Cavoodle Overview

It’s no secret that doodles have become increasingly popular, especially doodles small doodles like the Cavoodle! The Cavoodle (AKA the Cavapoo) is a cross between the sensitive, easy going Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the highly intelligent, non-shedding Poodle. They are fairly easy to care for and make great pets for first time dog owners.

Cavapoo Temperament

Cavapoos have outgoing and playful personalities while also being smart, friendly, and snuggly! They have soared in popularity as family pets, and for good reason. Known for their affectionate nature and intelligence, Cavoodles embody a blend of characteristics that many families love. They typically inherit the gentle, friendly demeanor of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle, making them an excellent choice for families with children and allergy sufferers alike.

Cavoodles bond heavily with their humans and are sometimes referred to as “velco dogs” and may not do well when left alone for extended periods of time.

Cavoodle Appearance

Cavapoos have a sweet, expressive face with large, soulful eyes; giving them their irresistible “teddy bear” appearance. Their coat generally ranges from soft, silky waves, to tighter curls (like their Poodle parent). While more rare, they may also have an unfurnished or “flat coat” that is more like their Cavalier parent. The unique blend of the Cavalier and the Poodle not only contributes to their adorable appearance but also to its appeal as a companion pet for those that have dog allergies.

Cavoodle Size

The size of a Cavoodle can vary, primarily due to the size of the Poodle parent, which can be a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Most grow to be about 9 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder, with their weight ranging from 12 to 25 pounds once they reach adulthood. However, if one of their parents is a Moyen or Standard Poodle, they may grow to a more medium size and range from 26-45lbs.

Cavoodle Colors

While the most popular colors include red, apricot, or Blenheim (red or apricot and white parti), they can also come in other colors such as caramel, chocolate, black, and all white. All of these colors can be in a variety of different patterns such as tuxedo, mismark, solid, phantom, tri color, and parti (AKA Blenheim).

Cavoodle Health

One of the primary health concerns for Cavoodles is inherited from their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lineage: heart conditions, particularly mitral valve disease (MVD). MVD is a condition where the heart's mitral valve degenerates over time, leading to heart failure. This condition is prevalent in older dogs but can appear in younger dogs too. Regular veterinary check-ups can help in early detection and management of MVD. Another concern is syringomyelia (SM), a serious condition where cavities or cysts form within the spinal cord near the brain. It can lead to pain, weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis. Early detection through MRI scans can help manage symptoms, though there's currently no cure.

They also inherit a risk of hip dysplasia from their Poodle lineage, a genetic disease that affects the hip joint and can lead to arthritis or lameness. Ensuring Cavoodles maintain a healthy weight and get regular, moderate exercise can help reduce the strain on their hips. Additionally, eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which leads to blindness, can occur. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian can catch and manage these conditions early on.

For Cavoodle owners, being proactive about their pet's health is key. This includes regular vet visits, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, and being vigilant for symptoms of these conditions.

Cavoodle Lifespan

The life expectancy of a Cavoodle is between 10-15 years. Keep in mind that, like all breeds, many factors can affect their life expectancy such as diet, exercise, injury, genetics, etc.

CAVOODLE OVERVIEW