Cavoodle Breed Guide: Temperament, Food, Health & Costs (Australia 2026)

A Cavoodle is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. The Poodle parent is usually a Toy or Miniature Poodle, which helps keep the dog small.

The breed is sometimes called a Cavapoo, mainly in the UK and US. In Australia, “Cavoodle” is the common name. It isn’t recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) as a pure breed, so there’s no official breed standard.

The size difference mostly comes down to which Poodle was used. Breeders don’t use the terms consistently, so always ask about the parents’ actual weights and heights.

Smaller Cavoodles can suit apartments and townhouses well. Slightly larger dogs may be a bit sturdier around young children and cope better with longer walks.

Size can still vary within a litter. The size of both parents is a useful guide, and a responsible breeder should be able to show you them.

These labels describe a puppy’s generation:

• F1: A purebred Cavalier crossed with a purebred Poodle (roughly 50/50).
• F1b: An F1 Cavoodle crossed back to a Poodle (about 75% Poodle). These pups are more likely to have a low-shedding coat.
• F2: Two F1 Cavoodles bred together. Coat type, size and look tend to vary more.
• Multigenerational (multigen): Cavoodles bred from Cavoodles over several generations, often aiming for more predictable traits.

No generation is automatically better for families. Temperament depends much more on the parents’ health and nature, and on early socialisation, than on the generation label.

Families with mild allergies sometimes prefer an F1b. However, no dog is fully hypoallergenic, so it’s worth spending time with the puppy or parent dogs before committing.

Cavoodles are generally friendly, people-focused and eager to please. Most get along with children, other dogs and visitors when they’re well socialised.

They tend to learn quickly with reward-based training. Short, positive sessions using treats and praise usually work best.

Common challenges include:

• Separation anxiety: They bond closely with their people and can become distressed when left alone for long periods.
• Barking: Some bark at noises or when bored, which can cause problems in apartments.
• Jumping up: Their enthusiasm for greeting people often needs gentle correction early.
• Puppy nipping and chewing: Normal in young dogs, but it needs redirecting to suitable toys.

Gradually building up time alone, using puzzle feeders and enrolling in puppy school can help. Many vet clinics around Australia run puppy preschool classes for pups aged roughly 8–16 weeks.

Grooming

A Cavoodle’s coat can be wavy, curly or fleecy, and it mats easily. Brushing several times a week, ideally daily for curlier coats, helps prevent tangles.

Most owners book a professional clip every 6–8 weeks. In Australia, a full groom for a small dog typically costs around $80–$150, depending on location and coat condition.

Ears should be checked and cleaned weekly, as floppy ears can trap moisture and lead to infections. Nails need trimming every few weeks, and daily teeth brushing helps reduce dental disease.

Exercise

Most adult Cavoodles need about 30–60 minutes of activity a day, split between walks and play. Mental activities such as sniffing games, training and puzzle toys matter too.

On hot Australian days, it’s best to walk early in the morning or in the evening. Hot pavement can burn paws, and small dogs can overheat quickly.

Routine vet care

Owners on the east coast should use a product that covers paralysis ticks, which can be fatal to dogs.

Health issues seen in the breed include mitral valve disease (from the Cavalier side), patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), ear infections and dental disease. Regular heart checks are worthwhile as the dog ages, and many owners take out pet insurance early.

In Australia, Cavoodle puppies from breeders commonly cost around $3,000–$5,500, depending on size, generation and location. Rescue groups and shelters sometimes have Cavoodles or Cavoodle crosses, with adoption fees often around $300–$1,000.

Signs of a responsible breeder

• Lets buyers meet the mother (and ideally the father) and see where the puppies are raised.
• Provides DNA and health test results for both parents, such as PRA, and heart checks for the Cavalier parent.
• Does not let puppies leave before 8 weeks of age.
• Supplies vaccination, worming and microchip records.
• Asks buyers questions and offers ongoing support, including taking the dog back if needed.

Australian rules to be aware of

• Microchipping is compulsory in all states and territories, usually before a puppy is sold or given away.
• Victoria: Advertisements must display a source number from the Pet Exchange Register.
• NSW: Sellers must include a microchip number, breeder identification number or rehoming organisation number in advertisements.
• South Australia: Dogs born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed (with some exemptions), and breeders must be registered with Dogs and Cats Online.
• WA and other areas: Local registration and desexing rules apply, so it’s worth checking with the local council.

Warning signs to avoid

• Several breeds or litters available at once with little information about the parents
• Offers to meet in a car park or deliver the puppy without a visit
• Pressure to pay a deposit quickly or online only
• No health testing, or vague answers about it

Rescue organisations usually desex, vaccinate and microchip dogs before adoption. They can also give honest information about an adult dog’s personality, which helps match the dog to the household.