Cavapoo

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Also known as a Cavoodle or a Cavadoodle, the Cavapoo is a crossbreed mix between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavapoos can come in three sizes: miniature, toy, or standard. Each size variation uses a Miniature Poodle, Toy Poodle, or Standard Poodle to crossbreed with the Cavalier Kind Charles Spaniel. These pups are generally healthier than their parent breeds, but they do have a few inherited health concerns that may become prevalent as they age.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

This condition, unfortunately, leads to blindness over time. It may begin with a cataract, but the condition is caused by gradual degeneration of the retina. Usually, when one eye is affected, both eyes are affected. There is no cure. But you can manage PRA with vitamin supplements and regular vet check-ups for advice.

Other health issues, both major and minor, that your Cavapoo may encounter include patellar luxation, glaucoma, cherry eyes, hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and genetic liver abnormalities. Despite a few health concerns, the Cavapoo boasts a long and happy lifespan between 12 to 15 years. This lifespan is at least 2 years longer than both parent breeds.

Temperament & Train-ability

Cavapoos are sweet and affectionate little crossbreeds who crave attention. He wants to make friends with everyone, so he probably wouldn’t be the best watchdog. If a noise startles him, your Cavapoo may spend a few minutes barking. But he would run with his tail between his legs if anything dangerous happened. These pups are non-confrontational; the classic lovers, not fighters.

Cavapoos are excellent family pets because they are great with children and other dogs. However, because of their small size, you should teach your kids how to respectfully, gently handle your Cavapoo. Roughhousing or inappropriate play, such as pretending to ride this pup, could harm your Cavapoo. Keep a close watch on interactions when he is playing with or getting attention from children, especially young kids.

Cavapoos have a natural eagerness to please their loved ones, so training should be easier than usual for a crossbreed. He has a high intelligence and quick responses, so he will be able to catch onto your commands in no time. Be consistent, positive, and gentle during your training sessions. The Cavapoo is sensitive and shy, so harsh methods of training aren’t a good idea. Never, ever strike or yell at your Cavapoo.

Cavapoos need low to moderate exercise on a daily basis. He is happy with a couple simple, short walks through the neighborhood or you could let him out for a few minutes in a fenced-in backyard. He would even enjoy some time to play at a dog park, but the end result is the same. Your Cavapoo will eventually want to go back inside to snuggle with you on the couch.

Grooming

If your Cavapoo inherits the coat of a Poodle, expect curly, short, soft fur that needs daily brushing with a firm-bristled brush. If your Cavapoo leans more towards a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coat, expect wavy, fluffy, long locks that need brushing 2-3 times per week. In either case, you should bathe your pup once a month or, if he gets fairly smelly. Try not to exceed two baths in 6 weeks, as this could dry out the natural oils in his fur, making his skin vulnerable to bacterial infections and allergic reactions.

Clean your Cavapoo’s ears once a week with a cotton swab and warm water. Clip his toenails every 6-8 weeks or file them down if you are uncomfortable clipping them. You could also opt for a professional groomer to clip his toenails, bathe him, brush him, trim his coat, clean his ears, and brush his teeth.

Diet

Cavapoos are overeaters, so you really have to take the reins on his diet and meal schedule. Measure out 1 cup of dry, high-quality kibble, twice per day, for two meals. This is for an average Cavapoo. If your pup is smaller or larger than average, ask your vet how much food he needs. If he overeats too often, it could lead to obesity, severely affecting his health.

The Cavapoo is a hot-headed pup, so the summer months may be difficult on him, especially if you live in warmer climates already. Invest in an automatic water dish to keep him hydrated year-round, but never set down an automatic feeder, as you have to have a feeding schedule to control his weight and overall health.
 

Find A Cavapoo Breeder

Cavapoo Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Cavapoo

Cost

The costs for a Cavapoo reflect crossbreed trends. As the breeder market shifts and popularities fluctuate, the prices will vary from breeder to breeder. They generally stay in the same range though, so expect to shell out between $700 to $1,500 for Cavapoo puppies.

Factor in the costs of blood tests, vaccinations, first-time vet check-ups, spay or neuter services, deworming and flea treatments, microchip, and perhaps a kennel for nighttime. With all of these things to consider, add on another $350 to $450 to the initial cost of your Cavapoo.

While rare to find a Cavapoo anywhere aside from a breeder, you could still check your local animal shelter or rescue group for abandoned pups. Not only would you be giving a mature crossbreed a new chance at a happy life, but the expenses are less. Adoption fees, varying by county and state, generally range from $75 to $250. However, if you want the shelter to complete a spay or neuter service and updated vaccines, the end costs will be somewhere around $500.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Cavapoo ranks a 1. These pups are sweet, gentle, and well-behaved, even without being trained, but training is still necessary for a better, well-rounded family pet. Keep in mind that he can be an overeater, so a meal schedule is crucial to good health. Ensure your children know how to handle him with respect and love. No rough stuff. Show your Cavapoo kindness and affection, and he will return the same to you.

 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Poodle

Maltese

Japanese Chin