Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature or Toy Poodle — a pairing that consistently produces a small, social, and adaptable companion. Known for their gentle temperament and low-shedding coat, Cavapoos have become one of the most popular designer dog breeds in the United States. They adapt easily to apartment living, get along with children and other pets, and are an excellent choice for first-time pet parents. Their deep attachment to family also means separation anxiety is a real concern if they’re routinely left alone for long stretches.
Breed Profile
Height
9 to 14
Inches
Weight
8 - 20
Pounds
Life Span
10 to 15
Years
Personality
Cavapoos are consistently ranked among the friendliest, most people-oriented small breeds. They inherit the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s warmth and the Poodle’s intelligence — a combination that makes them eager to please, fast to train, and deeply affectionate. Key traits:
Affectionate — Cavapoos thrive on closeness with their families and are happiest when included in daily routines
Gentle — Patient and even-keeled with children, elderly family members, and other pets
Social — They warm quickly to new people and generally do well with other dogs and cats when socialized early
Intelligent — Their Poodle lineage makes them sharp learners who respond well to positive reinforcement
One important behavioral note: Cavapoos crave companionship and don’t do well when left alone for extended periods. A dog that regularly spends long hours without their family may develop separation anxiety — showing up as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or house-training setbacks. Pet parents with demanding schedules should factor this in before bringing one home.
Appearance & Size
Coat: Wavy to curly, low-shedding
Colors: Cream, gold, chestnut, black, white, and parti-color combinations
Cavapoos are compact, soft-coated dogs with round, expressive faces that often keep a puppy-like look well into adulthood. Coat type and body size can vary depending on whether the Poodle parent was Miniature or Toy — Toy Poodle crosses tend to run smaller. The breed is considered low-shedding, though not fully hypoallergenic; some pet parents with mild dog allergies find them easier to manage.
Training & Behavior
Cavapoos are among the easiest small breeds to train. Their intelligence and eagerness to please mean they pick up commands quickly — and their Poodle lineage makes them especially responsive to positive reinforcement. Food rewards, play, and praise all work well as motivators.
Early socialization is important. Introducing a Cavapoo puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments during the first few months builds confidence and reduces the chance of fearfulness or anxiety later on. For more on developmental windows in puppyhood, see the puppy fear stage.
Because Cavapoos are emotionally sensitive, harsh corrections or punishment-based methods tend to backfire. Patience and consistency produce the best long-term results.
Lifetime Care
Coat
Cavapoos have relatively short, curly coats, thanks to their poodle ancestors.
Colors
A blend of red, brown, and chestnut, sometimes blonde and sometimes tricolor.
Hypoallergenic
Yes, they are considered among the breeds that are allergy-friendly, or hypoallergenic.
Grooming
These pups need to be brushed weekly to avoid tangles, as well as washed.
Training
Obedience training is excellent for a cavapoo to start with, and then you can teach them other tricks.
Cavapoo: Dog Breed Information Guide
If you’ve ever seen a cavapoo, you know they’re adorable little dogs known for their fluffy fur and floppy ears. Perhaps you’re looking to adopt a small dog and are wondering if this is the dog for you. We’ve got everything you need to know about the cavapoo.
Cavapoos: An introduction to the breed
Cavapoos are a mixed breed first bred in Australia. Cavapoo puppies come from these parent breeds: Cavalier King Charles spaniel and miniature poodle. That’s why they're called cavapoos, although they are also known as Cavadoodles and Cavoodles. Breeders wanted to obtain a dog with the intelligence and hypoallergenic nature of the poodle and the laid-back, friendly nature of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Cavapoos are designer breeds since they are crossbreeds from two different purebred dogs.
What are the origins of the cavapoo?
Since cavapoo breeders wanted to obtain specific traits, multiple generations of cavapoos each will have slightly different characteristics. For example, for a more hypoallergenic pup, a cavapoo would be bred with another miniature or toy poodle parent to make this trait more likely in a litter.
