Cavoodle Dog
The Cavoodle, a cross between a poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is an intelligent and affectionate companion. Their teddy bear appearance, small size, and loving attitude make them excellent family pets for apartments or houses.
Quick Facts about a Cavoodle
| Size | The Cavoodle size is small (5 – 12kg) |
| Types | Toy, Miniature or Standard (determined by the Poodle parent’s size) in a range of colours |
| Lifespan | 13 – 15 years |
| Temperament | An intelligent, affectionate, loyal, & loving companion who enjoys being a part of daily activities |
| Suitable | Highly adaptable, they’re a brilliant family pet, great for allergy sufferers and live happily in apartments |
| Health | Overall, a healthy breed, but predisposed to specific Cavoodle health issues |
Trainability - Are Cavoodles Easy to Train?
Cavoodles are among the most trainable breeds due to their high intelligence and need to please their owners. You should start training your Cavoodle early, using positive reinforcement like treats, praise, attention and fun playtime. Cavoodle puppies quickly learn new commands and love to make their owners happy. Their friendly nature and exceptional social skills make socialisation training with other animals and family members easier. While they’re known as guard dogs who bark at perceived threats or visitors, consistent training and reassurance can help manage this behaviour. Cavoodles are easily trainable dogs that make great companions with the proper guidance.
Cavoodle Grooming - Keeping Your Puppy Looking Great
Cavoodles have a curly or feathered coat due to their Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix, making them low-shedding and suitable for allergy sufferers. Cavoodle grooming must include brushing at least once a week to prevent matting and trimming every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain their luxurious locks and keep them looking cute and fluffy. Regular ear cleaning is needed to prevent infections, and brushing their teeth is recommended to avoid dental issues and doggy breath. Despite their high grooming requirements, Cavoodles are relatively easy to care for thanks to their low-shedding coat and friendly nature.
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Common Health Concerns – Keeping Your Cavoodle Healthy
While the Cavoodle breed is considered healthy, it may be prone to genetically inherited conditions from its parents. Choosing reputable breeders and having pet insurance can help keep your beloved Cavoodle as healthy as possible.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a Cavoodle health problem in which the head of the femur doesn’t fit into the hip socket correctly. This leads to arthritis, mobility issues, and joint pain. Physiotherapy, correct diet, exercise, and surgery are all options to alleviate the symptoms of this condition.
- Luxating Patella: This health issue occurs when the kneecap (patella) moves or dislocates entirely and is often seen in small breeds like the Cavoodle. Once diagnosed, your vet can recommend the best option to help your furry companion feel more comfortable.
- Epilepsy: Cavoodles are prone to epilepsy, which usually develops between 1 and 5 years of age. They’ll have seizures, the cause of which is often unknown. Pet insurance can help you with unexpected vet emergencies, such as diagnosing and treating your Cavoodle.
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): This Cavoodle health issue stems from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and causes the heart’s mitral valve to degenerate. Early detection through vet checkups is vital to manage its impact and severity.
- Ear Infections: Due to the floppiness of the Cavoodle ear, it’s prone to infections if the ears are not cleaned regularly. Your vet can advise on the best ear-cleaning methods and products and prescribe antibiotics should an infection be found.
- Dental Issues: Many Poodle breeds suffer from dental malalignment, where the teeth grow abnormally. Regular vet dental checkups can detect any dental issues early, with baby teeth often removed to improve the angle of growth of adult teeth.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Cavoodles are prone to developing PRA due to the breed of both parents carrying the genes. With PRA, your Cavoodle’s retina gradually deteriorates, eventually leading to blindness. Your vet can advise you on how to manage this disease; however, it’s not curable.
- Allergies & Skin Conditions: Cavoodles have hypoallergenic coats but can suffer from allergies or skin conditions. These may be environmental (pollen, grasses, etc.) or dietary (sensitive GI tract). Regular grooming and a vet-prescribed diet can help manage these Cavoodle health problems.
Looking to protect your pet? Learn more about our dog insurance for your Cavoodle here.
