Cavapoo Dog Breed Guide
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A Cavapoo is known by various names and is outgoing, playful, and curious, inheriting traits from their parent breeds.
Despite their undocumented origin and development timeline, they have become a rising star in the designer dog world, particularly within the “doodle dog” group.
What is a Cavapoo?
The Cavapoo, a crossbreed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, is a small to medium-sized dog with a soft, wavy coat that can be curly or straight. They are known for their affectionate temperament and teddy bear-like appearance, and they are friendly, intelligent, and easy to train.
Cavapoos are low-maintenance dogs, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners. They are good with children and other pets and they make great companion dogs.
The Cavapoo was first bred in Australia in the 1950s as a companion dog with similar traits to the cockapoo but at a smaller size. They are known for their sociable, playful, and loving temperament, making them great family pets. They thrive in a “pack” setting and are hypoallergenic, making them an excellent option for those with dog allergies.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
History
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a relatively new breed, is a descendant of the toy spaniels that were popular companions to royalty and nobility in England. These spaniels, depicted in paintings by artists like Van Dyck and Gainsborough, had flat heads, high-set ears, and longish noses. King Charles II, who reigned from 1660 to 1685, never went without at least two or three of these little dogs.
After his death, the popularity of the Spaniels waned, and pugs and other short-faced breeds became popular. The breed’s type and size varied until the mid-19th century, when English breeders began refining different dog breeds.
Appearance
Cavaliers are small, sturdy dogs with large expressive eyes, long silky ears, and a luxurious coat in various colors.
They stand 12–13 inches tall and weigh 13–18 pounds. No toy Cavalier exists. They are known for their striking appearance.
Personality
The Cavalier, a dog breed, is a popular choice for people who want to meet new people and offer treats or laps. They can range from quiet and sedate to rowdy and rambunctious, making them poor watchdogs. However, some Cavaliers can alert people to neighborhood events and bark ferociously when strangers approach.
In general, it’s better to buy an alarm system than rely on a Cavalier to alert you to trouble. Cavaliers can bark when someone comes to the door, but they’re generally not a reliable watchdog.
The Poodle
History
The Poodle is an ancient breed of water dog, believed to have originated in Germany but developed into its own distinct breed in France. Historians believe it originated from crosses between European water dogs, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hungarian, and Russian.
Poodles may have ancestors from the North African Barbet, Asian herding dogs, or North African Berbers.
They are depicted in Egyptian and Roman artifacts dating from the first centuries B.C. The Miniature and Toy Poodles emerged in the 1400s, with the latter being used for duck hunting and truffle hunting. The Toy Poodle was used as a companion for the nobility and wealthy merchant class, leading to their nickname “sleeve dogs.”
Appearance
The poodle is a non-shedding breed suitable for those with allergies. Its coat comes in various colors and can be manipulated into various shapes. The American Kennel Club allows four specific clip styles for poodles in conformation competitions.
Grooming a poodle is high-maintenance, requiring regular grooming every three to six weeks. There are three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.
The toy poodle is up to 10 inches tall and weighs six to nine pounds. The miniature poodle is 11 to 15 inches tall and weighs 15 to 17 pounds. The Standard Poodle is 15 inches taller and weighs 45 to 70 pounds.
Personality
Poodle enthusiasts describe the breed as intelligent, loving, loyal, and mischievous. They have an air of distinction, a goofy streak, and a loving disposition. Poodles are highly trainable and calm, especially with regular exercise.
Some breeders believe smaller toy and miniature poodles are more high-strung than standard poodles. They are protective of their home and family, and it may take time to warm up to new people. Poodles have human-like intelligence but can be difficult to live with due to their fast learning speed.
The Cavapoo
History
Designer breeders in Australia intentionally mixed Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles in the late 1990s to create a mixed breed for allergy sufferers. As demand for mixed-breed pups grew, Cavapoos were created. Some have ended up in shelters or rescue groups, and adopters should check local shelters, Cavapoo rescues, or breed-specific rescues for mixed-breed dogs.
Appearance
Cavapoos are a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parents, with coats ranging from cream to white. They weigh between nine and 25 pounds and range in height from nine to 14 inches. They have short, soft, wavy, or curly coats and require regular grooming.
Cavapoos are less prone to shedding, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. However, they need regular brushing to prevent matting, which can be uncomfortable and potentially cause infections.
Personality
Cavapoos are a popular family dog due to their amicable and winning personalities. They are intelligent and easy to train, excelling in agility and obedience competitions. However, they can experience separation anxiety if not properly socialized and trained.
Cavapoos can turn destructive when left alone, so they should not be considered a guard dog. They thrive in homes with attention, making them ideal for families or senior citizens.
Cavapoo Health Issues
Cavapoos, a breed of dog, are generally healthy but can be susceptible to common health issues. These include mitral valve disease (MVD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hip dysplasia, luxating patella, epilepsy, syringomyelia, dental problems, and allergies.
MVD affects the mitral valve, causing coughing, difficulty breathing, and fainting. PRA is a genetic condition that can lead to blindness, but treatments can slow its progression. Hip dysplasia causes pain and lameness, while luxating patellas cause pain and lameness.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can be controlled with medication but is not curable. Syringomyelia is a chronic condition affecting the spinal cord, causing mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis.
Cavapoos are also prone to tartar buildup, leading to gum disease and tooth loss.
Allergies can cause skin problems, ear infections, and respiratory problems.
Grooming Your Cavapoo
To keep your Cavapoo dog healthy, check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim their nails once or twice per month and brush their teeth daily, as smaller breeds are prone to dental issues.
Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are also essential to prevent infection. Cavapoos’ dental disease is a serious concern, as gingival tissue is the primary area where bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to painful tooth abscesses and endocarditis. Consult your veterinarian for proper dental care.
Final Thoughts
Cavapoos are popular designer dogs often surrendered at shelters. They are generally friendly and can get along with other dogs and cats when properly socialized. However, they love attention and should be given, if not the only animal in the house. Cavapoos‘ behavior depends on training, socialization, and luck of the draw, as many can get along well with other dogs and cats.
