Cavoodle
Cavoodle Breed Overview
The Cavoodle (also called the Kavoodle or Cavapoo) is a hybrid cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This breed has become the most popular small breed dog over the last decade in Australia, so much so that Australian breeders have had to increase breeding numbers to meet the high demand for these little designer dogs. It’s no wonder, as aside from their adorability, the Cavoodle is a dog who tops the charts when it comes to companionship, love, and loyalty.
The gentle, sweet Cavoodle is an ideal dog for the single owner or families with kids of any age. With the intelligence of the Mini Poodle and the pleasant nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Cavoodle is a smart dog who responds positively to training. Although this hybrid is prone to certain medical conditions, the crossbreeding involved with the Cavoodle means that this dog is typically healthier than his purebred parents.
Cavoodle colours:
- Chestnut
- White
- Black
- Gold
- Apricot
- Ruby
- Red
Cavoodle puppies would cost around $4000 in Australia
They can vary in weight and size and everything depends on breeding. Generally speaking a fully grown Cavoodle can reach 35 cm in height and 12 kg in weight.
Their life expectancy is approximately 14 years.
Life Expectancy
Cavoodles are small hybrid dogs who typically weigh in around 5 – 12kg and are roughly between 25 – 38cm, although the height is dependent on which parent, the Mini Poodle or Spaniel, the dog takes after. As a cross breed, the Cavoodle is in a lower risk pool for developing significant health issues, although some do occasionally occur in the breed. Generally, with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary examinations, a Cavoodle can live anywhere from 10 – 14 years old.
General Exercise and Care of Cavoodles
They may be small, but there is high energy in that tiny canine package. Thankfully, about 30 – 60 minutes of daily exercise will make your Cavapoo a happy and tired dog by the end of the day. Cavoodles enjoy a short brisk walk with their owners and occasional trips to the dog park for some canine socialization. This breed can easily be trained to fetch, so even some time in the backyard interacting with you is enough to keep this small breed’s tail wagging. After exercising, this lovable companion will be more than content to flop down on the couch next to you to relax. This breed’s adaptability makes him a perfect fit for any lifestyle.
Due to his high level of intelligence, they are is relatively easy to train. The Cavapoo thrives on positive, interactive training methods. Positive, reward-based training techniques combined with upbeat verbal reinforcement will resonate most with this breed. Socialization is also key to raising a well-rounded Cavoodle, so interaction with other people, dogs, and animals is vital. .
Aside from exercise and training, your pup also needs his immediate health care wants addressed regularly. Basic canine health care includes checking his ears, brushing his teeth, and trimming his toenails. Check your Cavoodle’s ears weekly for any redness, itchiness, dirt, wax, or bad odours as these may be signs of infection. The ears should be cleaned with a pH-balanced gentle cleanser to prevent infections from occurring. Canine oral diseases can lead to heart problems later in life, so gently brushing your Kavapoo’s teeth two to three times a week is important to his well-being. The dog’s toenails should be trimmed at least once a month unless he is outside frequently enough that the nails wear down on their own.
Origin of Cavoodle
As this is a newer hybrid, the breed’s history is not a lengthy one. A crossbreed of a mini Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Cavoodle was first created in American in the 1950s. Then they made its way to the United Kingdom and eventually to Australia where it quickly became a beloved canine. The original purpose of this hybrid breed was the creation of a low-shedding, hypoallergenic dog breed as both the Poodle and Cavalier Spaniel have a lower propensity for causing allergies in their owners. To that end, the crossbreed has been successful, but to the delight of anyone who has owned a Cavoodle.
In the 1990s, Australian breeders began to breed Cavoodles, and the hybrid breed was soon recognised and registered with societies and clubs for crossbred dogs. Although both Toy and Miniature Poodles can be used for creating Cavapoos, reputable and responsible breeders will use the Miniature Poodle as it is less prone to hereditary diseases and illnesses.
This crossbreed is still a work in progress, but the creation of a canine who is incredibly beautiful, loving, and intelligent is bound to keep this breed popular for years to come.
Cavoodle Temperament
Lively and affectionate, the Cavoodle is a delightful dog who loves to be part of the family and involved in daily activities. Their loyalty and devotion to their owners are the qualities most cherished about the breed. The Cavapoo’s attachment to his family can be problematic for owners who are not home often to interact with the dog. Because they need to be around their families frequently, they can suffer from separation anxiety or engage in unwanted behaviours, such as constant barking, howling, and crying, if they are left alone for long periods.
