The cavapoo is the hybrid combination of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, usually a Miniature Poodle. This hybrid can also be called the cavoodle. The cavapoo is fun loving and playful and can be a great playmate for children. They are outgoing and sweet natured and make excellent companion doodles. Cavapoos are more happy go lucky than any kind of vigilant watchdog, but they will still let you know if any visitors are at your home.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is named after the British monarch King Charles II. Both King Charles I and King Charles II 👑 spent their days perfecting the breeding of a black and tan variety of toy spaniel. Many say that King Charles II seemed more concerned about breeding spaniels than ruling Britain. As time went on these dogs that the British monarch had spent so much time on went out of favor and were forgotten. That was until a wealthy American named Roswell Eldridge offered a prize 💰 to british breeders for who could create the closest dog to King Charles II’s prized dog breed. This new breed became known as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 🐕
Let’s take a quick look at the other half of the cavapoo hybrid.
The Poodle is called Pudel in Germany 🇩🇪 and Caniche in France 🇫🇷 . Both of these names are a nod to the Poodles original breeding use as a water retriever. The German Pudel name translates to puddle or splashing water . The French Caniche name translates to duck dog. 🦆
The Standard Poodles were originally bred as hunters of wildfowl to retrieve the game out of the water. The Miniature Poodle was also bred in France as a talented circus performer 🎪 . These Miniature Poodles were trained to walk tightropes and even perform card tricks and skits.
Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle have long histories of companionship.
Sizing it all up
The cavapoo does not have as many size variations as some of the other doodles. They can be between 8 to 15 pounds and stand between 9 to 14 inches tall. They fit very well in an apartment or condo type lifestyle.
Color Coding, Fur Real
The cavapoo can have either curly or wavy hair depending on the genes that they inherit from their purebred parents. 🧬
Cavapoos can come in multiple different colors such as black, white, cream and different shades of brown. They can be solid colored or a combination of colors.
Cavapoos need to be brushed daily or every other day depending on how long their coats are. They will also need to have their face washed daily as well, this will prevent any tear staining beneath their eyes. They also need to have their ears cleaned once per week in order to prevent ear infections. Cavapoo also needs to have a bath once per month. 🛁
The AKC states that “there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog”. Unfortunately people with dog allergies are usually allergic to the dog dander 🦠, not the dog’s fur. Granted the dog fur can be a carrier for the dog dander it is not the cause of the allergen. The old school of thought was that less dog hair = less allergen. So breeders would attempt to have as many Poodle genes in a dog breed to lessen dog hair shed. Unfortunately, this does not change the level of dander. Please be cautious regarding the labels of “hypoallergenic” if you have dog allergies. If you would like more info on this please read 22 Hypoallergenic Doodles. ◀️
Working it out
Cavapoos require a moderate activity level for their exercise requirements. They work well for active owners and owners that stay at home. Cavapoos enjoy playing fetch 🎾 or to chase you around your house. If the cavapoo owners want to do something more active like agility or obedience training the cavapoo is more than happy to do that as well.
Cavapoos have a very short snout and can be sensitive to overheating. They should not be left outside or do any activities too strenuous on a hot day. 🥵
⚠️ One word of warning, it is not recommended to have your doodle participate in highly strenuous activities prior to the age of 10 months due to underdeveloped joints and bones. ⚠️
Come, Sit, Stay
The cavapoo is an even tempered and easy to train doodle. 👍 They have the relaxed personality of the Cavalier and the intelligence of the Poodle. They are highly trainable and learn quickly. The cavapoo learns best with positive reinforcement techniques. They are people pleasers and they learn new tricks and skills rapidly.
Cavapoos are not fans of being left alone for long periods of time and can develop separation anxiety.
Cavapoos can be good for first time dog parent and also a great companion dog for elderly people. 🧓
Quality of Life
The cavapoo is a relatively healthy hybrid. They live for about 12 to 15 years. Hybrid dogs can still be susceptible to the medical issues that their parent breeds are prone to. 🩺 These medical issues include hip dysplasia, epilepsy and eye issues to name a few. Some of the medical issues that they might have can possibly be tested for. Talk to your vet when you take your puppy in for their health exam or shots. 🧪
So now you want a Cavapoo….
If you are thinking about getting a cavapoo you must make sure that you are in love with any combination of traits that a doodle surprise could offer. 🎁 Your doodle may look exactly like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel but act exactly like a Poodle. Would you be ok with that? What about the other way around? If you can love 💗 ALL of the traits of both parent breeds then DO IT! Doodles are the best!
I would check at Poodle rescues and also at Cavalier King Charles Spaniel specific rescues, they may have a mixed breed/hybrid there as well. Also check regular rescues. Just realize that if you want to rescue you may have to wait to find your dog or travel to pick it up. But there are great benefits to rescuing instead of buying. 👍👏
If you decide to buy a puppy please do your research on the breeder and don’t be afraid to ask the right questions. And good luck to you! I hope you find your forever puppy! 🥰
