Looking for a pup full of charm and personality? A Cavoodle might be your perfect match.
With their adorable faces, endless energy, and loving nature, Cavoodles make a wonderful addition to any family.
Bringing a Cavoodle into your home is exciting, but there’s a lot to consider – from feeding them the right food to keeping their clever minds active. Where do you start?
Whether you’re in the early stages of considering a puppy or already have a dog, this is your comprehensive guide to parenting cuddly, curly-haired Cavoodles.
Dive into our holistic approach to your pup's health, covering everything from the best food for your Cavoodle to their physical and mental wellbeing. Discover how small changes in their care can significantly improve their overall happiness and health.
This article was reviewed by Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian.
Top breed takeaways
Breed history
The Cavoodle is a designer breed, developed by crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle.
Originally bred in Australia in the late 20th century, the goal was to create a small, friendly companion dog by combining the Spaniel's confident and calm temperament with the Poodle's intelligence and hypoallergenic coat. Cavoodles have since become one of the most popular breeds, loved for their affectionate nature, intelligence, and adaptability to various lifestyles.
Key characteristics
Cavoodles are known for their affectionate and gentle temperament. They're loyal and playful, making them excellent companions for children and other pets. Their intelligence and eagerness to please also make them highly trainable, adapting well to city apartments and spacious homes.
Health considerations
While generally healthy, Cavoodles can be predisposed to specific health issues like skin sensitivities, joint and heart issues. A balanced diet rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and high-quality protein can help support their joint, skin, and overall health.
Appearance and size
Cavoodles are a small to medium-sized type of oodle with round faces, brown eyes, and floppy ears. Their coats are usually distinctively soft, thick, and wavy and come in many colours, including black, tan, gold, red, ruby, apricot, white, or a mixture of colours. Depending on whether they are a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle mix, they typically weigh between 5 to 12 kg and stand 25 to 38 cm tall at the shoulder.
Cavoodle personality and temperament
Cavoodles are affectionate, intelligent, and social dogs that thrive on companionship. They inherit the playful energy of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the sharp wit of a Poodle, making them eager to learn and easy to train.
Their gentle nature and friendly disposition make them great family pets, especially for homes with children or other animals. While they love attention and cuddles, they can also be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
Real insights from a Cavoodle parent
Discover what life is really like with Cavoodles with insight from Lauren and her two (yes two!) Cavoodles: Ollie and Poppy.
"Ollie and Poppy are the light of our lives! As with most Cavoodles, our bed is never empty at night, and we will never go to the bathroom alone. Ollie loves to chase the ball around the park, while Poppy’s favourite activity is catching flies. We love that they don’t shed so our couch and bed stays (relatively) clean, and they are the perfect size to cuddle up with and sit on our laps!"
— Lauren, Ollie and Poppy's human (they're both on Lyka)
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Cavoodle size and appearance
Considered a small-sized breed, a full-grown Cavoodle typically weighs between 5.5 to 12 kg and can grow up to 25 to 38 cm in height. They reach their adult size between 8 to 12 months of age. Their final weight and height depend on their parent breeds, specifically whether they are bred from a Miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle.
‘Toy’ Cavoodle
Height: 28-35cm
Weight: 4.5 – 7kg (approx)
‘Mini’ Cavoodle
Height: 35-45cm
Weight: up to 12kg (approx)
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How long do Cavoodles live?
The life expectancy of a Cavoodle is between 10 to 14 years (this includes Toy and Mini Cavoodles), but you can help your pup live a long and healthy life with a holistic approach to care.
The choices we make for our dogs can help them to thrive, not just survive: a nourishing real food diet, daily exercise, mental stimulation, training, proactive veterinary check-ups, and grooming, all work together to promote your pup’s healthspan (how long your dog is healthy) and quality of life.
What does a Cavoodle eat?
The foundation of excellent health and wellbeing comes from a nutritious, complete and balanced diet — for pups and their parents alike!
Free-feeding often leads to unnecessary weight gain, and as a small dog breed, a ‘one size fits all’ approach can affect their health. Portion control and food quality are necessary factors for good health.
Dry food often contains added flavourings and carbs to enhance palatability and extend shelf life. Excessive consumption may contribute to inflammation in the skin and gut, potentially leading to long-term sensitivities or health concerns in susceptible dogs.
