Ok, Let’s talk all about Cavapoos. Finding the right dog is as much about you as it is the pet. Most think of having a golden retriever or Lab as a family dog. Depending on where you live, temperament, and lifestyle, the personality of a dog may or may not fit well at home. A cavapoo is currently one of the most popular breeds in the world.
What Is A Cavapoo?
- A cavapoo is a mix between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle. Because it is a crossbreed, many characteristics vary depending on the dog. Since both parent breeds are playful and outgoing, the Cavapoo temperament is generally energetic and friendly with children. Weighing on average, 12 to 25 pounds, they are an especially manageable size for most homes.
Pros and Cons of Owning A Cavapoo
- As with any pet, there are positives and negatives when living with a Cavapoo. Depending on the owner’s personality and lifestyle, one person’s negative could be another’s positive. Important lifestyle choices considered when looking at cockapoo pros and cons include space, time, social life, and cost.
Temperament – The World of Cavapoos
- The Pros: A Cavapoo can be incredibly social. They are often outgoing dogs that do well with families. If you have children, a Cavapoo is usually an excellent choice because of their friendliness. They are a gentle breed and highly intelligent. Cavapoos are affectionate and easy to get along with. They are therapy dogs for some and can get along well with other pets.
- The Cons: Because Cavapoos are so social and enjoy being around both other pets and people, they can develop separation anxiety when left by themselves. This may not be ideal for those who work long hours or are not frequently home.
Training
- The Pros: Cavapoos are highly intelligent dogs. They learn quickly when shown repeatedly. These types of dogs do best with positive reinforcement. They do better with a gentle training method. Training for ten to fifteen minutes per day works well.
- The Cons: Cavapoos may need extra time when teaching how to potty-train. Although many other tasks can be learned quickly, house training can take longer than other dogs. For those who have little time or tolerance for possible “accidents,” a Cavapoo may be difficult for this reason.
- To successfully house train a Cavapoo, there are many suggestions that can help speed up the process. Understanding the signs of when a Cavapoo puppy needs to go outside is the first step. A Cavapoo that runs in circles or is restless can be a good first sign. Avoiding excitement first thing in the morning is recommended for young puppies as well as going for a walk right after their nap. Paying close attention is critical during this time.
- Another house training suggestion is to use the crate method. Since Cavapoos are den animals, a crate can be seen as a safe place similar to a home. By taking them outside before placing them in a crate, they can understand the routine and associate it with their needs. For those who work long hours or who cannot be consistent in house training may find this process particularly difficult.
Health – The World of Cavapoos
- The Pros: Cavapoos are part poodle. Poodles are known to be generally healthy dogs that do not usually need a lot of medical attention. By researching the Cavapoo breeder, understanding the health of both parents can also be traced. Finding a healthy Cavapoo can be partially controlled when knowing the background of where it came from.
- The Cons: Crossbreeds can have health issues that are harder to predict. Although poodles are usually quite healthy, a Cavapoo is a mix of not only poodle but a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as well. Cavaliers do not always tend to be healthy dogs.
- Mitral Valve Disease, Syringomyelia, Canine Hip Dysplasia, and Epilepsy are some of the health issues that are common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The most common health concern of the bunch is Mitral Valve Disease. This is a degenerative disease that manifests in the heart. The symptoms of Mitral Valve Disease can be easily spotted in a Cavapoo. They may avoid exercise, such as running or jumping. They are more likely to experience shortness of breath or even faint. This disease can start at age 2 or 3.
Medical – The World of Cavapoos
- The Pros: Cavapoo health is generally regarded as good, and a Cavapoo lifespan can stretch for many years. Depending on the parents and the breeders, Cavapoos can be active for ten to fifteen years. Regardless of any possible health symptoms, annual vet visits are always recommended.
- The Cons: Buying from a reputable dog breeder does not eliminate the risk for all health concerns. Some medical problems may arise even if the parents of the Cavapoo are healthy and well-bred. Because of the Cavalier breed, a Cavapoo is more susceptible to several medical conditions. The two other main health issues that are more likely to occur because of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel include Syringomyelia and Hereditary Cataract and Multi-focal Retinal Dysplasia.
- Syringomyelia is a condition where fluid can build in the spinal cord cavities located near the brain. There are various different ways to treat Syringomyelia in Cavapoos. Surgery is an option, as well as medicine.
- Multi-focal Retinal Dysplasia affects a dog’s eyesight. Although they can potentially go blind from this condition, it is unlikely this will occur outside of severe cases. Most dogs that have Multi-focal Retinal Dysplasia do experience significant vision changes. Unlike many other diseases, Multi-focal Retinal Dysplasia can be detected at birth and can even disappear over time. There is no current treatment for this condition.
- Although Mitral Valve Disease is common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Cavapoo does not need annual testing at the vet’s office. Cavapoo medical costs are generally not as high when surgery isn’t involved. Although surgery may be a possibility, this progressive disease can be treated with medicine to minimize symptoms. Unfortunately, the condition can eventually lead to heart failure.
Lifespan – The World of Cavapoos
- The Pros: Cavapoos generally have high life expectancy rates. They tend to live until they are thirteen to fifteen years of age. Because they are so small in size, they can adapt to many living spaces and conditions.
- The Cons: Depending on the breeder, there is a chance for health risks associated with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Cavapoos Hypoallergenic
- Yes -This makes Cavapoo grooming especially easy for those who have allergies. Cavapoos have little to no shedding. They have a single layer coat and cause very few people to experience any type of allergic reaction.
- For dog owners who are actively social or have children, finding a dog that is safe for everyone is usually a top priority. Allergies can be painful and irritating to many. One of the pros to owning a Cavapoo is that almost anyone can be around without experiencing a runny nose or red eyes.
Grooming Basics
- Grooming can be both a pro and a con depending on the person. While some find grooming a relaxing time to brush the coat of their dog or clip nails, others dislike the process.
- To properly groom, the Cavapoo should be brushed after baths. It is recommended that they still be wet while brushing. Grooming is generally part of any dog’s regular routine, and the Cavapoo is no different in this regard. Although daily brushing is necessary to keep tangles from forming in the coat, the Cavapoo typically requires less work than many other dogs require.
- To avoid matted snarls and shaving, frequent brushing is best. Training them when they are 5 weeks old, gets them in a daily routine. Should be started when they are still puppies. Using slicker brushes and combs will help keep their coat clean and healthy.
- Most Cavapoos have low-shed coats. This is particularly nice for those who do not have time for frequent cavapoo grooming. Just because they do not shed, however, does not mean their coat can go neglected.
- As for nail care, many prefer to use a Dremel to keep nails short. This rotary tool is particularly effective at preventing pricks that can be potentially painful to a Cavapoo. Clean their ears regularly. New dog owners may want to leave this to a vet. It can be painful for Cavapoos. Cleaning teeth is a job for your veterinarian. This process can be challenging to do at home, even with the right brush and paste. Introducing a Cavapoo to grooming rituals early will make the process easier for the future.
In Conclusion
Like most dogs, there are many cockapoo pros and cons. Because the Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, its temperament can be hard to pin down. Regardless of two different types of parents, Cavapoos are almost always friendly and sociable dogs that get along with everyone.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
