Cavapoo
The Cavapoo (Cavoodle in Australia) is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Miniature or Toy Poodle — one of the most popular designer breeds in Australia and the UK.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Australia
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
5–12 kg (11–26 lbs)
Height
25–35 cm (10–14 in)
Exercise
20 to 30 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality small breed food.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Cavapoo (Cavoodle in Australia) is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Miniature or Toy Poodle — one of the most popular designer breeds in Australia and the UK. The combination aims to reduce the significant health problems of the Cavalier (mitral valve disease, syringomyelia) while retaining its famously gentle, adaptable temperament, paired with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat. However, Cavapoos can still inherit Cavalier health problems — particularly the devastating mitral valve disease and syringomyelia. Responsible breeding requires cardiac and MRI screening of Cavalier parents.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
Discover which pets match your lifestyle
Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A small, fluffy, round-faced dog with large expressive eyes. Coat is wavy to curly and soft. Colours reflect the Cavalier's wide colour range combined with Poodle colours.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
Daily
Bathing
Every-3-4-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Gentle, calm, and sociable — the Cavapoo inherits the Cavalier's notably quiet, adaptable temperament combined with Poodle playfulness. Excellent for families, elderly, and apartment living. One of the least anxious small breeds.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
5/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
20 to 30 min/day
Ideal Weather
5°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
50%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
separation anxiety (severe), clinginess, whining, trembling, appetite loss
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Moderate exercise — 1 hour daily. Brushing 3–4 times weekly. Ear cleaning weekly. Cardiac screening of Cavalier parent is critical — insist on Cavalier parent health testing before purchasing a Cavapoo puppy.
Nutrition Notes
Cavalier × Poodle. CRITICAL: MVD (mitral valve disease) inherited from Cavalier side. Heart-healthy diet (taurine, omega-3, L-carnitine) ESSENTIAL. Syringomyelia risk. Small-breed formula.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
MVD from Cavalier — annual cardiac screening recommended even in crossbreeds. Syringomyelia (SM) from Cavalier. PRA (both parents). Luxating patella. Addison's (Poodle). Dental disease. Separation anxiety is significant — often worse than either parent breed. 10-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
500 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
350 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) — the most serious risk. The Cavalier parent MUST be cardiac-cleared under the Cavalier MVD Breeding Protocol. Syringomyelia (SM) can be inherited — MRI screening of Cavalier parent recommended. Patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia. Progressive retinal atrophy from Poodle lines.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
CRITICAL: Cavalier heart disease risk carries through to crossbreeds. Cardiac screening recommended. Extremely popular. India: growing availability.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Cavoodle has been Australia's most popular dog for several years running — ahead of Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and all other breeds in sales registrations. Its combination of apartment-friendly size, gentle temperament, and low-shedding coat perfectly suits Australian urban lifestyles.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent is one of the most health-compromised pure breeds — over 90% develop mitral valve disease by age 10. Responsible Cavapoo breeding requires Cavalier parents to be cardiac-tested under the MVD Breeding Protocol, but many commercial breeders skip this critical step.