The best diet for a Cavoodle is made from real food ingredients like high-quality protein, fresh vegetables, and good fats. If you think this sounds like the food you eat to stay fit and healthy, you’d be right. Dogs benefit from the same dietary approach as we do.
Lyka real food meals are vet-formulated and gently cooked to retain the flavours, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. It means they’re easy to digest, are nutrient dense, and taste delicious.
They’re also delivered to your door in custom portions based on breed, age, life stage and health to match your dog’s daily needs, so you can help them maintain their optimum weight and body condition.
What to feed your fussy Cavoodle
Keeping a fussy pup interested in their meals can be a challenge. Some Cavoodles can get bored of the same food every day, so a diverse diet with a range of tasty meals, like Lyka, could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Encourage a healthy appetite by giving them sufficient exercise every day and not too many treats, and establish a good feeding routine so your dog can focus on their food in a safe spot without distractions. You can also try our Beef & Parmesan Topper to boost mealtime excitement for even the pickiest pups.
“Lyka meals are designed to appeal to the fussiest Cavoodles with delicious combinations of high-quality animal proteins, healthy fats, fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables. These ingredients also improve gut health, which has a link to improved fussiness.”
— Dr Matthew Muir, Lyka Co-founder & Integrative Veterinarian
BVSc/BVetBiol (Hons) MRCVS
Learn more about Dr Matthew Muir and his veterinary experience.
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Do Cavoodle puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food. Cavoodle puppies can benefit from a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Common Cavoodle health issues
Cavoodles from good breeders are generally known to be healthy. With any designer breed, they can inherit the predisposed health conditions of their parents.
Before planning a litter, reputable breeders will consider the health and temperament of their sires and dams to breed favourable characteristics. When it comes to Cavoodle health issues, always check the health of the puppy’s parents before selecting your new pup.
Health issue #1 — skin allergies and itchiness
Cavoodles can be prone to food and environmental dog skin allergies which can trigger hives and itchy skin conditions like dog Atopic Dermatitis. Ear infections, excessive licking or over-grooming, and inflammation are common signs of allergies.
Allergies trigger a pup’s immune system which releases histamines and other chemicals to defend the body against the invading allergen. These chemicals cause the red, itchy and inflamed skin. The gut microbiome helps to modulate the immune system, making gut health vital for allergen defence.
Boost their gut health and their immune response with a fresh food diet that contains skin-enriching nutrients, including:
🐟 Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Known to boost skin and coat health.
💚 Spirulina: A powerful superfood with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that has been shown to reduce allergic inflammation.
🍄 Shiitake mushrooms: A bioactive, antihistaminic food that can boost your dog’s immune response against an allergen.
Lyka only uses grass-fed, free-range, barn-raised or wild-caught animal proteins that are less likely to inflame the skin than grain-fed proteins. Our meals don't contain pro-inflammatory starches, lectins and other common allergens used in commercial pet food like wheat, corn, soy and dairy.
Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief (with photos) →
Read more: How Lyka helped Cavoodle sisters Nala and Kira with their skin issues →
Health issue #2 — heart conditions
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is the most common cardiac illness in dogs, though it tends to be more prevalent in smaller breeds. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are especially prone to MVD which means that Cavoodles can inherit this disease too.
Mild cases of MVD may not show any noticeable signs in your pup and it’s usually identified during a routine health check by your vet. The disease is degenerative but it progresses slowly. However, it can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF). Always, check with your vet if you have any concerns about your Cavoodle’s health.
Dogs with MVD and CHF are usually advised to eat a low-sodium diet as too much salt increases their blood pressure and puts their heart under more stress. Processed food, like kibble, can contain high amounts of salt and sodium.
Support your dog’s heart health by feeding them a fresh, wholefood diet that contains powerful ingredients known for their cardiovascular benefits:
🍄 Mushrooms: Bursting with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals for cardiovascular health.
🥦 Broccoli: A rich source of potassium for a strong heart rhythm and optimal blood pressure.
🌱 Chia seeds: Small but mighty, these tiny seeds have been shown to reduce blood pressure and are high in Omega 3s.
Health issue #3 — joint issues
Hip dysplasia in Cavoodles and patellar luxation are two common genetic joint issues.
