Cavapoo insurance
Is the Cavapoo the right dog breed for you?
Our guide to living with a Cavapoo
Cavapoos, a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle are both charming and fond of company. This makes them incredibly popular as companion dogs. If you’re thinking of getting a Cavapoo, here’s what you need to know.
Quick facts about the Cavapoo
- Country of origin: Australia
- Expected lifespan: 12-15 years
- Height: 23-35 cm
- Weight: 5-10 kg
- Colour: Available in several colours, including black, white, apricot, red, brown, and multicoloured.
Something to remember... When you mix two breeds, you naturally get traits from both parents, meaning there can be variations within a litter of puppies. A Cavapoo may inherit the Cavalier’s calm nature or the Poodle’s lively temperament. Some have an even mix of both, while others lean more towards the Poodle or the Cavalier.
Where do Cavapoos come from?
Like several of the popular Poodle mixes, the Cavapoo can trace its roots to Australia. In the 1990s, breeders there wanted to combine the loving and calm nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence and ‘hypoallergenic’ coat of the Poodle. The goal was to create a companion dog that could fit into most families while also being an option for allergy sufferers.
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that the breed will be hypoallergenic, but the combination of the Cavalier’s friendly nature and the Poodle’s alertness and willingness to engage has still resulted in a dog that has quickly become popular worldwide.
Cavapoo temperament
Friendly
Fantastic family dogs that love being with their owners, the Cavapoo can be good with children, provided they are treated with respect and introduced in a positive way. They usually get on with other dogs and pets too.
Intelligent
The Poodle’s intelligence combined with the Cavalier’s gentle nature makes for a very sociable and trainable dog, and is one of the reasons why this mix has become popular so quickly.
Social
Because they’re social, Cavapoos usually don’t like being home alone too much. You’ll need to spend some time training for this – preferably from an early age. Fortunately, their size is ideal for taking them along on all sorts of adventures.
Versatile
Their versatility and adaptability make them a very popular companion dog. Cavapoos suit most dog owners and easily adapt; whether to apartment city living, or farm-life. They’re also suitable for older people that remain active and appreciate brisk walks.
Welcoming
They’re often lively, friendly, and welcoming to strangers, although some may be more watchful and vocal. But they’re not hostile – they simply want to point out that new people are around.
Balanced
Adult Cavapoos love activity and relaxation. They enjoy daily walks and mental stimulation as much as curling up on the sofa with their family after a day’s adventures. They love being at the centre of family life and having close physical contact.
Cavapoo size & appearance
Cavapoos vary in size depending on their parents. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed, while Poodles come in different sizes.
It’s usually Toy or Miniature Poodles that are used for this mix. Therefore, a Cavapoo typically ranges between 23 and 35 cm in height and weighs anywhere from 5 to 10 kg. Their coat can be completely curly, but some may have more wavy fur.
Thinking of getting a Cavapoo puppy?
What to expect week-by-week from your first year
We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.
Cavapoo grooming
A Cavapoos coat typically combines a Poodle’s curls with a Cavalier’s silky fur. When crossing a dog that sheds a lot with a dog that sheds less, extra attention to coat care can be needed. This is because some dogs may have a greater tendency to develop tangles and mats in their fur, which can be very uncomfortable and prevent them from moving freely. To prevent this from happening, they usually need to be brushed several times a week.
Regular trimming is also necessary to maintain the coat’s quality and the dog’s well-being. You should expect to take your Cavapoo to a groomer 3-4 times a year unless you feel like investing in good pair of scissors and a clipper yourself.
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You can trust us with your Cavapoo
Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products. **
** Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products*. Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2024. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims. Read the Which? article.
Cavapoo training
- 1
Stimulate them
Cavapoos are intelligent and easy to train. They may be “just” companion dogs to some, but they’re eager to learn and love mental stimulation.
- 2
Keep them active
Cavapoos can be lively and need daily walks as well as play and activities to thrive. They love scent-tracking tasks and can also learn retrieving and fun tricks.
- 3
Change it up
Depending on how much of the Cavalier’s temperament your dog has inherited, it may have some hunting instincts too. If you don’t provide varied training and quick rewards, it may become distracted by birds and other things it wants to chase.
- 4
Try water play
You may also get a real water-loving dog that adores swimming, which is common among Poodles.
- 5
Focus on recall
Recall is one of the fundamental commands that is good to prioritise early on. If recall doesn’t work, it’ll be difficult to provide the active life a Cavapoo loves with long and fun walks in varied terrain.
- 6
Give them time to run free
This is a dog that doesn’t thrive solely on a lead. It needs to run free and enjoy meeting like-minded playmates.
Cavapoo health issues
It’s been said that mixed-breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs, but unfortunately all dogs can get sick or injured, regardless of their origin. Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, like many other dogs, have certain health issues. Cavapoos can therefore be prone to some of the same health problems as their parent breeds, including:
Hip and knee problems
Eye diseases
Dental issues
Heart disease
Something to remember
When buying a Cavapoo, it's important to choose a responsible breeder who has ensured that both parents are healthy and free from disease.
What we love most about a Cavapoo
Social with a capital ‘S’
Cavapoos are cuddly and love being with their family. You’ll definitely get a friend who is always ready for hugs and companionship.
Versatile
Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them great companions for various activities.
Charm & confidence
There is simply nothing as adorable as a curly Cavapoo. Their size makes them easy to carry and take along on adventures.
Cavapoo insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet’s fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Cavapoo's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Cavapoos FAQs
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