What are the health risks for cavapoos?
Cavapoos generally have a lifespan of between 10 to 15 years. They are also considered one of the healthier mixed breeds. However, there are still things you need to look out for with the help of a vet. Other potential health problems for cavapoos:
Epilepsy, which causes seizures.
Heart disease
Patellar Luxation, a knee problem.
Degenerative Myelopathy, a disease of the spinal cord.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a genetic disease.
Hip dysplasia
Will cavapoos get along with other pets?
Maybe you don’t have human children, but you have other furry family members in your home. How would a cavapoo react? This designer dog loves people and animals alike. They even get along with some cats, although it’s not guaranteed.
Are cavapoos good family dogs?
Will the cavapoo do well in a family? Can they tolerate young children pestering them? The short answer is yes. Cavapoos are very loving and make great family pets. They are wonderful with kids. That said, you should watch as your pup and your children play. A cavapoo’s small size makes them more vulnerable to injuries. Any child should be taught to be gentle with a pet, and, although they love animals, they sometimes have difficulties understanding what might hurt your pet when they’re very little. Cavapoos will be forgiving of any children that might be a part of their family, but you’ll want to prevent anyone from getting hurt.
How to care for cavapoos
Here’s everything you need to know about caring for this poodle mix. Cavapoos need quite a bit of attention, both because they love being around people and because they require a lot of care, primarily due to their beautiful coats.
What is the cavapoo’s coat like?
Cavapoos have relatively short, curly coats, thanks to their poodle ancestors. The cavapoo’s coat is typically a blend of red, brown, and chestnut. However, some cavapoos have blonde coats as well. You can also find some tricolor cavapoos.
Are cavapoos hypoallergenic?
Yes! Keep in mind though that there are no totally hypoallergenic dogs. Pets that shed less dander, which is dead skin cells similar to dandruff that falls out as the coat replenishes, can cause fewer allergic reactions for people with allergy sensitivities. Dog saliva, urine, and sweat attached to fur can also affect allergy sufferers. Not only do cavapoos produce very little dander, but they also drool very little compared to dog breeds that drool a lot such as a Saint Bernard or an English bulldog. You or your friends with allergies can be safe as long as you keep your pup’s coat clean. Some cavapoos might be more or less hypoallergenic than others, depending on whether they take more after the poodle side or the Cavalier King Charles spaniel side.
Grooming a cavapoo
Although cavapoos don’t shed very much, they still need to be brushed weekly to avoid tangles, as well as washed. They need some help removing the dead hair and keeping their coats clean. For example, they are prone to tear stains around the eyes. It's recommended that Cavapoos go to a professional groomer about every month or so.
Basic training and behavior etiquette for your cavapoo
Cavapoos also need to be trained. They have a high level of intelligence, so it’s best to get them started as soon as possible. Follow these tips to make the most of your training sessions.
Obedience training is excellent for a cavapoo to start with, and then you can teach them other tricks.
They listen better to firm and repeated commands with rewards and positive reinforcement.
They need regular mental stimulation to be happy.
If you’re training a fully grown adult cavapoo, you will need to be more patient and help guide them gently towards the behavior you want them to learn. Remember to always reward your cavapoo with lots of encouragement and scratches for being a good boy or good girl.
What foods should a cavapoo never eat?
It’s always best to avoid giving your cavapoo any of the following foods:
Exercising tips to keep your cavapoo fit and healthy
Cavapoos need daily exercise, just like any other pup. Cavapoos have a moderate activity level, so they definitely need to be gently walked on a leash. The best way to exercise with your cavapoo is to go for a moderate walk. If it’s too long, they might get tired before you make it home. They also love playtime.
Cavapoo life stages
Cavapoos typically live for between 10 and 15 years. The best way to extend your cavapoo’s lifespan is to care for, and nurture, them each day. That means regular exercise, paying attention to health issues, a nutritious diet, and regular vet visits.
Puppy: 0-12 months | Adult: 1-7 years | Senior: 7-12 years