Cavapoos are designer dogs, a fun mix between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Miniature Poodles. These dogs have very quickly become sought-after companions for families thanks to their kind, fun-loving, and energetic nature. If you’re looking for a well-rounded family dog, Cavapoos make delightful options! You can learn why here.
Cavapoos Were Designed to Be Family Pets
Cavapoos, also known as Cavoodles, are a breed that originally came to be in the late 1990s as part of the growing trend of “designer dogs.” Breeders of these dogs aimed to combine the very desirable traits of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Miniature Poodle, hoping to create a dog that was both affectionate and low shedding. And boy, did they do exactly that!
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known around the world for its friendly manner and loyalty. In fact, its lineage dates all the way back to the royal courts of England! This breed has always been a very beloved lap dog and companion, known for its gentle temperament and affectionate nature.
On the other hand, the Miniature Poodle brings in hypoallergenic coat qualities, intelligence, and lively personality traits to the mix. These dogs are very well known for being super trainable and versatile, excelling in breed-specific sports and activities.
The deliberate cross of these two breeds aimed to produce a dog that would get the best attributes from each parent breed. For that reason, these “doodle” mixes make popular pets around the world.
Cavapoos Have Many Characteristics Families Want
The popularity of Cavapoos has quickly spread, thanks to their blend of appealing characteristics. Most commonly, Cavapoos are great as they have a blend of positive traits from their parent breeds. This contributes greatly to their suitability as family pets.
They are very well-known for their loving nature and enjoy being in the company of people, especially those they’re bonded to. They’re known for being patient and playful with small children, enhancing their appeal further.
Usually, these beautiful dogs weigh between 12 to 25 pounds and stand between nine to 14 inches tall. Cavapoos are compact dogs, but strong and tough enough for a lot of family activities. Their size makes them ideal pets for apartment living, and they’re ideal for bringing aboard airplanes.
The Pros of Cavapoos
There are many pros when it comes to owning a Cavapoo as a family pet. For example:
These Dogs Enjoy Long Lives
Cavapoos usually have pretty long lifespans compared to many other breeds. In fact, they often live between 13 to 15 years! Thankfully, this means that they can be part of your family for a long time.
They’re Great with Kids and Other Pets
Cavapoos are fantastic with other pets. They are very friendly and sociable, enjoying the company of people and other animals, no matter the species. Still, monitor all introductions between Cavapoos and new friends to ensure they get along.
They Have Undemanding Exercise Needs
If you’re not a super active person but don’t mind a little walk every now and again, a Cavapoo could be the perfect canine for you! These little dogs love being with their families but are more couch potato than canine athlete. However, they still need exercise like any other canine.
Sure, they will have fun in the park with other dogs but won’t go mad after a day chilling out on the couch. This is why Cavapoos are known for being great dogs for elderly people.
These Dogs Are Intelligent and Easy to Please
Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, Cavapoos are very intelligent dogs that are super quick to learn and eager to please. They thrive in obedience training and love mental stimulation through interactive games and activities. Their intelligence also makes them perfect for lots of different training techniques that can be tailored to suit different preferences and lifestyles.
They Shed Minimally
Cavapoos inherit the hypoallergenic coat of their Poodle parent. This quality is super beneficial for families who have allergies as it gets rid of the usual amount of dander in the home. While regular grooming is still important to prevent matting and help with coat health, the reduced shedding makes Cavapoos a great choice for allergy-sensitive households.
The Cons of Cavapoos
While Cavapoos do make absolutely wonderful family pets, there are some other considerations when deciding to adopt one:
These Dogs Need Regular Grooming
Despite having a low-shedding coat, these dogs still require regular grooming to maintain their coat health and prevent any matting. This includes needing to brush your dog several times a week and making occasional professional grooming appointments. If you neglect the grooming requirements of these dogs, they can develop skin problems that lead to secondary complications.
They’re Prone to Some Health Issues
Like all breeds, Cavapoos can be very susceptible to certain dog-specific health conditions, such as heart problems, hip dysplasia, and eye issues. Prospective owners must be prepared for any potential veterinary expenses and regular checkups to ensure their pet’s health. To ease the financial strain of any medical issues, consider purchasing pet insurance.
They Can Suffer Separation Anxiety
Cavapoos are very social dogs. They form strong bonds with their families and other pets. Sometimes, they can experience separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. This can lead to excessive barking, chewing, or other destructive behaviors stemming from isolation. When you provide mental stimulation and exercise, gradually teaching them to be alone can help to stop separation anxiety.
In short, Cavapoos have become popular dogs over the years for a reason. They’re great family dogs, offering affection and joy even as they age.
