Cavapoos tend to be outgoing, loving, and playful dogs. They make fantastic family companions as they tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. Their sweet, gentle nature makes them a great companion breed. They also make great therapy dogs!

As long as they are well-socialized, they are even open and friendly with strangers. Although small, Cavapoos are relatively sturdy dogs, but they can be hurt by rough play. So, interactions between young kids and puppies, especially playtime, should be supervised.

Due to their smaller size and moderate energy level, the Cavapoo is a highly adaptable dog that thrives in apartments as well as larger homes. They do tend to have short muzzles, which makes them even more sensitive to heat. They also do not handle the cold very well either and may need some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks when temperatures drop.

As a true companion breed that bonds closely with their families and is happiest being around them, a Cavapoo does not like to spend a lot of time alone. They can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on.

Potential health concerns to be aware of can include Mitral Valve Disease, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, and hip dysplasia. Good breed practices make a big difference in the health of puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Willingness and openness to talk about these things and their breeding practices are qualities to look for in a great breeder.

A Cavapoo tends to be a highly trainable dog that is one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are intelligent and eager to please. Although they are smart and learn quickly, they also have a mind of their own and may be more interested in cuddling or sitting on your lap than listening to basic commands.

They can usually be persuaded to change their mind and find the command or trick worth performing if there is a treat or praise involved. They do tend to get bored, so you’ll want to keep training sessions short and focused on fun. This is a good way to keep your dog engaged during training sessions.

Due to their short attention spans, especially as puppies, consistency in training is imperative. Cavapoos also tend to be sensitive, which means they respond best to positive reinforcement techniques like play, food rewards, and praise. Because they are sensitive souls, harsh or sharp tones can sometimes send a Cavapoo into a sulk or a pout.

A Cavapoo’s coat can vary depending on the genes they inherit from the parent breeds, but they generally have a soft coat that is wavy or curly and is low/non-shedding due to the presence of the Poodle in the cross. Common coat colors are red, white, black, red and white, and tricolor.

A low/non-shedding coat does not mean low maintenance. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Professional grooming is recommended every 4-8 weeks. In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Cavapoo’s nails, ears, and teeth.

The dog groomer may be able to take care of some of this, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections.

As a small dog breed, the Cavapoo is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good dental care for dogs early and consistently throughout your dog’s life important. Daily tooth brushing, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is a good start.

Cavapoos tend to have a low to moderate energy level, which can adapt to their owner’s lifestyle. Daily walks with some playtime are usually enough to keep this pup happy and healthy. They can be prone to weight gain if they are overfed and do not get enough exercise, so it’s important to ensure proper diet, nutrition, and activity to keep this pup healthy.

A Cavapoo loves spending time with their favorite humans and will be more than willing to be more active if their owner leads a more active lifestyle. Plus, they tend to love chasing balls and are almost always up for playing fetch.

Cavapoos can also be a good fit for dog sports like agility, rally, and obedience. As with any intense training or exercise regimen, you will want to have your Cavapoo cleared by your vet before jumping into these high-energy activities.

A fully-grown Cavapoo usually stands 9-14 inches tall and weighs 12-25 pounds. Looking at the size of the parents, especially the mother, can give you a better idea of what to expect when it comes to size for a particular Cavapoo puppy.

Cavapoos generally live for 10-15 years on average.

The Cavapoo is sometimes also called a Cavoodle or a Cavadoodle.