Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is one of the UK's most beloved hybrid breeds, created by crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the Miniature or Toy Poodle.
This deliberate pairing combines the Cavalier's gentle, affectionate nature with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat, resulting in a small companion well-suited to diverse households.
5-10kg
Weight
13-15yrs
Lifespan
About the Cavapoo
Standing between 33 and 45 centimetres at the shoulder and weighing 5 to 10 kilograms, Cavapoos are compact dogs with distinctive wavy or loosely curled coats available in colours including gold, chestnut, white, and tricolour. Their coats require regular brushing and professional grooming every six to eight weeks to maintain condition and prevent matting. Temperamentally, Cavapoos are playful, affectionate, and highly sociable animals that form strong bonds with family members and typically get along well with other pets. They thrive on human companionship and can struggle with separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. With a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, they make rewarding long-term companions. Prospective owners should always purchase from health-tested parents and seek reputable breeders who screen for conditions affecting both parent breeds, avoiding unscrupulous commercial operations capitalising on the hybrid's popularity.
Cavapoo at a Glance
- Group
- Hybrid
- Weight
- 5–10 kg
- Height
- 33–45 cm
- Lifespan
- 13–15 years
- Typical price
- £1000–£1900
Cavapoo Characteristics
The Cavapoo needs substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay settled and responds brilliantly to positive reinforcement. They love children and tend to get on brilliantly with them and are content being left alone for moderate periods. The coat is fairly high maintenance and needs consistent upkeep and sheds a fair amount but nothing unmanageable. They are a highly intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Cavapoo Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly adaptable to different living situations, including flats
- Low-shedding coat that suits many households with allergy concerns
- Intelligent and eager to please, which makes training a genuinely rewarding experience
- Gentle and patient with older children, fitting in well with family life
Cons
- Prone to separation anxiety and struggles when left alone for long periods
- Coat requires frequent grooming to prevent knots and matting
- Health can vary as a crossbreed, so careful monitoring and good vet care are important
- Some individuals may produce more dander than expected, which can affect allergy sufferers
