Cavapoos are a result of breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a poodle. Also known as a Cavoodle, the poodle part of the crossbreed is usually a Miniature Poodle. If you’re lucky, this crossbreed will bring you some of the best characteristics of both breeds.
Meet the Cute and Cuddly Cavapoo Puppies!
A rose by any other name—the Cavapoo is also known as Cavoodle, Cavipoo, Cavadoodle, or Cavapoodle. No matter the name, these designer dogs always have a ready smile, whether for a beloved family member or a stranger. To the Cavapoo pup, a stranger is only a friend who is yet to be met. If you’re looking for a watchdog, this is certainly not the right choice! You cannot go wrong with this lovable crossbreed if it’s a family dog you’re after, though.
The Cavapoo comes with much the same controversy as any crossbreed. You never quite know what you might get. It is essential to be aware that you are as likely to get both the best and worst characteristics of either of the two breeds in the progeny.
A Brief History of these Poodle Mix Puppies!
Cavapoos are among the first designer or hybrid dogs to come from mixing two dog breeds. The Cavapoo is a result of experimentation by breeders to create a hypoallergenic dog, especially for dog-loving allergy sufferers. The breeders bred the Poodle with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to produce a hybrid with characteristics of both breeds. The Cavalier and the Poodle were both considered less likely to trigger allergies.
Crossbreeding began in the 1950s in America, and the loving and docile designer dogs soon grew in popularity. Responsible Cavapoo breeders prefer the Miniature Poodle to the Toy Poodle since it is regarded as having a lower propensity to genetic health problems.
Although a definite timeline is not in place for the evolution of this happy hybrid, we can get an idea of the history of the Cavapoo by looking at the two breeds from which this hybrid originated, namely the Poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1995. It is fitting that this regal breed of pup gets its name from the British monarchs King Charles I and his son Charles II, both of whom were devoted fans of black and tan toy spaniels. So devoted in fact that King Charles II was said to be more loyal to his dogs than to his country.
English Toy Spaniels have been popular among European nobility since the time of the Renaissance. By the late 1700s, the crossbreeding of Spaniels with such Asian toy breeds as the Japanese Chin and the Pug had gained political favor. The result was a spaniel with a domed skull and flatter face.
This led to the original spaniel favored by the house of Stuart becoming much less common, and as a result, a revival of the Royal breed ensued. British breeders were offered a cash incentive in the 1920s to revive the earliest style of King Charles Spaniel.
This is when the Cavalier King Charles breed and the original King Charles Spaniel (or English Toy Spaniel) parted ways. The name is derived from the Cavaliers who were a political party which supported the monarchy of King Charles I and II.
No less significant is the other breed which is responsible for the designer Cavapoodle, the Poodle. More appropriately – the Miniature Poodle. This breed is synonymous with the former royal courts of Europe, but predominantly France, but its origin is rooted in Germany. Poodles are in fact retrievers and were initially used for duck hunting in Germany.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) were established in the 19th century, and both classified the poodle as a retriever.
The AKC later recategorized the breed into the non-sporting group, and in 1938 when CKC recognized the toy poodle, both sizes were also relegated to the non-sporting group. The United Kennel Club (UKC) have retained the poodle as a sporting breed.
Miniature Poodles were eventually bred as a smaller dog to the Standard Poodle, and in the 20th century, the Toy made its appearance in America as a companion for city folk.
Appearance and Personality of the Sweet and Playful Cavapoos!
Typical of designer dogs, the Cavapoodle cannot be limited to a certain standard when it comes to looks. Your Cavapoo may have the long, straight coat of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the curly coat of a Poodle.
Regardless, bank on Cavapoos presenting that sweet expression and sturdy body. Their coat comes in parti-color patterns: a color together with white, or in a great many varieties of solid colors.
Crossbreeding by nature means either of the two breeds’ characteristics may present in the pups. When it comes to personality, use both parents as your guide. You can, however, rest assured that the Cavapoo will have a playful and friendly disposition. These are not aggressive dogs and make the perfect family pet and companion dog.
These are a small breed dog and as such get along very well with even very small children. You would be well advised to train your Cavapoo puppy, though.
They need to be socialized, being intelligent animals, and should not be left to their own devices if you want to be assured of the perfect pet. Cavapoodles are remarkably easy to train and make an ideal first pet.
Expect your pup to live to 12 to 15 years of age.
These Puppers Get their Pawesome Personality from the Poodle and King Charles Spaniel!
Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle have darling personalities, so you really can’t go wrong with the Cavapoo.
The poodle is pretty, pompous, and proud. Apart from being incredibly sweet and loving, these teddy-bear dogs do have very distinct personalities.
They’re the perfect pet for children and can happily play with them for endless hours. They are as happy chasing a ball in the yard as they are displaying their water dog origins playing fetch on the beach.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is playful, sweet-tempered, and gentle. They love to cuddle and will be more than happy just being in a comfortable lap. They can also, however, be a runner and chaser and should always be restrained behind a fence or on a leash when out the yard.
Both breeds need a fair bit of exercise, or they may grow fat and sluggish. Neither of the two breeds appreciates being left alone. They have a tendency towards separation anxiety and may bark or become destructive if left unattended for long periods.
A Cavapoo Full Grown can Look like a Teddy Bear!
A small, manageable sized teddy bear! Take into consideration the size and weight of the parents to get a good idea of what to expect from the pup. Cavaliers usually stand no more than 12 to 13 inches high.
As a toy breed, the Cavalier weighs between 13 and18 pounds. Miniature Poodles stand at about 10 to 15 inches and weigh between 10 and15 pounds.
5 Facts You Didn’t Know About this Poodle mix
- The Cavapoo’s long ears are among their most distinctive features
- Cavapoos respond best to training which is light-hearted and as fun as possible
- They have a very high prey drive and will give chase unless properly trained early in life
- Cavapoo is highly adaptable and fits in with most lifestyles
- Cavapoodles will be either low to non-shedding depending on whether the coat is inherited from the Cavalier side or the Poodle side
Is the Cavapoo Dog a Healthy Breed? Here’s What Vets Say
Research proves crossing breeds can have a healthier, longer life and the chance of exacerbating breed-specific diseases is lowered. Not all Cockapoos will get any or all of these diseases, but they are susceptible as a breed:
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation is when the knee joint slides in and out of place, causing pain
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Liver Disease
- Ear Infections
So, What do You Get When You Combine a Charles Spaniel with a Poodle? A Loveable Cavoodle!
Playful, trainable, and a loyal companion, it’s no wonder the Cavoodle has won over the hearts of millions worldwide.
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