Cavapoos are the second most popular cross breed dog in the UK, with the Cockapoo being the most popular. They are considered a small to medium sized dog, usually varying on the smaller side due to commonly being a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature poodle.  

So what is a Cavapoo? 

As mentioned above, a Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, usually a miniature poodle. This crossbreed was first deliberately bred in Australia in the 1990s, and became more popular in the UK and the USA in the early 2000’s.  
 
An F1 Cavapoo is a first generation Cavapoo meaning its parents were a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, often a miniature poodle to achieve the small size.  
 
An F1b Cavapoo means one parent was a Poodle, and the other parent was an F1 Cavapoo. The ‘b’ stands for backcross, as it means the Cavapoo was back bred with a pure-bred Poodle. As a result, these Cavapoos are generally 75% poodle and 25% Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This backcrossing is often done to achieve a curlier tighter coat, and these types of Cavapoos are considered the most appropriate for those wanting a dog with a hypoallergenic coat. We will discuss this further below.  
 
An F2 Cavapoo is a second generation Cavapoo which means both parents are F1 Cavapoos. 

Why are Cavapoos so popular? 

Cavapoos rose to popularity in the UK in the 2000’s due to their small size, friendly nature and low-shedding, tight-curled coat. The mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle often results in a friendly, affectionate small dog who works well with many families’ requirements for a pet.

Are Cavapoos good for people with allergies? 

Cavapoos are often described as having a low-shedding coat. Some types, specifically the F2 backcross, are considered to have a hypoallergenic very-low-shedding coat. The reduced amount of fur shedding can mean that people with pet allergies or allergies to dog fur can find it easier or more tolerable to be around Cavapoos, as they do not generally leave as much fur around the house.  
Despite this, they can still shed fur and, like Cockapoos and other breeds considered to be hypoallergenic or good for people with allergies to pet fur, they may still be an issue for those with severe pet fur allergies. It is important to ensure that the individual dog you are thinking of taking on is suitable for your family’s needs, as rehoming a dog due to allergy issues can be upsetting for all involved. 

Are Cavapoos easily trained? 

 Cavapoos, like Cockapoos, are known as a highly trainable crossbreed. They are bred from one of the most intelligent dog breeds (the poodle) and a cooperative affectionate breed (the cavalier king Charles spaniel). The mixture of these two breeds creates a very trainable, keen-to-please crossbreed dog with high motivation.   
They are considered good pets for first time dog owners as they often follow the rules when it comes to training and benefit from short, focused training sessions, as their attention span often has them distracted after time periods longer than 10 minutes. They are also known to respond well to positive reinforcement, where good behaviour is rewarded with praise, play, or appropriate treats.  

 
Are Cavapoos good with children? 

Cavapoos are generally considered great family pets, as they have an affectionate keen-to-please nature and often form strong bonds with their owners and families. Despite this, it is important to remember that all animals including all types of dogs can react to situations that unnerve them, for example a child in their face, accidentally standing on their tail or paw, or causing them to feel fearful. It is important that all interactions between children and pets are fully supervised for the safety of both the child and the pet, and to ensure lifelong bonds are formed in a healthy, sustainable way.  

Do Cavapoos require grooming? 

Yes, Cavapoos have a high grooming requirement as their coat is short and curly and, due to being bred to maximise their low shedding hypoallergenic potential, they won’t naturally shed their coat easily. They require daily brushing to keep their coat in good condition. Additionally, they require professional grooming to cut their fur and manage their coat length approximately every 4-6 weeks, although this will vary between individuals. 

Do Cavapoos suffer from separation anxiety? 

Like Cockapoos, Cavapoos are known to struggle with separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is when a dog becomes highly anxious and unsettled when they are not with their owners. This can occur for many different reasons, but has been reported in Cavapoos due to the incredibly tight bond they form with their owners, so they can then struggle being separated from them for an extended period. If a dog is suffering from separation anxiety this can lead to destructive behaviours in the house, such as damaging flooring and furnishings, as well as vocalising and crying when they are distressed.   
Training methods are available to prevent and overcome separation anxiety in dogs, and if you have a breed which can be more likely to suffer from this, it’s a good idea to become knowledgeable on the subject as soon as you can, so you can put things into place which will help you and your pet.  
You can read more about separation anxiety and things that can be done to help and prevent it here: https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/behaviour/understanding-dogs/separation-anxiety-in-dogs 

 
Do Cavapoos need regular walks? 

Yes, Cavapoos need regular walks to keep them healthy and mentally stimulated. Ideally, they need around 1 hour of physical exercise a day, which could include one long walk and then shorter bursts of play in the garden. Without appropriate physical exercise, like most dogs, Cavapoos can show some less desirable behaviours, such as hyperactivity and destructive behaviour, as they need physical activity in order to expend excess energy and keep them mentally stimulated. Additionally, without appropriate physical activity they can quickly become overweight, which can put their health at significant risk. If you are unsure about the level of exercise that would be appropriate for your pet or are concerned they may be overweight, you can get tailored advice from your local veterinary surgeon to ensure your pet is getting the appropriate care they need.  


Do Cavapoos need a specific diet?

Cavapoos need a nutritionally balanced diet to keep them healthy and reduce their risk of obesity and related diseases. For some pedigree breeds of dog, breed specific food is available, however in most cases a high quality nutritionally balanced dog food which is formulated for the age of your dog is appropriate for all breeds. In some cases, your veterinary surgeon may suggest an alternative diet in order to manage specific underlying health conditions, so it’s important to discuss this with them if you have any concerns.

Summary: 

  • Cavapoos are the second most popular crossbreed in the UK. 
  • Cavapoos are small sized dogs as they are commonly a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle. 
  • Cavapoos can make great family pets. 
  • Cavapoos can struggle with separation anxiety. 
  • Cavapoos are known for having a low shedding coat, and some types are described as having a hypoallergenic coat. 
  • Cavapoos need a nutritionally balanced diet and regular daily exercise to keep them fit and healthy.