Imagine having a pet dog that is not just charming, but also friendly, and innocent. If that is your wish, then it is time to get yourself a Cavapoo. This cutie pie comes from the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents, who are known for their active, positive, intelligent, and loving nature. designer dogs are the new in thing and Cavapoos with their soft bear-like appearance, active spirits, and loving nature have taken the Doodle dog category by storm.
Cavapoos are adorable persons with a gratefully fluffy bear-like face. Their friendliness and cuteness makes them an ideal companion for children. They make perfect company on a relaxed Saturday evening while watching TV, and can also accompany you for a light run.
Cavapoos make ideal pets since they stem from two companion breeds, making them enjoy social activities while loving the attention from the family. However, if you are someone who spends a lot of time away from home, this breed is not for you as it may result to you returning home to some destructive behavior.
Cavapoo canines are gentle and affectionate towards everyone, even likely to welcome a potential burglar with a wagging tail. So, if you are looking for a robust guard dog, this breed will not suit you. Cavapoos make great companions, and whether they have a family or just an individual owner, they require lots of attention. While they can adjust to only being the sole pet in a home, they generally flourish in a “pack” environment.
Cavapoo features
Measure: From 9 to 14 inches tall at the shoulders
Weight: From 9 to 25 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Variations in Color and Fur Coats
Most Cavapoos have soft, wavy, and low-shedding coats that can be either curly or straight. This makes them easier for owners who suffer from allergies. Fur texture and wave pattern is determined by the mixed genes a Poodle provides. Cavapoos come in many colors – solid shades like apricot, white, or black, or multicolored patterns like three-colored, parti-colored, or merle. Some puppies may have captivating combinations of different colored markings, for example, dark base with white patches or blend of caramel and cream. To prevent their coat from matting, regular grooming is absolutely necessary.
Size of Cavapoos
Toy Cavapoo is 9-12 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 8-15 pounds. The poodle parent is a toy poodle.
Mini Cavapoo– The weight ranges between 15 to 25 pounds and the height is between 12 to 14 inches at the shoulder. The poodle parent is Miniature Poodle.
Standard Cavapoo on the other hand is less common. The weight ranges between 25 to 40 pounds and the height is above 15 to 18 inches at the shoulder. The poodle parent is a Standard Poodle.
History of the Cavapoo
The Cavapoo, more commonly known as the Cavoodle, is a designer dog breed that started in the late 20th century which is common in contemporary cultures. The distinct records are still sparse, but their intentional breeds can be traced back to Australia or United States at the start of the 1990s. The aim behind this breed was to incorporate the affectionate nature of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with intelligence, hypoallergenic qualities and little shedding hair of the Poodle.
As previously mentioned, this breed started gaining popularity due to their teddy bear like appearances and friendly adaptable temperaments. Over the years, Cavapoos have become a beloved member of the “Doodle” category of other designer breeds like Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Even with their short history, they are among the most sought after designer dog breeds.
Grooming of a cavapoo
To make the grooming process easier, you must have the required tools prepared. To ensure an efficient grooming procedure, here is a list of tools you should gather in advance:
Slicker Brush: This is a necessary tool for brushing out mats and tangles formed from hair shedding in Cavapoos with curly or wavy coats.
Comb: A wide-toothed comb helps to detangle knots and smoothe the coat.
Pin Brush: This is a type of brush for pinning and brushing used mainly to help with the general brushing of longer Coats.
Nail Clippers or Grinder: Cavadoodles require proper nail trimming for good health.
Dog Shampoo and Conditioner: Use a gentle and high cleanser, then follow with conditioner. In the long term, it’s best to use those specially made for dogs.
Ear Cleaner: Because Cavapoos are really prone to ear infections, they should be cleaned on a regular basis.
Towel: Use to dry your dog after the bath.
Cavapoo Grooming Procedure: step one:
Brushing the Coat Brushing your Cavapoo is the best part of grooming your dog. It is advisable to regularly brush your pet in order to prevent mats, tangcles, and excessive shedding. Aim to brush your Cavapoo’s coat 3 to 4 times a week for the best results.
Before starting on the trunks, begin by brushing around the neck and chest braces to form the areas where mat formation is likely to occur.
Remember to only work in sections: pulls from the tips do more harm than good to matted hair. Use a mat splitter or wide tooth comb to get rid of mats gently. If you are unable to brush a mat out, it would be advisable to cut it off: make sure you go to the professional groomer instead.
Bathing Your Cavapoo
Do not wash your Cavapoo too frequently as it can remove the natural oils. Insufficient bathing is equal to Cavapoos being dirty or smelly. Cavapoos are preferred to be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks unless they get dirty/ smelly.
Before applying shampoo, thoroughly wet your dog’s coat by using mildly warm water.