Hip dysplasia describes the abnormal development of the ball and socket hip joint. When a dog develops this condition, their hip socket is usually shallow and flattened which causes the hip ball to slip. Joints like these often develop arthritis as the body tries to compensate for unstable movement.
Although there is a genetic link to hip dysplasia, it can also be caused when puppies grow too quickly due to too much calcium in their diet or overfeeding.
In dogs with patellar luxation, the kneecap slips out of place, often to the inside or outside of the leg, instead of staying in its groove. Like hip dysplasia, this can be caused by abnormal joint and bone development.
Feed your Cavoodle anti-inflammatory foods with the right ratio of omega fatty acids to help keep joints healthy. Lyka meals contain an Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio between 1.9:1 and 3.6:1: much lower than the AAFCO recommended ratio of 30:1.
Board-certified Veterinary Nutritionists have determined this range from their clinical insights and appraisal of up-to-date scientific evidence.
We use fish oil and sardines are full of omega EFAs to support common joint ailments in Cavoodles. Our meals also contain a variety of vegetables and plant superfoods rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals to help protect joints by protecting joints from oxidative damage:
🥥 Coconut: Full of potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to support supple joints.
🌾 Quinoa: A natural source of manganese, vital for healthy bone development.
🧡 Turmeric: Contains the active ingredient curcumin which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to fight chronic inflammation and arthritis symptoms.
Each meal is portion-controlled to keep your pup at their ideal weight and reduce strain on joints. You can even select our lower fat Kangaroo, Chicken and Turkey meals for greater control of your Cavoodle’s diet.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help? →
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Cavoodle coats, grooming, and hygiene tips
Maintaining your Cavoodle’s hygiene is more than just keeping their coat shiny. Regular grooming routines support healthy skin, strong nails, and clean teeth — key to avoiding common issues like skin irritation, overgrown nails, or gum disease. They're simple but impactful ways to keep your dog thriving.
Coat types and shedding
Cavoodles are a popular choice for many households, thanks to their soft, hypoallergenic coat and minimal shedding.
Their Poodle ancestry makes them a great choice for allergy-prone households. Their coats require regular care to stay healthy and tangle-free. Brushing at least twice a week at home helps manage loose hairs and prevents matting.
Grooming
Cavoodles are not high maintenance but benefit from professional grooming every 4–6 weeks to maintain their coat's texture and reduce shedding and matting. This consistent care controls shedding and also keeps their coat soft and glossy.
Unless your pup has been rolling in something dirty or stinky, you should only wash them once every four to six weeks. Only use a dog-friendly shampoo that doesn’t irritate their skin or eyes.
Cavoodle hygiene
A dog's nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not clipped regularly can become uncomfortable and even affect how they walk.
Introduce your dog to nail clipping from an early age, to desensitise them to the process, and with plenty of positive reinforcement so they know there's a high-value treat waiting for them.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
For eyes, gently wipe them when closed using a clean cloth and warm water to remove any discharge or debris.
Check their ears regularly as part of their health and grooming routines for prevention. Use a clean, damp cotton pad to wipe the outer area and the visible part of the ear canal, but avoid inserting anything into the ear canal itself, as this can cause damage.
Only clean their ears when required, as overcleaning can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria or cause inflammation.
And don’t forget to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Cavoodle exercise requirements
Cavoodles are playful, social, and love staying active, but they don’t need intense exercise. Around 30 to 60 minutes of activity each day — split between walks, playtime, and training — is enough to keep them happy and healthy.
Because they’re highly intelligent, Cavoodles need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and games like hide-and-seek help prevent boredom-related behaviours like excessive barking or chewing.
They thrive on companionship, so activities involving their humans, whether it’s a gentle game of fetch, a short agility course, or a relaxed stroll are great.
Support your Cavoodle’s energy levels with a balanced diet full of quality protein and slow-releasing carbohydrates like purple sweet potatoes and butternut squash — like Lyka.
Training a Cavoodle
Cavoodles are smart and eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement during training. They’re also known to be a friendly, sociable breed that makes excellent family or therapy dogs.
Begin training your Cavoodle from day one, whether you adopt them as a puppy or an adult, and always have consistent expectations for their behaviour.
Positive reinforcement using praise and rewards is the gold standard for training. And remember, training doesn’t just finish when they’re fully grown, every day is an opportunity to fortify their learning.