This is a sensitive breed that bonds with his owner and is often on hand to cuddle and support you when you need it and non-aggressive, eager to please, and gets along with everyone, young and old. The breed’s adaptability means that they are at home in most environments, and their small size makes them ideal for apartments.
Coat and Grooming
The Cavoodle is often described as a fuzzy-faced teddy bear. As a hybrid breed, the their coat type is dependent on which parent, the Poodle or the Cavalier, that the dog genetically takes after the most. The three coat types are wiry, fleece, and wool. Most of them have a wavy or curly coat which can grow long unless professionally trimmed; So it requires some high maintenance. The coat should be brushed at least once weekly otherwise knots, mats, and tangles can develop, particularly in the areas around the armpits and the collar.
Cavoodles can come in a variety of colours. The most common colours are white, black, gold, tricolour (black, white, tan) and Blenheim (chestnut and white).
For families or owners with allergies, this is a perfect breed to have in the home. The Cavoodle is a hypoallergenic dog, meaning he sheds minimally and therefore can be tolerated by some people with allergies. Cavoodles with wiry coats are more likely to shed than those with fleece or wool coats.
Children and Other Pets
It is hard to imagine a better dog for families than a Cavoodle. This breed’s gentle nature and sunny disposition make him ideal for families with children of any age. The Cavoodle is just as happy to romp outside with kids as he is curling up alongside them as they do their schoolwork. Both devoted and outgoing, the Cavoodle is dependable with small babies and playful with older children.
Cavoodles get along quite well with other dogs and pets in the household. Early training and socialization can make this process faster.. The breed is typically sociable with other dogs and comfortably cohabitation with other pets like cats.
Common Cavoodle Conditions and Diseases
Although healthier than many purebred dogs, the Cavoodle is susceptible to some medical conditions and illnesses that an owner should know about. Should you purchase a Cavoodle puppy from a breeder, do some research and be sure the breeder is reputable. A reliable and honest breeder will have the puppy’s best interests in mind and should have all health clearances for the puppy and his parents on hand for your inspection. That paperwork proves that the sire and dam have been tested for and cleared of serious, genetic diseases.
As a hybrid dog, they are less likely to develop genetic illnesses; however, it is still possible for a Cavoodle to suffer from any of the following conditions during her life:
Hip Dysplasia is a genetic disease that often begins when the Cavoodle is a puppy, but surfaces after the dog is an adult. With hip dysplasia, the dog’s thigh bone does not fit correctly into the hip joint. After years of walking and running, a Cavoodle with hip dysplasia will develop any of the following symptoms: hind end weakness, limping, lameness, and reluctance or difficulty getting up and down stairs or in and out of a car. A Cavoodle with hip dysplasia is likely to develop degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis, two conditions that will negatively impact your dog’s quality of life. Hip dysplasia can be managed with weight management programs, dietary supplements, corticosteroids, pain medication, physical therapy, and non-impact exercise such as swimming.
Epilepsyimpacts some Cavoodles who genetically take after the Miniature Poodle side of their heritage. Cavoodles with epilepsy typically have what is called idiopathic epilepsy, meaning there is no known cause of this condition in the dog. Epilepsy is a seizure disorder wherein abnormal electrical activity occurs in the brain. The seizures range from mild to severe and grand mal events. As frightening as it is to witness your dog having a seizure, this lifelong condition can be managed by your veterinarian through prescribed medications.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease of the retina where the rod cells in the retina are programmed to die off. This condition is a painless process that co-occurs in both of the Cavoodle’s eyes. The rod cells are responsible for night vision in dogs, and many Cavoodles who develop this disease lose their night vision early on in the disease’s progress throughout the eyes. As PRA advances, all light levels in the dog’s eyes are impacted, and if within a year of the disease’s progression the Cavoodle is not on a specific antioxidant supplementation daily, he will become blind. There is no cure for PDA, but proper supplementation can boost the health of the retina and delay blindness.
Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease is a genetic condition that a Cavoodle can inherit from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel side of his family. Mitral valve disease is a serious and progressive heart condition caused by the deterioration of at least one heart valve. Most Cavoodles with this disease will show signs of it by 10 years of age. This disease can severely impact a Cavoodle’s quality of life as it causes respiratory difficulties and extreme discomfort due to chronic coughing and breathlessness. Eventually, a Cavoodle with mitral valve disease will die of heart failure.
Interesting Facts
More photos of Cavoodle
