David Anderson - The Complete Guide to Cavapoo Dogs: Everything you need to know to sucessfully raise and train your new Cavapoo puppy

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 | Cavapoo Dogs Defined

You will never find a more perfect dog! They will run on the beach, go hiking in the mountains and beat you to your favorite chair to snuggle after. They are smart, easy to train and great for all ages because they are sweet and gentle. They love everybody and everything!

Source: Sharon Kieffer

Cavapoo Central

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, in dozens (even hundreds) of different breeds, and each one is completely unique. Some dogs are known for their hunting ability or for their skills with herding livestock. Other dogs are bred for competing in dog shows or for use as therapy dogs. Some breeds are bred for nothing more than companionship and it is those breeds that make some of the best pets a person could ask for the Cavapoo is one of those breeds. This breed is friendly, social, and people-oriented the ultimate family pet! In this chapter, you will learn the basics about what the Cavapoo breed is like based on the two breeds from which it was developed.

a) What is a Cavapoo Dog?

The first thing you need to know about the Cavapoo is that it is not a pure breed. A purebred dog is simply a dog whose parents both come from the same breed. For example, a purebred Poodle would be a Poodle whose mother and father (dam and sire) are also Poodles. Dogs that are bred from more than one breed are known by a number of different names mixed breed, crossbreed, even mutt. But when the crossing of two breeds is intentional, the offspring are called designer dogs. This is the case with the Cavapoo.

The Cavapoo is a mixed breed dog that results from the breeding of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, gentle, and people-loving breed. The Poodle (which actually comes in three sizes toy, miniature, and standard) is known for its curly coat and its intelligence. A Cavapoo exhibits qualities from both parent breeds, though not in a way that can be predicted. Genetics are very complicated so you do not get to choose which characteristics your Cavapoo will inherit from both breeds you just have to wait and see.

Though you cant predict exactly what the Cavapoo will be like as an adult dog, there are certain things you can expect. For example, most Cavapoos are bred from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle this means that the Cavapoo will be a fairly small dog. You can also expect your Cavapoo to have a medium to long coat, either with or without a curl. Most Cavapoos are also very sweet by nature and they come in a wide range of different colors.

In order to really understand the Cavapoo, including its temperament and personality, you need to have an understanding of the two parent breeds. Keep reading to learn more about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle.

b) About the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) has a regal name that matches its kingly appearance. These dogs are small in size but they have big personalities and beautiful long, flowing coats. CKCS dogs are one of the largest toy breeds, usually weighing between 13 and 18 pounds at maturity and standing 12 to 13 inches high when they are full grown. As a toy breed, these dogs have a fairly long lifespan averaging 10 to 14 years.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred to be companion animals and lap dogs this is where their gentle, docile personality comes from. These little dogs are very loyal and they bond very closely with their human companions. These dogs have been known to follow their owners around the house day in and day out, always wanting to be a part of the action. These dogs also get along well with kids which makes them an excellent option as a family pet.

Though most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle and sweet, they can sometimes develop a bit of a stubborn streak. Unfortunately, sometimes these dogs have a reputation for being dumb or difficult, but it is really just a matter of socialization and training. The earlier you begin socializing and training your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, the more well-adjusted and obedient it will grow up to be. Like many small breeds, these dogs can sometimes be a challenge to housetrain, but all it really takes is some time and consistency to make it work.

In terms of appearance, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sturdy little dog with a silky, medium-length coat that has long feathering on the legs, chest, ears, feet, and tail. This breed sheds moderately and the length of its coat necessitates regular brushing and grooming to prevent tangles and to keep the coat in good health. These dogs come in four standard colors Blenheim (chestnut and white), ruby (solid red), tricolor (black and white with tan points), and black and tan (black with tan points). These dogs should be brushed several times a week and they can be bathed every 2 to 4 weeks.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a fairly healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years, but they are prone to certain inherited diseases. Some of the conditions to which this breed is prone include degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD), patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, syringomyelia, and degenerative disc disease. This breed also sometimes has problems with ear infections due to its long, floppy ears if the ear gets wet, moisture can become trapped in the ear canal which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. These dogs need vet checkups every 6 months to monitor their health and to keep up to date with vaccinations.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Overview

AKC Group: Toy Group

Breed Size: small

Height: 12 to 13 inches

Weight: 13 to 18 pounds

Coat Length: medium-long

Coat Texture: silky and smooth, may have a slight wave

Color: Blenheim (chestnut and white), ruby (solid red), tricolor (black and white with tan points), and black and tan (black with tan points)

Eyes and Nose: dark brown or black

Ears: long and flopped; well covered in fur and feathering

Tail: long and well-furred, feathering on tail

Temperament: active, playful, curious, friendly, social

Strangers: makes friends with everyone, not a good watchdog or guard dog