8-17 lbs
9-11"
United States
The Cavapoo is a busy little dog that is obedient, agile and quick to solve problems. Training will keep your dog mentally alert and should commence at an early age. A gentle approach is needed and works best, rewarding your hard working little Cavapoo puppy with lavish praise and small treats. Some Cavapoos can be sensitive, so it is important to give them lots of different experiences and chances to socialize so that they grow into a calm, well behaved adult. They are an attractive dog who is intelligent and has a gentle temperament making it ideal for families as it thrives on human companionship. They get on well with other cats and dogs but have a high need for human companionship. The Cavapoo needs little exercise as it is always busy, but a nice walk will keep your dog fit and socialized.
The Cavapoo is a cross between the Poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Poodle crossbreeds are meant to produce a dog with mixed traits and the non-shedding hypoallergenic coat. Therefore, by looking at the parent dog history, it is clear to see what traits your Cavapoo will inherit. The Poodle is an elegant, proud and intelligent dog, originally bred to hunt waterfowl. While it originated in Germany, it was the French who developed the distinctive breed further. The breed is very ancient, going back to Roman and Egyptian times where drawings and statues show dogs that look like the modern-day Poodle. It was in the 1400s when breeders started producing smaller versions of the Poodle, first the Miniature, then the Toy Poodle. The French used the Standard Poodle for duck hunting, the Miniature Poodle for sniffing out truffles in the woods, while the Toy Poodle was a companion to the nobility and wealthy families. Gypsies used these dogs in their circuses as they learned tricks quickly. The American Kennel Club registered their first Poodle in 1886. Poodles became the most popular breed in America in the 1950s, a position they held for more than forty years. The Cavalier is a descendant of the King Charles Spaniel. In the late 1600s, King Charles Spaniels were interbred with Pug dogs that resulted in a smaller dog with flatter noses, upturned faces and bulging eyes. But a man named Roswell Eldridge offered prize money during a Crufts Dog Show in London to anyone who had a King Charles Spaniel with the long nose. While a dog was found, Eldridge has sadly passed away, leaving other breeders to take up his mission to breed dogs similar to those in the paintings of Van Dyck of King Charles ll and his Spaniels. This dream of Eldredge’s was achieved in the form of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that we know today. The Cavalier has definite royalty in its blood, having been loved and adored by both King Charles 1 and King Charles ll. It comes as no surprise that the Cavapoo has a royal slightly superior air to their character from their distinctive history.
The Cavapoo varies in appearance depending on the genetic influence of the parent dogs. Their faces are usually compact with long fringed floppy ears and large brows. The body is small but well proportioned, with strong short legs that may have the Cavalier fringing. Small round feet often fluffy in nature add to the appeal of this attractive little dog. The muzzle is long with a cute button nose, while the eyes are the most expressive and innocent being large, round and wideset. The Cavapoo dog has a slightly superior or regal air but is no snob; they are people friendly dogs who want to be close to their families. As puppies, they are irresistible and will choose you rather than you choosing them.
The Cavapoo is recognized as high maintenance when grooming. Their coats need more than a regular weekly brushing to keep them at their best. They have a low odor so if yours is smelling it may be that the hair is too long and may have dirt caught in it. Regular bathing and trimming can overcome this. Also check the ears, as the Cavapoo is prone to ear infections, and that condition can produce a nasty smell. It is advisable to get qualified groomers to trim your dog unless you have that experience. Toenails should regularly be inspected to ensure no snags in the fur. They do need clipping often to keep their coat manageable. Get your young Cavapoo used to having his teeth brushed, ears wiped out, and feet handled (for nail clipping), start with short sessions and slowly build up. Praise them extravagantly when they do well, and you will have a dog that enjoys its weekly health check and maintenance program.
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The Cavapoo is a great companion for anyone, from the elderly down to the small child. They are people dogs; they adore being with their family and pine when they are left alone. The Cavapoo can be somewhat hyperactive at home, racing around the house in excitement when you return to the house to be with them. They are just as eager to cuddle up on your lap and will take as much attention as you can give them without tiring. They are highly intelligent and learn quickly, but respond best to a kind attitude, patience and loads of praise. The Cavapoo mixes well with other people, dogs and pets. Very young children should be supervised around this small dog as injury to the dog can occur unintentionally from rough play. These dogs are eager to please and will try hard to do what you ask. Just don’t let them think that they are the boss or they may develop bad habits. Again, gentle but firm insistence on ‘good doggie manners’’ should start from the day you get these little powerhouses.
The Cavapoo is an active little dog, and while their needs can be met by indoor play, it will adore being taken for a walk, invited to play games in the fenced yard, or taken for outdoor exercise to the dog park to interact with other people and dogs. Although active, this dog is ideal for apartments. They adapt well to the lifestyle of their owners and aim to please. If you have a yard, ensure that it is well fenced to protect your little dog when he is outside on his own (which is unusual as they will normally be wherever you are). While you are out walking your dog, it is advisable to keep them on a leash unless they are in a fenced in area, as they may scent something and forget to come back to you as they check the trail out. But more than anything, these dogs want to be with the owner all the time; they are not a dog to be ignored or outside. They are perfect for someone who wants a dog to be part of the family. The Cavapoo will reward you with love, affection, loyalty and undying devotion.
Written by Kathleen Egger
Published: 10/25/2017, edited: 10/04/2021
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I am new to having a pet. Is there a checklist of what you need once you get your new puppy (cavapoo about 8 weeks old)?
Good vet record
Good vet record
round us. We are also considering an Australian border collie. We would .like your advice on a dog beyond the puppy stage. Baileys
