Cavoodle Dog Breed Info (2026 Edition)

The Cavoodle, also known as the Cavapoo, is a beloved designer breed that combines the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. While occasional Cavalier–Poodle crosses may have occurred earlier overseas, the Cavoodle as we know it today was first intentionally bred in Australia during the 1990s. Breeders aimed to create a companion dog that carried the Cavalier’s affectionate nature and the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat.

Since then, the Cavoodle has captured the hearts of dog lovers across the country and remains Australia’s most popular designer breed. Known for its gentle temperament, loyalty, and adaptability, the Cavoodle makes a perfect addition to families, singles, and seniors alike.

Because of its low-to-non-shedding coat, the Cavoodle is considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. It has an excellent temperament and it does exceptionally well with children, elders and strangers. These charming canines are known for their exceptional trainability, friendly disposition, and innate ability to entertain, making them the perfect companions for any adventure.

If you’re considering getting a Cavoodle puppy, it is highly recommended to read this guide and learn more about its pros, cons, health-related issues, grooming requirements and temperament.

In this guide, you’ll find all the traits and features of Cavoodle dogs and every single bit of information about them. Check Cavoodle FAQs.

Let’s first find some quick facts about Cavoodle.

Quick Facts and Summary:

Name: Cavoodle
Other names: Cavadoodle and Cavapoo
Average weight: 5 to 10 kg
Size: 11 to 14 inches (Toy Cavoodle) and 13 to 18 inches (Mini Cavoodle)
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Coat: Non-shedding
Colours: Black, white, chestnut, gold, Blenheim, or tri-coloured
Temperament: Highly playful, loyal, social, friendly, and affectionate
Grooming: Weekly brushing
Activity level: Moderate
Common health issues: Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Slipping Kneecaps, Hip Dysplasia, Eye conditions, and Heart defects.

Cavoodle Dog Breed Overview

The Cavoodle has gained widespread popularity across countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, thanks to its affectionate nature and adaptability. This adorable designer dog fits seamlessly into a variety of households and quickly forms strong bonds with every family member: from young children to older adults. Highly intelligent, responsive, and eager to please, the Cavoodle is easy to train and thrives on human interaction, making it one of the most versatile and well-loved companion dogs today.

Quick Fact: Since 2020, Cavoodle has become one of the top 10 dog breeds in Australia.

Parent Breeds

Let’s find some quick facts about Cavoodle’s parent breeds: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

With a silky and undocked tail, this Toy dog breed is among the top 25 dog breeds in Australia. Cavalier originated in the United Kingdom. It comes in several colours, including Blenheim and Ruby. It is a social and friendly breed that makes excellent companions with children and other pets.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a patient, playful, and entertaining dog and can quickly adapt to any family and environment. As the Spaniels are known for their hunting nature, they may be a threat to birds, but training can do wonders, and they can live with all types of small pets like a soulmate.

The Cavaliers have been crossbred with several other pure breeds to get a different dog breed. Some of them are Cavachon (Bichon Frise mix), Cavapoochon (mixed with Toy Poodle and Bichon Frise) and Chilier (Chihuahua mix).

Poodle:

Also known as Caniche or Pudelhund, Poodles come in three major sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. They are ranked as the 2nd most intelligent dog breed and are the best performers.

Their origin is disputed between France and Germany, but regardless of any controversies, Poodles are among the best dogs in the world. They are intellectual, sociable, friendly, and highly trainable dogs, and are highly recommended for families that have children.

Because of their intelligence, sociable behaviour and low-shedding coat, Poodles are crossbred with many other dog breeds. Some of them are Shih Poo (Shih Tzu cross), Groodle (Golden Retriever cross) and St. Berdoodle.

Temperament & Behaviour

The Cavoodle’s temperament is one of the main reasons for its popularity. Gentle, affectionate, and eager to please, Cavoodles are known for forming deep bonds with their families. They thrive on companionship and love being involved in daily activities, whether it’s playtime with children or relaxing on the couch. Thanks to their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel heritage, they are naturally loving and social, while their Poodle side adds intelligence and alertness. This makes them quick learners and highly responsive to training.

Cavoodles are also adaptable and generally get along well with other pets. Their calm yet playful personality makes them ideal for families, singles, and seniors seeking a loyal, friendly, and emotionally intuitive companion.

Cavoodle Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Low-shedding coat:

Many Poodle crosses typically feature coats that shed minimally or not at all, making them excellent choices for individuals with allergies to pet dander and hair. Similarly, the Cavoodle belongs to the category of dog breeds recognised for their hypoallergenic qualities.

Adaptability:

Thanks to their small size, these dogs can effortlessly adjust to living in smaller apartments. Whether it’s a condo, apartment, or a more spacious home, you can happily accommodate a Cavoodle in it.

