Cavapoo Dog Breed: Shedding, Grooming, Size & Price

The Cavapoo is one of the most popular mixed breeds in the world. They are a perfect mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. An ideal blend of beauty, kindness, and intelligence, it is no surprise why people love this dog so much. Besides their wonderful personalities, they are hypoallergenic, so they do not shed.

Cavapoos are great for families and adapt to many different lifestyles. They are a perfect match for both low and high activity families. They also get along well with everyone they meet, whether that new friend is a human, dog or cat.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about this hybrid. From shedding, grooming and appearance to size, price and their origin, we have it covered. We also share what to expect if you bring one of these adorable, teddy-bear dogs home!

All About Cavapoo Dogs

The Cavapoo is a very popular mixed breed dog that is bred by crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle. These mixes are typically bred from a Miniature or Toy Poodle. Standard Poodles are rarely used because of the size difference between them and Spaniels.

Cavapoos were bred to be the ultimate family dog. Breeders wanted a lazy dog who would much rather cuddle in your lap, than spend the whole day working. They were bred to be friendly and outgoing, with the added benefit of being hypoallergenic for allergy sufferers.

Their beautiful personality is admired by everyone they meet.

This Spaniel Poodle mix is gentle with kids, adults, dogs and cats. This adaptable nature makes them perfect for just about any dog owner.

With people, they are highly affectionate and even a bit clingy. With other dogs, they are the perfect playmate and will romp around in the yard for hours chasing a tennis ball or frisbee. When it comes to cats or other pets, they know that they need to be gentle and calm.

Their appearance also makes them hugely popular. They have the adorable, sweet face of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the beautiful curls of a Poodle. Yet, their beautiful curls mean they often need trips to the groomer to keep them free of tangles and mats.

Many people say this dog looks like a teddy bear! The Cavapoo’s physical features may vary slightly depending on which parent they take after. Their size can also vary slightly, depending on which size Poodle was used during the breeding process.

The most common appearance is a bi-colored dog that is either tan and white or red and white. They are small dogs with an average weight of 9 to 25 pounds.

What Is A Cavapoo Mixed With?

The Cavapoo is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mixed with a Miniature or Toy Poodle.

Breeders wanted the friendly, affectionate nature of Spaniel to be mixed with the intelligence of Poodles. They soon realized that the hypoallergenic Poodle coat also carried over into this crossbreed.

Some claim that the first Cavapoo was bred in the 1990s in Australia, just like the Australian Labradoodle. Others claim that the Americans beat the Australians and began breeding Cavapoos in the 1950s. Despite where they are from, they are loved wherever they go.

Their exact origin may not be known, but it is a fact that this hybrid was one of the first designer breeds to be intentionally bred.

Grooming

Many people think the grooming routine of a Cavapoo is simple because they do not shed. Yet, despite their low shed coats, these dogs still need special attention to be given to their fur. Their grooming goes beyond the grooming of Lab mixes, or other low-maintenance breeds.

The Cavapoo has beautiful, tight curls that never stop growing. Their curls eventually get so long that your dog will look more like an overgrown teddy bear than a dog. Although their appearance may be adorable, these curls have a tendency to get tangled up.

Overgrown fur can lead to matting, tangles, and dirt buildup, and the consequent skin issues. It can also cause vision impairment due to their fur hanging in their eyes.

You will need to take your Cavapoo to the groomer every six weeks for a trim. Many owners choose the puppy cut or the teddy bear cut, which leaves the curls short, yet still leaves that round and adorable shape. In between grooming appointments, you will want to brush your dog every two days.

Gently run a brush through their curls every two days to keep them knot free. Most owners use a two-sided brush that has a side with metal bristles (for breaking up knots) and a soft side that is good for styling and fluffing.

Excessive tangling can lead to matting which is painful and can cause skin irritation. If you notice a small mat on your pup’s fur, you can carefully cut it out with a pair of scissors.

Cavapoos also have floppy ears. Floppy ears lead to a reduction in airflow and a buildup of moisture in the ears. This moisture can lead to infections which can be irritating and even painful for your dog.

It is important to clean their ears twice times a week with a cotton ball to remove any wax buildup, moisture, or debris. If you notice your dog is scratching their ears frequently or rubbing their ears angrily on the ground, it is likely they have an infection.

