Getting Cavapoos: 10 Common Questions

Cavapoo

January 6, 2025

1. Do Cavapoos get along with other pets?

Yes, cavapoos are generally friendly, sociable, and adaptable, which makes them an excellent fit for households with other pets, such as dogs or cats. Their affectionate and easygoing nature helps them build positive relationships with other animals, provided proper introductions are made. Like any breed, early socialization plays a key role in ensuring they feel comfortable and confident around other pets. At StoryTail Dogs, we expose our puppies to various social situations, including interactions with other animals, to foster a well-rounded temperament.

While Cavapoos are naturally friendly, it’s important to supervise initial meetings and give all pets time to adjust to the new dynamic. With patience and guidance, your Cavapoo is likely to become a harmonious member of your multi-pet family, enjoying playtime and companionship with their furry siblings.

At StoryTail Dogs, we take socialization and desensitization seriously to ensure our Cavapoo puppies are well-prepared for life in their new homes. From an early age, our puppies are gently introduced to a variety of experiences, including interactions with other dogs, cats, and even small children. We expose them to different sights, sounds, and textures, such as household noises, car rides, and various surfaces, to build their confidence and adaptability. Our carefully designed puppy curriculum includes handling exercises, which help desensitize them to being touched on their paws, ears, and face—critical for grooming and veterinary visits. By the time they leave for their forever homes, our puppies have a solid foundation that helps them transition smoothly into new environments and become well-adjusted, loving companions.

See our available Cavapoo Puppies here https://storytaildogs.com/puppies-available

2. Can Cavapoos puppy live in an apartment?

Yes, Cavapoos are well-suited for apartment living, thanks to their compact size, adaptable nature, and moderate exercise needs. Their affectionate and laid-back temperament makes them ideal companions for smaller living spaces, provided they receive sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation. A Cavapoo’s exercise needs can be met with a combination of short walks, indoor playtime, and interactive toys, which are perfect for apartment dwellers with limited outdoor access.

Additionally, their friendly and quiet demeanor often makes them excellent neighbors, as they are not prone to excessive barking if properly trained. At StoryTail Dogs, we prepare our puppies for a variety of living situations, including apartments, by exposing them to different environments and teaching foundational behaviors that help them thrive in close quarters. As long as their physical and emotional needs are met, Cavapoos can comfortably live and flourish in apartments while being loving, loyal companions.

3. What are Cavapoos like with children?

Cavapoo puppies are gentle, playful, and patient, making them wonderful companions for families with children. Their friendly and affectionate nature helps them bond quickly with kids, and their smaller size is less intimidating for little ones, allowing them to form a special connection. Cavapoos have an innate ability to match the energy of those around them, which makes them equally suited for energetic play sessions or quiet cuddle time.

At StoryTail Dogs, our Cavapoo puppies are raised in a family environment with children, ensuring they are well-socialized and accustomed to the sights, sounds, and activities of a busy household. We prioritize gentle handling and interaction, teaching puppies how to engage with children respectfully and helping them develop a calm and tolerant demeanor.

While Cavapoos are naturally great with kids, it’s essential to supervise interactions, especially with younger children, to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. When raised with love and care, Cavapoos quickly become loyal and protective playmates, creating lasting memories for the whole family.

4. How often do Cavapoos need grooming?

Cavapoos are a low-shedding breed, but their soft, wavy, or curly coats require regular maintenance to keep them looking and feeling their best. To prevent tangles and mats, Cavapoos should be brushed several times a week using a slicker brush or comb designed for curly-coated breeds. Regular brushing not only keeps their coat healthy and free of debris but also helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Additionally, Cavapoos should be professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks. These grooming sessions typically include trimming, bathing, ear cleaning, and nail clipping to keep your Cavapoo in top condition.

At StoryTail Dogs, we set our puppies up for grooming success by starting desensitization practices from a young age. This includes gently introducing them to grooming tools, clippers, brushes, and the sensations of being handled during grooming. Our approach helps puppies feel calm and secure during the grooming process, reducing stress and encouraging positive experiences at the groomer.

We also educate families on the importance of continuing regular desensitization and grooming practices at home. Keeping up with this routine ensures that Cavapoos are comfortable with their groomer visits and helps avoid painful matting, which can lead to uncomfortable full shaves. With consistent grooming, Cavapoos can maintain their beautiful coats, enjoy a comfortable grooming experience, and remain happy, healthy, and stylish companions.