Cuddly - Affectionate and Loving
The Cavoodle breed makes for the perfect snuggle buddy. With their small size, soft, wavy coats, and expressive eyes, you’ll have the happiest lap dog who loves to cuddle up with you for warmth and comfort. The Cavoodle temperament is renowned for its affection and gentleness, so when you give your fur baby love and attention, you’ll receive it back in abundance. Whether it’s curling up on the couch, sharing a bed or having a little shadow follow you around the house, your Cavoodle will be a dedicated cuddly companion who’ll bring a load of joy to your life.
Shedding and Smell - Managing Shedding and Odor
Due to their Poodle mix breed, the Cavoodle breed is a low-shedding dog. Their curly, hypoallergenic coat is less likely to shed, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. They will need regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their fluffy appearance. Cavoodles aren’t prone to harsh doggy odours and are known to have a mild, pleasant scent. Monthly bathing is recommended to keep them smelling fresh and clean. Cavoodles are low maintenance for shedding and smell, adding to their appeal as a cuddly lap dog.
Exercise Requirements - How Much Exercise Does a Cavoodle Need?
Despite their cute and cuddly nature, Cavoodles are lively and energetic dogs requiring moderate exercise. To keep them happy and healthy, your daily routine should include at least 30 minutes of physical activity, whether it’s a walk, playtime, or interactive games. Cavoodles’ intelligence levels require adequate mental stimulation to avoid unwanted destructive behaviour. Daily exercise helps manage their energy levels and prevents behavioural issues, making them a well-rounded, happy furry companion.
Intelligence - Are Cavoodles Smart?
Cavoodles are highly intelligent, which is one reason they’re popular with pet owners. Their cleverness shines through in their ability to learn commands, solve puzzles, and adapt quickly to new situations. Their intelligence, need to please, and love of positive reinforcement makes obedience training easy. You’ll need to keep their active minds engaged to avoid boredom. The best ways to keep them happy include puzzle toys, interactive games, regular training, and walking. The Cavoodle’s intelligence enhances their trainability and adds to their engaging personalities. Their smart and charming nature makes them an excellent choice for anyone wanting a loving, responsive dog.
Family Friendly- Are Cavoodles Friendly?
Cavoodles are one of the most adaptable, friendly dog breeds, making them ideal for families with children of all ages. Their social nature means they thrive in a family environment, enjoying playtime, cuddles and games with every member of your household. Cavoodles are patient and very tolerant, which families with younger children need. Their intelligence for training allows them to adapt quickly to your household rules and family routine. With a loving and loyal nature, your Cavoodle will form strong bonds with your family members and happily lap up love and cuddles from anyone willing to share.
Indoor/Outdoor? - Ideal Living Conditions
Due to their small size and affectionate nature, Cavoodles thrive as indoor dogs. They love being involved in family activities and are likely to stress if kept outdoors away from human interaction. They are also sensitive to colder weather and prefer to be cuddled inside with their owners. A bonus is their low-shedding coats, making them ideal indoor pets for those who don’t want dog hair everywhere. As they’re adaptable to situations, your Cavoodle will live happily in a family home or smaller apartment, so long as they receive adequate exercise, mental stimulation and affection. Your Cavoodle will be their happiest and healthiest self when they are kept indoors and a part of your family life.
Responsible Breeding
Cavoodle puppies are incredibly adorable with their little fluffy bodies and big ‘pick me’ eyes. However, before you buy a Cavoodle, it’s important to ensure you’re buying from a reputable breeder and not a puppy mill. An ethical breeder looks after the welfare of the parents and their puppies and knows the health and temperament of the parents prior to breeding them. They do this to screen for any health issues and avoid hereditary issues common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle.
Their breeding environment will be clean and welcoming, and they don’t continually breed dogs just to have a litter and make money. You’ll find that a responsible breeder will also start training and socialising your new Cavoodle puppy so it can adjust to moving to your family home. They should also offer advice and follow-up to ensure your new Cavoodle puppy has adapted to its new home.
Contact PIA for Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Cavoodles. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
