Owning a Cavapoo pros and cons
 Potential Cavapoo owners may wonder what are the pros and cons to owning an adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix dog. There are many reasons why Cavapoo dogs are quickly gaining their popularity among pet owners. While there are many advantages to owning a Cavapoo, there are some challenges associated with this mixed dog breed which make Cavapoo not suitable for some people. Let's concentrate on Cavapoo pros first.
Pros to owning a Cavapoo dogs are many. Low shedding and hypoallergenic coat qualities are among the positive qualities of Cavapoos. Poodle mixes such as Cavapoo dogs often inherit the minimal shedding that Poodle dogs are so well known for. While Spaniels such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may overwhelm their owners with the amount of shedding, Cavapoo dogs are encompass all the good qualities of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel minus the abundant shedding, making this hybrid dog very appealing to people who don't want to deal with excessive amounts of dog hair around the home. People with known pet allergies may consider getting a Cavapoo dog as there's less pet dander and other pet produced allergens associated with Cavadoodle dogs (another name for Cavapoos or Cavoodle dogs).
Minimal shedding is not the only positive about Cavapoo dogs. From their Poodle side of the family Cavapoo dogs take the intelligence and eagerness to please the owners which translates into a smart dog that is also easier to train than many other breeds. Highly intelligent and at the same time sensitive Cavapoo dogs should never be trained in a rough way as their sensitivity may cause the dog to withdraw and will only slow down the training process. Positive training techniques as well as training during play work best for Cavapoo pups and strengthen the bond between the dog and the owner. Cavapoos are also very sensitive to the owner's mood which is a quality that makes this dog a great companion pet.
What type of household is best for a Cavapoo dog? If you are thinking about getting a dog, Cavapoo may be a suitable pet companion for you if you have a lot of time and energy to dedicate to this very intelligent and in many ways demanding dog. Cavapoos are active and need to be engaged in activites that stimulate their physical and mental abilities. Long daily walks are a must for this dog. Cavapoos are happiest when spending time with their owners and need to be involved in all family activities. Leaving the dog at home alone frequently results in a very unhappy pet that is prone to separation anxiety. One of the challenges of owning a Cavapoo dog is that this dog needs to be around his family most of the time. If you have a full time job and plan to keep the dog at home all day long waiting for you in solitude, expect various behavior problems as this dog is not suitable for people who can not spend most of the day with the four-legged friend. Active retirees often make wonderful owners for Cavapoo dogs. Seniors often have plenty of time to spend with the pet and can take the dog for frequent walks and just enjoy the good energy and happy demeanor of their cheerful dog. Families with young children and babies, on the other hand should consider waiting until the kids reach a more independent age as Cavapoo dogs need a lot of time and dedication from their owners which is something that can be difficult for families who have their hands full taking care of babies or toddlers who should not compete with the dog for attention and time.
Managing a Cavapoo puppy can be a full-time job especially for first-time dog owners who may not be aware of how much time and effort it takes to raise a well behaved dog. Cavapoo puppies are challenging for many reasons. Just like human babies, Cavadoodles need all the attention they can get. Potty training and basic obedience commands require the owner to be around the dog most of the time to be able to take the Cavapoo puppy to the potty area when the dog is ready, training the dog to be a pleasant pet to be around and just taking care of all the accidents that happen in between. Cavapoo puppies also need to get socialization early on in order to be comfortable in different situations. Going to the dog park, having other people visiting their home, seeing neighborhood kids running around and walking on a busy city street are among the different experiences where a Cavapoo puppy should learn to be comfortable rather than scared. Socializing the Cavapoo puppy is very important and needs to be done in a sensitive way to help your dog to learn to be confident and comfortable around other people and in different places. If you have other pets at home when you bring a Cavapoo puppy home, introduction needs to be done in a very calm and positive way to help shape the new friendship between your multiple pets.
While there are so many positives to owning a Cavapoo dog, there are also some challenges that Cavapoo owners may encounter. Cavapoo dogs feature a lovely coat that is soft to the touch and can be curly or wavy in texture. Taking good care to keep the coat beautiful and healthy can be a lot of work, which is a con. Dog grooming appointments can be expensive, which is another drawback as Cavapoos need to be trimmed at least once every couple of months to keep the coat neat. Frequent brushings are a must for Cavapoo dogs to keep the coat free from mats and tangles. In other words, Cavapoo dogs need owners who don't mind the extensive grooming needs of this adorable hybrid mix.
Cavapoo dogs have a tendency to gaining weight quickly and owners need to pay attention to keep their pet in healthy weight. Gaining too much weight causes various health issues in dogs from joint issues to other serious health conditions that may be challenging and expensive to manage.
