 12 to 15 months. Pet parents must monitor their growth, especially in the first year, to ensure they are on track and maintaining a healthy weight.
