Seeing the Cavapoo greeting you at the door with a wagging tail after a tiring day is enough to melt any heart! These adorable dogs are known for their friendly personality and cute looks.
Cavapoos are mixed breed dogs between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles. This cute combo comes with great qualities. Fluffy, cuddly, and full of energy. But are they the right fit for you?
Let’s take a look at Cavapoo pros and cons so that you can see what makes them great companions, and what you need to consider before bringing one home.
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Pros and Cons Of Owning A Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is a designer breed originating from Australia in the 1990s created to blend the desirable traits of both parent breeds, resulting in a companionable dog also called a Cavadoodle or Cavoodle.
Cavapoos are popular for their hypoallergenic qualities and adaptability to various living environments. They are characterized by their small to medium size, with heights ranging from 9 to 14 inches and weights from 8 to 25 pounds.
Cavapoos are beloved for their affectionate nature, intelligence, and adorable appearance. However, like any dog breed, they come with their own set of pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Friendly and affectionate | May inherit health issues from parent breeds |
| Low-shedding coat | Moderate grooming needs |
| Intelligent and trainable | May have a tendency to bark |
| Good with children and other pets | Potential for separation anxiety |
| Adaptable to apartment living | May require regular exercise to prevent weight gain |
DOWNSIDE of Cavapoo
Cavapoos are undeniably cute and cuddly. But they come with some challenges. So, it is necessary to consider those challenges before welcoming one into your home. Here’s a breakdown of the downsides of owning a Cavapoo:
- Separation Anxiety: Prone to separation anxiety and should not be left alone for extended periods.
- Grooming Needs: They Need regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles in their curly or wavy hair. You may also need to take them to professionals for grooming.
- Health Concerns: Potential for inherited health conditions from their parent breeds. Such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and ear infections.
- Excessive Barking: Prone to excessive barking because of separation anxiety, attention-seeking, or excitement.
- House Training Challenges: They can be difficult to house train, requiring extra time and consistency.
- Watchdog Suitability: Not suitable as watchdogs because of their extremely friendly nature.
- Dental Care: Dental health requires daily teeth cleaning to avoid periodontal disease.
- Costly Care: Owning a Cavapoo can be heavy on your wallet. From initial purchase costs to grooming, vet bills, and high-quality food. Expenses can add up over time.
Benefits of Cavapoo
Fluffy fur and charming personalities of cavapoos have stolen the hearts of many. But what exactly makes them such delightful companions? Let’s look into the benefits of owning a cavapoo:
- Affectionate and Playful Nature: Cavapoos are affectionate, playful, and gentle. They love to cuddle and play, making them great family companions.
- Intelligent and Trainable: They are eager to please and easy to train, making them great for first-time dog owners.
- Hypoallergenic: They have a hypoallergenic coat, suitable for people with allergies.
- Low-Shedding: Cavapoos won’t leave fur all over your furniture. Less fur means less cleaning for you!
- Small size and Adaptability: Cavapoos are small and have low maintenance. They can adapt well to various living environments.
- Long Lifespan: They are generally healthy, with a long lifespan of 13-15 years.
- Good with Children and Other Pets: They are generally good with children and other pets when socialized properly.
- Minimal Exercise: They need minimal exercise, requiring only a daily walk or playtime.
- Travel Friendly: Traveling with cavapoos is easy. You can take them anywhere.
Who Should Own A Cavapoo?
So, do you want to welcome a furry friend into your life? Then a cavapoo can be a delightful companion. Here’s who should have a Cavapoo in their family:
- Families with Children: Cavapoos are loyal, loving, and great with children. Which makes them an excellent choice for families.
- Companion Seekers: Cavapoo is best for those who value companionship and want a loving and affectionate pet.
- First-Time Dog Owners: Cavapoos are relatively easy to train and manage, making them suitable for individuals new to dog ownership.
- People with Allergies: Cavapoos have a low-shedding coat and are hypoallergenic. Which makes them a good choice for individuals with allergies.
- Active Families: If your family enjoys walks, hikes, and playtime, a Cavapoo can keep up with your energy level.
- Retirees or Seniors: For older individuals looking for a loyal and loving companion, Cavapoos can be an excellent choice.
Who Should Not Own A Cavapoo?
Cavapoos are wonderful companions, but their needs won’t fit every lifestyle. Here’s who might not find a Cavapoo to be the perfect furry friend;
- You Work Long Hours: Cavapoos don’t like to be alone and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
- You Prefer a Quiet Dog: Cavapoos can be prone to barking, so if peace is your priority, another breed might be better.
- Tight Budget: Cavapoos can be expensive to purchase. Regular grooming and potential vet bills add to the cost of ownership.
- Low Maintenance Lifestyle: Cavapoos require daily exercise and regular brushing. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, a Cavapoo might not be the best fit.
- Prefer A Quiet Dog: Cavapoos can be vocal. So if you prefer a quiet environment, they might not be the best fit.
- Seeking a Watchdog: They’re friendly and not suitable as watchdogs because of their friendly nature.
Not Prepared For Training and Grooming: Cavapoos require consistent training, socialization, and grooming. So individuals who are not willing to invest time and effort may not be suitable Cavapoo owners.
Cavapoo Quiz
Is a Cavapoo Right for Me?
Personal Experiences From Cavapoo owner:
Cavapoos are becoming increasingly popular due to their friendly and affectionate personalities. Here’s a glimpse into what it’s like for people keeping Cavapoos at home:
John Alex, who’s 25 years old, has a lovely experience to tell about his adorable cavapoo,
“My cavapoo is super lovable. I call him COCO. He only wants cuddles and playtime. This is my first dog, and I fell in love with him instantly. We get lots of cuddles and he takes his naps on me!”
Our other reader, Lilly Austin, who’s 20 years old, has also a heartwarming experience to share about her cavapoo,
“It was easy to train my OREO on things like (drop/sit/ stay/ fetch). He loves to get a belly rub or a treat. However, he is mischievous if he isn’t getting attention or playtime. But these behaviours improve with age and training. Also, my OREO is very adaptable. He has adjusted well to apartment living and is happy to go on walks or play in the park.”