Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is a hybrid of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature or Toy Poodle. This small breed dog was created to be a low-shedding companion that combines the positive traits of both the parent breeds. These floppy-eared little charmers have endeared themselves to many dog owners worldwide with their gentle nature and love for humans.
Temperament
Cavapoos are generally gentle, affectionate, and friendly. They are bred to be companion dogs so they thrive on the attention of their human family members. A well-socialized and properly trained Cavapoo will be able to get along with both friends and strangers, as well as with other dogs.The Ultimate Guide to Cavapoo
Origins
Poodle mixes, including the Cavapoo, have become increasingly popular in the past decade. While all sorts of crossbreeds have existed throughout history, the Cavapoo in particular is believed to have intentionally bred for the first time in either the United States or Australia in the 1950s. By the 1990s, the demand for Cavapoos had increased to the point where international breeders began to breed Cavapoos for the United States and the UK.
Key Characteristics of Cavapoo
| Cavapoo | Cavapoos are generally gentle, affectionate, and friendly. They are bred to be companion dogs so they thrive on the attention of their human family members. A well-socialized and properly trained Cavapoo will be able to get along with both friends and strangers, as well as with other dogs. |
| Exercise Needs | Despite being companion dogs, Cavapoos can be high-energy dogs due to their Poodle lineage. Around an hour of exercise each day, broken up into 2 or 3 sessions, is usually sufficient for most Cavapoos. They also like outdoor activities, and can swim well.
Their natural intelligence means that they will also need significant mental stimulation in the form of toys and games. Training sessions are a good way to challenge your Cavapoo and give them mental stimulation. |
| Cavapoo Grooming | Despite being a low-shedding breed, the Cavapoo requires moderate maintenance to keep their skin and hair healthy. Brushing and bathing should be done regularly, with brushing a couple of times a week to prevent their fur from matting and tangling. As with all dogs, regular tooth brushing and nail trimming are important. |
| Cavapoo Training | Cavapoos are naturally intelligent dogs, and their eagerness to please their owners means that they are quick to follow commands so long as positive reinforcement is used. Most Cavapoos also tend to be low-sensitivity dogs, making them more resilient when it comes to training inconsistencies and disruptions to their routine. Even novice dog owners should be able to get good results so long as they are patient and keep up a regular training regimen. |
| Cavapoo Lifespan And Health Issues | Cavapoos have a normal lifespan for small to medium sized breeds, living up to 10 to 14 years old. Cavapoos may be prone to:
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| Cavapoo Size And Space Requirements | Since Cavapoos are a crossbreed, they may take after the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent or the Poodle parent. However, since both parents will be either small to medium sized dogs, Cavapoos will be either small or medium sized dogs as well. Most Cavapoos weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, and their height will range from 10 to 14 inches.
Cavapoos are usually fine living in small apartments, but this may vary depending on your Cavapoo’s energy levels and exercise requirements. They still need outdoor time like most other dogs, so shared spaces such as dog parks or dog-friendly walking trails are ideal.
Most Cavapoos will appreciate water almost as much as the Poodle, and may take to swimming very quickly. Lakeside or riverside properties may be perfect for very active Cavapoos. |
Other considerations:
- Cavapoos born from a first-generation pairing between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature or Toy Poodle have a 50-50 chance to inherit either parent’s coat type. Often, the coat type will be an even mix of a wavy coat and a curly coat.
- Most Cavapoos are hypoallergenic, depending on their coat type. However, there is a chance that a particular Cavapoo may inherit the wavy coat of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent, making them less hypoallergenic.
- Because Cavapoos are so affectionate and attached to their humans, there is a chance that they may develop separation anxiety. Proper training and sufficient alone time may help keep this from happening.
How can I take good care of my Cavapoo or Puppy?
Proper socialization
Socialization should start as soon as you get your Cavapoo puppy. The period between 8 to 12 weeks of age is a crucial time when your puppy will begin to form habits and tendencies that may carry into adulthood.
Proper nutrition
A Cavapoo puppy should be given a high-quality diet formulated for small or medium sized dogs. It may be beneficial to feed your Cavapoo the brand of dog food that the breeder recommends, at least for a few days, as you transition to your preferred dog food. Most puppies should eat small meals three to four times a day to avoid an upset stomach and indigestion. For more specific recommendations, consult with your veterinarian.
Up-to-date vaccinations
The first couple of weeks with your puppy will have regular vet visits for vaccinations and deworming. Your veterinarian will be better able to advise you on when you should bring in your puppy. Before their vaccinations are complete, they should be kept away from other dogs and places where dogs have been. Some communicable diseases and harmful bacteria may live on the ground for days or weeks after an infected dog has been there.
Proper ear and eye care
Cavapoos tend to have long, floppy ears, which will need to be inspected and cleaned regularly to avoid ear infections. They may also require daily wiping underneath the eye to avoid tear stains from forming and setting.
Most Asked Cavapoo Questions
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+How Much do Cavapoo Puppies Cost