🐾 The Ultimate Cavapoo Breed Guide
By Posh Poos – Trusted Cavapoo Breeder UK
Looking for the perfect family companion? Whether you're researching your first puppy or comparing Cavapoo vs Cockapoo, you're in the right place.
At Posh Poos, we're proud to be one of the UK's most established Cavapoo breeders, specialising in raising affectionate puppies with gentle temperaments and adorable teddy-bear faces. This is your complete guide to owning a Cavapoo – from training and coat care to choosing between Toy and Miniature sizes.
✨ What Is a Cavapoo?
A Cavapoo (also known as Cavoodle) is a carefully bred cross of:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – affectionate, gentle, people-oriented
- Toy or Miniature Poodle – intelligent, low-shedding, playful
This mix creates one of the most popular designer breeds – a loving companion who combines the Cavalier's sweet nature with the Poodle's intelligence and hypoallergenic coat.
💖 Why Choose a Cavapoo?
- Low-shedding and allergy-friendly
- Excellent with children and other pets
- Highly affectionate and people-focused
- Adaptable to various living situations
- Eager to please and easy to train
[Shop All Cavapoo Puppy Essentials]
🧠 Are Cavapoos Intelligent?
Cavapoos are exceptionally intelligent, inheriting the Poodle's quick learning ability and the Cavalier's eagerness to please. This combination makes them:
- Quick learners who excel in obedience training
- Excellent therapy and emotional support dogs
- Responsive to positive reinforcement
- Great for first-time dog owners
🧸 Appearance & Coat Types
Cavapoos typically have soft, wavy to curly coats that are low-shedding and hypoallergenic. The coat type can vary:
- Wavy/Shaggy Coat – soft waves, silky texture, easier to maintain
- Curly Fleece Coat – tighter Poodle-like curls, more hypoallergenic, requires regular grooming
Both coat types are low-shedding and suitable for allergy sufferers, though the curlier the coat, the less shedding you'll experience.
'Charlie' the Toy Cavapoo snuggled upto the Plaid Luxury Fleece puppy Blanket
📏 Cavapoo Size Chart – Toy vs Miniature
Understanding the difference between Toy and Miniature Cavapoos helps you choose the right size for your lifestyle and prepare with appropriately sized accessories.
Toy Cavapoo
- Adult Weight: 5–10kg (11–22 lbs)
- Adult Height: 9–12 inches tall
- 8-Week Puppy Weight: 1.8–3.6kg (4–8 lbs)
- Best For: Apartment living, smaller spaces, easy portability
Miniature Cavapoo
- Adult Weight: 10–14kg (22–30 lbs)
- Adult Height: 12–14 inches tall
- 8-Week Puppy Weight: 3–5kg (6.6–11 lbs)
- Best For: Active families, homes with gardens, slightly sturdier build
Cold Weather & Your Cavapoo
Cavapoos have fine, low-shedding coats that don't always provide enough insulation in winter. A well-fitted coat keeps them warm on frosty or windy walks and helps prevent post-walk chills.
Perfect Fit for Cavapoos
- Small (best for 8–10 week puppies, up to ~3–5 kg): great first coat for tiny Cavapoo pups.
- Medium (from ~12 weeks, ~5–10 kg): ideal for growing puppies and petite adult Toy Cavapoos.
- Large (~10–14 kg): for larger juveniles and Miniature Cavapoos.
We recommend our Luxury Sherpa-Lined Puppy & Small Dog Coat for everyday winter walks.
🏡 Family Life & Lifestyle Suitability
- Perfect for families with children of all ages
- Great with other pets including cats and dogs
- Adaptable to apartments or homes with gardens
- Affectionate "velcro dogs" who thrive on companionship
- Moderate exercise needs – daily walks and playtime
🛏️ What Size Bed Do I Need For My Cavapoo?
Best Bed Size for Cavapoos
Q: What size bed is best for my Cavapoo?
👉 Our Posh Poos Slumber Bed in Heritage Stripe is available in multiple sizes:
-
Toy Cavapoo
- Puppy: 20-inch bed – cosy and secure for small frames.
- Adult: 24-inch bed – gives enough room for stretching while still feeling den-like.
-
Miniature Cavapoo
- Puppy: 24-inch bed – the right balance of comfort and space.
- Adult: 30-inch bed – roomy, supportive, and perfect for long-term use.
The soft sides and deep cushioning provide joint support, while the Heritage Stripe fabric keeps it stylish in your home.
🏠 Crate Training Your Cavapoo
10 weeks old Cavapoo puppy relaxing in our 24 inch Heritage Stripe Crate Set
Crate training is essential for Cavapoos. This breed thrives on routine and security, and a properly introduced crate becomes their safe haven.
Why Crate Training Is Important for Cavapoos
- Reduces separation anxiety – Cavapoos are people-focused and can struggle when left alone; a crate provides comfort
- Aids toilet training – dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area
- Creates a calming space – helps them settle during busy household times
- Safe travel – makes car journeys and vet visits less stressful
- Prevents destructive behaviour – keeps curious puppies safe when unsupervised
What Size Crate Is Best for My Cavapoo?
Q: What size crate should I get for my Cavapoo?
- Toy Cavapoo: 24 inch crate – perfect from puppyhood through to adulthood, providing a snug, secure space.
- Miniature Cavapoo: 30 inch crate – gives them room to stand, turn, and stretch comfortably as they grow.
