Cavapoo Health & Lifespan: What to Expect
Cavapoo v Cavachon? Are Cavapoos hypoallergenic? Do Cavapoos make good family pets? There’s lots of important questions around this popular crossbreed! We’ll answer them so you can decide if the Cavapoo is the perfect choice for you and your home.
Contents
Introduction to Cavapoos
What are Cavapoos?
Cavapoos are a cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and they’re quickly becoming one of the most popular crossbreeds in the UK. With good reason too! Not only are they lovely looking but they boast charming, loyal, and fun-loving natures too.
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How big are Cavapoos?
Cavapoos can stand at anything between 33 cm and 45 cm at the withers and they can weigh in at between 5 kg to 10 kg depending on which of their parent breeds they throw to. Cavapoos like their food which means they’re at risk of putting on weight which can negatively impact the dog’s lifespan! Obesity and carrying too much weight puts a lot of pressure on a dog’s heart and could shorten their lives by several years. If you’re looking to bring a Cavapoo into your family, keep an eye on how much it’s eating!
Are Cavapoos recognised by the Kennel Club?
Like with most crossbreeds, Cavapoos aren’t recognised by the Kennel Club and aren’t a pedigree dog breed. The reason for this is that, as a crossbreed, there’s no consistent characteristics - they could take after one parent more than the other. It’s possible this may change over time as breeders start to breed Cavapoos with other Cavapoos and a set of breed standards appears.
While their crossbreed status means they’re not eligible to participate in formal dog breed shows organised by the Kennel Club, there’s many other events, shows, and clubs for non-pedigree dogs!
Is a Cavadoodle the same as a Cavapoo?
Yes! Cavapoos and Cavoodles are the same type of dog. They are also often referred to as Cavoos and Cavipoodles. They are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle which is why they are known by all four names.
Cavapoo vs Cavachon - what’s the difference?
Both are crossbreed dogs with one parent being a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. But their second parent is different. While Cavapoos have a Poodle parent, Cavachons have a Bichon Frise parent in the mix.
Both dogs look quite similar, but on average Cavapoos will tend to have curlier hair thanks to the Poodle influence. Usually (although no guarantees!) Cavapoos are more energetic dogs than the Cavachon and require more stimulation throughout the day. If you think the Cavapoo sounds great but want something a bit more relaxed, a Cavachon could be a good idea. Learn more about Cavapoos v Cavachons here.
What are F1B Cavapoos?
F1 Cavapoos are the result of breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. When 2 Cavapoos are bred together, they are referred to a F2. When an F2 Cavapoo is bred to another F2 Cavapoo, they are known as F3. However, if an F1 Cavapoo is bred to either a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Poodle, they are referred as being F1B.
Cavapoo health
What Cavapoo health issues are there?
Because Cavapoos are a crossbreed (or a hybrid dog), they are less likely to develop any of the health disorders that affect their parents thanks to the fact they have a larger gene pool to fall back on. It is always very important to use a reputable breeder to get your Cavapoo from, as good breeders will have health certificates and lineage information.
Sadly, Cavapoos aren’t totally immune and can suffer from quite a few health concerns associated with their parents which includes congenital heart defects (mitral valve disease), syringomyelia, and eye problems because both parent breeds are known to suffer from them. You can read more about Cavapoo health problems here.
Always ask your breeder about the health of the parents and get health certificates.
How long do Cavapoos live for?
Cavapoos’ lifespan is quite long and can be anything from 13 to 15 years when well cared for and fed a diet to suit the different stages of their lives. With this said, it’s really important to keep an eye on a Cavapoos weight and to up their exercise and/or reduce the amount they are fed every day because carrying too many pounds can lead to obesity which can take a few years off your dog’s life.
Do Cavapoos need lots of exercise?
For their size - yes! Cavapoos are quite energetic for their small size and need moderate exercise. Because they’re smart too, they will need both physical and mental stimulation. Ideally they should have a garden to run around in (with good fencing as they can be excellent escape artists) and have a couple of walks a day.
Cavapoo temperament
What temperament do Cavapoos have?
Cavapoos have a reputation for being very affectionate, loyal, and friendly pets which is largely the reason they’re one of the biggest crossbreeds in the UK and around the world. They are very sweet natured and usually get on with everyone - humans and pets alike!
Because of their sensitive character, Cavapoos don’t react well to harsh behavioural training. Positive reinforcement training methods will be far more effective because they want to please.
The flip-side of this loving nature is that they can’t be left alone too long and have a tendency to get too attached to human company. Cavapoos suit a household where there’s usually someone home during the day.
They are also highly intelligent, being a mix of two intelligent dog breeds. Therefore they need lots of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy.
Can Cavapoos be left alone?
It’s not recommended for long periods of time - a few hours is usually okay. Because of their incredibly social nature they suit families where someone will be at home often. If they don’t get enough companionship they are likely to look for ways to keep themselves busy which - you’ve guessed it - results in destruction of furniture or excessive barking. If you have a busy lifestyle, a Cavapoo might not be the right dog for you.
Do Cavapoos get separation anxiety?
Unfortunately yes, this is a potential risk of the breed. Early training to spend some periods of time alone can help mitigate the risks of separation anxiety. But they do best when at least one family member is around most of the day.
You could also consider a second dog to keep them company when their human family members are out.
Cavapoos and allergies
Do Cavapoos shed?
One of the positives of the Cavapoo breed is that they don’t shed much compared to other dog breeds! It does depend on which of the parents a particular Cavapoo takes after, but overall, they’re a good choice for anyone looking to reducing the amount of hoovering they have to do.
Are Cavapoos hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic - all dogs might cause an allergic reaction due to shedding dander (dead skin cells). But the chances of an allergic reaction are lower with a Cavapoo which makes them a good choice for those with allergies who want to get a new best friend anyway. With this said, it will vary dog to dog and it’s always best to spend some time around a Cavapoo (preferably the one you plan to rehome) before deciding to share a home with one of these charming dogs just to make sure.
Cavapoos as pets
How much does a Cavapoo cost?
Being one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds in the UK, Cavapoos can command a lot of money, and according to our Pets4Homes statistics, the average price for a Cavapoo puppy for sale is currently £1600.
Are Cavapoos good family pets?
Cavapoos are considered to be great pets for families. They have become a firm favourite as a family pet and companion because they boast such kind, affectionate, and playful natures. Generally they get on with anyone and any other pets you might have. On the flip side, their loving nature makes them more prone to separation anxiety so be careful to ensure they aren’t left alone for long periods of time.
And remember, as with all dogs, how the Cavapoo is raised will determine exactly how family friendly each individual Cavapoo is, so always ask any potential breeder about the temperament and raising of the puppies.
Are Cavapoos good with children?
Cavapoos make wonderful family pets because they are so tolerant and good around children. They are also very playful and fun loving by nature which means they enjoy playing lots of interactive games with their families and especially the kids. If there is no one to play with them a Cavapoo will find ways to keep themselves entertained which can lead to them being destructive around the home.
Where can I find Cavapoo puppies in the UK?
There are many Cavapoo breeders across the UK. Always make sure to approach breeders sensibly and check how they are raising their puppies. You can learn more in our puppy/dog buyer’s checklist.
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