Pet Wiki

Cavapoo

Also called Cavoodle

Sweet, gentle and sociable, the Cavapoo gets on with almost anyone, human or animal.

SizeSmall
Weight4 to 11.3 kg (9 to 25 lb)123
Height23 to 36 cm (9 to 14 in)123
Lifespan12 to 15 years23
CoatSoft, silky to curly; low shedding
OriginAustralia, during the late-20th-century designer dog trend.1
Last checked2026-10-01
CrossbreedShort profile
gentle and even-tempered
cuddly and people-focused
quick to learn tricks
23

Personality what they are like

Sweet, gentle and sociable, the Cavapoo gets on with almost anyone, human or animal. It is playful and clever, tuned in to its owner's moods, and happiest as part of family life.231

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Cavapoo. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upevery year

Coat and looks how to spot one

soft, silky to curly; low shedding

A fluffy, soft coat that runs from silky and wavy to tightly curled, giving a teddy-bear look. It sheds little, and puppy coats can change colour as the dog grows up.123

Coloursapricotredcreamblackchocolatebrowntangreywhite13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low to moderate: a few short walks a day plus games like hide-and-seek or light agility. Not a jogging partner for long distances.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush at least three times a week with a slicker brush and plan a professional groom about every six weeks. Keep the ears and eyes clean, trim nails every 4 to 6 weeks and brush teeth often.23

Home where they are happiest

Adapts equally well to an apartment or a house with a garden, as long as people are around much of the day.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete food suited to its life stage; puppies get three to four small meals a day, adults two. Keep treats to about a tenth of daily calories.2

Company who they like around

Loves company and bonds closely with its family; great with gentle children and other pets. Does not like being left alone for long.23

The story where it all began

Breeders in Australia started crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with small Poodles during the designer dog boom of the late 20th century. The goal was a small, friendly companion with the Poodle's brains and low-shedding coat. It became even better known after well-known Australians, including a former prime minister, took one home.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    In Australia, where the cross started, it is usually called the Cavoodle.1

  2. 2

    Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard helped raise the Cavoodle's profile by owning one.1

  3. 3

    A Cavapoo puppy's coat colour can shift as it matures.3

  4. 4

    Their gentle nature means many Cavapoos make excellent therapy dogs.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Cavapoo' is a portmanteau of its two parent breeds: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle.2

Name ideas for your new friend

BuddyDaisyArchiePoppyJackZoeFinnMiaOllieRubyLeoLuna

A day in the life told by a Cavapoo

I woke up to a gentle nudge from my human. We went for a short walk, sniffing flowers and greeting neighbors. At home, we played hide-and-seek with a toy under the blanket. I love being part of everything. After lunch, I helped my human with the laundry by lying on the warm pile. In the evening, we all sat together and watched the sunset. I felt so happy and loved.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Major kennel clubs (incl. AKC)
Not recognised as a breed by the major kennel clubs.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cavapoo tip

Keep treats small and low calorie, and count them within your Cavapoo's daily allowance, as this little dog gains weight easily. Choose treats that support dental health, and if you notice tummy upsets or itchy skin, a limited-ingredient treat might help, but always ask your vet first.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Cavapoo, and at what times?

For puppies, offer three to four small meals each day, while adults do well with two meals. Consistent times like morning and evening help their routine. Always follow the food label and your vet for exact amounts.24

What should a Cavapoo eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete, balanced food that matches your Cavapoo's age and size. Keep treats to about ten percent of daily calories. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as these are especially harmful to dogs.25

How often should I bathe a Cavapoo?

A bath every eight weeks is a good starting point, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. Over-bathing can dry the coat, so use a gentle dog shampoo.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Cavapoo need brushing?

Brush your Cavapoo at least three times a week with a slicker brush to prevent mats and tangles. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, but more frequent is better for their soft, curly coat.23 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Cavapoo's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four to six weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If you're unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer.26 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Cavapoo need?

A few short walks each day plus fun games like hide-and-seek are perfect for this breed. They have low to moderate energy and enjoy being active with you. Daily walks and play keep them happy.23 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Cavapoo's teeth and ears?

Brush your Cavapoo's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly for dirt or odor and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never push anything into the ear canal.26 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Cavapoo live?

With good care, a Cavapoo typically lives between 12 and 15 years.23

Is a Cavapoo good with children and other pets?

Yes, Cavapoos are sweet, gentle, and sociable, making them wonderful with gentle children and other pets. They thrive on family life and love being part of the action.231

Can a Cavapoo be left alone?

Cavapoos love company and do not enjoy being left alone for long periods. They are happiest when someone is around most of the day, so consider your schedule before bringing one home.23

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Parents and lookalikes

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Cavapoo en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, other names, recognition, size, coat, colours, history, fun facts
  2. PetMD: Cavapoo petmd.comused for size, lifespan, temperament, exercise, grooming, diet, social needs
  3. Daily Paws: Cavapoo dailypaws.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.