Shop Our Crate Training Products
👜 Puppy Carrier for Cavapoo Puppies
Q: Why should I use a puppy carrier for my Cavapoo?
A: Cavapoo puppies tire easily and need protection before full vaccinations. A carrier keeps their paws safe from public floors while letting them explore the world with you.
👉 Our Heritage Stripe Puppy Carrier Bag is ideal for Cavapoo puppies:
- Protects little paws – keeps them off the ground before full vaccinations
- Prevents overexertion – supports small frames when puppy legs get tired
- Secure & comforting – snug, cocoon-like feel
- Stylish & practical – matches our Heritage Stripe collection
What Size Carrier Do I Need for My Cavapoo?
- Toy Cavapoo Puppy (up to ~10kg adult weight): XS Carrier – perfect for tiny frames
- Miniature Cavapoo Puppy (up to ~14kg adult weight): Small Carrier – extra room and support
🦴 Harness & Walking Equipment
Cavapoos have delicate necks and respond well to harness training. Choosing the right size ensures comfort and safety on walks.
What Size Harness for My Cavapoo?
- Tiny Toy Cavapoos: XS Puppy Harness Sets – designed for the smallest Cavapoos (under 5kg)
- Miniature Cavapoos: Small Harness Sets – ideal for larger Cavapoos (5–14kg)
Our harness sets include matching collar, lead, and poo bag holder for a coordinated look.
🧬 Health & Lifespan
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Hybrid vigour reduces inherited disease risk
- Common health considerations: heart murmurs, luxating patella, eye conditions
- Health-tested parents ensure optimal genetics
- Regular vet check-ups and vaccinations essential
🏃♂️ Exercise & Activity Needs
- Moderate exercise requirements – 30–60 minutes daily
- Enjoys walks, fetch, and interactive play
- Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys
- Loves swimming (Poodle heritage!)
- Adaptable to owner's activity level
🍽️ Feeding a Cavapoo
- Food motivated – makes training easier!
- Best on high-quality, small-breed formula
- Feeding amount: 1/2 to 1 cup daily (divided into 2 meals)
- Monitor weight to prevent obesity
- Grain-free options recommended for sensitive tummies
🍖 What Is The Best Food for Cavapoo Puppies & Adults?
Cavapoos are a small breed with moderate energy levels. They need a nutrient-dense, small-bite formula designed for toy or miniature dogs.
We recommend a grain-free, poultry- or fish-based recipe to support digestion, coat health, and sustained energy.
Shop Our Posh Poos Pantry Food For Small Breeds
🐾 Support for Sensitive Skin
Some Cavapoos may experience itchy skin or mild food intolerances. Signs include paw licking, dry patches, or redness around ears.
Adding a gentle daily probiotic can help support gut health and reduce inflammation from food sensitivities.
🦴 Discover The Benefits Of Probiotics For Dogs
✂️ Grooming & Coat Care
Cavapoos require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free.
- Brushing: 2–3 times per week minimum (daily for curly coats)
- Professional grooming: Every 6–8 weeks
- Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks
- Ear cleaning: Weekly (floppy ears prone to infections)
- Nail trimming: Every 3–4 weeks
- Tear stain management: Daily wiping for lighter-coloured dogs
🛁 Keep Them Baby-Fresh
Cavapoos love affection and often sleep close to their owners, so a mild, baby-scented shampoo keeps them smelling fresh and cuddly.
- Choose a shampoo with a soft, powdery baby fragrance
- Look for soap-free, hypoallergenic formulas with aloe or oatmeal
- Gentle enough for regular use without drying their coat
Discover Gentle Puppy Shampoo – Baby Powder Scent
🎓 Training & Temperament
Cavapoos are highly trainable thanks to their intelligence and desire to please.
- Eager to please – responds well to positive reinforcement
- Sensitive – harsh training methods should be avoided
- Quick learners – excel in obedience and tricks
- Socialization important – expose to various people, pets, and environments early
- Can be vocal – early training helps manage barking
❤️ Personality Traits
- Affectionate and loving
- Gentle and patient with children
- Sociable with other pets
- Playful and fun-loving
- Can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long
- Thrives on human companionship
🆚 Cavapoo vs Other Breeds
Cavapoo vs Cockapoo
- Cavapoo: Gentler, more laid-back, better for quieter homes
- Cockapoo: More energetic, higher exercise needs, slightly larger
Cavapoo vs Cavapoochon
- Cavapoo: Two-breed cross, slightly more energetic, food motivated
- Cavapoochon: Three-breed cross, "forever puppy" look, less food motivated
📋 First Week Home Checklist
- ✅ Crate and crate bedding (24" or 30" depending on size)
- ✅ Bed (20" or 24" for puppies)
- ✅ Puppy carrier (XS or Small)
- ✅ Harness, collar, and lead set
- ✅ High-quality puppy food
- ✅ Food and water bowls
- ✅ Puppy-safe toys
- ✅ Baby-fresh shampoo
- ✅ Brush and grooming supplies
- ✅ Puppy pads for toilet training
- ✅ Treats for training
🌟 Why Cavapoos Make Perfect Companions
The Cavapoo combines the best traits of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, creating a loving, intelligent, and adaptable companion. Whether you choose a Toy or Miniature Cavapoo, you're welcoming a loyal friend who will bring joy, laughter, and unconditional love to your home for many years to come.
With proper care, training, and the right essentials, your Cavapoo will thrive as a cherished member of your family.