Cavoodle (Cavapoo) Dog Breed Information and Temperament

Do you have a preference for crossbreeds? Are you looking for a little dog to complete your life? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, the Cavoodle (Cavapoo) is the perfect fit for you.

This little fellow promises to charm you and your loved ones. Find out all about this dog and what it takes to raise him.

Meet the Cavoodle (Cavapoo)

The Cavoodle (Cavapoo) is Australia’s most popular designer dog breed, owing to his gentle disposition and outgoing personality. This little hound is a cross between a poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

The mix allows a breeder to raise dogs of various sizes. They can produce dogs that suit almost any family’s needs. An adaptable dog, the Cavoodle (Cavapoo) suits virtually any lifestyle. 

Origins Of Cavoodle (Cavapoo)

Australians first bred the Cavoodle (Cavapoo) in the 1990s. Breeders registered them with societies for crossbred dogs. It has since gained recognition as a ‘designer dog.’.

People decided to crossbreed dogs to form the Cavoodle (Cavapoo) because they wanted to create dogs that didn’t shed.

Watch this intro video on the Cavoodle:

The Cavoodle (Cavapoo) gets its intelligence from its first parent, the Poodle. Breeders regard the Poodle as the 2nd smartest dog in the world, after the Border Collie. Unsurprisingly, it’s skilled in many activities.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the Poodle has its roots in Germany. Breeders derived the name Poodle from the German Word Pudelhund, which means ‘the dog which likes to splash around.’ The Poodle was a water retriever which hunters used to retrieve ducks. Because of its intelligence, the Poodle took on many jobs. It was a circus dog and the dog of the Royal Court.

Breeders bred this dog in the standard, miniature and toy sizes. The oldest of the three is the standard. Breeders bred the small dogs later. The Federation Cynologique Internationale documents all sizes. This dog has many coat colors.

The toy variety developed in the 18th century. Owners used them to hunt truffle. Many were companion dogs for Victorian and Georgian women.

The high intelligence of this breed sometimes posed a problem. At it would sometimes act independently, hunters had to specify what they wanted when they fetched game.

The Poodle’s most outstanding feature is its charming demeanor. German artist Albrecht Durer created the breed’s most notable image. Spanish owners regarded it as their first pet dog, as evidenced by the paintings of Francis Goya.

Besides the Cavoodle (Cavapoo), the Poodles has contributed to dog breeds like the Schnauzer and Bichon. Dog experts believe that the standard Poodle came about because breeders crossed it with bigger breeds.

The Cavoodle (Cavapoo)’s other parent, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is equally alluring. This charmer originated from the United Kingdom and became well-received the world over. Kennel Clubs recognize four standards which are:

1. Blenheim (Chestnut and White)

2. Tricolor (Black/Tan/White

3. Black and Tan

4.and Ruby.

The breed rose to prominence in the 18th Century. John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, used red and white spaniels to hunt. He named his estate Blenheim to commemorate his victory at the Blenheim Battle. These dogs, therefore, got the name ‘Blenheim.’

Breeders tried to recreate the original King Charles Spaniel at the beginning of the 20th century. They used Toy Trawler Spaniels, which are now extinct. The 16th Baronness of Wentworth, Judith Blunt-Lytton, documented these attempts.

A Cavalier fan named Roswell Eldridge offered a 25-pound cash prize for traditional Blenheim Spaniels. He wanted them to have long faces and flat skulls which had spots in their centers. Breeders disagreed with this standard, though some of them entered these dogs in competitions. Eldridge died before seeing his dream to fruition. Several breeders believed in his vision and formed the first Cavalier Club in 1928. They set the first standard for the breed based on ‘Ann’s Son,’ a dog belonging to Mostyn Walker. The Kennel Club soon saw this variety as a purebred spaniel of the Cavalier type.

The breed suffered setbacks during the Second World War. There was a destruction of breeding stock because of wartime hardship. Only three survived in the Ttiweh Kennel in the 1940s. The ones left to procreate after the war were Ann’s Son, his brother Wizbang Timothy, Duce of Braemore, Carlo of Ttweh, Aristide of Ttweh, and Kobba of Kuranda. They became the predecessors of the present Cavaliers.

The breed has a short history in America. The first Cavalier came to the United States in 1956. Its owner, W Lyon Brown formed the Cavalier King Charles Club. In 1994, enthusiasts formed the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club. They pressed the American Kennel Club to give the dog due to recognition.

