The Cavoodle, also called the Cavapoo, is an angelic small companion breed, ideal for someone looking for a devoted and deeply attached family member. You may be looking for the tiny toy Cavoodle to keep you company or the sturdier mini Cavoodle as a great family dog.
Either way, it’s essential to properly research this descendent of the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to ensure this is the right fit for you.
Remember, this is an extremely popular breed, so backyard and unethical breeders can be a problem. Always ensure you know what you are looking for before you search for Cavoodle puppies for sale near you.
What is the Cavoodle? History of the Cavoodle:
The Cavoodle or Cavapoo was one of the first doodle breeds and early pioneers of the designer dog movements. These oodles of love were first bred in the 1950s in the United States by crossing the trendy toy and miniature poodles with the equally popular Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
In Australia, crossbreeding programs began in the 1980s and resulted in a standardised breed. In fact, they are now one of the most popular dogs in Australia. However, they are not yet formally recognised as purebred by the Kennel Club.
Do Cavoodles Shed?
Initially, the idea behind the Cavoodle was to mix the extreme intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle, with the calm, social, and sweet nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. With this end in mind, responsible and devoted breeders have created multi-generational Cavoodles that are very close to the ideal.
What does the Cavoodle look like?
The first and most noticeable aspect of the Cavoodle is their looks. Much like the Labradoodle, or the Groodle, the Cavoodle is the quintessential picture of teddy-bear-like cuteness. Unfortunately, unlike the Australian Labradoodle, there is no established breed standard, so there may be some variation in their appearance.
Ideally, the Cavoodle has a medium-length, soft, curly coat that does not shed much. It may also fall in delicate spirals. However, Cavoodles with Cavalier King Charles parent or grandparents may inherit a smoother, wavy coat closer to that of a Spaniel. These short haired cavoodle puppies will be less hypoallergenic than those with the Poodle coat. Keep in mind that no dog is entirely hypoallergenic. It’s simply that dogs with a single coat like the Poodle release less dander that can cause allergies. Keep this in mind if a family member is allergic to dog hair.
Otherwise, the Cavoodle usually has large, round dark eyes and a cute button nose. Those that take after the Poodle more may have longer muzzles. They have long floppy ears that need frequent trimming, especially on the inside.
Cavoodle colours
Cavoodles come in a range of colours, including:
- Black
- Black and tan
- Brown
- White
- Cream
- Blue Merle
- Chocolate Merle
- Parti colour
- Sable
- Golden
- Chestnut and white (Blenheim)
- Black, white & Tan (Tri-colour)
- Phantom
- Gold
- Red
- Chocolate
- Apricot
- White
- Ruby
Cavoodles born with a reddish hue, such as Blenheim, or the rich chestnut with white markings from the Cavalier King Charles, often fade as they age. This is due to a fading gene from their poodle heritage.
How big does the Cavoodle get?
The Cavoodle typically comes in two basic sizes:
The Miniature Cavoodle
Height: 15″ at the shoulder or about 38 cm
Weight: up to 26 lbs or 12 kg
The Toy Cavoodle
Height: up to 11″ or 30 cm at the shoulder
Weight: up to 13 lbs or 6 kg or smaller
The Teacup Cavoodle
Height: less than 15cm at the shoulder
Weight: less than 3kg
General Care of the Cavoodle
How much exercise does a Cavoodle need?
The Cavoodle is a moderately energetic dog, but their small size means they don’t have excessive needs for exercise. A Toy Cavoodle is small enough for an easy 20 to 30-minute walk daily. This can be broken up into two shorter sessions. A miniature cavoodle requires more exercise than a toy, 30-60 minutes a day is usually sufficient. Short play and obedience training sessions throughout the day can also help keep cavoodles stimulated and content.
Raising a Cavoodle or Cavapoo puppy: What you need to know
Cavoodles are notoriously attached to their pet parents. So much so that they have a reputation for developing severe separation anxiety. They may also take to barking excessively, especially to get your attention. Find a dog behaviourist near you to write up a behaviour modification plan.
One way to prevent this is to extensively vet your breeder. A responsible breeder will consider temperament and try to breed more laid-back Cavoodles. However, you may still struggle with hyper attachment problems.
So the second step to dealing with these issues is not to take on a Cavoodle if the puppy has to stay home alone for long hours while you go to work. A more independent breed would be a better choice in this scenario. But it’s also vital to do two things while raising your Cavoodle puppy to prevent separation anxiety.
One is to use “place” and learn how to crate train your puppy in 3 days as a positive way to teach your puppy that it’s okay to be separate from you. If you start positive place training early, you can preempt their need to be glued to you at all times. Having a “velcro dog” may seem cute, but this can also cause them excessive distress when they need to be apart from you. So encouraging a healthy bit of independence is good for their mental health later.
Having a fun chew or puzzle toy to keep them busy in their “place” makes the physical separation a positive experience. This helps them to learn to self-soothe when they aren’t physically attached to you.
This doesn’t mean you can’t cuddle with your Cavoodle puppy on the couch. Only that teaching them early to stay in their place while you go to the bathroom or are cooking helps them to learn that it’s okay to be on their own. This decreases their anxiety about being attached to you at all times.
However, always ensure that “place” or crate training is a positive experience, never a forced one or a punishment. And never abuse it by leaving them too long in one spot.
Secondly, teaching your puppy the “quiet” command can go a long way to stop excessive barking. Be careful not to reward barking accidentally by making a fuss when they do it.