How long can you leave a Cavoodle alone?
Cavoodles prefer not to be left alone for long periods — a characteristic associated with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Don’t leave Cavoodles alone for more than eight hours, and check in every few hours if you can. If their need for companionship is not met and they often feel lonely, this can lead to separation anxiety.
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How to choose a reputable Cavoodle breeder
If you’ve decided that a Cavoodle is the right breed to fit your life, and you can commit to a lifetime of love and care, the next step is to find a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable, ethical breeders establish breeding programs, planning a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. The health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
Ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities, meet their dogs, and ask them any questions you may have about their program.
This is when you should enquire about how they have addressed common health conditions, like hip dysplasia scoring.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies with long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Cavoodle breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speaking to other dog parents is also a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience.
How much is a Cavoodle puppy?
You can expect to pay around $9,000 for a puppy from an ethical breeder. But remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment.
But if you want to adopt a dog from a shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown. When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
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Cavoodle breed FAQs
What is a Cavoodle mixed with?
Cavoodles are also commonly known in the USA as Cavapoos, describing the designer hybrid between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. Not all Cavoodles have the same genetic blend and can display different qualities of their Spaniel and Poodle parents, even within the same litter.
F1 Cavoodles are first-generation dogs bred from a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle and often display an even mix of both breeds.
F1B Cavoodles are dogs bred from an F1 Cavoodle and a purebred parent. If the second parent is a Poodle, the litter may have more dominant Poodle characteristics including a more hypoallergenic coat that sheds less than an F1 Cavoodle. If the parent is a Spaniel, the litter may have straighter coats that shed slightly more.
F2 Cavoodles are dogs bred from two F1 Cavoodle parents. The ratio of genetics is the same as the F1 Cavoodle and may have low-shedding fur and range in appearance.
F2B Cavoodles are bred from an F2 parent and a Poodle or Spaniel parent to increase the characteristics of the chosen second parent.
F3 Cavoodles, known as multigenerational dogs, have been bred from any generation of Cavoodle from F2 and F2B and beyond.
Are Cavoodles hypoallergenic?
Cavoodles are considered hypoallergenic dogs because their coats shed relatively little, thanks to their Poodle genes. However, this trait can vary depending on the generation and the dominant parent characteristics.
Are Cavoodles good with cats?
Known for their friendly temperaments, Cavoodles can get along well with cats and other pets (provided they are carefully socialised with them from an early age).
Labradoodle vs Cavoodle: what's the difference?
A Labradoodle is a designer cross-breed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. They tend to be larger than Cavoodles but can still vary depending on whether a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle has been used for breeding.
Where should my Cavoodle sleep?
Cavoodles are companion pets, so they aren’t suited to living in kennels outside. Before you get your puppy, decide where you want them to sleep so that you can be consistent in your training. Provide a comfortable bed that can be situated in a warm spot away from cold drafts and intense heat — as dogs with short muzzles, they don’t like extreme temperatures.
When should I desex my Cavoodle?
Generally speaking, most Cavoodles are desexed once they stop growing. Consult your veterinarian about the best time to desex your dog. They’ll consider your Cavoodle’s age, size and overall health before providing personalised advice.
How long is a Cavoodle pregnant?
A Cavoodle can be pregnant for around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
Parenting a Cavoodle comes with many decisions. Lyka exists to make mealtimes easy, with tailored meal plans delivered to your door. We’re proud to be fueling Cavoodles across Australia — from energetic pups, all the way through to dogs in their golden years. Join our pack of proud Cavoodle parents today.
Lyka: fuelling your Cavoodle with real food
Parenting a Cavoodle comes with many decisions — a big one being the right nutrition.
That's where Lyka comes in. Make mealtimes easy with flexible meal plans and custom portions delivered right to your door. We're proud to serve hundreds of Cavoodles all over Australia.
Is your Cavoodle ready to feel the real food difference?
This article was reviewed by Veterinarian Dr Alexander England.
Dr Alex England, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice), is a Veterinarian with a strong focus on preventative health, particularly in nutrition and senior pet care. He is passionate about education, evidence-based veterinary medicine, and bridging the gap between human and animal health.
He studied a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, London, and has a U.K. Membership in Small Animal Veterinary Practice with the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.
