Photo: BAVhah (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Cavapoo
DogThe cavapoo is a crossbreed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, with no fixed breed standard and plenty of variation in size, colour and coat.
Encyclopaedia
What is a Cavapoo?
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Overview
The cavapoo (also called a cavoodle in Australia) is a crossbreed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.
Because Poodles come in a variety of sizes and colours, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not share the Poodle's hypoallergenic characteristics, individual cavapoos can vary considerably in these traits. There is no established breed standard for them.
Origins and history
The cavapoo was one of many Poodle crossbreeds to appear during the "designer dog" craze of the late 20th century. This particular cross began in Australia.
It gained wider attention there after several well-known Australians adopted cavapoos, including then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard and television personality Tiffany Scanlon.
Breeders hoped to combine the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle with the friendly nature and small size of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Temperament and behaviour
The cavapoo was developed with a friendly disposition in mind, drawing on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, alongside the intelligence of the Poodle.
As a crossbreed without an established breed standard, individual cavapoos can vary considerably in size, colour and how hypoallergenic their coats are.
Health6 facts
Cavapoos are generally healthy dogs, though they may be prone to some of the health issues common to their parent breeds. These include bloat (from the Poodle side) and mitral valve heart disease (from the Cavalier side), as well as hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions (found in both).
A 2025 study of acute diarrhoea in dogs under primary veterinary care placed cavapoos top of the list as the most likely to suffer from it.
The Royal Veterinary College has also reported that cavapoos, like other Poodle hybrids, are more prone to tick infestation because of their curly poodle-type coats.
This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.
Sourced facts
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Cavapoos may be more prone to certain eye conditions common to both parent breeds.[1]
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Cavapoos may be more prone to bloat, a health issue common to the Poodle parent breed.[1]
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Hip dysplasia is a concern inherited from both parent breeds.[1]
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Cavapoos can inherit mitral valve heart disease from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.[1]
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Cavapoos are among the breeds most likely to suffer from acute diarrhea, so digestive upsets may be more common.[1]
Common questions
What is a cavapoo?
A cavapoo is a crossbreed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. In Australia it is known as a cavoodle.
Is a cavapoo hypoallergenic?
They are often marketed that way, but no dog is completely hypoallergenic. The Cavalier parent does not share the Poodle's hypoallergenic characteristics, so coats vary between individuals.
Is a cavapoo a recognised breed?
No. Cavapoos are not recognised as a breed by the American Kennel Club or similar organisations, so there is no established breed standard.
Are cavapoos healthy?
They are generally healthy dogs, but may be prone to conditions common in their parent breeds, such as mitral valve heart disease, hip dysplasia, bloat and certain eye conditions.
Why are cavapoos prone to ticks?
The Royal Veterinary College has reported that Poodle hybrids, including cavapoos, are more prone to tick infestation because of their curly poodle-type coats.
Fun facts
Cavapoos gained greater attention in Australia after notable owners, including then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard, adopted them.
They were one of many Poodle crossbreeds born from the late 20th-century "designer dog" craze.
Two cavapoos can differ noticeably in size and colour, because Poodles themselves come in a range of both.
Sources1
This guide was AI-drafted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and reviewed before publishing.
Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavapoo
- [1]Wikipedia (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Cavapoo guides
Looking after, getting and owning a Cavapoo
Grooming & Hygiene1 guide
Handling & Hygiene5 tips
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They are bred to be small in size, so handle them gently and be mindful of their small frame during walks and grooming.[1]
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Cavapoos were bred for a friendly disposition, so expect a sociable, people-oriented dog that generally enjoys human company.[1]
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Breeders aimed to combine Poodle intelligence with Spaniel friendliness, so they tend to be quick to engage and respond well to interaction.[1]
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Coat type can vary considerably between individuals - some may have curlier Poodle-type coats that need more frequent brushing and detangling.[1]
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Curly poodle-type coats can trap ticks more easily, so check the coat thoroughly after outdoor walks, especially in grassy or wooded areas.[1]
Health & Veterinary2 guides
Legal & Rights1 guide
Nutrition & Diet3 guides
Reproduction & Breeding1 guide
Not veterinary advice. General guidance to help you care for your pet. For anything specific to your animal, speak to a vet.
