Cavapoo

The Cavapoo is a crossbreed. Opening your heart and home to a crossbreed is like opening a beautifully wrapped package on your birthday: you never know what’s going to be inside.

It’s often assumed that a crossbreed will combine the best of two or more breeds, but genetics doesn’t always work that way. The way genes combine and express themselves is not always subject to a breeder’s control, even less so when two different breeds are crossed. That’s something to keep in mind before you lay down lots of money for a dog that you have been assured will be hypoallergenic or healthier than a purebred.

It would be difficult for a Cavapoo not to be charming. Both of his parent breeds are outgoing, loving and playful. Cavapoos generally weigh 12 to 25 pounds, making them a comfortable size for most homes. They are not necessarily the best watchdogs, but they are likely to greet visitors and intruders alike with a smile.

Cavapoos have the potential to be highly trainable, although some may prefer to sit on your lap rather than do a sit/stay. They will be happy to sit for a cookie, though.

Cavapoos are fun-loving and can be good playmates for children who are at least six years old. Younger children should be supervised carefully any time they are with a small dog such as a Cavapoo. Even though he’s pretty sturdy, if they accidentally fall on or hit the dog, they could hurt him.

Cavapoos have a moderate activity level that is adaptable to their owner’s lifestyle. They need a good walk or active indoor playtime each day, and if you’re interested (and the dog's overall health is good -- your veterinarian can help determine that), they are athletic enough to participate in such dog sports as agility, obedience and rally. Cavapoos are good at playing fetch and will chase a ball endlessly.

Both of the breeds used to create Cavapoos tend to be smart and learn quickly. If you begin socialization and training early, keep training sessions short and fun, and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion.

Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that they can supposedly be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Cavapoos are sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are caused not by a particular dog coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all dogs (and people, for that matter). There is no scientific evidence that any breed or cross breed is more or less allergenic than any other dog. Some people with allergies may react less severely to particular dogs, but no reputable breeder will guarantee that her dogs are hypoallergenic.

Cavapoo puppies are adorable, and it’s one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Cavapoo a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. But there’s no need to pay big bucks for a Cavapoo. You can often find a wonderful example of this hybrid dog at your local shelter or through adoption organizations.

Other Quick Facts

• Cavapoos are companion dogs. They need to live in the house, never outdoors. Because they may have a short muzzle, they can be sensitive to heat. Never leave them outside on a hot day.
• Cavapoos come in several colors and patterns, including red and white, tricolor, red and black.
• With their sweet, gentle temperament, Cavapoos can make great therapy dogs.

Learn More About the Cavapoo on Vetstreet.com:

• History of the Breed
• Personality & Temperament
• Grooming