Reviewed by Dr Abbie Lam DVM
Learn more about this fun, furry, affectionate breed and whether a Cavoodle is the right dog for you, your family and your home.
The Cavoodle is one of the most popular crossbreed dogs due to their gentle nature. If you’re looking for an intelligent and kid-friendly dog, the Cavoodle could be right for you and your family.
Breed origins
The Cavoodle is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the toy or miniature Poodle. Their gentle and loving nature, along with their small size and thick, soft coat, makes the Cavoodle one of the most popular breeds in Australia. Always eager to please, they love company, including children and other household pets. No wonder these lively bundles of fun have enjoyed a recent surge in popularity.
Cavoodle coats, colours and size
A Cavoodle’s long coat that can be straight or wavy. Being a crossbreed, their appearance can vary from dog to dog. Cavoodles that have coats similar to a Poodle will shed very little, whereas Cavalier-like coats will shed more. All Cavoodle coats require daily brushing to prevent matting and usually need professional grooming every 6 weeks.
Cavoodle puppies come in many colours, from black or white, to tan or gold and many shades in between. Adults typically stand between 30 to 35 cm tall and weigh from 5 to 12 kg.
Cavoodle personality, characteristics and temperament
The Cavoodle inherits a love for people from the laid-back Cavalier, which was bred to be a companion dog. Cavoodles are less highly strung than a miniature Poodle but have inherited their intelligence and sense of loyalty. The combination makes the gentle Cavoodle great with kids and fit for small living quarters.
Born with long, soft, floppy ears, large brows and a compact, round face, many Cavoodles will remain cute and puppy-like, even as adults.
Health and care of Cavoodles
As a crossbreed dog, the Cavoodle inherits traits from both parent breeds, so it’s important to have both parents screened for common inheritable conditions. Reputable breeders will have this done prior to breeding the pups. These conditions include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Mitral valve disease
- Luxating patellas
Cavoodles have an average lifespan of 10–14 years.
Cavoodle ears also need regular cleaning, and daily teeth brushing is recommended.
The start of your relationship should be marked with a visit to your veterinarian. Your vet will explain your new puppies vaccination, flea, tick, intestinal worm and heartworm prevention schedules.
Will a Cavoodle suit my lifestyle?
Cavoodles do well in apartments and small homes with small yards but will also suit more active lifestyles. Make sure to give your Cavoodle plenty of attention and daily exercise.
Overall, Cavoodles are intelligent dogs that are suitable for all age groups and families.
References:
Lewis T, Swift S, Woolliams JA, Blott S. Heritability of premature mitral valve disease in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Vet J. 2011 Apr 1;188(1):73-6.
Maeda K, Inoue M, Tanaka M, Momozawa Y. Evidence of genetic contribution to patellar luxation in Toy Poodle puppies. J Vet Med Sci. 2019;81(4):532-7.