The Cavapoo is also prone to tear stains. You will want to wipe the area near the corner of their eyes with a damp cloth twice daily or whenever you notice tear buildup.

Do Cavapoos Shed?

The Cavapoo is considered a hypoallergenic dog breed so they do not shed. However, this means they will insteadneed plenty of grooming to keep their coat free of tangles.

One of the most famous traits of a Cavapoo is their curls. Curly fur does not fall out as frequently and helps to trap dander.

These tight curls make them hypoallergenic and incredibly popular.

When someone has an allergy to “pet fur”, they are actually allergic to the dander that builds up in an animal’s fur. Dander is tiny flakes of skin that come off a dog’s fur coat. Many people have an allergy to these skin particles and can experience irritating symptoms including a runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing.

Hypoallergenic dogs, such as the Cavapoo, do not have very much dander as their tight curls trap any dander from falling. They are therefore are much less likely to irritate their owner’s allergies.

When their curls are all grown out they look more like a stuffed bear, than an actual dog. This cuddly appearance has boosted their popularity immensely and made them a favorite mixed breed. It is really no wonder why people love them so much.

Their ‘teddy bear’ appearance comes from a number of factors including their very round faces, curly coat, dark eyes, and floppy ears.

Cavapoos come in a range of beautiful colors.

They can be cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, chestnut or white. Sometimes they are one solid color, but they often come in a fluffy mix of white and one other solid color. The most common colors are either tan and white or red and white.

Size

On the rare occasion that a Standard Poodle is crossed with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a Cavapoo would be much bigger than 25 pounds. However, this breeding is unpopular as it would likely require artificial insemination, due to the size difference between the two breeds.

The Cavapoo is normally a small dog breed as they are often bred from a Miniature or Toy Poodle. They are sometimes so small you will want to pick them up and carry them wherever you go.

On average they stand 9 to 14 inches tall and weigh 9 to 25 pounds.

If they are crossed with a Toy Poodle, they will be on the smaller end of this range. If they are crossed with a Miniature Poodle, they will be on the bigger end of this range. This mix is larger than a typical Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but is much smaller than a Standard Poodle.

This mixed breed is known for developing obesity. Some Cavapoos can be much heavier than 25 pounds if they are allowed to become overweight.

Obesity will make them much heavier while still maintaining the same height. This imbalance leads to joint and muscle issues. It also increases the risk for heart disease. Because of this, you should monitor their weight and make sure they do not become an unhealthy size.

Although the Cavapoo may be small, they are still sturdy dogs.

They are strongly built and are athletic enough to compete in some dog sports and agility training. Their build makes them perfect for rally. However, they may not be built for high-intensity sports like dock jumping, and some may be a bit too lazy to engage in any sports at all.

How Much Do Cavapoo Puppies Cost?

Cavapoos have a price tag of $1,200 to $2,000 when purchased from a reputable Cavapoo breeder. This is similar to many beloved teddy bear dogs; the Mini Goldendoodle costs between $1,600 and $2,600.

The average price for these puppies is $1,500. But based on their genetics and parents, they may cost closer to $2,000.

Miniature Poodles are an extremely popular breed in the world of dog showing, so if your puppy has a successful, show dog parent, they are likely going to cost more. A puppy bred from parents who have never been showed in competitions will cost much less.

The reason Cavapoos are is that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are already an expensive breed. These dogs have an average price of $1,500.

Their adaptable temperament, hypoallergenic coat and compatibility with young children also makes them very expensive.

Some breeders also call these mixes Cavadoodles and Cavoodles. When looking to adopt a Cavapoo puppy, make sure you also search for Cavoodle and Cavadoodle puppies too. All three mixes are the same dog.

If you are lucky enough to find one of these beautiful dogs at a shelter, they will cost much less, so make sure to check out local shelters or breed specific rescues before paying a lot of money to a breeder.

Personality

Cavapoos are intensely loyal and form very strong bonds with their owners. They show their love primarily through affection. They are sweet dogs that will curl up in your lap, snuggle in bed, or lie on the couch with you. Wherever you are, that’s where your furry friend will be.

Their sweet personality also applies to anyone else they meet. They love meeting humans and will happily greet people coming into your home with open arms.

