If you are looking for a cute, cuddly, and friendly dog that is easy to train and care for, you may have heard of the cavapoo. This popular crossbreed is a mix of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle, and it has many appealing qualities that make it a great companion for families, seniors, and singles alike. But what can you expect from a cavapoo full grown? How big will it get, what will it look like, and how will it behave? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, so you can decide if a cavapoo is the right dog for you.
Cavapoo Size and Weight
One of the first things that people want to know about a cavapoo is how big it will get when it is fully grown. The answer is not straightforward, as there is no standard size or weight for this crossbreed. The size and weight of a cavapoo will depend on several factors, such as:
The size of its parents: A cavapoo can inherit genes from either parent, so it may be closer to the size of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel or a poodle. Generally speaking, the smaller the parents, the smaller the offspring.
The type of poodle used in the cross: Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. A standard poodle can weigh up to 70 pounds and stand up to 22 inches at the shoulder, while a toy poodle can weigh as little as 6 pounds and stand only 10 inches tall. A miniature poodle falls somewhere in between, with an average weight of 15 pounds and a height of 15 inches. The type of poodle used in the cross will affect the size of the cavapoo.
The gender of the cavapoo: Male cavapoos tend to be slightly larger than female cavapoos, but this is not always the case.
The individual variation of the cavapoo: Just like humans, dogs can have different growth rates and body types. Some cavapoos may grow faster or slower than others, or have more or less muscle or fat.
With these factors in mind, you can expect a full-grown cavapoo to weigh anywhere from 6 to 35 pounds and stand anywhere from 9 to 18 inches at the shoulder. However, most cavapoos fall within the range of 12 to 25 pounds and 11 to 14 inches tall.
To measure your cavapoo’s size and weight, you can use a tape measure or a scale. You can also compare your cavapoo to other dogs of similar breeds or crossbreeds, or use online calculators or charts that estimate the adult size of a cavapoo based on its current age and weight.
Cavapoo Coat and Colors
Another thing that people want to know about a cavapoo is what its coat and colors will look like when it is fully grown. Again, there is no definitive answer, as the coat and colors of a cavapoo can vary widely depending on its genetic makeup.
The coat of a cavapoo can be:
Curly, wavy, or straight: A cavapoo can inherit the curly coat of a poodle, the wavy coat of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, or a combination of both. The curliness of the coat can also change over time, as some cavapoos may have straighter coats as puppies and develop more curls as they grow older, or vice versa.
Long, medium, or short: A cavapoo can inherit the long coat of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, the short coat of a poodle, or a medium-length coat that is somewhere in between. The length of the coat can also be affected by grooming, as some owners may choose to trim or shave their cavapoos’ coats for easier maintenance or aesthetic reasons.
Single or double: A cavapoo can inherit the single coat of a poodle, which means it has only one layer of hair that does not shed much, or the double coat of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, which means it has two layers of hair: an undercoat that sheds and an overcoat that protects it from the elements. A double-coated cavapoo will shed more than a single-coated one, but less than a purebred Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
The color of a cavapoo can be:
Solid or mixed: A cavapoo can inherit the solid color of either parent, such as black, white, cream, apricot, red, brown, or silver, or it can have a mix of two or more colors, such as black and tan, black and white, brown and white, or tricolor (black, tan, and white).
Solid or patterned: A cavapoo can have a solid color throughout its body, or it can have a pattern such as spots, patches, stripes, or merle (a mottled effect that creates lighter and darker areas of color).
Lighter or darker: A cavapoo can have a lighter or darker shade of color depending on its genes and environmental factors. Some cavapoos may have their colors fade or darken as they grow older, while others may keep their colors consistent throughout their lives.
To groom and care for your cavapoo’s coat and colors, you will need to:
Brush your cavapoo regularly: Depending on the type and length of your cavapoo’s coat, you may need to brush it daily, weekly, or biweekly to prevent mats and tangles. You can use a slicker brush, a pin brush, or a comb to gently detangle your cavapoo’s hair. You should also check your cavapoo’s ears for dirt and wax buildup and clean them with a cotton ball and a mild ear cleaner if needed.
