Those teddy bear like dogs you see everywhere are most likely Cavoodles. They’re Australia’s favourite designer dog breed, but what’s in the mix? The Cavoodle is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. But there’s more to them than a cute face and hypoallergenic coat. In this blog we’ll share five facts you may not know about these fluffy little creatures.
- They come in different sizes
- Their coats can vary greatly
- They can swim
- They make great therapy dogs
- They can be left home alone
Now let's explore these facts in a bit more detail.
1. Cavoodles come in different sizes
You may picture the Cavoodle as a small fluffy dog, but their size can vary greatly. How big your Cavoodle will grow depends on their parentage. There are two main types, the Toy Cavoodle and the Miniature Cavoodle.
Toy Cavoodles are bred from a Toy Poodle and are smaller in size, often weighing between 5-8 kilograms.
Miniature Cavoodles are bred from a Miniature Poodle and are slightly larger, weighing anywhere from 8-12 kilograms.
2. Cavoodles’ coats vary greatly
Some Cavoodles are very curly, and others have an almost straight coat. Again, it all comes down to parentage.
Some Cavoodles inherit the curly coat of the Poodle parent. This type of coat is non-shedding and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
Others will inherit the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s straighter coat. These coats are still hypoallergenic and low-shedding, but they require a bit more grooming. Regardless of the coat, make sure you choose a comfortable collar and lead to prevent matting.
3. Cavoodles can swim
Poodles are great swimmers, and this trait is often passed on to the Cavoodle. However, like with all dogs, their swimming ability will vary depending on their confidence and exposure to water.
Introduce your Cavoodle to water slowly, and always supervise them. Use treats and positive reinforcement to help them associate swimming with fun.
4. Cavoodles make great therapy dogs
Poodles are well known for their intelligence whilst Cavalier King Charles Spaniels rank high on the emotional intelligence scale. And the Cavoodle has inherited the best of both parents making them great candidates for therapy dogs.
Cavoodles are often used in emotional support roles, assisting individuals with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Their calm demeanour and non-aggressive nature allow them to bond closely with their owners, providing comfort in challenging situations.
5. Cavoodles can be left home alone
Contrary to popular belief, Cavoodles can be left home alone for short periods. But it takes a fair bit of training to get them there. Cavoodles are social dogs who thrive on companionship. If they’re left alone for long periods they can develop separation anxiety.
Gradually get them used to being home alone by leaving for short periods and gradually increase the time you’re away. Before you leave, exercise your dog to tire them out, set up a safe space and make sure they have access to water and mental stimulation like feeding toys.
As you can see, Cavoodles are more than just a pretty face and it's no wonder it's one of Australia's favourite dogs.
