Crossbreeds

Cavapoo

A gentle, teddy-bear companion — Cavalier sweetness with a Poodle coat.

Cavapoos (also called Cavoodles) combine the affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a small Poodle. They are gentle, sociable and adaptable companions, but they need regular grooming and plenty of company, and they can inherit the Cavalier’s heart problems.

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle (usually Miniature or Toy) cross. Not recognised by the AKC; size, coat and temperament vary more than in a purebred.

Parent breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle

Height
9–14 in23–36 cm
Weight
8–25 lb4–11 kg
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
Small
Group
Crossbreeds
Origin
Australia and the United States

Coat: Soft, wavy to curly coat; shedding varies. Colours: Apricot, Red, Cream, Chocolate, Black, Tricolour, Blenheim.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level5.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive2.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability5.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Cavapoos are loving, playful and eager to please. They usually get on with everyone — children, visitors, other dogs and cats — and adapt to both city and country life.

They are people-focused and often struggle when left alone. The Poodle side adds intelligence and trainability; the Cavalier side adds softness and a love of laps.

Living with a Cavapoo

Exercise

About 30–45 minutes of walks and play daily. They enjoy short games and trick training.

Grooming

Brush several times a week and book professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Clean the ears regularly.

Training

Eager and bright; reward-based training works very well. House-training needs consistency.

Kids & other pets

Excellent with children and other pets; gentle enough for most households.

Time alone

Prone to separation anxiety; they do best when someone is home for much of the day.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Cavapoo right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Cavapoo matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Cavapoo typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Mitral valve disease

    Inherited from the Cavalier side; ask for parents’ cardiology results.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps are common in small dogs from both parent breeds.

  • Syringomyelia

    A painful spinal condition seen in Cavaliers; MRI-screened parents lower the risk.

  • Progressive retinal atrophy

    Inherited vision loss from Poodle lines; DNA testing is available.

  • Ear infections

    Hairy, floppy ears trap moisture; clean them regularly.

Ask a breeder for

  • Cavalier parent: cardiology exam and MRI for syringomyelia
  • Both parents: patella and eye examinations
  • DNA tests: prcd-PRA, episodic falling, dry eye / curly coat

Sources: OFA health testing guidance for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle; American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Breeders began crossing Cavaliers and Poodles in the 1990s, aiming for a small, friendly, lower-shedding companion. The Cavoodle became one of Australia’s most popular dogs.

Cavapoos are bred as first-generation crosses or multigenerational lines. Because they are a cross, the quality of the parents’ health testing matters enormously.

Did you know?

  • In Australia, Cavapoos are called Cavoodles.
  • Cavapoos consistently rank among Australia’s most popular dogs.
  • Coat type can range from straight to tightly curled within the same litter.

Library guides for Cavapoo owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Cavapoos hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Many Cavapoos shed little, but it varies.
Are Cavapoos good family dogs?
Yes — they are gentle, affectionate and good with children.
Do Cavapoos have health problems?
They can inherit heart and spinal problems from Cavaliers, so choose a breeder who health-tests.