Help your Cavapoo to love life

An undeniably cute companion dog, the Cavapoo, like its larger cousin, the Cockapoo, is not yet a recognised breed, but is incredibly popular – and it’s easy to see why. A cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, the Cavapoo is renowned for its friendly, playful nature and adorable, teddy-bear-like looks.

“Cavapoos are sweet-natured, energetic dogs that form a strong bond with the people around them,” says insurer Petplan. “They’re great with children and are a good choice for first-time owners or those looking for a friendly family dog.”

“Cavapoos are a companion breed and love to be with their humans,” says Sue Ketland, Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist at rehoming charity Woodgreen. “They’re very much lapdogs, so if you don’t want a furry hot water bottle on your lap (and possibly your bed) on a regular basis, maybe a Cavapoo is not for you!”

Where do Cavapoos come from?

This hybrid breed has been around since the 1990s. “While the exact timeline and location of their development are not well-documented, it’s believed they were first intentionally bred in the United States or Australia during the 1990s,” explains canine information hub DogTime. “The aim was to combine the affectionate and gentle nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence, hypoallergenic coat, and low-shedding qualities of the Poodle. Cavapoos quickly gained popularity due to their appealing physical traits, such as their teddy bear-like appearance, and their friendly, adaptable temperaments.”

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How big do Cavapoos get?

Like most small dogs, Cavapoos tend to reach their adult size more quickly than larger breeds. “Puppies usually reach their adult height and weight by a year old,” says Petplan. “A typical height for an adult Cavapoo is between 23 to 36 cm, depending on the size of their Poodle parent, and they can weigh in at anywhere between 5 and 11 kg. Understanding your Cavapoo’s parentage will help you and your vet to determine the ideal height and weight for your Cavapoo.”

“They’re a small to medium-sized companion crossbreed. If you’re buying a Cavapoo, ask the seller which sized Poodle they used for breeding, as they come in three different sizes,” adds Sue Ketland. “Cavapoos can also be a cross between two Cavapoos or even a Cavapoo crossed back with one of the parent breeds.”

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Are Cavapoos hypoallergenic?

For people who suffer from allergies but long for a dog, Cavapoos may be a suitable breed. However, experts agree that there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog.

“A mix between the moderate shedding Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the low shedding Poodle, the Cavapoo’s level of shedding depends on which parent it most takes after. As a low-to-no shedding breed, the Cavapoo is generally considered to be an allergy-friendly pet,” advises Petplan. “It’s important to remember that no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, but some breeds are better for those with allergies than others.”

Understanding what makes your Cavapoo tick will help you give them everything they need to love life! Read on to discover more about:

• CAVAPOO PERSONALITY PROFILE
• IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A CAVAPOO?
• HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A CAVAPOO NEED?
• WHAT SHOULD I FEED A CAVAPOO?
• HOW MUCH GROOMING DOES A CAVAPOO NEED?
• WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TRAIN A CAVAPOO?
• GETTING A CAVAPOO

CAVAPOO PERSONALITY PROFILE

If you want an affectionate, playful, people-oriented dog to share your life with, then a Cavapoo could be your ideal canine companion.

“The intelligence of a Poodle mixed with the sweet nature of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel means that the Cavapoo has one of the most appealing and adaptable personalities of any dog,” says Petplan. “They thrive on attention and interaction, they’re great with children, and they love being part of a household – all of which make them a fantastic family dog.”

“It’s hard to predict the nature of this breed,” adds Sue Ketland. “This will depend on how much Cavalier and Poodle their parents and grandparents had in them. But each of the main breeds has wonderful qualities, so it’s fair to say they can make lovely pets!”

These playful dogs are always up for a game. “They enjoy chasing and fetching their toys, sniffing games and searching for things with their nose. So, hiding treats or toys around the house or garden is a great way to entertain them. And it’s a fun game for the children to get involved in, too!” notes Sue Ketland. “But it’s important to remember these sensitive souls are less fond of ‘rough and tumble’ types of play.”

