Your Complete Cavapoo Guide

The Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle) is adored for its friendliness, intelligence, and low-shedding coat—an ideal family companion. Here's everything you need to know.

🧬 F1 vs F1B Cavapoos

Understanding “generations” helps you pick the right puppy for your family. The key difference comes down to how much Poodle influence is in the mix, which affects coat type, shedding, and allergy-friendliness.

F1 Cavapoo

50% Cavalier · 50% Poodle

  • First-generation cross between a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a purebred Poodle
  • Soft, wavy coat that sheds less than many breeds
  • Wonderful blend of the Cavalier's affectionate nature and Poodle's intelligence
  • Coat texture can vary—some wavier, some curlier

F1B Cavapoo

25% Cavalier · 75% Poodle

  • F1 Cavapoo backcrossed to a purebred Poodle, increasing Poodle influence
  • Curlier, plush coat with even less shedding—great for allergy-sensitive families
  • Retains the Cavalier's sweet, people-oriented temperament
  • Most consistent coat type of any Cavapoo generation

At Franklin Ranch Pups, we specialize in F1B Cavapoos for their consistently low-shedding coats and wonderful temperaments.

💛 Temperament & Personality

Cavapoos are known for being one of the most people-oriented crossbreeds around. They inherit the best of both parent breeds—the Cavalier's gentle, loving disposition and the Poodle's sharp intelligence and eagerness to please.

🏠
Family-friendly Gentle with kids and other pets
🧠
Highly trainable Eager to learn, responds well to positive reinforcement
🤗
Affectionate Love to cuddle and be near their people
🎭
Adaptable Happy in apartments, houses, and everywhere in between

Cavapoos are social dogs that thrive on human interaction. They do best in homes where they won't be left alone for long stretches—they want to be part of whatever you're doing. Their gentle nature makes them excellent therapy and emotional support dogs as well.

Important to know: Cavapoos are an indoor dog breed. They venture outside for playtime and potty breaks, but they live inside with you—not in a kennel or outdoor space.

📏 Size & Weight

Cavapoos are a small to medium-sized breed, making them perfect for a wide range of living situations. Their final size depends on whether a Miniature or Toy Poodle was used in the cross.

⚖️
10–20 lbs Typical adult weight
📐
9–14 inches Height at the shoulder
📅
8–12 months Reach full size

Our puppies typically reach an adult weight of around 10–14 lbs—a wonderful lap-sized companion that's easy to travel with, take on walks, and snuggle on the couch.

Coats & Shedding

One of the biggest draws of the Cavapoo is their low-shedding coat. No dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, but Cavapoos—especially F1B Cavapoos—produce significantly less dander and shed far less than most breeds.

🌊 Wavy

Soft, flowing waves. Most common in F1 Cavapoos. Low to moderate shedding. Easier to maintain than curly coats.

🌀 Curly

Tight, plush curls (more Poodle-like). Most common in F1B Cavapoos. Minimal shedding and very allergy-friendly. Requires regular grooming.

🧶 Fleece

A luxurious blend—soft waves with a silky texture. Low shedding with a beautiful flowing look. The “best of both worlds” coat.

Cavapoo coats come in a beautiful range of colors including apricot, red, cream, chocolate, black, and parti (multi-colored). Color can lighten slightly as they mature.

✂️ Grooming Needs

That beautiful coat does require regular maintenance. Keeping up with grooming prevents matting, keeps your Cavapoo comfortable, and reduces any remaining allergens. Here's a simple schedule to follow:

Daily

Quick brush or comb-through (5 minutes) to prevent tangles, especially around ears and legs.

Every 4–6 Weeks

Professional grooming session—bath, haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and sanitary trim.

Weekly

Check and clean ears (Cavapoos' floppy ears can trap moisture). Brush teeth 2–3 times per week.

As Needed

Bath between grooming appointments if they get dirty. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo.

Pro tip: Start grooming routines early as a puppy so your Cavapoo gets comfortable with brushing, bathing, and nail trims. It makes the process much easier for both of you as they grow.

🎾 Exercise & Activity

Cavapoos have a moderate energy level—they love to play but are equally happy curling up on the couch with you. They don't require intense exercise like working breeds, but they do need daily activity to stay healthy and happy.

🚶
30–45 min/day Walks, playtime, or a combination
🧩
Mental stimulation Puzzle toys, training games, sniff walks
🐕
Social play Love dog parks & playdates

A good daily walk plus some playtime (fetch, tug-of-war, or a puzzle toy) is usually more than enough. Cavapoos are wonderful walking companions and tend to match their owner's energy level—active families will have an active dog, while more relaxed households will enjoy a calmer pup.

❤️ Health & Lifespan

Cavapoos benefit from “hybrid vigor”—the health advantages that often come from crossbreeding. With proper care, they're generally healthy dogs with long lifespans.

🕐
12–15+ years Average lifespan
🩺
Generally healthy Benefits from hybrid vigor
🧬
DNA health testing Screens for genetic conditions

Like all breeds, Cavapoos can be prone to certain conditions inherited from their parent breeds, including luxating patella, mitral valve disease, and progressive retinal atrophy. This is exactly why health testing of parent dogs is so important—it dramatically reduces the risk of passing on genetic conditions.

Regular vet check-ups, proper nutrition, dental care, and keeping your Cavapoo at a healthy weight are the best things you can do for their long-term health.

🐾 Our Breeding Approach

At Franklin Ranch Pups, every decision we make is guided by the health and well-being of our dogs and their puppies.

Family-raised

Puppies are raised in our home with our four children, getting daily play and socialization from day one.

Health-tested parents

All parent dogs receive comprehensive Embark DNA health testing and veterinary exams before breeding.

Lifetime support

We're here for guidance from the moment you bring your puppy home through their senior years.

Early socialization

Puppies experience handling, household sounds, and early potty training to ease their transition into your home.

Sound genetics & temperament

We pair parents for quality genetics and gentle, sweet temperaments that make wonderful family companions.

Veterinary care included

Every puppy goes home vet-checked with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and a starter kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐾 Ready to Welcome a Cavapoo?

Whether you're just starting your research or ready to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply to Adopt