Cavapoo

Cavapoos have the potential to make fantastic family pets. But they can be sensitive, so homes with very young children might be a bit much for them. They love attention and will make a great playmate for slightly older children, but they’ll also appreciate the peace and quiet when they’re at school!

Cavapoos look like cuddly little teddy bears, especially when they’re puppies. Whilst this makes them absolutely adorable, it also means they’re a magnet to children who want to cuddle and pick them up a lot. This can be unsettling for the dog and cause a negative association – putting them off children. 

Cavapoos are a companion breed and love to be with their humans. They’re very much lapdogs, so if you don’t want a furry hot water bottle on your lap (and possibly your bed) on a regular basis, maybe a Cavapoo is not for you! 

This breed is known for being devoted to its owners, but this can lead to difficulties with coping at home alone. A Cavapoo would best suit someone who works from home or is retired. 

Cavapoos are very playful. They enjoy chasing and fetching their toys, as well as sniffing games and searching for things with their nose. So, hiding treats or toys around the house or garden is a great way to entertain them. And it’s a fun game for the children to get involved in too! But it’s important to remember these sensitive souls are less fond of ‘rough and tumble’ types of play. 

Cavapoos aren’t a quiet breed, but they aren’t overly vocal either. 

They’ll definitely let you know when someone knocks on your door, or if they suspect a stranger is near. As a breed which needs a lot of love and attention, they’ll also bark if they feel neglected. 

For dogs which struggle with being home alone, this can be another reason to bark. This is not only stressful for the dog, but also the neighbours! To avoid unwanted barking, Cavapoos need a home where they won’t be left alone for extended periods of time. Plenty of interactive companionship is a must too. 

Cavapoos can be wonderful companions. But, like all breeds, their needs must be met for them to live their best life. 

They’re an active and intelligent breed, which means they need to get the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation. If not, this can lead to tricky behavioural problems such as stealing items like socks and shoes, as well as chewing, and digging. 

Home alone training must be taken slow, steady, and for short periods of time. Barking when left alone due to stress is not uncommon. 

Whilst Cavapoos can be great with other dogs, their socialisation needs to be carefully managed (teaching them to interact in an appropriate way with people and other dogs). As a smaller breed, they can find bigger bouncy dogs a bit scary at first. If you put the work into their training, you’ll see their confidence grow. You’ll also be rewarded with a wonderful four-legged friend! 

Cavapoos don’t need a huge amount of space, as long as they have access to a garden and green spaces for exercise. But remember their size can vary slightly due to the Poodle in them. 

As a breed which thrives on human companionship, they struggle in homes where they need to spend full days alone. They’ll also want to share your sofa, and even your bed if you allow it! 

If they’re introduced to other pets as a puppy, Cavapoos can live happily with dogs and cats. 

Cavapoos need two walks a day of around 30 minutes. They like to run around on green spaces and play with their toys. As adults they can cope with longer walks and will love exploring country parks and woodlands.  

It's not just their bodies that need exercising. Cavapoos are very intelligent, so they need their brains stimulated too. Puzzle feeders, activity toys and scent games will help fulfil their needs. 

As you’ve probably figured out, Cavapoos need quite a bit of time and attention dedicated to them. So make sure you consider this before deciding whether they’re the breed for you. 

Yes! Cavapoos are eager to please and motivated by both food and toys. 

Socialisation and habituation around people, other animals, noises, and vehicles is essential for all breeds – and Cavapoos are no exception. Puppy training classes are ideal. They’ll help your new friend pay attention to you rather than what’s going on around them.  

Recall training is another priority for Cavapoos. This will help them enjoy the freedom of exercise off the lead. Home alone training should also be high on the list, as this breed is known to struggle when left on their own. 

A well-trained Cavapoo is a joy to live with, but don’t underestimate the challenges of adolescence. Stick at it and you’ll reap the rewards of their companionship!  

Wondering whether a Cavaopoo will shed? This depends on how much of each parent makes up their breed. If they’re more Cavalier than Poodle, they’ll shed more, and if they’re more Poodle, they’ll shed less. It’s also worth mentioning this is not a hypoallergenic breed, despite the popular myth! In fact, there’s no such thing. 

Whether a Cavapoo is more Cavalier or Poodle, they’ll need daily grooming to prevent matts forming. Whilst the curly Poodle coat doesn’t shed much, it does keep growing and will need regular trimming to keep it manageable (and beautiful). If you aren’t comfortable using a pair of clippers or scissors, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a professional groomer every six to twelve weeks. 

Leaving the coat to get matted (which can happen quickly) should be avoided. It’s not only uncomfortable for the dog, but it also hides any possible lumps, cuts, or parasites. On top of that, your dog could very quickly overheat in hot weather. 

When considering health conditions that can affect Cavapoos, we have to look at the genetic risks of the two main parent breeds.  

These include mitral valve disease (heart condition), hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps), progressive retinal atrophy (eye condition), Addison’s disease (adrenal gland condition), and syringomyelia (brain condition). 

A Cavapoo can also suffer from ear infections, so it’s important to keep their ears clean and free of excess hair. 

Like all smaller breeds, they’re also prone to dental issues.  

You can help keep your dog in tip-top shape with regular health checks, a good diet and exercise.