Cavapoo
The fuzzy Valentine.
- Weight
- 10–25 lbs
- Height
- 9–14 in
- Lifespan
- 12–15 yrs
In short
The Cavapoo is a companion cross of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, first bred in Australia in the 1990s, weighing 10–25 lbs and living 12–15 years. Heart health is the key question, so choose a breeder whose Cavalier parents have current cardiologist exams.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a gentle, cuddly family companion
- are home most of the day
- live in an apartment or small home
Think twice if you…
- work long hours away from home
- can't commit to grooming every 6–8 weeks
- can't verify the parents' heart screening
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Training
- 2–3 × 5–10 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 35–70 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityWilling learner7.5/10
EnergyModerate5.5/10
Calm at homeCalm indoors10.0/10
SheddingLight shedder3.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Variable coat
Coats range from wavy to tight curls; most shed little but need brushing and regular trims.
-
02
Long, floppy ears
Ears trap moisture, so check and dry them weekly to prevent infections.
-
03
Soft, people-focused nature
Bred purely for companionship, so they want to be with you and dislike long hours alone.
Size & coat
| Specification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 12–25 lbs | 10–20 lbs |
| Height | 10–14 in | 9–13 in |
| Lifespan | 12–15 yrs | |
| Coat | Wavy to curly, soft single or light double coat | |
Personality
Cavapoos are gentle, affectionate and adaptable, happy to walk, play or nap on your lap. They are sensitive and follow their people around the house.
With kids
Usually excellent with children. Smaller ones can be hurt by rough handling, so supervise toddlers.
With other pets
Generally friendly with dogs and cats, with mild prey drive.
With strangers
Most are outgoing and friendly with visitors; they are poor guard dogs.
Alone time
Prone to separation anxiety. Teach short absences early and avoid long days alone.
Training
Cavapoos are eager to please and quick to learn, thanks to Poodle smarts and Cavalier softness. Gentle, reward-based sessions work best; harsh handling backfires.
-
How often
2–3 sessions a day of 5–10 minutes each, ending while the dog still wants more.
-
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Between 8–16 weeks, focus on grooming handling (face, feet, ears, clippers) and short, calm separations to head off separation anxiety.
-
Self-control
Settling alone and not jumping on guests matter most. Practice crate or pen rest with a chew, and reward four paws on the floor at greetings.
-
What it works for
Very food- and praise-motivated. Use small, high-value pieces within 10% of daily calories, since they gain weight easily, and use cuddles and toys as rewards too.
Exercise
Moderate, varied activity suits them: daily walks, play and brain games rather than long runs.
Exercise a day
60–90 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Two or three daily walks
- Fetch and chase games
- Beginner agility
Brain work
- Trick training
- Snuffle mats and food puzzles
- Hide-and-seek games
Best home
Great apartment dog with daily walks and someone home much of the day.
Watch for Smaller Cavapoos can have loose kneecaps, so limit jumping off high furniture and stairs in puppyhood.
Feeding
Adult maintenance for a typical Cavapoo (10–25 lbs) lands around 350–700 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.
Puppy (to 12 mo)
- Daily calories
- 425–875 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 16–20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 45–90 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 2–4 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 350–700 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 14–18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 35–70 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 2–4 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 475–950 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 18–22%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 50–95 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 2–5 pieces a day
Senior
- Daily calories
- 300–600 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 12–16%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 30–60 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 2–3 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (to 12 mo) | 425–875 kcal | 26–30% | 16–20% | 45–90 kcal | 2–4 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 350–700 kcal | 24–28% | 14–18% | 35–70 kcal | 2–4 pieces |
| Active / Working | 475–950 kcal | 26–30% | 18–22% | 50–95 kcal | 2–5 pieces |
| Senior | 300–600 kcal | 24–28% | 12–16% | 30–60 kcal | 2–3 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
The Cavalier side brings mitral valve disease and syringomyelia; the Poodle side brings PRA and knee problems. A breeder who screens both parents is the single best protection.
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Mitral valve disease | Heart exam by a veterinary cardiologist (Cavalier parent) | Yearly in breeding dogs |
| Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) | prcd-PRA DNA test, plus eye exam (CAER) | DNA once; eye exam yearly in breeding dogs |
| Patellar luxation | OFA patella exam | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder) |
| Hip dysplasia | OFA hip evaluation | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder) |
Health tests to ask for
The Cavapoo has no CHIC program of its own, so ask for the tests the OFA requires for each parent breed.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent
- Hip evaluation
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Kneecap (patella) check
- Heart exam
Poodle (Toy) parent
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Kneecap (patella) check
Poodle (Miniature) parent
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Kneecap (patella) check
- Hip evaluation
Grooming Low to moderate, varies by coat type
Brush and comb 3–4 times a week, daily for curly coats. Professional groom every 6–8 weeks, check and dry ears weekly, trim nails every 2–3 weeks and brush teeth daily.
History
1920s–1940s
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breeders recreated the toy spaniels of old royal portraits, and the Cavalier was recognized in England in 1945.
1700s–1800s
Poodle
Standard Poodles were water retrievers, and smaller Toy and Miniature varieties were bred as companions.
1990s
Cavapoo (Cavoodle)
Australian breeders crossed the two in the 1990s, and the mix spread worldwide as a family companion. Major kennel clubs don't recognize it.
Questions owners ask
Are Cavapoos easy to train?
Yes. They are eager to please and quick to learn. Gentle, reward-based training works best, and housetraining just needs a consistent schedule.
Are Cavapoos good with kids and other pets?
Yes. They are gentle and sociable with children, dogs and cats. Supervise young kids with smaller Cavapoos.
How much exercise does a Cavapoo need?
About 60–90 minutes a day of walks, play and brain games. They don't need intense exercise, just regular activity and company.
Do Cavapoos shed?
Usually only a little, but it depends on the coat. Plan on brushing several times a week and a professional groom every 6–8 weeks. No dog is truly allergen-free, so allergy sufferers should meet the parents first.
What health problems do Cavapoos have, and how long do they live?
They typically live 12–15 years. Watch for mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, patellar luxation, PRA and ear infections, and ask for heart, eye and knee results on both parents.
Is a Cavapoo good for apartments or first-time owners?
Yes, they are one of the easiest choices, as long as someone is home much of the day and you keep up with grooming.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Cavapoo needs only 2–4 pieces a day, well inside the 35–70 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Cavapoo ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Cavapoo
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
