Cavoodle

The Cavoodle — also known as the Cavapoo — is one of Australia’s most beloved companion dogs.

With their adorable teddy-bear looks, gentle nature, and low-shedding coats, they’ve won the hearts of families, singles, and retirees alike.

Bred as a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, the Cavoodle combines the best of both breeds: the Cavalier’s sweet temperament and the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat.

They’re adaptable, affectionate, and happiest when they’re by your side.

Cavoodles have a charming, soft expression that makes them look like living plush toys.

• Size: 25–38 cm tall; 5–12 kg in weight.
• Coat Types:
• Wavy or fleece (most common)
• Curly (more like a Poodle’s coat)
• Colours: Gold, ruby, black, white, tricolour, chocolate, apricot.
• Features: Big, expressive eyes, floppy ears, compact build, and a tail that often wags nonstop.

Cavoodles are known for their affectionate, gentle, and social personalities.

They’re typically friendly to strangers, patient with children, and get along well with other pets.

They thrive on human companionship and can become quite attached to their families.

While this makes them wonderful snuggle buddies, it can also lead to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

Their intelligence and eagerness to please make Cavoodles highly trainable.

They respond best to positive reinforcement — think treats, praise, and plenty of encouragement.

Tips for success:

• Keep training sessions short and fun (5–10 minutes).
• Start socialisation early to expose them to new people, pets, and environments.
• Consistency is key — same commands, same rules.

With the right start, Cavoodles excel in obedience, agility, and even therapy work.

Cavoodles are adaptable to different living environments, but they still need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Recommended Activities:

• 30–45 minutes of walking per day.
• Playtime in the yard or at the park.
• Mental stimulation — puzzle feeders, hide-and-seek, basic trick training.

Without enough exercise, Cavoodles can become bored and develop unwanted behaviours.

While Cavoodles are often called “low-shedding,” they still require regular grooming to keep their coats tangle-free and healthy.

• Brushing: 2–3 times per week for wavy coats; daily for curlier coats.
• Professional Grooming: Every 6–8 weeks.
• Other Care:
• Clean ears regularly (floppy ears can trap moisture).
• Brush teeth several times a week.
• Trim nails every 3–4 weeks.
  

Cavoodles generally live 10–14 years, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health issues:

• Ear infections (due to floppy ears)
• Dental disease (common in small breeds)
• Patellar luxation (knee issues)
• Heart disease (from Cavalier heritage)
• Prevention: Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight will help your Cavoodle live a long, happy life.
  

Cavoodles do best on a balanced, high-quality diet.

• Adults: Two meals per day.
• Puppies: Three to four smaller meals per day.
• Avoid: Grapes, chocolate, onions, and other toxic foods.
• Always adjust food portions according to activity level and weight.
  

Cavoodles are perfect for:

• Families with children.
• Singles and retirees.
• Allergy-sensitive households (though no dog is truly hypoallergenic).

They may not be the best match if you:



• Work long hours away from home.
• Prefer a low-maintenance coat.
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If buying from a breeder:

• Ask for health clearances for both parent breeds.
• Meet the parents to check temperament.

Average price in Australia: $3,500–$7,000 depending on breeder reputation, coat type, and location.



• Adoption is also a great option — rescue organisations sometimes have Cavoodles or similar poodle mixes available.
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Do Cavoodles bark a lot?
They’re not excessive barkers but will alert you to visitors.

Are Cavoodles good with cats?
Yes, if introduced properly and socialised early.

Do they shed?
Minimal shedding, but grooming is still essential.

"They look like teddy bears, but don’t be fooled — slack off on training and they’ll run circles around you. Trust me, I’ve seen it." – Grumpy Old Max 🐾

How to Groom a Cavoodle at Home

Top 10 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

Preventing Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Thinking of adding a Cavoodle to your family?
✅ Download our Cavoodle Care Checklist and get ready for life with Australia’s favourite teddy-bear dog!