While Cavapoo dogs make very attractive pets for dog owners, there are many things that need to be considered before you take the responsibility of being a Cavapoo owner. Getting a new pet is exciting and while some people opt for getting a Cavapoo puppy from a breeder, others may find that adopting a Cavapoo pup from the local dog shelter or dog rescue is a great way to find a new best friend. Many Cavapoo dogs end up in dog rescue centers because people may have different reasons for not being able to take care of their pet. Sometimes a pet is given as a present and new owners are not ready for this responsibility. Unfortunately the dog has to go to a dog shelter and wait for someone who is capable of properly caring for him or her to come along.
Pros of a Cavapoo
Cavapoos, a charming crossbreed between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles, bring a delightful combination of qualities that make them beloved companions. One of the standout pros of owning a Cavapoo is their affectionate and gentle nature. These dogs are known for their friendly demeanor, forming strong bonds with their owners and easily adapting to family life. Their intelligence, inherited from the Poodle parent, contributes to their trainability, making them quick learners who excel in obedience training and various tricks. Additionally, Cavapoos are often recognized for their hypoallergenic coat, making them a suitable choice for individuals with allergies. Their low-shedding and soft, curly or wavy coat requires regular grooming, but the reduced allergens contribute to a more allergy-friendly environment. Overall, the Cavapoo's combination of sociability, trainability, and hypoallergenic qualities makes them an ideal choice for families seeking a loving and adaptable canine companion.
Cavapoo dogs are cute and adorable (teddy bear-like puppies) but owning one is a big responsibility
Cavadoodles are very intelligent
Cavapoos come in a variety of colors
Cavapoo dogs don't shed much
Cavapoos are sociable and affectionate towards people
Cavapoo is a relatively healthy hybrid dog
Cavapoos are very curious about everything
Cavapoo dogs are more suitable for allergy sufferers because they produce less pet allergens. Still, it is important to spend some time with the dog to make sure your allergy is not triggered when you are around your pet prior to making the final committment.
Cons of a Cavapoo
While Cavapoos possess numerous positive traits, it's essential to consider potential drawbacks associated with this crossbreed. One notable con is their grooming requirements. Cavapoos often have a curly or wavy coat that, while low-shedding, requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain coat health. This can be time-consuming and may incur grooming costs. Additionally, Cavapoos may be prone to certain health issues common in both parent breeds, such as heart problems and joint disorders, necessitating regular veterinary check-ups. Their affectionate nature can also lead to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, requiring owners to implement strategies to alleviate this potential issue. While generally well-behaved, Cavapoos may exhibit occasional stubbornness, reflecting their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ancestry, and consistent training is essential. Lastly, the popularity of Cavapoos has led to increased demand, potentially resulting in higher acquisition costs and the need for prospective owners to carefully choose reputable breeders to ensure the health and well-being of these delightful companions.
Weight gain can be an issue for Cavapoo dogs
Cavapoos are prone to having dental issues
Weekly brushing is needed to keep the coat healthy and beautiful
House training needs time, patience and consistency
Cavapoos may be hyper and clingy. Only people who can spend most of the time with this dog should consider getting a Cavapoo
Not suitable for families with very small kids
Cavapoo health problems
Cavapoos are generally healthy and well-behaved pups, but being the hybrid breeds that they are, most likely they will suffer from the same ailments their parents suffer. Potential owners are usually advised to buy their puppies from reputable breeders who have done all the necessary health check-ups.
By so doing it reduces the chances of your Cavapoo developing any genetic diseases. Although this does not eliminate the total risk, it's advisable to research on the health of both the Cavapoos parents that's the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle.
Avoid breeders who tell you that the puppy is all healthy and that it's not a must for them to undergo tests. Responsible breeders will have their dogs tested before breeding them, to obtain a healthy and strong litter.
If possible, always ask to see the health certificates of the puppy's parents. If the breeder fails to provide the papers then it's not advisable to take home that particular puppy home. Although it's not a must that your puppy will suffer from genetic diseases, it's advisable to keep up regular check-ups with dogs' vet. These conditions include Ear problems, Progressive retinal atrophy, congenital heart problems, and luxating patella.
Cavapoo Common health problems include the following
Progressive retinal atrophy. This is a group of degenerative eye diseases that affects the eyes leading to blindness. Its symptoms include reluctance to go down the stairs, night blindness, fear to explore new areas or going to dim or dark areas. Its cause is not understood and neither the treatment. Owners should help the dog with a few changes in the environment to offer a better life.
Luxating Patella. This is a common disease with small dogs, which results in a malfunction of the kneecap jumping from its normal location. The condition causes lameness and pain thus you'll spot the dog raising its leg up when it happens. Treatment is only available for reducing symptoms, although surgery is also possible.
Congenital heart problems. The mitral valve is a condition of the heart where pressure is created from the left ventricle when the heart pumps blood to the body. The contraction leads to wearing out of the valve which eventually causes it to leak.
Hip dysplasia. This is an inherited condition that involves the socket and the ball of the hip joint not merging in well together. This results in a hip that has increased laxity. The laxity then causes degenerative changes which depend on the severity. The condition may, however, require surgery so as to be corrected.
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