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 a cute cross-breed dog that doesn’t require much space and thrives on human companionship. 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. Its gentle and loving nature, along with its small size and thick, soft coat, makes the Cavoodle one of the most popular breeds in New Zealand. 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 generally long coat can be straight or wavy. Their coats shed a bit and require a moderate amount of grooming.
Some Cavoodle coats have a texture similar to Poodle coats, and others resemble the texture of the Cavalier. A poodle-like coat will shed very little and should be brushed every other day or so. Cavalier-like coats require less frequent attention but shed more. In either case, take your Cavoodle to a groomer about every six weeks.
Puppies come in black, white, tan, cream, brown, red, gold and many shades in between. Adults typically stand between 30 to 35 cm tall and weigh from five 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
Thanks to the benefits of crossbreeding, the Cavoodle is blessed with a more diverse genetic makeup than purebreds, making them less susceptible to the issues that may afflict their parent breeds. This genetic diversity adds up to an average lifespan of 10–14 years.
Cavoodles do well in apartments and small homes with small yards. This playful, affectionate companion does not like to be left alone, and some may expect round-the-clock companionship. Make sure to give your Cavoodle plenty of attention and daily exercise. While they don’t require much exercise, they will still need regular walks and runs.
The start of your relationship should be marked with a visit to your veterinarian. They may tell you to keep an eye out for genetic problems, such as slipping kneecaps, eye defects or congenital heart problems. That said, you and your family can expect to enjoy many years of warm companionship with a Cavoodle.
The Cavoodle is not generally as hyperactive as some other breeds, but still adores human companionship. In all, this is an intelligent dog, suitable for all age groups and most lifestyles.