Finally, exercise and playtime is your best friend when dealing with a dog that is prone to any kind of anxiety issues. Physical activity floods their system with feel-good endorphins and gets rid of their excess energy. A tuckered-out Cavoodle has far less energy to spend barking or working themselves up if you need to leave them alone for a couple of hours.
And if you’re still stuck; we have 10 ways to stop separation anxiety in your cavoodle.
Cavoodle puppies can bite and mouth their owners. Stopping a cavoodle puppy from biting should be trained early and it can be done positively. There is no need to use harsh puppy training methods that involve punishment. Negative reinforcement and positive punishment will result in avoidance behaviour and damage the relationship you have with your cavapoo.
Cavoodle Grooming Requirements
A Cavoodle has moderate grooming requirements, but under no circumstances should their coat be neglected. If you really hate grooming, you can choose to trim the coat, but this will mean you lose some of their cuddly ‘teddy bear cavoodle’ good looks. To maintain their coat, brush it out with a slicker or pin brush at least three times a week.
You can bathe them every four to six weeks. Do not bathe too often as it will strip the natural oils from their coat. A regular visit to the doggy parlour will also go a long way.
Never overlook other aspects of their grooming, such as regularly trimming nails and cleaning ears to prevent infections. Healthy teeth are a major priority, especially for small dogs that often develop periodontitis, which can contribute to various serious health issues.
Cavoodle Space Requirements
Both the toy and the miniature Cavoodle can adapt to small spaces such as apartments, so long as they get enough walks and playtime. One caveat is that they can be prone to barking, which can be bothersome to your neighbours. So be careful to begin training and activities early to prevent excessive barking as they age.
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Cavoodle Health Concerns:
It is always a good idea to rescue a Cavoodle if possible. Since they are such popular dogs, it is very possible to find one in a local shelter or online rescue group. However, if you choose to look for a Cavoodle puppy, take the time to find a responsible and ethical breeder. One reason is that badly bred Cavoodles are prone to several health issues. These include:
- Atopic dermatitis. Cavoodles can have very sensitive skin and easily develop skin issues and ear infections.
- Syringomyelia. This is an inherited disorder from the Cavalier King Charles where cavities in the spinal cord become filled with fluid.
- Mitral Valve Disease. This is a pervasive heart issue. In the American bloodlines of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, up to 90% of dogs will inherit this issue. So it can also be a problem in the Cavoodle. Special diets high in taurine, L-carnitine, Omega-3 fatty acids and MCT oil can help the condition.
- Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Eye problems are widespread in “oodle” breeds, particularly as they age. The best breeders DNA test their breeding dogs for PRA.
- Musculoskeletal issues: Cavoodles can develop joint issues such as patellar luxation (shifting kneecaps) and even hip dysplasia. Responsible cavoodle breeders hip score their breeding dogs.
- Epilepsy: Cavoodles can develop epilepsy. There is no known cure, but MCT oil has shown some benefits in reducing seizures.
What is the Cavoodle’s life expectancy?
Provided a Cavoodle is cared for, they should be quite a long-lived breed, typically living for between 12 and 15 years.
Cavoodle Temperament
The Cavoodle is a gentle, sweet dog that generally loves everyone. They can be very attached to their families, sometimes to one person in particular. Occasionally, this can make them prone to separation anxiety. They also tend to be barkers, so teaching early obedience training and a moderately active lifestyle is essential so that it doesn’t become a problem. Early socialisation can also help reduce barking issues.
These are sensitive dogs, so they are not made for rough or harsh treatment. Positive reinforcement training is key to getting the best out of your Cavapoo. Luckily, they are super intelligent and highly trainable, so obedience training is a breeze with a little commitment. They are empathetic dogs that do well as emotional support animals. In the right environment, they have merry natures and love to please.
Does the Cavoodle get along with other animals?
Yes, the Cavoodle usually does very well with other animals. Like any dog, early socialisation goes a long way to help them get used to cats and to avoid nervousness around strange canines. But, these are naturally friendly little fellows.
Keep in mind that the toy Cavoodle is a tiny dog, which can make them vulnerable to injury by bigger animals. There are stories of cavoodles being killed at dog parks by larger dogs.
Are Cavoodles good dogs for families?
A well-bred Cavoodle is one of the most ideal dogs for a family. These very affectionate dogs delight at being the centre of attention and love children. Nevertheless, one should keep their size in mind, particularly with the toy Cavoodles. Over eager and rambunctious young children can hurt such a small dog by accident, so the miniature version may be a better choice for families.
Remember, regardless of size, it’s a good rule of thumb to supervise dogs and children together and invest the time in teaching them both how to interact with each other safely.
How much does an Australian Cavoodle cost?
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic lockdowns, the average price of a Cavoodle skyrocketed. Typically, a well-bred Cavoodle may cost between $1500 and $ 2500. However, since 2020, we have seen costs go up as high as $5000 AUD.
Final Thoughts
The Cavoodle is one of the most popular dog breeds for good reason, and it’s not just about their looks. Bred as ideal companions, these are fantastic dogs for adults who work from home or retirees who will benefit from the company. The miniature Cavoodle is a great family dog that gets on well with kids and other animals. They have moderate exercise and grooming needs, thrive on attention, and many of them are fairly hypoallergenic.
If you’re still wondering: Are cavoodles good dogs? We’ve written about our experience with the breed and what to look for in a breeder and your puppy.
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