“All dogs love a game of fetch, but with a retriever instinct thanks to their Poodle heritage, Cavapoos enjoy it more than most,” says Petplan. “Their inquisitive nature and love of interaction means that games such as hide and seek work well too.”

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While each breed has certain identifiable traits, it’s important to remember that every dog is unique. Dogs Trust advises: “Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their own likes and dislikes and learn to respond to situations in different ways. For example, some dogs might like meeting other dogs, and some may not. Some might like new experiences, and others may need to go slowly.”

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IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A CAVAPOO?

To create a perfect canine/human partnership, it’s vital to think about what kind of energy and temperament you’d like your four-pawed friend to have so you’re a good match for each other – and that you can provide a suitable environment.

“Adaptable and intelligent, Cavapoos are easily trained, thrive on guidance and direction and can fit into almost any lifestyle or household environment,” says Petplan.

“Poodles are incredibly intelligent, so it won’t surprise you to know the Cavapoo loves to learn! This means they need to be kept mentally stimulated,” advises Sue Ketland. “They can also be very energetic, so access to green spaces to run and play is essential. Cavapoos are an adaptable breed that can live happily in either a flat or a large house. Although they may be on the smaller side, they make great little guard dogs!”

Cavapoos don’t like to be left home alone

While Cavapoos can thrive in a variety of homes, families, and lifestyles, if you’re out for large chunks of the day, your Cavapoo may find it hard to cope.

“Like their Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents, Cavapoos are extremely sociable dogs who love nothing more than spending time with their owners, says Petplan. “This means they form an extremely strong bond with their humans and don’t enjoy spending a lot of time on their own. Cavapoos can be prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive and unwanted behaviour if not kept in check.”

“This breed is known for being devoted to its owners, but this can lead to difficulties with coping at home alone,” adds Sue Ketland. “A Cavapoo would best suit someone who works from home or is retired.”

Cavapoos, children and other pets can get along well

While an ideal breed for families with children, sensitive Cavapoos can find boisterous play overwhelming. “Kids should be taught how to play nicely, and as with all dogs, you should always supervise playtime between your Cavapoo and children to make sure everyone is safe and happy,” advises Petplan.

“Cavapoos have the potential to make fantastic family pets. But they can be sensitive, so homes with very young children might be a bit much for them,” adds Sue Ketland. “They love attention and will make a great playmate for slightly older children, but they’ll also appreciate the peace and quiet when they’re at school!”

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And, if you have other pets, providing they are introduced carefully, good friendships with your Cavapoo should develop. “Cavapoos are friendly and social by nature and tend to get on well with humans and other animals alike. This means that they usually get on well with cats, provided they are properly introduced and socialised from an early age,” notes Petplan.

“Whilst Cavapoos can be great with other dogs, their socialisation needs to be carefully managed (teaching them to interact in an appropriate way with people and other dogs),” adds Sue Ketland. “As a smaller breed, they can find bigger bouncy dogs a bit scary at first. If you put the work into their training, you’ll see their confidence grow. You’ll also be rewarded with a wonderful four-legged friend!”

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Meeting their needs will enable Cavapoos to live their best life

“Cavapoos can be wonderful companions. But, like all breeds, their needs must be met for them to live their best life,” advises Sue Ketland. “They’re an active and intelligent breed, which means they need to get the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation. If not, this can lead to tricky behavioural problems such as stealing items like socks and shoes, as well as chewing and digging. Home-alone training must be taken slow, steady, and for short periods. Barking when left alone due to stress is not uncommon.”

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HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A CAVAPOO NEED?

A couple of good walks a day, with a chance to run about, and lots of playtime, will keep your Cavapoo happy and healthy.

“Cavapoos need two walks a day of around 30 minutes. They like to run around in green spaces and play with their toys. As adults, they can cope with longer walks and will love exploring country parks and woodlands,” recommends Sue Ketland. “It's not just their bodies that need exercising. Cavapoos are very intelligent, so they need their brains stimulated, too. Puzzle feeders, activity toys and scent games will help fulfil their needs.”