Excellent Temperament:

Cavoodles have excellent temperaments, and they are kind, loving, sensitive, and sociable. With consistent training at an early age, they can become wonderful pets.

Intelligence:

They are highly intelligent, as one of their parent breeds, the Poodle, is ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed in the world. Their intelligence proves invaluable for their owners in raising them.

Easy to train:

They learn very fast. Try to keep the training sessions entertaining, short, and consistent. Moreover, rewards and treats are a must during the training sessions to get the best results. Avoid rude behaviour and don’t scold them if they do not pick up commands, as it may take some time for them to learn something new.

Cons:

Sensitive to heat:

They are heat sensitive, and it is highly recommended not to leave them out in hot weather for too long, or they may become overheated and dehydrated.

Not suitable for busy owners:

They are highly energetic, so they need a fair amount of daily exercise. A couple of daily walks are necessary for their overall health, while some indoor playing sessions and outdoor agility activities must be included in their routine to keep them happy. Therefore, if you’re unable to commit to providing them with adequate exercise, the Cavoodle may not be the right choice for you.

Regular grooming needed:

Their coat must be brushed 3-4 times a week and groomed by a professional at least once a month, as they do not shed much. You also need to bathe them regularly, clean their teeth daily, and clean their ears every week. That means you need more time to care for a Cavoodle than many other breeds.

Grooming Needs:

Grooming is an essential part of caring for a Cavoodle, as this breed inherits the Poodle’s low-shedding coat and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s silky texture. Their coat can range from soft waves to tight curls, and while it’s often promoted as “low-shedding,” it still requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and tangles. Cavoodles should be brushed at least three to four times a week, and professional grooming every six to eight weeks helps keep their coat neat and healthy. Regular trimming around the eyes, paws, and sanitary areas ensures comfort and cleanliness.

Bathing should be done every few weeks using a gentle dog shampoo to maintain coat shine and skin health. Ear cleaning is also important, as their floppy ears can trap moisture. Routine nail clipping and dental care complete their grooming needs. With proper care, your Cavoodle will stay clean, comfortable, and looking adorable year-round.

Health-related issues:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

PRA is a group of several genetic diseases in dogs and cats that can cause blindness. It can be inherited from one or both of their parents, but it is painless. Spaniels and Poodles, both prone to PRA; therefore Cavoodle may inherit it from them.

To avoid your dog developing PRA, get a puppy from a reputable Cavoodle breeder, or your dog may end up getting PRA and many other health conditions.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia is a hip socket malfunction in dogs that can lead to lameness and arthritis. It can be caused due to several reasons, including poorly developed muscles and/or genetic problems. Usually, large-sized dog breeds are prone to Hip Dysplasia, but smaller breeds can also be affected.

Hip Dysplasia is a very painful disease, but it can be treated by medications or surgery, depending on the condition.

Slipping Kneecaps:

Usually known as Patellar Luxation, in this disease, the kneecap of the dog is dislocated from its normal position. It can be caused by trauma or a genetic malformation. The symptoms of Patellar Luxation are hindlimb lameness, abnormal hindlimb movement, and occasional skipping.

Mitral Valve Disease:

It is a heart defect in dogs when the Mitral Valve in the heart begins to leak, and the left side of the heart does not pump blood normally. One of the most common symptoms of this disease is a heart murmur. This disease may lead to heart failure.

To avoid all the mentioned health conditions and other possible diseases, make it a habit to get your pup checked by a vet every six months.

Puppy Price, Litter Size and Yearly Maintenance Cost:

The price of a Cavoodle puppy depends on various factors such as colour, gender and the breeder’s reputation. But on average, a puppy may cost you between $2500 and $6500 AUD. In the US and Canada, they may cost you up to $5000.

The size of any dog’s litter varies. Similarly, in the case of a Cavoodle, there is no guarantee of how many puppies a Cavoodle can have in a single litter, but it lies between 2 and 10. If we talk about the average litter size, it’s about 6 puppies a litter, but you may expect the unexpected.

When it comes to the yearly maintenance cost, the first year of your Cavoodle puppy may cost you around $1000, which covers pet supplies, vaccinations, vet visits, food and various other items. In the upcoming years, the expense could potentially decrease to $750 annually.

Final Words:

The Cavoodle is more than just a designer breed; it’s a loyal, affectionate, and intelligent companion that brings joy to families of all sizes. Whether you live in a cosy apartment or a spacious home, this adaptable dog fits beautifully into everyday life. With proper care, regular grooming, and plenty of love, Cavoodles can enjoy long, healthy, and happy lives alongside their humans. It’s no surprise that they’ve become Australia’s favourite family dog, adored for their gentle nature and loving spirit. If you’re looking for a devoted companion who thrives on affection and connection, the Cavoodle is an ideal choice.