5. Are Cavapoos prone to health problems?

Like all dog breeds, Cavapoos can inherit certain health issues from their parent breeds. Some of the more common health concerns for Cavapoos include mitral valve disease, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia. These conditions are often linked to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel side of their lineage, as the breed is genetically predisposed to these issues.

However, one of the advantages of the Cavapoo hybrid is that the Poodle side of the equation helps mitigate some of these risks. Poodles are known for their generally good health and less susceptibility to some hereditary conditions, which can reduce the likelihood of certain health problems being passed down to the offspring. This hybrid vigor, resulting from the genetic diversity of crossbreeding, often leads to a longer and healthier lifespan. While no breed is completely without health risks, the hybrid nature of Cavapoos helps to extend their expected life span, typically ranging from 12 to 15 years.

At StoryTail Dogs, we take proactive measures to minimize these health risks through responsible breeding practices. All of our breeding dogs undergo comprehensive health testing to screen for common hereditary conditions like heart disease, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia, as well as other breed-specific issues. These tests ensure that we are not breeding dogs with known health problems and that we are setting up each puppy for the best start possible.

That being said, it’s important to acknowledge that Cavapoos, like all living animals, can still face health challenges. While we do everything in our power to reduce genetic risks through careful screening and breeding practices, no breeder can guarantee 100% freedom from health issues. That’s why at StoryTail Dogs, we offer a health guarantee with every puppy, providing our families with added peace of mind and confidence in their new companion. This guarantee reflects our commitment to the long-term well-being of our puppies and their families, and we stand by our puppies as they grow into happy and healthy adults.

By taking these precautions and offering support through responsible breeding practices and health guarantees, we strive to provide every puppy with the best possible foundation for a long, happy, and healthy life.

6. What should I feed my Cavapoo puppy?

Cavapoos thrive on high-quality, balanced dog food tailored to their age, size, and activity level. Providing a diet rich in essential nutrients supports their overall health, energy levels, and the maintenance of their soft, hypoallergenic coat. For optimal nutrition, choose food that lists high-quality protein sources as the primary ingredient and includes healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Always consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations based on your Cavapoo’s individual needs.

At StoryTail Dogs, we start all of our Cavapoo puppies on Eukanuba Small Breed Puppy Food, which is specially formulated for their nutritional needs during the crucial early months of development. This premium dog food is widely available on Amazon and at most pet stores, making it convenient for families to continue providing the same high-quality diet. To ensure a smooth transition, each of our puppies goes home with a supply of the food they are accustomed to, enough to last several weeks. This helps minimize stress and digestive upset during the adjustment to their new home.

Because Cavapoos inherit poodle genes, they can sometimes have sensitive stomachs, so any changes to their diet should be made gradually over several weeks. Slowly mix the new food with the current food, increasing the proportion of the new food over time. This careful approach reduces the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea or upset stomach.

We also recommend avoiding treats during the first couple of weeks after bringing your Cavapoo puppy home. This allows their digestive system to settle as they adjust to their new environment, making the transition as stress-free and healthy as possible. Once your Cavapoo has settled in, you can introduce treats gradually, ensuring they are high-quality and suitable for small breeds.

7. How long do Cavapoo Puppies live?

Cavapoos typically have a life expectancy of 12–15 years, making them wonderful long-term companions for their families. This impressive lifespan is partly due to their hybrid vigor, which is the health benefit often seen in mixed-breed dogs. Hybrid vigor can reduce the likelihood of inheriting certain genetic disorders common in purebred dogs, contributing to their overall health and longevity.

The life expectancy of a Cavapoo also depends on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and routine veterinary care. Well-bred Cavapoos, like those from StoryTail Dogs, come from carefully selected parent breeds with good health histories, setting the foundation for a longer and healthier life.

To help your Cavapoo live a full and vibrant life, it’s essential to provide proper care. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are critical. Consistent grooming and dental care can also prevent issues that could impact their overall well-being. Routine check-ups with your veterinarian and staying up-to-date on vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and deworming will ensure your Cavapoo thrives throughout their life.

At StoryTail Dogs, we take pride in starting our puppies off on the right paw by emphasizing health and resilience from the beginning. Our careful breeding practices, early socialization, and tailored care help set the stage for our Cavapoo puppies to enjoy long, happy lives with their families.

8. Are Cavapoos prone to separation anxiety?

Yes, Cavapoos are a breed that thrives on companionship and are very attached to their families. Due to their affectionate and social nature, they may experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Cavapoos are especially sensitive to changes in their environment, and being apart from their beloved family members can be stressful for them.