“Cavapoos are little bags of energy. This means they need the right amount of daily exercise and stimulation to avoid boredom – they love nothing more than a game of fetch,” adds Petplan.

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WHAT SHOULD I FEED A CAVAPOO?

“Cavapoos aren’t usually fussy eaters, but like all dogs, giving them the best quality food is essential for them to grow into happy, healthy dogs,” says Petplan. “Make sure your furry friend gets the right amount of exercise to burn off any extra calories and avoid an expanding waistline.”

Burgess in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB MRCVS, who oversees recipe development and product production, advises: “When choosing food for Cavapoos, it’s essential to bear in mind that the optimum diet for your dog is one that supplies the correct number of calories and balance of nutrients for their life stage and lifestyle. This means calculating the nutrient content and dietary components such as protein, fat, carbohydrate and vitamins and minerals required. All Burgess Dog Food is a complete food. This means, whatever variety you choose for your Cavapoo, it will contain all the nutrients they need in the correct balance.”

Choose a diet tailored to your dog’s life stage

Your Cavapoo will also benefit from feeding a variety of food that’s designed to meet their nutritional requirements throughout their life. Puppies need extra energy and other nutrients to support rapid growth. For adult dogs, providing a nutritionally balanced, complete diet will help keep them in tip-top condition during the prime of their life. Many older dogs develop specific conditions, such as arthritis – some of which can be eased by feeding a diet designed just for them.

Cavapoo feeding tips

• Split your Cavapoo’s daily allowance into two meals and try to feed your dog at the same time every day, as canines like routine.
• Measure out precise portion sizes. Recommended feeding amounts can be found on dog food packaging, but always ask your vet if you’re not sure.
• Giving your dog a little more than they need means they could become overweight. If you don’t feed enough, your dog will not get all the nutrients they need and will become underweight.
• Remember to leave a gap after eating and before exercising.
• If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake as this can unbalance their diet

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HOW MUCH GROOMING DOES A CAVAPOO NEED?

Their breed mix means that Cavapoos are generally a low-shedding dog and, to keep their coat in good condition, will need daily grooming and regular professional trims.

“Wondering whether a Cavaopoo will shed? This depends on how much of each parent makes up their breed. If they’re more Cavalier than Poodle, they’ll shed more, and if they’re more Poodle, they’ll shed less,” says Sue Ketland.

“Whether a Cavapoo is more Cavalier or Poodle, they’ll need daily grooming to prevent mats from forming. Whilst the curly Poodle coat doesn’t shed much, it does keep growing and will need regular trimming to keep it manageable (and beautiful). If you aren’t comfortable using a pair of clippers or scissors, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a professional groomer every six to 12 weeks.”

“Cavapoos’ sweet nature means they usually tolerate grooming well. However, as with all breeds, it’s best to allow your pet to get used to the grooming process by using a soft brush on their coat when they are puppies,” advises Petplan.

“A Cavapoo can also suffer from ear infections, so it’s important to keep their ears clean and free of excess hair,” adds Sue Ketland. “Use a damp cloth to clean around your dog’s eyes and ears to remove tear stains and prevent the build-up of wax,” recommends Petplan.

Regular grooming also provides you with an opportunity to check for unusual lumps and bumps. Getting into a teeth cleaning routine is also important to help to prevent plaque and tartar from building up and keep gums healthy.

“Much like their Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent breeds, Cavapoos can suffer from dental problems such as gingivitis or cavities,” notes Petplan. “To help avoid this – and provide the nutrition they need – use good quality dry dog food that will help scrape their teeth clean.”

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WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TRAIN A CAVAPOO?

When it comes to training any dog, it’s all about creating a positive learning experience, so they’re keen to learn and grow in confidence. And, when it comes to Cavapoo, you’ll have a bright, eager-to-please pupil who will respond to gentle, reward-based training.

“Cavapoos are eager to please and motivated by both food and toys,” says Sue Ketland. “Socialisation and habituation around people, other animals, noises, and vehicles is essential for all breeds – and Cavapoos are no exception. Puppy training classes are ideal. They’ll help your new friend pay attention to you rather than what’s going on around them. Recall training is another priority for Cavapoos. This will help them enjoy the freedom of exercise off the lead.”

