Cavapoo

Australian breeders intentionally created the Cavapoo dog breed in the late 1990s by mixing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle. Breeders aimed to combine the Cavalier's outgoing and calm nature with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat, making the breed suitable for allergy sufferers. As demand grew, they became popular as designer dogs, but some have ended up in shelters or rescues. 

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel- Source: Unsplash
2. Poodle- Source: Wikipedia

If you decide this is the breed for you, consider adopting from local shelters or breed-specific rescues. The Cavapoo, combining traits from the German-origin Poodle and the English-origin Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, has gained popularity in the United States since its introduction in the 1990s.

Cavapoos have boomed in popularity due to their amicable and winning personalities. They are a popular family dog, thanks to their outgoing, playful, and affectionate nature. However, Cavapoos do not tolerate being alone well and could experience separation anxiety if not properly socialized and trained. They are intelligent and live for validation and praise, making them easy to train as they are eager to please. 

• Temperament

Cavapoos can also be athletic, excelling in agility and obedience competitions. Due to their attachment, it's important to train them early to be comfortable alone. Without proper training, they may turn to destructive behaviors like chewing furniture and shoes or rooting through the garbage when left alone.

Cavapoos get along with everyone and may even greet an intruder with a wag of their tail, so they are not suitable as guard dogs. They thrive in homes where they receive lots of attention, whether with a family or a senior citizen.

• Potential challenges

While Cavapoos are beloved for their friendly and affectionate nature, it's important to acknowledge that they may be prone to certain challenges. Like many small breeds, Cavapoos can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. This can lead to behaviors like excessive barking or destructive chewing. 

The appearance of a Cavapoo typically varies based on the genetic traits inherited from its parents. They have compact faces with long, floppy ears, large expressive brown eyes, a short muzzle, and a cute black nose. Their bodies are small but well-proportioned, with short, strong legs, and a smooth, wavy, almost silky coat that is irresistibly soft.

• Size

The appearance of a Cavapoo varies based on its parents' genetics, especially the Poodle parent, which comes in four sizes: Standard, Medium, Miniature, and Toy Poodle. Most of them are bred from Toy or Miniature Poodles, making the Toy Cavapoo up to 12 inches tall and the Mini Cavapoo up to 14 inches.

• Coat color

Cavapoo coat colors vary and may include shades like apricot, red, white, black, tan, brown, and combinations of these colors. Some Cavapoos also have a tri-color coat, featuring three different colors.

1. White and Brown Cavapoo- Source: Pixabay
2. Brown Cavapoo- Source: Pixabay
3. White Cavapoo - Source: Unsplash
4. Black Cavapoo- Source: Pixabay
5. Tan Cavapoo- Source: Pixabay

When it comes to Cavapoos, there are noticeable physical and temperamental differences between males and females.

• Size

For males, Cavapoos typically stand between 11 to 14 inches in height and weigh approximately 10 to 20 pounds. Females, usually measure around 9 to 11 inches tall and weigh between 8 to 17 pounds.

• Temperament

When it comes to temperament, female Cavapoos often appreciate attention but prefer it on their terms. Conversely, male Cavapoos tend to be more attentive, affectionate, and demanding of attention. They make excellent companions, typically being more reliable, accepting of other pets, and less moody compared to females.

Cavapoos need about 1 cup of dry food per day. An ideal diet should be tailored for a small dog with high energy levels. Cavapoos can easily gain weight if overfed, so it's important to maintain a regular feeding schedule and avoid leaving food out all day. Treats should be limited as well.

Their dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and continue to evolve into their senior years. Consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations, as individual dogs vary greatly in weight, energy, and health.

Cavapoos are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to some health problems that are common in both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles. Here are some of the most common Cavapoo health issues:

• Mitral valve disease: Mitral valve disease (MVD) is a heart condition that affects the mitral valve, which is responsible for regulating blood flow between the heart’s two lower chambers. MVD can cause a variety of symptoms, including coughing, difficulty breathing, and fainting.
• Progressive retinal atrophy: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of eye diseases that can lead to blindness. PRA is a genetic condition that is not curable, but some treatments can slow the progression of the disease.
• Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joints do not fit together properly. This can cause pain and lameness. Hip dysplasia is often treated with surgery or medication.
• Luxating patella: Luxating patella is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of place. This can cause pain and lameness. Luxating patella is often treated with surgery or physical therapy.
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Epilepsy can be controlled with medication, but it is not curable.
• Syringomyelia: Syringomyelia (SM) is a severe, chronic condition that affects the spinal cord. When fluid-filled cavities form within the central canal of the spinal cord, they can expand and cause damage to the spinal cord’s tissue. This process can lead to a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis. The condition is most commonly seen in certain toy breeds but can affect any dog.

Regular veterinary care and preventive measures are crucial to maintaining your Cavapoo's health. Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and a balanced diet can help prevent many of these issues. Early detection and treatment are vital to managing any health problems that arise, ensuring your Cavapoo enjoys a long, healthy life.

Regular veterinary checkups are essential for Cavapoos to detect health concerns early and develop a suitable care routine. They are prone to weight gain and heart issues, so daily exercise is crucial. Ensure they get a half-hour to an hour-long walk, plus active play sessions. Check their ears for debris and pests daily, and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim their nails once or twice a month, to keep their teeth clean, and brush them daily to prevent dental issues.

Cavapoos have coats that mix characteristics from their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parents. They usually have short, soft, and wavy or curly coats that require regular grooming. Due to their Poodle heritage, they shed less, making them suitable for some allergy sufferers. Weekly brushing helps keep their coat healthy. Their curly coats help them tolerate moderate temperatures, but they should not be left outside in extreme weather.

Finding a breed-specific rescue for Cavapoos can be challenging because they are a mixed breed. However, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Poodle rescues often take in mixes. Here are some rescues you can try:

Cavalier Rescue USA

Carolina Poodle Rescue

Choosing a reputable Cavapoo breeder is crucial when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders focus on breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that become excellent companions. They screen their breeding dogs for health issues, socialize puppies early, and offer lifetime support to new owners. If you are looking to buy Cavapoo puppies look for these options.

AKC Marketplace

AKC Marketplace

• Due to their gentle and friendly nature, Cavapoos often make excellent therapy dogs.
• The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel brings a history of royal companionship. The Poodle adds a background of hunting and retrieving. This combination gives Cavapoos a rich and diverse ancestry.

Cavapoos are best suited for families with children and individuals with dog allergies due to their friendly and hypoallergenic nature. They thrive in apartment living, making them ideal companions for active seniors and first-time dog owners alike.