CAVAPOOS

• TEMPERAMENT:  Affectionate, loyal and friendly, the Cavapoo gets along well with kids and household pets including both canine and non-canine. These dogs will love just about anyone one and anything. Cavapoos thrive on human companionship and should not be considered an option if you are planning to kennel your pet. They do not respond well to those environments at all. Once you have a Cavapoo, the pup will become an important member of your family. He will be inseparable from the clan. Because the Cavapoo considers himself to be part of your pack, he loves to be involved in everything the family is doing and if left on his own for too long, he can develop unwanted behaviors such as barking. As one of the parents is a Poodle, he can also become somewhat hyper and clingy, following his owner around the house and suffering from separation anxiety if excluded. So, the Cavapoo would not be a good match for anyone home in which he will be left alone for many extended periods of time. He’s far too social than that and requires owners who will almost always be at his side.

• PUPPY STAGE: Predictably, the small Cavapoo produces an even smaller puppy, so care must be taken to ensure he is safeguarded from extremes such as heat, cold, and even well-meaning kids who can play rough. Because the breed is highly intelligent and eager to please, training can begin during the puppy stage and early socialization will be key to ensuring he is comfortable with strangers and other pets. This tiny dog will learn quickly though, so it’s worth getting any heavy training out of the way early to ensure that you have a well behaved pup.

• SIZE: The Cavapoo puppies we breed can range anywhere from 8 to 20 pounds depending on parents.

• FOOD/DIET: Like most dog breeds, these hybrids also have complex nutritional needs that are best met through a dry food formula specifically tailored for them. The right ratio of meat-based protein and micronutrients as well as healthy carbs and fats will keep your Cavapoo healthy and content. These are energetic dogs, but they don’t need food as nutritionally dense as athletic breeds. It’s a classic “don’t judge a book by its cover” scenario. Instead, opt for a small breed formula as it is made especially for dogs that are petite in stature but big in spirit. As a small breed they will be more prone to plaque on their teeth and you should develop a healthy habit of brushing their teeth, even from as soon as you get them, so that they are used to having it done.

• TRAINING: Cavapoos are intelligent and curious dogs who learn quickly and are highly trainable. Begun early, house training, socialization, and eventually a wide range of tricks, can be successfully taught to this eager-to-please breed. The key thing is getting these commands across early and often. Sessions should be short, fun and incorporate play into the mix with lots of praise and rewards offered up as he achieves his milestones. You’ll be amazed at what your Cavapoo can do if you put in the time while they are young. So don’t waste those precious months while you have them.

• EXERCISE REQUIREMENT: While the fun-loving Cavapoo doesn’t require extensive exercise, they do need daily activity including at least one walk a day and/or some serious structured indoor playtime. The sturdy little dog loves games such as fetch, chasing a ball or agility related activities that gain him lots of praise from his owner. An intelligent breed, they also need regular mental stimulation and playing with different, safe toys is a great way to help them both release any left-over energy and interact with humans.

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*modified from petguide.com