Gently lather the coat with a dog-specific shampoo, making sure to avoid the mouth, ears, and eyes while massaging it into the skin.
In order to keep the coat well hydrated and soft, follow up with a conditioner specific for dogs.
Make sure to thoroughly rinse to get rid of any shampoo or conditioner.
After rinsing, soak up water using a towel and use a blow dryer on low and cool to dry your fades over heating.
Nail Trimming For Your Cavapoo
In order to avoid joint issues or discomfort, trim your Cavapoo’s nails between 4-6 weeks. Utilize dog nail clippers and grinders and refrain from cutting near the quick to avoid bleeding.
Cleaning Your Cavapoo’s Ears
Due to their floppy ears and hair, Cavapoos may face ear infections. Therefore it is highly important to check and clean your dog’s ears at least once a week.
When cleaning your dog’s ears, make sure to use a cleanser specifically made for pooches. With a little amount on a cotton ball, gently rub the outer ear canal.
If there is excess wax or any redness, it would be wise to seek advice from your veterinarian.
Brushing Teeth
Taking care of your Cavapoo’s teeth is wisely done to prevent breath problems and gum disease. With that in mind, make sure you brush the teeth of your dog at least two to three times per week.
While brushing, always ensure that you use a specially made brush and toothpaste made for dogs. Use of toothpaste made for humans is strictly forbidden as it is harmful to them.
Regular dental chews can equally help these dogs reduce plaque build up so remember to include those as well.
Eye Cleaning
Cavapoos are prone to getting tear stains especially around the eye area, which can be unsightly. You can maintain that area clean by doing the following:
Use a piece of soft cloth or dog-specific eye wipes and gently remove the tear stains.
Check if there is any swelling or too much discharge. If there is anything out of the ordinary, make sure to see your vet.
Common Health Issues
Cavapoos are susceptible to health problems that affect the ancestors, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and toy poodle. Responsible breeders take measures to check their spaniels, poodles, and Cavapoo puppies against these diseases before breeding to eliminate the risk of passing on inherited conditions.
Health problems that are pervasive in Cavapoos include but are not limited to:
Mitral valve disease: The major and the most reported heart issue that Cavapoos have is Mitral Valve Disease ‘MVD’ wherein mitral valve does not function well –the structure of the heart valve worsens until it cannot fully close.
Eye diseases: A few of the other eye related ailments that can greatly impact this breed’s eyes are: progressive retinal atrophy, which damages the retinas and can cause complete blindness; entropion; cataracts; and cherry eye; and dry eye.
Luxating patellas: Orthopedic disease that affects this breed – it is where the kneecap has the tendency to displace out of its normal position because the femoral groove is too shallow.
Allergies: This condition is otherwise called skin allergies in dogs – it is when a dog suffers from extreme itchiness and skin discomfort.
Syringomyelia/Chiari-like malformatio: This condition occurs when a pocket or pockets of fluid accumulates in a dog’s spinal cord.
Hip Dysplasia: This orthopaedic condition affects the range of motion and the stability of the hip joint. The joint is formed and developed in an abnormal manner which can be due to inheritance factors.
Epilepsy: This is a disease in the nervous system which gives rise to seizures which are either of the generalized type or the focal type. People with severe symptoms may show stiff legs, chattering jaw, gaping stare, and uncontrolled sputtering activity.
Dental Disease: Being a small breed, Cavapoos are at high risk for dental disease. This condition is far worse than a cosmetic problem. It is a well-known fact that the gingival tissue is the vascular region of the mouth and it is the prime area for bacteria to enter the circulatory system. It can also result in very painful conditions such as tooth abscess and endocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
FAQs
1. What is a Cavapoo?
A Cavapoo is a hybrid dog breed that is a mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. They are known for being small, smart, and friendly.
2. How big does a Cavapoo get?
Cavapoos usually weigh between 12 to 25 pounds and stand around 9 to 14 inches tall. They are medium-sized dogs, making them ideal for apartments or smaller homes.
3. How much exercise does a Cavapoo need?
Cavapoos require moderate exercise, such as daily walks and playtime. They enjoy staying active with their owners and need regular physical activity to stay healthy.
4. What is a Cavapoo’s temperament like?
Cavapoos are friendly, affectionate, and intelligent. They are great with families, other pets, and are known for their loving nature.
5. Does a Cavapoo need grooming?
Yes, Cavapoos need regular grooming. Their coat can be curly like a Poodle’s, so they require weekly brushing and occasional trims to prevent matting and keep their skin healthy.
6. How long do Cavapoos live?
Cavapoos have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, and with proper care, they can live even longer.
7. Are Cavapoos allergy-friendly?
Cavapoos are considered allergy-friendly because they have a coat similar to a Poodle, which is hypoallergenic. However, it’s always good to test for allergies before getting any dog.
