Cavapoo Breed Guide: Temperament, Training Grooming & Nutrition
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What is the most popular breed that we feed here at Different Dog? You guessed it, it’s a Cavapoo! But why are they so popular? Read on to explore just why Cavapoos are so special and why so many Cavapoo owners choose our freshly cooked diet.
First things first, what is a Cavapoo?
Cavapoos are affectionate, outgoing and playful dogs that are a beautiful blend of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. These charming dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly with families, as they have a great temperament with small children, making them the ideal house pet.
The origins of Cavapoos are somewhat limited, but it is believed that during the 1950’s, they were purposely bred in Australia, where breeders wanted to create a dog that was well-tempered and sociable. Cavapoos are one of many dogs with the trendy nickname of being a ‘designer breed’, which is really a fancy way of saying they are a mongrel (no shade, we love a mixed breed).
Strategic breeding, taking the best characteristics and traits of each parent, is intentional by dog breeders to create a hypoallergenic dog that is family-friendly. Below are some vital statistics about Cavapoos that give us an insight into why they’re such a sought pet.
Cavapoo Stats
Cavapoo life expectancy = 12 - 15 years
Average size = 9 - 14 inches
Average weight = 5 - 10 kg
Coat: Medium length, wavy or curly coat (super cute!)
Coat Colour: Cream, Chocolate, Golden, Caramel, Black and Tan, and Brown
Temperament: Affectionate, playful, loyal, Empathetic and Adorable!
Hypoallergenic: Yes
How big do Cavapoos get?
Cavapoos are classed as a small breed, often weighing just 5 - 10kgs, with males tending to weigh more than females. There are many advantages to owning a smaller breed, such as being more child-friendly, suitable for a smaller house/garden and needing less exercise than larger breeds.
Cavapoo Temperament, Traits and Behaviour
Cavapoos are sweet, loving, and intelligent dogs who are highly sociable and are often as obsessed with us as we are with them. The popularity of Cavapoos has skyrocketed because of the affection they give their owners and the strong bonds they form.
They love attention and are a great addition to an owner's growing family, as most are child-friendly (we always recommend supervising dogs with young children). Cavapoos have so much energy to burn and are big fans of playing fetch which makes them a perfect companion for kids who are equally happy to throw a as long as they are to fetch it!
Cavapoo Coat Types, Colours & Shedding
The Cavapoo coat types will vary based on the genes of their parents. The mix comes from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Poodle combination, which makes their coat very unpredictable.
Due to the Poodle gene, they’re less prone to shedding, which makes them hypoallergenic dogs and ideal for individuals who suffer from allergies and even asthma. However, if the Cavapoo has a more dominant spaniel gene, then this could result in shedding, this can be discovered during the first few months of the puppy's life and shedding often decreases over time as they grow into their coat.
Are Cavapoos Easy to Train?
Yes, Cavapoos are often very easy to train as they’re very intelligent as well as eager to learn and please their owner. They respond well to positive reinforcement and like any other dog, the quicker these puppies train, experience new things and become familiar with their surroundings, the better.
Due to the loving and extremely affectionate nature of Cavapoo, they can easily become reliant on their owners and are therefore susceptible to separation anxiety so it’s good practice to teach them to be self-sufficient for periods of the day during their early training.
Cavapoo Exercise
Cavapoos are very hyper and energetic dogs. They will need plenty of exercise, roughly an hour a day when they are an adult. As with any dog, it’s important to not over-exercise your puppy, especially when they’re still growing, as their body is not fully developed and putting strain on them could lead to injuries and lead to long-term joint issues. If you are not sure how long you should be exercising your puppy, please drop us an email at [email protected] and our team will be happy to advise.
Cavapoo Grooming
Cavapoo coats come in various colours, length and texture, which is influenced during their breeding process. The parent that has the dominant gene will dictate their physical appearance; some Cavapoos can have a longer, silky coat, inherited from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or a curly coat from the Poodle family.
The type of coat a Cavapoo has will impact their grooming routine, but the general advice is to brush your dog’s coat daily, especially if their hair is long and thick. This will help prevent any matting or uncomfortable knots. As Cavapoos do not shed their coats, professional grooming is often required to ensure they stay tidy and most importantly comfortable. Every dog is different but we recommend booking into the groomers every 4-6 weeks.
Cavapoo Common Health Issues
Naturally, crossbreeds are less likely to inherit major health issues associated with their parents, however, this does not mean that they are immune to health conditions commonly associated with Poodles and Spaniels. So, it’s important that people who are looking to have a Cavapoo have a pet research health-related issues of Poodles and Cavaliers to learn more about conditions that their Cavapoo could develop. Some common issues are;
- Hip Dysplasia - where the hip ball and socket have not developed properly and can cause issues with movement.
- Mitral Valve Disease - a condition that affects the heart and is common in Cavalier Spaniels.
- Luxating Patella - a common problem that affects the kneecaps in the back legs and can be treated by a veterinarian.
- Entropion - where either eyelid rolls inward, which causes irritation and rubbing of the eyelashes on the dog's eye.
- Epilepsy - another issue commonly associated with both Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
- Dental issues - caused by bacteria within the gums and can lead to painful abscesses
Cavapoo Care
But don’t panic Cavapoo fans; we are not saying this to put you off; a lot of these conditions can be prevented completely with proper care and a nutritious diet. In general, Cavapoos are very easy dogs and perfect for individuals who’ve never owned and taken care of a dog before. They’re joyful, excitable and eager to please their owner; and did we mention that they are really cute?
Like any dog, Cavapoos will thrive in a safe environment, with the correct care and a nutritious diet; read on to learn more about how to look after your Cavapoo.
Cavapoo Nutrition
Cavapoos are energetic and busy dogs who love to be active and, therefore, require a nutritious, complete diet to help them grow into happy and healthy dogs!
Health starts on the inside and what you feed will dramatically affect how your pup looks and feels; including energy levels and digestive health, along with heart, eye, skin and coat condition. There’s a reason we feed so many Cavapoos; they really do thrive on our quality, freshly cooked meals.
Every dog is different, so our team can help you find recipes and a feeding schedule which suits you and your dog from as young as eight weeks old. Younger dogs often require more food to support growth and their high energy levels, then as they mature and mellow, owners often find they reduce their meals slightly to avoid unwanted weight gain.
At Different Dog, Cavapoos are one of our most popular breeds who benefit from our fresh food meals, packed with the right nutrients to keep their energy levels high and their tails wagging.
For specific dietary advice, contact us now, and we can put you in touch with our veterinarian who will be able to answer any questions that you may have.
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