Cavapoo

Breed Stats

Weight/Height:
9-14 inches, 8-25 pounds
Coat Type:
Short to medium, wavy, soft, curly
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Affectionate, loyal, playful
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
12-15 years

How to Adopt a Cavapoo?

The cavapoo is a mix between the cavalier King Charles spaniel and the miniature or standard-sized poodle. These small dogs have curly fur, a pleasant temperament, and loyal natures, and they are a great addition to any family.

If you are wondering about adopting a cavapoo, it’s important to stay up to date on what it takes to care for these dogs and how you can help your dog thrive once in your home. You will also need to know about the basics of adopting a cavapoo, as this can help guide your search to find the right pup.

Cute puppy being cradled in arms

In general, it can be somewhat difficult to find a cavapoo in a local shelter or rescue. These dogs are increasingly popular, but they also require dedicated breeding in order to create the perfect cross of spaniel and poodle.

This means that it may be less common for a cavapoo to turn up in a shelter, as many individuals purchase their puppies from reputable breeders. However, this doesn’t mean it is impossible to find a cavapoo from a shelter; these dogs may be found through breed-specific rescue organizations that are dedicated to rehoming cavapoos in need.

Once you find a cavapoo you are interested in adopting, you can expect to pay around $100 to $500; if you are buying a cavapoo from a breeder, this cost might be closer to $1,000 to $3,000. You will also need to budget for the items you need to care for your cavapoo, in addition to any initial vet visits and wellness checks.

It’s important that you communicate directly with the staff at a shelter to understand their adoption processes, as you might need to complete a home check, fill out certain forms, and ensure that you can give your cavapoo the home it needs to thrive. If there are other animals in your home, they might need to meet and greet your cavapoo in a neutral space before you can bring your pup home.

For Even More Information on Cavapoos

View Breed Info

Cavapoos For Adoption

How to Care for an Adopted Cavapoo?

When you’re thinking about adding a cavapoo to your family, you must understand exactly what to expect after bringing this breed home and how you can properly care for your new dog. Below, we discuss some of the most important factors to consider when you start to learn about caring for your cavapoo.

Grooming

Grooming is essential for the cavapoo, as this dog has thick, curly fur. Depending on whether they take more after their spaniel parent or poodle parent, they may have short or medium, wavy or curly fur. You should brush your cavapoo’s fur every other day to remove loose fur and prevent tangles, and you can bathe your dog as needed. 

It’s recommended to trim your dog’s nails and clean their ears as necessary, and you might want to start your cavapoo out young when it comes to getting used to the brushing, grooming, and bathing process. 

Your cavapoo will have a relatively low amount of shedding, as their poodle genetics lead to less shed fur and overall thicker coats.

"Cavapoo delight: Playful cavapoo dog frolics in lush green grass, capturing the essence of joy and canine charm in a vibrant outdoor setting. #Cavapoo #DogInGrass"
7 week old cavapoo puppy getting cuddles

Feeding

Feeding your cavapoo is another vital thing to consider, and you should give your dog a high-quality diet of wet or dry food. Your dog will be on the smaller side, so a dog food that is formulated for small dogs and easy to munch on with a smaller mouth can be helpful. Make sure that you choose a food for your dog’s life stage (such as puppy or senior food), and speak to your vet if you are concerned about your cavapoo’s diet.

On average, your cavapoo should eat between a third of a cup and a cup of food each day, preferably split into three meals throughout the day to help with blood sugar regulation.

Training

Cavapoos are very intelligent dogs, and your cavapoo will need regular training to stay mentally stimulated and ensure that they exercise their minds as well as their bodies. Make an effort to train your dog daily, using short, fun training sessions to form a bond with your dog and teach them new tricks. You will likely find that your cavapoo is very eager to please and loves to learn, and there is no limit to the things your pup might learn with your help.

Plus, teaching your cavapoo good manners ensures they can accompany you on more adventures outside of the home.

Basic Care Needs

Like any other dog, your cavapoo will need its own space in your home, complete with a bed, toys, and food and water bowls. Your cavapoo might enjoy things like puzzle toys to keep their mind active while you aren’t around, and you can try out different toys like plushies, ropes, and tennis balls to see which kind your pup prefers to play with.

Make sure to take your dog out for two to three moderate walks each day, and you should dedicate around 45 minutes of playtime each day, either indoors or outdoors. Your cavapoo will also likely enjoy adventures outside of the home when possible, such as trips to a small dog park or gentle hikes.

Cavapoo Temperament

Cavapoos, in general, are a very sensitive breed, and this means you need to keep your dog’s temperament in mind as you work out a care schedule. You should not leave your cavapoo home alone for long hours, and you should work to train separation anxiety out of your dog if you sense these behaviors starting.

Your cavapoo will be loving, affectionate, and cuddly, and they will also be playful and energetic. A household where they receive plenty of love, plus plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and limited alone time will be the best fit for this dog.

Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a Cavapoo As Your First Dog?

Three cute cavapoo puppy dogs posing in basket

A cavapoo can be a great idea if you are looking for a first dog to add to your family. These pups are loving and intelligent, and they will happily spend all of their time following you around or going on active adventures with you. cavapoos are also intelligent, and they are easy to train. This means that you won’t have to struggle getting your dog to learn proper manners and fun little tricks.

Cavapoos are smaller dogs, and they can be fairly versatile. This means that they can live in an apartment or a larger home, and they are typically adaptable to different types of weather. Your pup will be more of a lap dog, which is something that many owners looking for a sweet, loving first dog will enjoy.

A young woman holds a puppy of a Cavapoo or Cockapoo breed dog on the beach by the sea. Close-up of curly brown baby Maltipu.
A group of six playful cavapoo puppies rests contentedly in a wooden box, surrounded by vibrant green grass and soft sunlight, exuding charm and cuteness. Their curly fur adds to the delightful sight

How to Adopt a Cavapoo: Find the Right One for You

Adopting the right cavapoo for you doesn’t need to be a difficult and complicated process. You can take your time looking through local shelters and animal rescues for a cavapoo, or you can work with a breed-specific rescue to find a cavapoo that might suit your family. Make sure you understand how to take care of this pup and what your cavapoo might need to thrive in your home, and you will no doubt adopt the right cavapoo for you.