Cavapoo
Also called Cavoodle
From Australia, during the late-20th-century designer dog trend.1
At a glance the quick version
About 4-10 kg per one source; another gives 8-25 lb (3.6-11.3 kg). Size depends mostly on whether a Toy or Miniature Poodle was used.
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
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
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
In Australia, where the cross started, it is usually called the Cavoodle.1
- 2
Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard helped raise the Cavoodle's profile by owning one.1
- 3
A Cavapoo puppy's coat colour can shift as it matures.3
- 4
Their gentle nature means many Cavapoos make excellent therapy dogs.2
Recognised by the official bits
- Major kennel clubs (incl. AKC)
- Not recognised as a breed by the major kennel clubs.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cavapoo. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
Parents and lookalikes
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavachon
Cavapoochon
Cockapoo
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Cavapoo en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, other names, recognition, size, coat, colours, history, fun facts
- PetMD: Cavapoo petmd.comused for size, lifespan, temperament, exercise, grooming, diet, social needs
- Daily Paws: Cavapoo dailypaws.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.