Most important facts
- Group
- Crossbreed
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 4–10 kg
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Coat
- Wavy to loosely curled
- Energy
- Moderate
- Height
- 28–35 cm
- Colours
- Apricot, red, gold, black or tricolour
- Shedding
- Light
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£18/mo
- Gear to consider
- Slow-feeder bowl, soft grooming brush and comb set, well-fitted harness
Typical dry food, adult
About the Cavapoo
The Cavapoo crosses the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Credit usually goes to breeders in Australia in the 1990s, who set out to combine the Cavalier's gentle nature with the Poodle's coat and intelligence. It has since become one of the most popular crossbreeds in the UK, though the Kennel Club does not recognise it, as with all designer crosses.
Cavapoos are typically affectionate and eager to please, combining the Cavalier's gentle nature with the Poodle's intelligence and trainability. Most are easy with children and other dogs, and they bond closely with their family very quickly.
That strong attachment makes them attentive and easy to motivate in training, but it also means many are prone to separation distress if left alone too long. A consistent daily structure of regular walks, mealtimes and short periods of independence built up gradually suits the breed well.
Common health conditions
Things Cavapoo owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Mitral valve disease
Inherited from the Cavalier side and the most significant health concern in the breed. Keep your dog at a lean, healthy weight to reduce strain on the heart.
Syringomyelia
A neurological condition linked to skull shape in Cavalier-derived breeds. Book a vet check if you notice repeated head scratching, yelping or reluctance to be touched near the collar.
Patellar luxation
A slipping kneecap common in small breeds. Careful portions and a steady weight take strain off the joints.
Progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions
Inherited eye disease has been reported in the breed. Ask breeders to show health test results for both parent dogs.
Ear infections
Floppy, hair-covered ear canals trap moisture and wax. Check and dry the ears regularly, particularly after walks or swims.
Feeding a Cavapoo
Cavapoos are small dogs with modest calorie needs, so it is easy to overfeed them, particularly once treats and training titbits are counted. A complete small-breed food suits their smaller jaws, and weighing portions rather than guessing by eye guards against the gradual gain that strains both heart and joints.
Mitral valve disease is a recognised risk in the breed, and diet's most useful contribution is keeping a lean body condition throughout life. A food that supports skin and coat condition suits the fine, often curly coat. Dry, clean ears matter just as much as what goes in the bowl.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Cavapoo needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
4–10 kg
Est. daily calories
240–630 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Cavapoos eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£0.58
- Per month
- ~£18
- Per year
- ~£212
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Cavapoo
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Cavapoo by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs5/10
- Appetite6/10
- Trainability7/10
- Good with children8/10
- Shedding2/10
- Tolerates being alone2/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Affectionate, people-oriented companion suited to family life
- Coat sheds little, which some allergy-sensitive households find easier
- Intelligent and generally responsive to training
Worth knowing
- Prone to separation distress if left alone for long stretches
- Needs frequent brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent matting
- Inherited health risks from both parent breeds mean insurance and vet budgeting matter
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much should I feed my Cavapoo?
Start from the feeding guide on your chosen complete food and adjust to keep your dog in lean condition. As a check, the ribs should be easy to feel without pressing hard. Our Food Finder can help match a food to your dog's size and life stage.
Are Cavapoos prone to weight gain?
Yes. As small dogs with strong food motivation, Cavapoos can gain weight quickly if treats and portions aren't watched. Weigh the food rather than eyeballing it, and count treats within the daily allowance.
Do Cavapoos need a special diet for their coat?
There's no strict requirement, but a complete food with good-quality protein and oils supports the fine, often curly coat many Cavapoos carry. Combined with regular brushing, it helps keep matting and skin irritation to a minimum.
Can Cavapoos be left home alone?
Not for long periods without preparation. They were bred as companions and many struggle with being left, so teach alone time in small steps from puppyhood, alongside a steady exercise and feeding routine.