Trim your cavapoo occasionally: Depending on your preference and your cavapoo’s coat type and length, you may need to trim your cavapoo’s hair every few weeks or months to keep it neat and tidy. You can use scissors or clippers to trim your cavapoo’s hair around its eyes, ears, mouth, paws, tail, and genitals. You can also take your cavapoo to a professional groomer for more complex cuts or styles.
Bathe your cavapoo sparingly: Depending on how dirty your cavapoo gets from playing outside or rolling in mud or grass, you may need to bathe your cavapoo every few weeks or months to keep it clean and fresh. You should use a mild dog shampoo that is suitable for your cavapoo’s coat type and color and rinse it thoroughly with warm water. You should also dry your cavapoo with a towel or a blow dryer on low heat to prevent chills.
Cavapoo Temperament and Personality
Another thing that people want to know about a cavapoo is what its temperament and personality will be like when it is fully grown. As with its size and appearance, the temperament and personality of a cavapoo can vary depending on its genes and environment.
However, most cavapoos share some common traits that make them wonderful pets for many people. These traits include:
Affectionate and loving: Cavapoos are very loyal and devoted to their owners and love to cuddle and snuggle with them. They are also very friendly and sociable with other people and animals and enjoy making new friends.
Intelligent and trainable: Cavapoos are very smart and eager to learn new things. They can pick up commands and tricks easily and enjoy pleasing their owners. They are also very adaptable and can adjust to different situations and environments.
Playful and energetic: Cavapoos are very lively and fun-loving dogs that love to play and explore. They have a lot of stamina and can keep up with their owners’ activities. They are also very curious and adventurous and like to try new things.
Gentle and sweet: Cavapoos are very gentle and sweet dogs with a calm demeanor. They are not aggressive or dominant and rarely bark or bite. They are also very patient and tolerant of children and other pets.
To train and socialize your cavapoo, you will need to:
Start early and be consistent: The best time to train and socialize your cavapoo is when it is still a puppy, as it will be more receptive and impressionable. You should expose your cavapoo to different people, animals, places, sounds, and situations as early as possible to help it become well-rounded and confident. You should also establish clear rules and boundaries for your cavapoo and stick to them to avoid confusion and inconsistency.
Use positive reinforcement and avoid punishment: The best way to train your cavapoo is to use positive reinforcement, such as praise, treats, toys, or playtime, to reward it for good behavior and discourage bad behavior. You should avoid using punishment, such as yelling, hitting, or scolding, as it will only make your cavapoo fearful, anxious, or resentful.
Be patient and gentle: Training and socializing your cavapoo may take some time and effort, but you should not give up or lose your temper. You should be patient and gentle with your cavapoo and understand that it may make mistakes or have setbacks along the way. You should also respect your cavapoo’s personality and preferences and not force it to do something that it does not like or feel comfortable with.
Cavapoo Health and Lifespan
Another thing that people want to know about a cavapoo is what its health and lifespan will be like when it is fully grown. As with its other traits, the health and lifespan of a cavapoo can vary depending on its genes and environment.
However, most cavapoos are generally healthy dogs that can live for 10 to 15 years on average. However, they may also inherit some health issues from their parents or develop some health problems due to their size or breed characteristics. Some of these health issues include:
Hip dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint does not fit properly into the socket, causing pain, inflammation, arthritis, or lameness. This can affect both small and large dogs, but it is more common in larger dogs or dogs that are overweight or overexerted.
Patellar luxation: This is a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain, swelling, limping, or difficulty walking. This can affect both small and large dogs, but it is more common in smaller dogs or dogs that have weak or malformed legs.
Eye problems: These include cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), dry eye syndrome (KCS), cherry eye, entropion, ectropion, or corneal ulcers. These can affect both small and large dogs, but they are more common in dogs that have large or protruding eyes or long hair that covers their eyes.
Ear problems: These include ear infections, ear mites, ear hematomas, or deafness. These can affect both small and large dogs, but they are more common in dogs that have floppy ears or long hair that traps moisture or dirt in their ears.
Heart problems: These include mitral valve disease (MVD), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), or heart murmurs. These can affect both small and large dogs, but they are more common in dogs that have a genetic predisposition or a history of heart problems in their family.
Skin problems: These include allergies, dermatitis, hot spots, fungal infections, or skin tumors. These can affect both small and large dogs, but they are more common in dogs that have sensitive skin or long hair that requires frequent grooming or brushing.