Choosing a Cavoodle (Cavapoo) Puppy

Welcoming a Cavoodle (Cavapoo) into the family is a big decision and one that you should make wisely. The dog must suit the temperaments of your family members. So, how do you choose the right Cavoodle (Cavapoo) for you? There are many factors to consider, but your lifestyle is the most important. Think about what adjustments you’re willing to make to accommodate a dog.

Perhaps you live in an apartment or have a house with a little yard. Big dogs like Rottweilers and German Shepherds will not thrive in your living space. A toy Cavoodle (Cavapoo) will fit into your environment nicely. A little dog like a Cavoodle (Cavapoo) will not do well in a large yard because someone may step on him.

Watch this cute Cavoodle Puppy:

1. Energy level

The Cavoodle (Cavapoo) is adaptable; You’ll find him either running about chasing birds or laying contently by your feet. He’s small but needs lots of cognitive stimulation. Play games with him. This article introduces several in the section on Exercise and Activity Level.

2. Appearance and Maintenance

If you don’t want to deal with shedding, the Cavoodle (Cavapoo) is the dog for you. It doesn’t shed much but will need grooming. Do get the required tools and read the section on rooming in this article.

3. Age

Consider if you want a puppy or a fully grown Cavoodle (Cavapoo). Pups need housebreaking, while older dogs may have already received potty training.

Raising a puppy brings Indescribable Joy. That said, you must put up with a few accidents as your little Cavoodle (Cavapoo) learns the ropes. Don’t let that get you down because you will have many years to spend with him.

Let’s not forget the senior Cavoodle (Cavapoo). You’ll improve the life of an elderly Cavoodle (Cavapoo) if you welcome him into your home. Dogs that are getting on in years make excellent pets. An old Cavoodle (Cavapoo) will blend into your family if members don’t lead active lifestyles.

4. Breeding Stock

All Cavoodle (Cavapoo) puppies have similar genetics, but that doesn’t mean that there are no differences among them. When choosing one, make sure that his poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents excellent examples of their breeds. Are they healthy dogs?

5. Gender

Would you like a male or female Cavoodle (Cavapoo)? Either has advantages and disadvantages. If you prefer a female, prepare to watch over her when she’s in heat. Male dogs, conversely, may hump objects or even other dogs.

6. Breeder

Never buy a Cavoodle (Cavapoo) from a puppy mill or broker. Buy them from a responsible breeder.

Reliable breeders have the welfare of the animals they breed in mind. They won’t sell puppies to you without meeting you first.

Furthermore, they won’t have litters on hand all the time. They will only breed dogs when the animals are ready. Dedicated breeders will not allow you to take a puppy home until he’s at least two months old

Inspect the area where the puppies were born. Is it clean and spacious? The breeder should have given the dam and pups plenty of space.

Appearance And Showing of Cavoodle (Cavapoo)

a. How A Cavoodle (Cavapoo) Looks

The Cavadoodle is a small dog with a thick, soft coat. It has a medium length muzzle a large, brown eyes. Because it is a crossbreed, the size of its eyes may differ from one dog to another.

Because both its parents have multicolored coats, it comes in many colors. You find it in tan, cream, brown or black. It may have markings on its long coat. Note that leather is luxurious because both its parents have beautiful hair.

The Cavoodle (Cavapoo) has a healthy body. It’s shorter than usual but resilient. It has brownish facial features. It has ears just above its eyes. They may seem to droop over its chin. It has a long neck that extends to its back. The Cavoodle (Cavapoo)’s cutest feature is its tail which hangs past its hocks.

This small dog weighs between 5 to 12 kg. The weight is dependent on the size of its parents.

b. Showing Your Cavoodle (Cavapoo)

You may want to show off your dog’s talents at competitions. Here’s how to make him shine at dog shows. 

1. Eligibility

First of all, make sure that your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) can participate. Some judges may r neuter them first. Not all breed clubs will recognize the Cavoodle (Cavapoo) as a breed, so some research is necessary.

2. Watch Dog Shows

Attend dog shows to get an idea of how to prepare him for one. Get information on the show’s requirements.

3. Buy A Leash

Since the Cavoodle (Cavapoo) is a small dog, use an all-in-one leash. Such leads loop around the dog’s neck and have sliders to keep then secure.

4. Attend Classes

You’ll need to know how to walk your little dog around the ring. These classes teach you how to do so. They give your dog a chance to socialize with other pets as well.