However, with proper training and gradual desensitization, most Cavapoos can learn to cope with being alone for reasonable amounts of time. It’s important to gradually increase the amount of time they spend by themselves, ensuring they feel safe and secure in their environment. Using positive reinforcement and creating a calm, comforting space for them can go a long way in reducing anxiety.

At StoryTail Dogs, we begin crate training early to help our puppies adjust to spending time alone. Our Cavapoo puppies are accustomed to spending the night in their crate, as well as several hours during the day for naps. This early crate training helps establish a sense of security, so they learn to view their crate as a safe and cozy space rather than a source of stress.

For families who want to ensure they can leave their Cavapoo alone without causing anxiety, it’s crucial to continue this crate training at home. Gradually extending their alone time in the crate will help prevent separation anxiety and create a well-adjusted dog. Consistency is key—by building positive associations with being alone, your Cavapoo can thrive even when you’re not around.

9. Do Cavapoos need a lot of mental stimulation?

Yes, Cavapoos are highly intelligent and thrive when they are mentally engaged. Their Poodle parentage contributes to their sharp minds, and without sufficient mental stimulation, they may become bored or even develop unwanted behaviors. Providing them with activities that challenge their intelligence is essential for their well-being and happiness.

Cavapoos enjoy activities like puzzle toys that require problem-solving, which not only entertains them but also helps build their cognitive skills. Training exercises are another great way to engage their minds while strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding them for learning new tricks or commands, can be both fun and mentally stimulating for your Cavapoo.

Interactive play is another excellent way to keep your Cavapoo’s mind sharp. Games like hide and seek, tug-of-war, and fetch encourage them to use their brains while also providing the physical exercise they need. Incorporating these activities into their routine will prevent mental burnout and keep them happy and fulfilled.

At StoryTail Dogs, we start early in providing our puppies with mental stimulation to help them develop into well-rounded dogs. Our puppies are introduced to different activities, toys, and environments to foster curiosity and encourage problem-solving skills. We recommend that families continue this practice at home by offering a variety of stimulating activities, keeping their Cavapoo mentally active, and preventing boredom.

By keeping their minds engaged, you’ll not only ensure your Cavapoo remains entertained but also promote their overall mental health and happiness.

10. How do I find a reputable Cavapoo breeder?

Finding a reputable Cavapoo breeder is essential for ensuring the health, well-being, and temperament of your new puppy. A trustworthy breeder will prioritize the health of their dogs by conducting thorough health testing and genetic screenings for common issues in both Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Reputable breeders will be happy to provide documentation of these tests and will make health a primary focus in their breeding decisions.

Additionally, look for a breeder who raises their puppies in a clean, safe, and nurturing environment. Early socialization is crucial, so a responsible breeder will ensure that their puppies are exposed to various people, pets, and stimuli during the early stages of their development. This helps puppies grow into well-adjusted dogs that are comfortable in a variety of situations.

Transparency is key when working with a reputable breeder. They should willingly answer questions about their breeding practices, the puppy’s lineage, and their health protocols. If a breeder seems secretive or hesitant to share important details, this could be a red flag.

While previous advice suggested that you should meet the puppy’s parents in person, many reputable breeders now limit the amount of traffic in their homes due to biosecurity concerns. This is particularly important in maintaining the health of both the dogs and the puppies. At StoryTail Dogs, we offer video calls so that prospective families can still meet the puppy’s parents virtually, ensuring that they see the dogs’ temperament and the environment in which the puppies are raised. This allows you to get a clear picture of the family dynamics without compromising safety protocols.

Another hallmark of a responsible breeder is their willingness to let you see the environment where the puppies are raised. At StoryTail Dogs, we are committed to providing an enriching, clean, and secure space for our puppies. We aim to create a calm, loving atmosphere, ensuring that every puppy gets a positive start to their life.

When looking for a Cavapoo puppy breeder near you, it’s essential to do your research, ask plenty of questions, and make sure the breeder is committed to ethical practices. A reputable breeder will offer all the necessary information, have transparent communication, and take steps to ensure the health and happiness of their dogs. At StoryTail Dogs, we believe in building lasting relationships with our families, ensuring that every puppy is well-prepared for a smooth transition to their forever home.

Conclusion

Cavapoos are loving, intelligent, and adaptable dogs that make excellent companions for a variety of households. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or looking for a family pet, a Cavapoo puppy is sure to steal your heart.

Have more questions about Cavapoos? Leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to help!

Or check out our Top Ten Questions about Cavapoo Puppies https://storytaildogs.com/2025/01/06/top-10-questions-about-cavapoo-puppies/