History of the Cavapoo

Following on from their creation of the Labradoodle, Australia decided to try with another poodle cross breed and created the Cavapoo in the 1900s. Their aim was to blend the gentle, affectionate nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligent, low shedding Poodle to create the ideal family pet. 

 Cavapoos possess many endearing traits that make them excellent companions: 

• friendly and sociable 
• affectionate and eager to please
• intelligent, responding well to training
• sensitive and patient
• easy going and gentle 

With affectionate behaviours they can form strong bonds with their human companions. Although they can suffer from separation anxiety due to their strong bonds, gradual training from a young age will allow them to be comfortable being left for short periods of time. Adequate exercise and mental stimulation will help before being left alone. 

Cavapoos generally have moderate exercise needs that can be tailored to fit your lifestyle. So a mix of brisk walks, playtime, interactive games, long strolls and mental stimulation are all great forms of exercise for a Cavapoo. 

Remember they are intelligent so mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise e.g. hide & seek, training sessions, agility. 

Cavapoos are a cross breed and some breeders will say by doing this they will not get any health issues linked to the breed. However, it is important to understand this in not entirely true. 

DNA testing will guide if the parent is clear, carries or is affected by breed specific genes which they will pass onto their offspring. However, Cavaliers also have health testing which can’t be seen in DNA, this is related to their heart and eyes. In our opinion a Cavapoo’s cavalier parent should also be screened for the Cavalier heart and eye conditions. 

From the cavalier parent: 

• Solid: one colour all over 
• Tri-colour: three distinct colours i.e. white base with patches of black and tan 
• Phantom: one main colour with colour points i.e. black&tan, tan points on eyebrows, cheeks, legs 

From the poodle parent: 

• Bi-colour: combination of two colours i.e. coat mainly one colour with patches of another colour 
• Merle: a marbled, mottled coat with mixed patterns and colours 
• Parti-colour: large patches of two or more colours, often with white as open of the colours 
• Sable: different colours appear when viewed from different angles or light, often with a mix of darker and lighter hairs 

‘Some breeds of dogs don’t cause allergies and are hypoallergenic’

I am sorry to say this is a myth.

It is not the fur that causes a reaction. 

People are usually allergic to the dander (flakes of dead skin) and/or the proteins found in a pets saliva and skin glands. 

All dogs have protein in their saliva, all dogs groom themselves. 

All dogs shed, their fur carries allergens and spreads them around.

Some shed less and some may have less of the allergic reaction causing proteins but the allergen is still present no matter the breed. 

However, some people can find a breed that keeps their allergies at a more manageable level.