“Cavapoos are very intelligent, which makes training easy,” notes Petplan. “Be gentle, give them plenty of one-to-one attention and use lots of positive reinforcement.”

“A well-trained Cavapoo is a joy to live with, but don’t underestimate the challenges of adolescence,” adds Sue Ketland. “Stick at it, and you’ll reap the rewards of their companionship!”

“It’s all about positive learning,” says Dogs Trust. “So, find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s treats, toys or lots of praise, training with rewards is the best way for your dog to learn. Learning useful life skills such as recall, loose lead walking and settling are just as important. This ensures that you and your dog can spend enjoyable time together, both at home and out and about.”

For expert advice and practical training guidance, visit Dogs Trust Dog School >>

GETTING A CAVAPOO

If you’re planning on getting a puppy, only buy from a Licenced Breeder. “Remember to think about the kind of dog you want and be fussy about the breeder you choose,” advises Petplan. “Lucy’s Law dictates that new puppies or kittens must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue. Third-party sellers are illegal.”

Dogs Trust advises: “Whatever the breed, all dogs need basic preventative health care like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. You’ll also need insurance to help cover the cost of vet bills.”

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Alternatively, there are a number of rescue organisations around the country, including Dogs Trust, Woodgreen and Battersea, who would love to hear from you. Staff will seek to match you with the right dog for your home and lifestyle and provide you with support and useful information about the breed. Also check out the Cavapoo rescue and rehoming collective Facebook page.

By choosing a rescue Cavapoo, you’ll be giving one of these intelligent, affectionate, playful dogs a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life.

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NEED MORE ADVICE?

If you’re at all unsure about the best way of feeding your dog or have any concerns about specific nutritional requirements, ask your local veterinary practice for advice. You can also call our expert team, available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on +44 (0)1405 862241 who’ll be happy to help. Alternatively, use our online contact form to get in touch.

CARE MORE Find lots of useful advice on caring for your dog from Burgess, the pet experts >>

Is your dog a Burgess dog? Join the Burgess Pet Club for exclusive offers, competitions and expert advice from our in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes.

SOMETHING TASTY FOR EVERY DOG – PREMIUM DOG FOOD WITHOUT THE PREMIUM PRICE!

Every dog deserves a first-class dinner from puppy to adult and senior. Burgess Pet Care is a British, family-owned company, and all our dog foods are made at our own factory in Yorkshire, using only ingredients that meet our stringent specifications.

We’ve also developed foods to meet the specific nutritional needs of sporting and working dogs, Greyhounds and Lurchers and dogs with sensitivities.

GOOD TO KNOW

• COMPLETE NUTRITION Each of the recipes in the Burgess Dog Food range are complete, providing all the nutrients dogs require in the right proportions.
• PORTION CONTROL With dry food, it’s easy to measure out the right sized portion to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
• HEALTHY AND SAFE The thorough cooking process ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, and viruses are destroyed, and the dry food stays fresh inside the pack.
• TEETH-FRIENDLY Dry dog food has the added benefit of exercising your dog’s chewing muscles and provides a mild cleaning effect on the teeth.
• MADE IN BRITAIN Crafted at Burgess Pet Care’s own factory in the heart of Yorkshire, Burgess Dog Food contains high-quality ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible to support British farmers.

With a whole host of *5 STAR REVIEWS*, our customers have told us:

* “An excellent dog food, definitely a market-leading brand. My dog thrives on it, no upset stomach ever.” * “Our dogs just love it, and it keeps them happy.” * “Good value, wholesome food.” * “Edward (dog) is in raptures over this, he just can't get enough of it.” * “Our Ruby loves this food. In fact, she tries to open the food bin to steal it. That’s proof enough.” * “My dogs love it, it satisfies them, so it makes them happy and contented which makes me happy as they are thriving on it.” * “A leader amongst dog foods.” *

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