by Lynn-Nore Chittom

Created on: July 11, 2010

The Cavapoo hybrid is a cross-bred mix of the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and the Miniature Poodle.  This hybrid is sometimes also called a Cavoodle or Cavadoodle.  Cavapoos are a well established hybrid with many breeders specializing in this cross. The popularity of the Cavapoo makes the traits and appearance of these hybrid dogs more consistent than some less popular hybrid breeds.

Physical Appearance

The Cavapoo is one of the smallest hybrid dog breeds.  Both male and female Cavapoos weigh between 6 and 20 pounds and grow to a height of between 11 and 15 inches at the shoulder.  Cavapoos have small muzzles, soft, wavy fur, long floppy ears and large brows.  Their coat can appear in black, white, chestnut, light red or tri-color depending on their parental coloring and must be brushed regularly to avoid tangling.

The Cavapoo is typically considered to be a non-shedding breed due to the poodle influence in the cross, although some Cavapoos present with the Cavalier coat which does shed. The shed-free feature makes the Cavapoo a popular breed among pet owners with allergies.

 Temperament and Care

Cavapoos are friendly dogs and are good for all types of homes and families.  Due to their small size they do not require a large yard and are comfortable with apartment homes. Cavapoos are good with owners of all ages including young children and the elderly. 

 The Cavapoo is a very intelligent, energetic and loving breed.  They enjoy cuddling as a lap down as well as running and playing both indoors and out.  Some individual Cavapoos tend toward hyperactivity, but many do not. Cavapoos are very loyal dogs and connect easily with their owners.  Cavapoos can be trained effectively with patience.  Housebreaking can be difficult, but consistency and gentleness generally prevail.

Cavapoos are curious dogs with excellent hearing.  This can make them highly sensitive to unexpected noises and cause barking in most Cavapoos.

Like their parent breeds, Cavapoos are susceptible to health concerns including mitral valve disease, syringomyelia and cataract.

Cavapoos as Hybrid Dogs

 Like other hybrid dog breeds, Cavapoos are bred to demonstrate the best qualities from their parenting breeds.  This is often accomplished through multi-generational crosses.  The best multi-generational crosses are created by breeding hybrid Cavapoos which demonstrate the desired Cavapoo traits with Cavapoos from other lines which also demonstrate these traits.  Breeders use this method for maintaining a high quality cross breed, though pups with negative traits, including shedding, are always a possibility. 

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