The Cavoodle

Cavoodles and Health

Cavoodles have diverse genetics due to being a mixed breed.

This makes them less likely to develop genetic disease when bred by a responsible breeder who genetically tests the parents.

The main genetic diseases that can appear in Cavoodles are: 

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• PRA – Progressive Rod Cone degeneration of the eyes, this comes from the genes of the Poodle. 

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• Episodic Falling Syndrome – During periods of excitement the dog’s muscles stiffens and the dog collapses, this comes from the genes of the CKC Spaniel. 

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• Degenerative Myelopathy – This disease causes a progressive degeneration of the spinal cord in older dogs, this occurs in both poodles and CKC Spaniels. 

Puppies Downunder conduct full breed profile genetic testing on all our sires and dams. We carefully select which dogs we breed together and only breed from Clear to Carrier or from Clear to Clear. 

What size do Cavoodles grow to? 

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Cavoodles are a mixed breed so they don’t have a set breed standard of size; the size can vary due to the generation and the parents of the dog. If you’re unsure what size your puppy will grow to ask to see the parents to get an idea of the size.

Our Cavoodle puppies at Puppies Downunder have a size range of:

Height: 28-40cm 

Weight: 8-15kg 

What is the Best Coat for Allergy Sufferers?  

Dogs with a wool (curly) single coat are more suitable for those suffering with allergies. These coats have the lowest allergens due to curls that catch dander and are low shedding. Dogs with wool single coats shed slowly and their curls help trap hairs as they fall out.  

These coats are high maintenance requiring daily brushing. This should be done with a high-quality slicker brush which helps detangle surface hair and remove dander, dirt and debris.   

Low Maintenance Coats  

If allergies are not an issue and a low maintenance coat, is preferred, a fleece or hair coat would be most suitable.  

This type of coat is average to low shedding due to undercoat hairs falling out and new ones coming in.   

What is a Cavoodle? 

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A Cavoodle also known as a Cavadoodle or Cavapoo, is a mixed breed consisting of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. 

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These two breeds together create an ideal family pet that is affectionate and has an eager to please temperament of a Cavalier as well as the intelligence, trainability and low shedding coat of a Poodle. 

The Cavoodle's Temperament

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Cavoodles are affectionate, non-aggressive, eager to please, playful, friendly and  loyal.

They are very sociable and friendly which when combined with proper socalisation and training, get along with all age groups of people, other dogs and cats.

Ears

Cavoodles have long ears and can sometimes have fur growth inside which comes from the poodle making them more prone to dirty ears and ear infections.

Always check your Cavoodle’s ears for any foul smells or buildup of debris as well plucking out any fur that is growing inside the ear and clean them when needed.  

If you suspect your Cavoodle has an ear infection take your Cavoodle to the Veterinarian for advice on treatment. 

Eyes 

Cavoodles can develop dry eyed syndrome or cataracts,. Check your Cavoodle’s eyes on a regular basis and if you notice anything of concern, take your Cavoodle to your Veterinarian. 

Hips and Knees 

Cavoodles can develop Hip Dysplasia although this is uncommon, this is most likely to happen due to improper nutrition, not enough exercise or too much exercise.

Luxating Patella (Slipping Kneecaps) is more common in toy Cavoodles; this causes your Cavoodle’s knee to slip out of the joint and has a grading system on the severity of it. Seek veterinarian advice if you suspect your Cavoodle has either of these conditions. 

Do Cavoodles Shed? 

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This varies depending on which breed/parent they take  after as well as the individual puppy’s coat.

There are 3 coat variations as well as single and double coats. 

Wool 

A single coat of densely packed curls 

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Fleece 

A single or double coat with waves

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Hair 

A double coat with a wiry top coat on top of a fuzzy undercoat. 

Single Coat 

No undercoat 

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Double Coat 

Top coat and Undercoat 

All dogs shed their old fur so new fur can grow in, and all dogs produce dander (dead skin cells). Depending on the kind of the coat the dog has deems it less or more likely to trigger allergies.   

How Active are Cavoodles? 

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Cavoodles have a moderate activity level. They require daily 30 to 60 minute walks per day as well as playtime and mental enrichment. 

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Please note:  Exercise should be kept to a minimum for Cavoodle puppies as over-exercise can cause skeletal damage and long-term health issues.