Toy Cavoodle

The Toy Cavoodle (or Cavapoo, or Cavadoodle) is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy Poodle. This small breed is one of the most popular dogs in Australia, and it combines the intelligence of the Poodle with the easygoing nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Most Toy Cavoodles are smart, gentle, and sweet, taking the best traits of both parent breeds and wrapping it all up in one adorable package. They’re highly social and enjoy making both two-legged and four-legged friends, and also get along with most children.

Temperament

While Toy Cavoodles are a hybrid breed and may take more after one parent or another, there are some common characteristics that most Toy Cavoodles seem to possess. A well-socialized and well-trained Toy Cavoodle will generally be an intelligent, easygoing, and friendly companion. Some Toy Cavoodles may take more after the Poodle side and be more reserved and contemplative. Other Toy Cavoodles may be more akin to a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and will be more outgoing. It’s rare for either breed to be aggressive, so the Toy Cavoodle tends to get along well with most people and dogs.
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The Ultimate Guide to Toy Cavoodle

Origins

There is a bit of controversy regarding the origins of the Toy Cavoodle and other variants of Cavoodle. Some maintain that the breed first began in the U.S., as there is evidence of Toy Cavoodles from as far back as the 1950s. Others contend that Toy Cavoodles originated from Australia, as that is where the first intentional breeding of Toy Cavoodles took place. No matter the case, the past 10 years have seen the rise in the popularity of the Toy Cavoodle. Breeders from all over the world have seen the appeal of a sweet-natured, hypoallergenic dog breed.

Key Characteristics of Toy Cavoodle

Toy Cavoodle

While Toy Cavoodles are a hybrid breed and may take more after one parent or another, there are some common characteristics that most Toy Cavoodles seem to possess. A well-socialized and well-trained Toy Cavoodle will generally be an intelligent, easygoing, and friendly companion. 

 

Some Toy Cavoodles may take more after the Poodle side and be more reserved and contemplative. Other Toy Cavoodles may be more akin to a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and will be more outgoing. It’s rare for either breed to be aggressive, so the Toy Cavoodle tends to get along well with most people and dogs.

Exercise Needs

While they aren’t intended to be a working breed, Toy Cavoodles can have relatively high energy levels for such a small dog. Both the Toy Poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have moderate exercise needs, so that’s what the Toy Cavoodle will tend to have as well. 

 

Toy Cavoodles won’t be exceptionally fast or have tremendous stamina, but they will appreciate a medium-intensity walk or run a couple of times a day. A total of 30 to 45 minutes of exercise each day is recommended for most Toy Cavoodles, and this time can be split up into two or three shorter walks. 

Toy Cavoodle Grooming

The amount of time a Toy Cavoodle owner will need to spend on grooming their dog will depend heavily on the type of coat that their dog develops. As a hybrid, the Toy Cavoodle may have a coat that is similar to that of either parent dog. They may also have a coat that is an even mix of both coat types.

 

A Toy Cavoodle with a Poodle-like coat will need regular, almost daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. They will require regular grooming to keep their curls neat.

 

Toy Cavoodles that have a long and silky coat like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will need less frequent brushing. They may also shed more than toy Cavoodles with a Poodle-like coat, but are generally easier to maintain.

 

If the Toy Cavoodle gets an even split, they may have a long wavy coat or very loose curls. These Toy Cavoodles don’t shed very often, but need regular brushing and grooming to keep the coat neat and prevent mats. 

 

Bathing can be done every month, as most Toy Cavoodles do not smell very much. Tooth brushing should be done daily, if possible. Nail trimming can be once or twice a month, or less frequently if the dog’s nails are worn down naturally. 

Toy Cavoodle Training

Training a Toy Cavoodle is usually a very productive and fun experience for both the dog and the owner. They tend to be naturally intelligent and will often pick up on commands very quickly. 

 

The main key to successfully training a Toy Cavoodle is patience and consistency. Couple this with positive reinforcement and your Toy Cavoodle will be able to learn almost any trick, command, or task that you can think of – just don’t ask them to do things that are suited to larger dogs. 

 

Toy Cavoodles can excel at agility, obedience, and other dog sports. While they’re small, they’re still athletic and nimble. 

Toy Cavoodle Lifespan And Health Issues

Toy Cavoodles are generally healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. Toy Cavoodles may be prone to:

  • Hip dysplasia – a condition where the dog’s hip socket doesn’t fully cover the ball portion of the upper thigh bone
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy – a condition where the retina slowly deteriorates over time, which may eventually lead to loss of vision
  • Luxating patella – a condition where the kneecap shifts out of alignment, causing pain and lameness of the legs
  • Skin allergies – an allergic reaction to fleas, certain types of food, or other external environmental factors
Toy Cavoodle Size And Space Requirements

Toy Cavoodles are a small breed and will fit well into almost any home. Most Toy Cavoodles will weigh between 10 to 15 pounds, and stand between 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder. 

 

Just like other dogs, Toy Cavoodles enjoy being able to run around and play outdoors. However, they may be able to get most of their exercise in shared outdoor spaces. They are adaptable enough to live in both urban and rural areas. Due to their Poodle parentage, most Toy Cavoodles love water and will swim if they are allowed. 

 

Toy Cavoodles are not suited to living outdoors and will want to stay in the house with their owners. Their coats are not suited to protecting them from the elements. 

Other considerations:

  • Toy Cavoodles are often advertised as hypoallergenic, and most of them are, but Toy Cavoodles with longer hair similar to a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may not be.
  • Toy Cavoodles can get along with children and the elderly, and are gentle even with other dogs.
  • Toy Cavoodles do not do well when left alone for long periods of time, and need to be involved in family activities.

How can I take good care of my Toy Cavoodle or Puppy?

Proper socialization

Toy Cavoodles don’t tend to have serious behavioral problems, but proper socialization at an early age is still crucial. This early socialization is a key component of a Toy Cavoodle puppy’s upbringing, and will help determine how well-adjusted they are in various situations. Their behavior is greatly influenced by their experiences during the 8 to 12 week period of life, and it’s at this point that they should be exposed to a variety of stimuli.

Proper nutrition

Toy Cavoodle puppies should get high-quality, premium dog food to encourage proper growth and development. You may ask your veterinarian for more specific recommendations for your Toy Cavoodle puppy. One key is to give small, frequent meals so that your puppy does not overeat – their stomachs are small and cannot digest their entire food allotment for the day in one go. 

Up-to-date vaccinations

Your veterinarian will be better able to advise you on when you should bring in your puppy, but most Toy Cavoodle puppies will have regular vaccinations and deworming within the first few weeks. Follow the schedule the veterinarian gives you to the best of your ability so that your puppy is protected. 

Most Asked Toy Cavoodle Questions

  • +How Much do Toy Cavoodle Puppies Cost

    Toy Cavoodle puppies for sale from reputable breeders may go for $1200 to $2000. Because they’re a hybrid, there are genetic tests and health checks that must be done to screen for issues that are common to both parent breeds. These tests must be done before breeding, and before the puppies are sold to new owners. Ethical breeders will ensure that the Toy Cavoodle puppies are healthy and free of genetic issues before selling the puppies.