Cavapoos have an average lifespan of 10 to 16 years. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

Mixed breed dogs inherit the traits of their parents, which means the Cavapoo can have the coat colors of either (or both) the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. The most common Cavapoo colors are black, white, black and white, apricot, tan, red, golden, cream, chocolate, and bi-color and tri-color combinations.

The size of a Cavapoo depends on whether their Poodle parent was a Miniature or Toy breed, but, in general, fully grown Cavapoos stand between 9 and 14 inches tall and weigh between eight and 18 pounds — the perfect size to curl up in your lap for a movie marathon.

Yes, Cavapoos are usually a great match for cats. Their parent breeds tend to be friendly toward other pets, including cats. Of course, every dog is different, so it’s always a good idea to ask rescues or shelters to test Cavapoos with cats to make sure it’s a match. At home, make slow introductions and monitor interactions between your cat and Cavapoo.

Yes, all dogs shed, but the Cavapoo will shed less than other breeds. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels don’t shed much, and Poodles, a breed that has hair instead of fur, are also known for minimal shedding, which means that the Cavapoos are considered a low-shedding breed.

Yes, Cavapoos need to be groomed. Just because the Cavapoo is a low-shedding breed doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have grooming needs. Keeping their coats free from mats and tangles requires regular brushing. Brush them a few times a week and plan on making appointments for a professional haircut every four to six weeks.

Yes, Cavapoos are considered a hypoallergenic breed because they have a low-shedding coat, which might help reduce pet dander. However, truly hypoallergenic dog breeds are a bit of a myth. There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to ditch your allergy medication, but adopting a Cavapoo should be easier on your allergies.

Cavapoos may be prone to some common health issues that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles are also prone to, including:

• Muscular dystrophy: This is a severe disorder that causes muscle breakdown and weakness, leading to a crouched posture and a curve in the spine.

• Xanthinuria: This is a condition in which a dog gets stones throughout their upper and lower urinary tract. The stones cause pain, bloody urine, infection, and blockage of the urinary tract. 

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This is a degenerative ocular disorder that can lead to blindness.

• Degenerative myelopathy: This is a neurological disorder that usually affects dogs in their senior years; it is common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. 

• Dysplasia (elbow and hip): Poodles are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, a skeletal disease that causes abnormal development of the joint, leading to grinding and pain.

• Addison’s disease: This is a malfunction in the hormone production of the adrenal glands.

Yes, Cavapoos are considered lap-dogs, as they are one of the most affectionate and loving dog breeds. Thanks to their parent breeds, the Cavapoo loves attention. In fact, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed was developed as a lap-dog who offered both companionship and warmth (and was even used as foot warmers or in place of hot water bottles). Poodles love people and form tight bonds with their families. Expect these mixed-breed pups to exhibit those same qualities. Cavapoos are loving, affectionate lap dogs who love nothing more than spending time with their people.

Yes, despite their small size, Cavapoos are active, athletic dogs who tend to love outdoor activities. Long walks, hikes, and swimming are fun ways for a Cavapoo to burn off energy. Like their parent breeds, Cavapoos also enjoy dog sports, such as agility, tracking, and obedience. These adorable little athletes also make the perfect partners for musical canine freestyle — a mix of obedience training, dance, and tricks.

Yes, Cavapoos, like other dogs, bark. Poodles may bark more than other breeds — a trait that could be passed down to Cavapoo puppies. Providing your Cavapoo with early socialization and training can help prevent undesirable behaviors and reduce the odds that your pup will bark at the delivery driver, mail carrier, neighbors, squirrels, or leaves blowing across the yard.

Yes, Cavapoos are a relatively easy breed to train. They can quickly learn the basics, such as “sit” and “stay,” and excel in dog sports like competitive obedience and agility. Consistent positive reinforcement training using treats or favorite toys helps train this responsive breed. Remember, these pups aim to please. Just keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, teaching a dog requires a long-term commitment.

Yes, Cavapoos can make excellent additions to active families. These companion dogs are affectionate, social, and highly intelligent — they bring out the best traits of their parent breeds. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a reputation as good family dogs, and Poodles tend to get along well with kids.

However, it’s always best to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to help prevent accidental injuries and ensure the dog doesn’t develop fear-based defensive aggression. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Cavapoos are typically fully grown by the time they reach one year, although they may continue to fill out until they are 18 months or two years old.