Anyone who gives them attention will be their new best friend.

They also make canine friends wherever they go. They are highly outgoing and get along with dogs of all ages and sizes. In addition, they have an extremely low prey drive, which makes them a perfect dog for owners with cats.

Ask any Cavapoo owner and they will tell you that the temperament of this mix is absolutely perfect. The best traits from both parent breeds are blended together to make a loving, adaptable, easy-going dog that makes friends wherever they go.

These dogs are very laid back and do not bark often.

They are perfect for apartment life, farm communities, and family homes in the suburbs. This mix thrives in big families because there are just so many people to love! They get along especially well with young children and will become their new best friend.

Anyone can happily welcome a Cavapoo into their life because they are so adaptable.

The energy levels of this mix compliment any type of owner. They adapt to whatever mood you are in.

• At one moment they can be bouncy, energetic, lively and playful.
• The next moment they are lazy, cuddly, and content.

If the weather is nice, they will happily play fetch in the backyard, run through an agility course, or go on a long walk through the neighborhood. If the weather is bad, your Cavapoo will snuggle on your lap for a cozy tv day.

Training

Cavapoos are very smart and obedient dogs that are perfect for first time dog owners. Training is typically a breeze because of the intelligence of their Poodle parent. They do not require extensive training beyond basic puppy training and socialization.

They love pleasing their owners, so it is best to use positive reinforcement and praise them excessively for good behavior. They are also curious dogs and can have a bit of a short attention span. Because of this, you will need to make sure training is fun and the area you train them in has no distractions.

Their trainability and athleticism make them perfect dogs for trick training, agility and rally!

Agility and rally sports can be a great way to mentally challenge your dog while also building a strong bond with your four-legged friend. This is also a great way to burn off their small amount of energy for the day.

You do not have to do sports with them each day, but at least make sure they are getting a few short walks and some play time. If they do not receive any exercise they may end up getting bored and chewing on your favorite items.

The only difficult part of training a Cavapoo is potty training.

Like many smaller breeds, house breaking can be a bit tedious and may take more time than other breeds. Do not get discouraged. Be patient and consistent with frequent potty breaks outside every two hours. Eventually your pup will understand.

It is also important that you train your pup how to be alone.

Cavapoos are very people-oriented and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. As a puppy, make sure you teach them how to be happy alone.

Fun Cavapoo Facts

1. In other countries, such as Australia and the United Kingdom, it is much more common to hear this mix being called Cavadoodles or Cavoodles.
2. Reputable breeders will only use the Miniature Poodle to breed a Cavapoo. Toy Poodles are extremely small and can create a hybrid dog that will suffer from various illnesses. Standard Poodles are too big to naturally mate with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
3. Cavapoos are often used as therapy dogs because of their friendly and loving personality. They have an incredible sense of people’s emotions.
4. They are one of the most popular mixed breed in Australia.
5. It is common to see Cavapoo puppies priced at between $1,200 and $2,000.
6. These dogs have a tendency to become obese due to overeating. If you do not watch their weight closely, they could eventually develop heart complications.
7. They typically have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
8. Cavapoos are a mixed breed and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Because of this, they are not allowed in dog shows and competitions.
9. They make horrible watchdogs or guard dogs. They are so friendly they will easily become friends with an intruder, rather than scare them off. They can easily be won over with a scratch on their belly or a few treats to keep them busy.
10. Both parent breeds of the Cavapoo are associated with wealth and royalty. Miniature Poodles are popular show dogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were a favorite of royals.

Summary

The Cavapoo is bred from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Miniature or Toy Poodle.

Cavapoos are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and were bred to be the ultimate family dog. Their loving personality mixed with their eagerness to please makes them an easy-going dog that adapts well to any type of lifestyle and is easy to train.

Whatever you want to do, they will be right alongside you, doing it too. These dogs have plenty of energy to play but are also capable of spending an entire day cuddling on the couch.

They will be your new best friend and get along well with everyone they meet. They will throw themselves at new human friends for attention, play gently with children, and carefully approach new canine friends.

Anybody would be lucky to welcome such a sweet, outgoing, smart dog into their home.

Has the Cavapoo captured your heart? Let us know in the comments below!