To keep your cavapoo healthy and happy, you will need to:
Take your cavapoo to the vet regularly: You should take your cavapoo to the vet at least once a year for a checkup, vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, and dental care. You should also take your cavapoo to the vet if you notice any signs of illness or injury, such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, limping, scratching, or bleeding.
Spay or neuter your cavapoo: You should spay or neuter your cavapoo when it is around 6 months old to prevent unwanted pregnancies, reduce the risk of certain cancers and infections, and improve its behavior and temperament.
Monitor your cavapoo’s weight and body condition: You should weigh your cavapoo regularly and check its body condition by feeling its ribs and waist. You should not be able to see its ribs or spine, but you should be able to feel them easily. You should also see a slight indentation at its waist when you look at it from above. If your cavapoo is too thin or too fat, you should adjust its diet and exercise accordingly.
Provide your cavapoo with a comfortable and safe environment: You should provide your cavapoo with a cozy and clean bed, fresh water, toys, and chew items. You should also keep your cavapoo away from potential hazards such as wires, cords, sharp objects, toxic plants, or human foods that are harmful to dogs.
Cavapoo Diet and Exercise
Another thing that people want to know about a cavapoo is what its diet and exercise needs will be like when it is fully grown. As with its other traits, the diet and exercise needs of a cavapoo can vary depending on its size, age, activity level, and health condition.
However, most cavapoos have moderate to high energy levels and require a balanced and nutritious diet and regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Some of the things you need to consider when feeding and exercising your cavapoo are:
The type and amount of food: You should feed your cavapoo high-quality dog food that is appropriate for its size, age, and activity level. You should avoid cheap or low-quality dog foods that contain fillers, by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. You should also avoid human foods that are harmful to dogs such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, xylitol, or alcohol. You should feed your cavapoo according to the feeding guidelines on the dog food package or consult your vet for a more personalized recommendation. You should also measure your cavapoo’s food and divide it into two or three meals a day to prevent overeating or bloating. You should not leave your cavapoo’s food out all day or free-feed it, as this can lead to obesity or picky eating habits.
The type and amount of treats: You should treat your cavapoo occasionally with healthy and tasty treats that are suitable for its size and dietary needs. You should avoid giving your cavapoo too many treats or treats that are high in calories, fat, sugar, or salt. You should also use treats as a reward for good behavior or training purposes and not as a substitute for regular meals. You should limit your cavapoo’s treats to no more than 10% of its daily calorie intake and adjust its meals accordingly.
The type and amount of exercise: You should exercise your cavapoo regularly to keep it fit and happy. You should provide your cavapoo with a variety of physical and mental activities that suit its energy level and personality. Some of the activities you can do with your cavapoo are:
- Walking: You should walk your cavapoo at least once a day for 30 to 60 minutes depending on its age and stamina. You should use a leash and a harness or a collar to keep your cavapoo safe and under control. You should also vary your routes and pace to keep your cavapoo interested and stimulated.
- Playing: You should play with your cavapoo indoors or outdoors using toys, balls, frisbees, ropes, or other items that your cavapoo enjoys. You should also engage your cavapoo in games such as fetch, tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, or chase to keep it entertained and active.
- Training: You should train your cavapoo using positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats, toys, or playtime. You should teach your cavapoo basic commands such as sit, stay, come, down, heel, leave it, drop it, or roll over to improve its obedience and manners. You should also teach your cavapoo advanced tricks such as spin, shake, high five, speak, or play dead to challenge its intelligence and creativity.
Socializing: You should socialize your cavapoo with other people and animals to help it develop good social skills and confidence. You should introduce your cavapoo to different people of various ages, genders, races, and appearances, as well as different animals of various sizes, breeds, and species. You should also expose your cavapoo to different environments such as parks, shops, cafes, or car rides. You should always supervise your cavapoo’s interactions and make sure they are positive and safe.
Cavapoo Pros and Cons
Another thing that people want to know about a cavapoo is what its pros and cons are as a pet. As with its other traits, the pros and cons of a cavapoo can vary depending on its individual characteristics and the owner’s preferences and expectations.
However, some of the general pros and cons of owning a cavapoo are:
Pros
- Cavapoos are adorable and cute dogs that can melt anyone’s heart with their sweet faces and fluffy coats.
