About Cavapoo
Feeding
An ideal Cavapoo diet should be formulated for a small- to medium-sized breed with high energy levels.
They have a tendency to gain weight if they’re overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well.
As with all dogs, the Cavapoo’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Cavapoo’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a
specific recommendation.
History
The Cavapoo dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders in Australia started intentionally mixing Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles in the late 1990s.
Breeders wanted to mix the outgoing and calmer nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence of a Poodle. Since Poodles tend to shed less, they were also selected in an effort to create a mixed breed for allergy sufferers. Breeders continued to create Cavapoos as demand for the mixed-breed pups climbed.
Even though the Cavapoo mixed breed got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you.
Check your local shelters, look up Cavapoo rescues, or check with breed-specific Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Poodle rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed-breed dogs and find homes for them.
Grooming
Cavapoos have soft, medium-length fur that can range from wavy to curly and requires regular grooming. They are known for shedding very little, making them an ideal breed for those with allergies to pet dander. Their lack of shedding doesn’t mean they don’t need routine brushing, however. If your cavapoo isn’t brushed at least once to twice a week, its wavy curls may start to mat. Aside from being uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, mats can make the skin underneath prone to infections. Some owners may opt to have their dog’s fur cut short into a ‘puppy cut’ to help prevent matting.
In addition to brushing, your cavapoo should get his or her nails trimmed routinely to prevent them from snagging or breaking. They also need their ears cleaned to prevent infection, and it’s important to clean or trim the fur inside the ears.
As a smaller breed, cavapoos are prone to dental disease. Brushing your cavapoo’s teeth daily, or as often as you can manage, with dog-friendly toothpaste can help keep its teeth clean and healthy. Dental disease is not merely a cosmetic issue. Gingival tissue is vascular, and it is the number one area where bacteria can enter the bloodstream. This can lead to painful tooth abscesses, but it can also cause a heart condition known as endocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle). Proper dental hygiene is especially important for breeds that are susceptible to dental problems.
Personality
Cavapoos have boomed in popularity because they have such an amicable and winning personality. They’re a popular family dog, thanks to their outgoing, playful, and affectionate nature. That said, the Cavapoo is not a dog that tolerates being alone very much, and they could experience separation anxiety if not properly socialized and trained.
The Cavapoo is an intelligent breed and lives for your validation and praise. This makes Cavapoos fairly easy to train, as they are eager to please. Cavapoos can be athletic too, which makes them great when it comes to agility and obedience competitions.
As they can be somewhat attached-at-the-hip, it is important to train your Cavapoo early so they know how to be alone. Without proper training, your Cavapoo could turn to destructive behaviors, like chewing furniture and shoes or rooting through the garbage, when they are left alone.
Cavapoos tend to get along with everyone and may even greet an intruder with a wag of their tail. With that in mind, if you are looking for a guard dog, a Cavapoo isn’t a good choice. Cavapoos tend to thrive most in homes where they get loads of attention, be it with a family or a senior citizen.
