Cavapoo
A gentle, sociable teddy-bear crossbreed that blends the Cavalier's sweetness with the Poodle's clever, low-shed coat.
Overview
Small companion crossbreed combining Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle traits, known for its soft wavy or curly coat, friendly nature, and affectionate temperament
Best for
- •Families, first-time owners, and companion-seekers who want an affectionate, adaptable small dog that loves being with people. The Cavapoo suits homes that can offer plenty of company, gentle training, and consistent coat care.
May not suit
- •People who are out of the house for long stretches, or who want a low-maintenance coat. This affectionate crossbreed is prone to separation anxiety and its soft, wavy coat needs regular brushing and professional grooming to avoid matting.
History & Origins
Modern designer crossbreed first intentionally developed in Australia in the 1990s by crossing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with Poodle, aiming to create a friendly family companion with low-shedding coat suitable for allergy sufferers
Characteristics & Traits
Lifestyle
Apartment Living
Families with Children
First-Time Owners
Other Dogs
Alone Time Tolerance
Shedding Level
Grooming Needs
Behavior
Trainability
Barking
Prey Drive
Exercise
Energy Level
Exercise & Training
Aim for around 30–60 minutes of total activity per day. Moderate exercise suits the Cavapoo well — a mix of daily walks, play, and training satisfies both body and mind. They're adaptable, happy to match a relaxed or more active lifestyle within reason.
Daily Walks by Living Situation
Apartment or Home Without a Backyard
2 walks / day
~25 min each
Two walks a day plus indoor play and company keep an apartment Cavapoo content. Company matters most — this is a dog that wants to be with its people, not left alone for hours.
Home With a Backyard
2 walks / day
~25 min each
A garden is a nice bonus for pottering and play, but the Cavapoo still wants proper walks and, above all, human company rather than time alone outside.
Daycare or Park Time?
Sociable and gentle, Cavapoos usually thrive at daycare, which also helps manage their dislike of being alone. Most mix happily in friendly small-to-medium groups.
Training
Intelligent and eager to please from both parent breeds, Cavapoos learn quickly with gentle, positive methods.
Reward generously and keep it fun; their sensitivity means kindness gets far better results than pressure.
For Pet Parents
The Cavapoo's soft, wavy-to-curly coat is low-shedding and appealingly teddy-bearish, but it comes with real commitment. It mats easily and needs near-daily brushing at home plus a professional groom every six to eight weeks. The floppy, hairy ears also need consistent attention.
Grooming Commitment
The Cavapoo's soft, wavy coat is one of its biggest appeals and its biggest commitment. It mats easily, so it needs brushing most days at home plus a professional groom every six to eight weeks. Keep on top of the ears, eyes, nails, and teeth and this crossbreed stays comfortable and looking its best.
At-Home Basics
- Difficulty
- Moderate to high
Caring for Your Cavapoo at Home
Brush most days
Work through the coat right down to the skin most days with a slicker brush and comb. The soft, wavy texture tangles quickly, and surface-only brushing leaves hidden mats forming underneath.
Mind the ears
Floppy, hairy ears trap moisture and are prone to infections. Check and wipe them weekly, keep them dry after baths, and watch for scratching, head-shaking, or a bad smell.
Keep the face tidy
Wipe around the eyes and mouth regularly to keep the facial hair clean and prevent staining, and keep hair trimmed away from the eyes for comfort.
Nails and teeth
Trim nails about every four weeks and brush teeth several times a week — small breeds are especially prone to dental problems, so don't let this slide.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Brushing only the surface of the coat, so mats form unseen against the skin.
- Stretching out professional grooms until the coat is badly matted and has to be clipped short.
- Ignoring those moisture-trapping ears until an infection sets in.
- Underestimating the time and cost of keeping this coat in good condition.
When to Call in a Professional
Book a professional groomer every six to eight weeks to bathe, clip, and tidy the coat and keep it comfortable. Go sooner if you find matting you can't gently brush out at home, so it can be dealt with kindly rather than shaved off, and always mention any ear concerns.
Coat & Colors
- Type
- Wavy to curly
- Family
- Low-shed doodle coat
- Undercoat
- No
- Shedding
- Low
- Seasonal Change
- Minimal
- Matting Risk
- High
Common Problem Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
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