Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle cross)

Cavoodles are a cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Rising in popularity since the late 1990s, they are now one of Australia’s most popular breeds — and for a good reason too! Cavoodles are smart, affectionate and highly trainable, making them a perfect family pet.

Are you thinking of getting a Cavoodle puppy of your own? Here is some crucial Cavoodle dog breed information to help get you started

Cavoodle Temperament

Do Cavoodles bark a lot?

The Cavoodle temperament highlights the best parts of the Cavalier and the Poodle, meaning Cavoodles are gentle and intelligent dogs who love to please. However, Cavoodles are quite vocal and have a tendency to bark frequently. You can expect them to bark at new people and unknown noises on the street, as well as when they’re hungry, bored or in pain. With the right help, it is possible to train your dog to bark less, but do keep in mind that some barking is inevitable.

Do you leave Cavoodles alone?

Cavoodles are energetic, affectionate and sociable dogs who love attention. As a breed, Cavoodles are prone to separation anxiety, so they are best suited to individuals and families who are home a lot. With some training, they can adapt to spending some time by themselves while you’re at work during the day, as long as they receive frequent and adequate exercise to avoid energy build ups.

Are Cavoodles aggressive?

Cavoodles may bark at new visitors or outside noises, but the Cavoodle temperament is non-aggressive. They can quite happily get along with all age groups and make excellent family dogs. Overall, they are gentle, affectionate and loving with almost everyone they meet. As with all breeds, you should always supervise your Cavoodle when they’re with your children to avoid any accidents.

Exercise needs

Cavoodles are intelligent, high energy dogs who love to play and require both mental and physical stimulation. Generally, one walk a day is enough to satisfy their energy levels, though this can vary and some dogs may need more. While there are some people who take their dogs out twice or even three times a day, a good rule to go by is to make sure your Cavoodle is getting at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. Whether you choose to walk, run or play ball, you will find your Cavoodle will be more than happy to be active with you.

Cavoodle Size & Appearance

How big are Cavoodles?

Cavoodles are a small breed, thought the weight and size varies from dog to dog and also depends on the parents. Overall, the average Cavoodle is around 30cm in height and 10kg in weight.

What does a Cavoodle dog look like?

Cavoodles feature traits from both the Poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Cavoodle’s size is small with a round face, a medium-length muzzle and big brown eyes. As a crossbreed, their appearance can vary quite significantly from dog to dog. Generally, they tend to have long ears and a thick soft coat which can be either curly or straight. They can be gold, tan, black, cream brown or tricolour, with or without markings— no two Cavoodles are exactly the same!

How big does a Cavoodle grow?

Cavoodles are small dogs. On average, they can grow up to 12kgs, with a height of up to 38cm tall.

Cavoodle Grooming

Do Cavoodles shed hair?

Since Poodles don’t shed but Cavaliers do, Cavoodles tend to have soft coats that generally shed a very small amount, if at all. Cavoodles are also hypoallergenic dogs, making them a good choice for dog-lovers suffering from allergies.

Are Cavoodle’s high-maintenance dogs?

Despite not shedding very much, Cavoodles do need to be brushed weekly and clipped every 6 weeks. Overall, they require regular trimming and grooming to keep their coats looking their best. Their ears need frequent cleaning to prevent any infections and like all dogs, daily teeth brushing or teeth cleaning treats can help prevent tartar building leading to gingivitis. Cavoodles’ eyes should also be cleaned regularly to prevent discharge from building up and causing future problems.

To answer the question: Cavoodles tend to be moderate to high maintenance so be prepared for this if you decide to adopt one into your family.

Cavoodle Diet

What to feed a Cavoodle puppy

Cavoodle’s diets change throughout the course of their life, and even from dog to dog. At the beginning, when your Cavoodle first starts eating ‘real food’ (as opposed to milk), they will need more protein and fat than the average adult dog. This is because as puppies they will need more energy in order to run around, play and develop.

What to feed a Cavoodle adult

Adult dogs can eat more well rounded diets. Choose nutritionally balanced dog food that contains the fats, proteins and nutrients your dog needs to thrive. Again, ask your local vet for further recommendations.

Cavoodle Lifespan

How old do Cavoodles live to?

Cavoodles are a crossbreed, which luckily puts them at lower risk of developing certain health issues though of course, this cannot be guaranteed. With the correct nutrition, exercise and regular vet checks, a Cavoodle can live to be anywhere from 10-14 years old.

Need help training your new Cavoodle?

Cavoodle puppies are full of energy, and like any dog, it is important to teach them the right behaviours while they’re still young. At Jordan’s Dog Training, we dedicate ourselves to helping dog owners communicate effectively with their furry best friends. Using only positive reinforcement and proven techniques, we can help teach your dog new tricks and solve any issues you may be experiencing.

We can help you hit the ground running with our Puppy Set-up, or help you take the first steps in training your puppy at our Puppy Pre-School. To find out more about training your puppy, contact us today!

If you liked our dog facts and information about the Cavoodle breed, then check out our previous blog on the English Staffy.