Cavapoo

Updated August 11, 2025

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Cavapoos are a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. They are known for their gentle nature, intelligence, and adorable appearance, making them wonderful companion pets.

Temperament

Affectionate, Playful, Sociable, Intelligent, Gentle

Weight

10-25 pounds

Height

9-14 inches

Life Expectancy

12-15 years

Coat Color

Cream, Apricot, Red, Black, White, Tri-color, Blonde

At a Glance

Maintenance Level

3/5

Friendliness

5/5

Energy Level

3/5

Good with Kids

5/5

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Characteristics Appearance Temperament Care Health History FAQs

About Cavapoo

Cavapoos are a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. They are known for their gentle nature, intelligence, and adorable appearance, making them wonderful companion pets.

12-15 years
Lifespan
10-25 pounds
Weight
9-14 inches
Height
3
Energy Level

What Makes Cavapoos Special

Cavapoos are lovable, loyal, and full of charm. Their affectionate personality and moderate energy make them ideal pets for a wide range of households.

They love to play and cuddle equally, often forming strong bonds with all family members and even other pets.

Cavapoo History & Origin

Cavapoos were first bred in Australia in the late 1990s as part of the designer dog trend. They were developed to combine the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat with the Cavalier’s affectionate temperament.

The Cavapoo is a crossbreed (also known as a designer breed) between a Miniature or Toy Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

They quickly gained popularity in Australia and the United States due to their friendly nature and hypoallergenic qualities.

Cavapoos are not recognized by the AKC but are acknowledged by several hybrid and designer breed registries.

Their popularity has led to the development of breed-specific care and grooming standards.

Despite being a hybrid, many Cavapoos have consistent temperaments and features due to responsible breeding.

Cavapoo Characteristics

Individual Variation

Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

Couch Potato Star Athlete

Grooming Needs

Minimal Grooming Extensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal Training Requires a Lot of Training

Health Issues

Few Known Health Issues Many Known Health Issues

Shedding Level

Sheds a Little Sheds a Lot

Cavapoo Appearance

Cavapoos are small, teddy bear-like dogs with a soft, wavy or curly coat that comes in a variety of colors.

Their sweet expression and fluffy ears add to their irresistible charm.

Physical Features

Ears

Soft, floppy, and often curly

Eyes

Round, dark, and expressive

Nose

Black and small, with a cute button-like appearance

Coat & Build

Coat Length

Soft, medium-length curls or waves

Coat Color

Varies widely, including cream, apricot, red, tri-color, and black

Tail

Feathered tail that curls slightly over the back

Cavapoo Temperament

Cavapoos are sociable and love spending time with their human companions. They're a great choice for families, singles, and seniors alike.

They inherit the intelligence of the Poodle and the gentle nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, making them quick learners and eager to please.

Cavapoos enjoy playtime and cuddles in equal measure, and are typically friendly towards strangers and other animals.

They thrive in homes where they’re not left alone for long periods, as they crave human interaction.

With proper training and early socialization, Cavapoos grow into well-mannered, adaptable companions.

Temperament Traits

AffectionatePlayfulSociableIntelligentGentle

Good With

ChildrenCatsOther DogsSeniorsFirst-Time Owners

Health

Cavapoos are generally healthy but may inherit health issues from parent breeds. Regular vet visits and a healthy lifestyle help maintain longevity.

Common Health Issues

Mitral Valve Disease – Common in Cavaliers, affecting the heart
Hip Dysplasia – Occasional concern depending on breeding
Patellar Luxation – Affects the kneecaps, common in small breeds
Ear Infections – Due to floppy ears, needs regular cleaning
Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Genetic eye condition, can lead to blindness

Preventive Care

Routine vet checkups, grooming, clean diet, genetic screening if possible

How to Care for a Cavapoo

Cavapoos are relatively low-maintenance dogs, but they require consistent grooming and daily mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Living Conditions

Space Requirements

Minimal; suitable for apartments and small homes

Climate Adaptability

Moderate climate preferred; protect from temperature extremes

Apartment Living

Excellent apartment companions

Best Suited For

Best suited for families, seniors, and individuals looking for a companion dog

Training Tips

Start socialization early
Use rewards like treats and praise
Keep sessions short and consistent
Make training fun with games
Introduce new experiences gradually

Frequently Asked Questions

Specialized Care Guides

Puppy Care

Socialization, basic training, vet visits, and age-appropriate food

Senior Care

Joint health monitoring, dental care, gentler exercise

First-Time Owner Tips

Perfect for first-time owners due to their temperament and adaptability