If ever a dog was designed to melt hearts, it’s the Cavapoo. Imagine a teddy bear that came to life, decided walkies were the best invention ever, and then claimed your lap as its permanent residence. That’s your Cavapoo — a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. First bred in the 1990s to combine the Cavalier’s sweetness with the Poodle’s brains (and lower-shedding coat), Cavapoos are now one of the UK’s most popular family dogs.
But don’t be fooled by the fluffy curls and big brown eyes — these pups are clever, cheeky, and surprisingly lively. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready for a living teddy with brains and energy, have a go at the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz before you fall in love.
Pickles’ Aside: Basically, they’re designed to be irresistible. Resistance is futile.
Great Names for a Cavapoo
Cavapoos are equal parts sweet and sassy — their names should reflect it.
Sweet picks: Honey, Poppy, Toffee, Clover, Peaches, Maple
Mischief makers: Rascal, Pickle, Zoom, Dash, Tizzy, Noodle
Classic choices: Molly, Bella, Max, Archie, Rosie, George
Heritage nods: Bramble, Willow, Fern, Rusty, Clover, Ivy
Can’t decide? Let the Dog Name Generator throw out some wild cards for you.
Exercise
Cavapoos might look like living cushions, but they’re not just sofa ornaments. Thanks to their Poodle heritage, they’re bundles of energy with a surprising amount of stamina. A trot round the garden won’t cut it — they need proper walks, play, and brain games.
Owners often say things like: “She’ll do zoomies round the house for half an hour if we don’t take her out.” Another admitted: “Ours is a ball-obsessed maniac. The arm aches are real.”
Daily needs:
- 45–90 minutes of walking
- Fetch, tug, and agility games
- Puzzle toys and training exercises
Pickles’ Aside: Don’t be fooled by the fluff — there’s a spring-loaded pogo stick underneath.
Spaniel Energy Warning
Cavapoos inherit spaniel bounce. Without enough exercise, they’ll bark, chew, or bounce off the sofa like a trampoline act.
Temperament
Think of the friendliest person you know. Now give them a curly coat, wagging tail, and a talent for cuddles — that’s a Cavapoo. These dogs are affectionate, playful, and loyal. They’re great with families, adore children, and love being included in everything.
- Sociable with humans and other dogs
- Cheerful, happy-go-lucky, and rarely aggressive
- Sensitive — they pick up on moods and hate being left alone for too long
One owner put it perfectly: “She just wants to be with you all the time. Even when you go to the loo, she’s outside the door waiting.”
Pickles’ Aside: Privacy? Forget it. Cavapoos are emotional support… in every room.
Training
Here’s the thing: Cavapoos are clever. Very clever. That Poodle brain means they pick up training quickly, but the Cavalier side means they might also be a touch stubborn if they’re bored.
What works:
- Keep sessions short, fun, and positive
- Use treats, toys, and praise (they love to please)
- Focus on recall early — their spaniel nose can lead them astray
- Mental stimulation is as important as sit and stay
An owner confessed: “He learned tricks so quickly, but toilet training? Took months. He knew, he just had other priorities.”
Need help? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer is brilliant for keeping training fresh and tailored to clever fluffballs like Cavapoos.
Sensitive Soul Warning
They don’t respond well to harsh voices. Keep it kind, and they’ll give you everything.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Cavapoos are more likely to lick than lunge. They’ll bark when someone’s at the door, but they’re not guard dogs — they’re greeters. With strangers, they’re usually friendly once introductions are made.
Other Animals
Cavapoos generally get along with other dogs and even cats, especially if raised together. Their sociable, happy temperament means they often fit right in.
One owner shared: “Our Cavapoo thinks every dog in the park is her new best friend. It’s adorable but time-consuming.”
Pickles’ Aside: Walkies take twice as long when you have to greet every single dog in London.
Grooming
Here’s where Cavapoos can surprise new owners. That curly or wavy coat is gorgeous — but it’s high-maintenance. Without regular brushing, mats form fast. Professional grooming is essential every 6–8 weeks.
Grooming needs:
- Daily brushing (yes, daily)
- Professional groom every 6–8 weeks
- Regular ear checks (spaniel ears can trap dirt)
- Teeth cleaning and nail trims
Grooming Commitment Warning
Cavapoo coats don’t care if you’re busy. Neglect grooming, and you’ll end up at the groomer begging them to fix a matted mess.
Health
Cavapoos are generally healthy, but like all crossbreeds, they can inherit issues from either side. Common ones include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Mitral valve disease (from Cavaliers)
- Patella luxation (kneecap issues)
- Ear infections (floppy ears + curls)
An owner shared: “We had no major problems, but the grooming bills are real. She’s worth every penny, though.”
Check with breeders carefully, and use the Best in Breeder Guide to avoid heartbreak.
Cost of Ownership
Cavapoos are popular and in demand, which means they’re not cheap. In the UK:
- Puppy price: £1,500–£3,000
- Insurance: £30–£70/month
- Food: £25–£50/month
- Grooming: £40–£60 every 6–8 weeks
- Vet bills: £200–£400/year (more if heart or joint issues arise)
Famous Owners & Moments
- Coleen Rooney and her family are known Cavapoo owners.
- Cavapoos have exploded in popularity thanks to Instagram, with thousands of “dogfluencer” accounts dedicated to their teddy-bear looks.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “Cavapoos don’t shed.” | Many shed less, but not all — coat type varies. |
| “They’re just lap dogs.” | They love cuddles but also need proper exercise. |
| “Crossbreeds are always healthier.” | Not automatically — both parent breeds carry risks. |
FAQs
Are Cavapoos good for first-time owners?
Yes, if you’re prepared for training and grooming. They’re friendly and adaptable.
Do they bark a lot?
They’ll bark to alert you, but they’re not yappy compared to some small breeds.
Can they be left alone?
Not for long. They’re companion dogs and can develop separation anxiety.
Do they get on with children?
Yes, they’re playful and gentle, making them great family pets.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
Bringing home a Cavapoo is like inviting a fluffy ray of sunshine into your life. You’ll have a cuddly, funny, loyal dog who’ll happily curl up on your lap one minute and tear around the garden the next. But you’ll also face the realities — grooming bills, daily brushing, and the guilt-inducing eyes they give you if you leave them alone for too long.
If you’re ready for a companion who’ll love you unconditionally, make you laugh daily, and look ridiculously cute while doing it, a Cavapoo might just be your match. Get organised with the New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and capture the fluff forever with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Small to medium
- Weight: 5–10 kg
- Height: 25–38 cm
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Best Trait: Affectionate, sociable, clever
- Challenging Trait: High grooming needs, prone to separation anxiety