5. Learn To Gait Your Cavoodle (Cavapoo)

Learning to walk your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) around the ring is part of the showing process. His right and back legs should align as it walks.

If you are training a puppy, get him to follow you without a lead. Use a lure to get him to do this. When he’s comfortable wearing the collar, you can start to train him formally. Attach a show leash to your dog’s collar and take it away from your home. Then, walk back towards it. Doing this encourages your dog to walk at a suitable pace for showing. Repeat the process. Reward it with treats.

6. Stacking Your Cavoodle (Cavapoo)

Your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) will need to stack during a show. Stacking prepares the dog for examination. The judges will ask you to make him stand the way dogs of his breed should.

To stack your dog, have a treat ready. First, adjust the dog’s front legs. Then, go to the back legs and make changes at the hock. Don’t touch the feet until your dog is comfortable. Teach your dog to stay in that position.

Remember to teach your dog to free stack, or stack on command. Use clicker training.

Click your dog where it stands. Then teach it to move back properly. Its hind legs should align. Repeat the process with the words ‘backup. ‘

Teach your dog to ‘step’ as well. Step back as the dog moves forward. Give him a treat. Do this until he aligns his feet. Use the command ‘ step.’

Lastly, teach ‘stack.” Click when the dog’s in the right position. Once he gets used to it, he should stack without the words ‘backup’ and ‘step.’

7. Train Your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) to Focus

A dog should have his eyes focused on the judges. To teach yours to concentrate, get him to associate a word with a particular food.Then, use the command to get him to look at you.

8. Tolerating Examination

Finally, teach your dog to withstand judges looking at him. Pat him all over his body. When your dog is comfortable with you inspecting him, get another person to do the same. Your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) will become used to others examining him.

Cavoodle (Cavapoo) Breed Characteristics

This little crossbreed is relatively new and may pique your curiosity. You will need to know if it suits your needs. Here is a summary of Cavoodle (Cavapoo) breed:

Do you live in an apartment? The Cavoodle (Cavapoo) might just suit you. An apartment is sufficient for this fellow to run in.

2. Activity level

This dog is quite sedentary, but that doesn’t mean that it does not need to get out once in a while. It still needs its daily walks. Running with your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) will keep him in good health.

3. Trainability

With one of this little dog’s parents being a poodle, it’s rather smart. Make him take part in show dog or agility competitions.

Note that he’s rather stubborn. You will need to specify what you want him to do, lest he acts of his own accord.

4. Shedding

This fellow sheds a little, but it’s nothing too frustrating. You do have to groom him rather often, or his hair will become matted.

5. Good with kids

The Cavoodle (Cavapoo) reacts quite well to children, but note that they should not tease him. It may make him rather short tempered.

6. Health

The health of this dog has high ratings. It has a few minor problems which are discussed later in this article.

7. Affordability

The Cavoodle (Cavapoo) doesn’t cost much to keep, which may explain it’s popularity. This dog’s feeding and medical needs are rather minimal. 

8. Cavoodle (Cavapoo) Temperament

The Cavoodle (Cavapoo) has the traits of both its parents, which makes it sensitive and affectionate. This dog is rather sociable and can get along with almost everybody. He is committed to his family. Note that he needs to know everything that goes on at home.

Since he thrives on human company, leaving him alone at home for too long isn’t a good idea. He is prone to separation anxiety, and behavioral issues are quite common. You may fit your apartment in a mess when you get home

The Cavoodle (Cavapoo) is intelligent thanks to both its parents, so it needs mental stimulation. He will prove an obedient dog if you keep his mind active.

Grooming Your Cavoodle (Cavapoo)

Grooming a Cavoodle (Cavapoo) doesn’t just show him off. It also keeps him hygienic and healthy. Having him groomed professionally, however, is expensive. You may want to groom your dog at home. Here’s how to go about it.

1. Have your tools ready

Don’t want to scramble for your tools, tools when you start grooming your dog. Know what you need. Most pet stores sell grooming kits. Have one on hand before you start work. Each of these should have a pinbrush, a de-matting brush, a regular comb, a pair of scissors and clippers.

2. Comb and Cut

First, brush your Cavoodle (Cavapoo)’s hair daily. Doing this keeps away mats. Just brushing, however, is not enough for long-haired dogs. Give the dog a thorough combing because it will loosen the mats.

