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Cavapoo
Mixed Breed Hypoallergenic

Cavapoo

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle

Origin: Australia

GentleAffectionatePlayfulSociableAdaptable

Weight

9–25 lbs

Height

9–14 inches

Lifespan

12–15 years

Coat

Soft, wavy to curly

Breeder Cost

$1,500–$4,000

Adoption Cost

$100–$400

Personality & Temperament

The Cavapoo combines the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's gentle, affectionate nature with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat. They are one of the most popular small designer dogs in Australia and the UK. Cavapoos are gentle, sociable, and wonderful with children and other pets. They are ideal apartment dogs.

Best For

Apartment dwellers, families with children, seniors, allergy sufferers, those who want a gentle, devoted companion

Exercise & Activity Needs

Cavapoos need 30–60 minutes of moderate exercise daily. They enjoy walks, fetch, and play sessions. They are adaptable to their owner's activity level.

Grooming & Coat Care

The Cavapoo's soft, wavy coat requires brushing 3–4 times weekly to prevent mats. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is essential.

Coat type: Soft, wavy to curly; low-shedding

Common Health Conditions

MVD and syringomyelia — inherited from the Cavalier side — are serious concerns for Cavapoos. Buy from breeders who follow the MVD Breeding Protocol and MRI-test Cavalier parents for SM.

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

Inherited from the Cavalier side. This is a serious concern — annual cardiac screening is recommended.

Syringomyelia

Inherited from the Cavalier side. MRI screening of Cavalier parents is important.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Inherited from the Poodle side. DNA testing of parents is important.

Hip Dysplasia

Inherited from both parent breeds.

Patellar Luxation

Common in small breeds.

History & Origin

The Cavapoo originated in Australia in the 1990s, crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the Poodle. The goal was a small, low-shedding companion dog that retained the Cavalier's legendary gentle temperament. The breed quickly spread to the UK, where it became one of the most popular designer dogs. They are sometimes called Cavoodles in Australia.

Interesting Facts

  • 1

    Cavapoos are called 'Cavoodles' in Australia, where the breed originated.

  • 2

    They are one of the most popular designer breeds in the UK, often outselling purebred dogs.

  • 3

    Their empathetic, gentle temperament makes them exceptional therapy and emotional support dogs.

  • 4

    Cavapoos inherit the Cavalier's tendency to develop mitral valve disease — health testing of parent dogs is essential.

  • 5

    They are one of the few designer breeds that adapt equally well to apartment living and large homes.

Cost of Ownership

Owning a Cavapoo is a long-term financial commitment. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to budget for.

Annual Cost

$1,000–$2,000

First Year (incl. setup)

$2,500–$4,500

Food$250–$450/yr

Small portions; quality food important for heart health

Vet Care$350–$700/yr

Heart disease (MVD from Cavalier side) is a significant risk

Grooming$500–$1,000/yr

Soft wavy coat needs professional grooming every 6–8 weeks

Training$150–$400 (first year)

Gentle and eager to please; responds beautifully to positive training

Supplies & Toys$150–$300/yr

Gentle toys for this affectionate companion

Pet Insurance$350–$700/yr

Important — heart disease from Cavalier side is a real risk

* Estimates based on national averages. Costs vary by location, lifestyle, and individual health needs. Emergency vet visits are not included.

Popularity & Adoption Trends

Estimated US Population

~200,000 in the US

Adoption Trend

rising

Cavapoos have become one of the most popular small designer breeds in the UK and are growing rapidly in the US. Their combination of the Cavalier's gentle, empathetic temperament with the Poodle's low-shedding coat makes them ideal therapy dogs and family companions. The Cavalier's serious heart condition (MVD) is a health consideration that responsible breeders test for.

Plan daily life with your Cavapoo

Use the guides below to compare practical options alongside this breed's care needs.

Pet Tech Essentials

The right technology makes dog ownership easier, safer, and more connected — whether you're home or away. These are the products our editors consider must-haves for every dog owner.

Breed Traits

Best forfamilies with kids · apartment living · first-time owners
Not idealowners away long hours · low-maintenance lifestyles
Positive for ownersNeeds managementInformational
Energy Level
Moderate
Trainability
High
Apartment OK
Very High
Kid-Friendly
Very High
Pet-Friendly
Very High
Affection Level
Very High
Grooming
High
Shedding
Very Low
Hypoallergenic — lower dander & allergen levels

Temperament

Barking
Moderate
Protective
Very Low
Sep. Anxiety
High
Stubbornness
Low
Noise Sensitive
Moderate

Climate & Physical

Heat Tolerance
Moderate
Cold Tolerance
Low
Water Affinity
Low
Drool Level
Very Low

Compatibility

Rural & Outdoor

Livestock Safe
High
Off-Leash Reliable
High

Scores reflect breed tendencies. Individual training significantly affects both livestock safety and off-leash reliability.

Dog Friendly
Very High
Cat Friendly
High
Prey Drive
Low
✓
Good for first-time owners

Health & Longevity

Health Score
Good (6/10)

Based on breed-specific genetic health risks and common conditions

Longevity
12–15 years
5 yrs20 yrs
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Consider Adopting

Many Cavapoos are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption costs are typically $100–$400 vs. $1,500–$4,000 from a breeder.

Read our Rescue Guide →
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Download the Cavapoo Guide

Get a printable PDF with traits, cost of ownership, health notes, and best-fit summary — free.

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