- Cavapoos are affectionate and loving dogs that bond strongly with their owners and enjoy spending time with them.
- Cavapoos are intelligent and trainable dogs that can learn new things quickly and easily.
- Cavapoos are playful and energetic dogs that can keep up with their owners’ activities and have fun with them.
- Cavapoos are gentle and sweet dogs that have a calm and gentle demeanour.
- Cavapoos are friendly and sociable dogs that get along well with other people and animals.
- Cavapoos are adaptable and versatile dogs that can adjust to different situations and environments.
- Cavapoos are generally healthy dogs that can live for a long time.
Cons
- Cavapoos can be expensive to buy from reputable breeders or rescue organizations.
- Cavapoos can be prone to some health issues that may require regular vet visits or treatments.
- Cavapoos can be high-maintenance dogs that require regular grooming and brushing to keep their coats healthy and beautiful.
- Cavapoos can be needy dogs that require a lot of attention and companionship from their owners.
- Cavapoos can be sensitive dogs that may suffer from separation anxiety or stress if left alone for too long or in unfamiliar places.
- Cavapoos can be stubborn dogs that may test their owners’ patience or authority if not trained properly or consistently.
- Cavapoos can be noisy dogs that may bark or whine excessively if bored, lonely, excited, or scared.
Conclusion
Cavapoos are wonderful dogs that have many appealing qualities that make them great companions for many people. They are cute, cuddly, friendly, smart, playful, gentle, and loyal. They are also adaptable, versatile, and generally healthy. However, they also have some drawbacks that may not suit everyone’s lifestyle or expectations. They can be expensive, high-maintenance, needy, sensitive, stubborn, and noisy. Therefore, before you decide to get a cavapoo, you should do your research and weigh the pros and cons carefully. You should also make sure you can provide your cavapoo with the best care and love possible.
If you think a cavapoo is the right dog for you, you should look for a reputable breeder or rescue organization that can offer you a healthy and well-bred puppy. You should also prepare yourself for the responsibility of owning a cavapoo by getting all the necessary supplies, finding a good vet, setting up a training plan, and creating a comfortable and safe environment for your cavapoo. You should also be ready to spend a lot of time with your cavapoo and give it the attention and companionship it needs.
A cavapoo can be a wonderful addition to your family if you are willing to commit to its needs and wants. A cavapoo will reward you with its unconditional love and devotion for many years to come.
FAQs
Q: How much does a cavapoo cost?
A: The cost of a cavapoo can vary depending on the source, location, quality, and availability of the dog. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3000 for a cavapoo puppy from a reputable breeder or rescue organization. You may also need to pay for additional expenses such as shipping, registration, vaccination, microchipping, spaying/neutering, grooming, training, or supplies.
Q: How do I find a good cavapoo breeder or rescue?
A: The best way to find a good cavapoo breeder or rescue is to do your research and ask for recommendations. You should look for a breeder or rescue that is reputable, ethical, experienced, knowledgeable, and caring. You should also look for a breeder or rescue that provides health certificates, genetic testing, health guarantees, contracts, references, and support. You should avoid a breeder or rescue that is irresponsible, dishonest, inexperienced, ignorant, or neglectful. You should also avoid a breeder or rescue that sells puppies online, in pet stores, or in flea markets without proper screening or documentation.
Q: How do I choose a cavapoo puppy?
A: The best way to choose a cavapoo puppy is to visit the breeder or rescue and meet the puppies and their parents in person. You should look for a puppy that is healthy, active, friendly, and curious. You should avoid a puppy that is sickly, lethargic, shy, or aggressive. You should also consider your lifestyle and preferences and choose a puppy that matches your personality and needs. You should not choose a puppy based on its size, color, or appearance alone.
Q: How do I prepare for a cavapoo puppy?
A: The best way to prepare for a cavapoo puppy is to make sure you have everything you need before bringing it home. You should have a crate, a bed, a collar, a leash, a harness, an ID tag, a microchip, food, water, bowls, toys, treats, grooming tools, cleaning supplies, and a first aid kit. You should also have a vet appointment scheduled and a training plan ready. You should also make sure your home is safe and comfortable for your cavapoo puppy by removing any potential hazards or temptations.
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