Start at the head and go down the body. Note that the dog’s undercarriage is a sensitive spot so do groom it carefully. Then, work on the tail. Get rid of tangles with the detangling brush.

Use scissors cut out mats that you cannot remove with a brush. Although your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) will lose some hair, it makes grooming less painful. Exercise care with mats that are close to the skin. Cut in the direction of the hair to avoid making it look choppy. As you do this, praise your Cavoodle (Cavapoo). Make sure to take him to the vet if you suspect an infection. The symptoms of this are usually redness or moisture.

3. Praise your Cavoodle (Cavapoo)

It’s easy to groom your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) if he stays still. Most dogs just want to please their owners. Reward it with a treat if it doesn’t move around.

4. Give your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) breaks

Give the dog breaks as needed.

Your Cavoodle (Cavapoo), like a little child, can’t stay still for too long. To prevent him from being overwhelmed, give him regular breaks. You can make the grooming experience present by allowing him to play when he gets restless. He will make positive associations with it. Play also keeps him focused.

5. Take care of your Cavoodle (Cavapoo)’s eyes

A Cavoodle (Cavapoo), like his Poodle parents, is prone to having tear stains. You will need to pull debris away from his eyes. You can buy tear-removing solutions from the pet store near you. If the stains are severe, you may want to get a groomer to remove them for you. Don’t try to do this yourself, or you may hurt your dog.

6. Cleaining Your Cavoodle (Cavapoo)’s Ears

A lot of your Cavoodle (Cavapoo)’s excretion will collect in his ears, so you must remove it. Just apply some ear-cleaning solution. Wipe dirt away from the inner ear with cotton. Make sure not to leave any behind in the ear. Clear what residue you see. Praise your dog after the session.

7. Brushing Cavoodle (Cavapoo)’s teeth

Your Cavoodle (Cavapoo)’s teeth need regular brushing, the same way yours do. He too must have healthy teeth and gums. Remember the fluoride poisons dogs. Don’t use regular toothpaste.

Get toothpaste for dogs from the pet store. If your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) gets overwhelmed, stop the process. Give him a break. He won’t bite you this way.

If your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) doesn’t take to the toothbrush, try using your fingers. Gently work some toothpaste onto his teeth. Use a toothbrush when he’s ready. Get a veterinarian to scale his teeth if necessary.

8. Nail clipping Your Cavoodle (Cavapoo)

If you don’t get your dog’s nails trimmed, they may grow inward. Cut a small amount away from the quick once every week. Human clippers are useful for small dogs like Cavoodles. Guillotine-style Clippers aren’t efficient and are quite sharp.. Scissor clippers work the best. Move slowly and avoid cutting the dog’s quick. If you cut into it by accident, use a bit of styptic powder or cornstarch.

Cavoodle (Cavapoo) Exercise and Activity Level

The Cavoodle (Cavapoo) is a highly adaptable dog. He does well in small apartments or big homes with yards. He is either active or sedentary, depending on how active his family is. 

The Cavoodle (Cavapoo) doesn’t need to exercise much. He is busy enough just walking around a small yard or apartment. However, he does need mental stimulation, There suitable games for small dogs which you can introduce to him.

Since the Cavoodle (Cavapoo) is tiny, you don’t need a lot of space to play games with him. Here are some that you can play indoors.

1. Hide and go seek

This game is ideal for your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) if he knows how to stay. Just ask him to do so before you hide from him. Once you have done this, tell him to ‘ seek.’ it’s a fun game that also teaches obedience.

2. Look for treats

When your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) is quite adept at this activity, you may want to get him to look for snacks. Start by putting then within his vision. It may take a while before he’s comfortable with his sniffing ability. He will eventually find them without relying on visual cues

3. Which hand?

This game suits Cavoodle (Cavapoo) puppies because they have probably not practiced using their noses before. Grab a treat with one hand. Stretch out both hands. Get him to guess which hand he’s using to hold them.

4. Kong toys

Toys like this are great ways to keep your Cavoodle (Cavapoo) entertained. Get him to roll one about with his nose. You may want to make the activity challenging by freezing the treats.

5. Puzzles For Cavoodle (Cavapoo)

Puzzle games suit the intelligent Cavoodle (Cavapoo). You can get him toys that he can chase or catch his attention with a toy attached to the end of a rope. You can also make a toy with tennis balls, a muffin tin, and some treats. It’s the perfect DIY Kong toy.