Whether your dog is a purebred Cavapoo, or a Cavapoo mix, learning about their breed can explain a lot about your pet’s personality, habits and overall health. Or maybe you're looking to adopt a Cavapoo and want to do a bit of research first — we can help with that.
The Cavapoo is a popular — and somewhat new — dog breed that is a cross between the poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Here’s what else makes them so special.
“Cavapoos can vary in their appearance, but they’re always very cute,” Dr. Emily Singler, VMD, a veterinary consultant for Fetch, shares. “They typically weigh between 12 and 25 pounds, can have curly or straight hair and can be one of several different colors, with or without white.”
These pups are known for being short and sturdy with long floppy ears and a teddy-bear like appearance. Looks wise, they can either favor their poodle parent or their Cavalier side. If they have strong poodle genes, their hair may be curlier than others with stronger Cavalier King Charles Spaniel traits. “Some may have the short muzzle of the Cavalier,” Dr. Singler adds.
“Cavapoos make great family pets, but socialization is important and can influence any dog's behavior,” Dr. Singler says. “They’re friendly, adaptable and easily trainable. They’re also sweet and gentle.”
These pups have a good amount of energy but aren’t overly active, so they typically only need moderate exercise each day.
“It doesn't need to be very vigorous exercise, but they need both the physical and mental stimulation of some movement and/or play,” Dr. Singler shares.
Because of their friendly demeanor, Cavapoos usually get along with other dogs. So if you have a multi-pup household, try to encourage exercise by getting your dogs to play with each other.
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“Since they are a mix of two breeds, Cavapoos can be susceptible to problems from either breed, and it’s impossible to predict in each individual dog if they will have more genetic traits from a Cavalier or from a poodle,” Dr. Singler explains. “It's also possible that because they're a mixed breed they'll have a lowered risk of problems from both breeds.”
According to Dr. Singler, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are at risk for heart disease, brachycephalic (flat face) syndrome, skin allergies and ear infections. Poodles, on the other hand, are at increased risk for periodontal disease, cataracts, heart disease and excessive tearing from the eyes and tear staining on their face.
If you have a Cavapoo or want to eventually be a parent to one of these pups, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of any health conditions either the poodle or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeds are susceptible to. That way, you can get your Cavapoo medical treatment if needed or get ahead of any potential health conditions.
Are you interested in adopting a Cavapoo, Cavapoo mix or any pet at all? Check out our shelter partners to find your new best friend.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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