Last Updated: 04/06/2025
Cavoodle Breed Guide
Find why the Cavoodle is one of Australia's favourite dog breed.
Author: Dr Elise Barry BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 31 minutes - long read
The Cavoodle, a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy or Miniature Poodle is one of Australia's top ten most popular dog breeds. While technically the Cavoodle is not an officially recognised breed, they do tend to display consistent traits and predispositions, which we think makes them worthy of profiling.
All about Cavoodles
Place of origin
Various
Weight range
5-12kg
Breed size
Small
Height range
28-45cm
Breed group
Oodles
Life expectancy
10-15 years
Coat colours
Various
Grooming needs
Moderate
Coat type
Curly
Health issues
Ear, dental and heart conditions
Shedding factor
Low
Exercise needs
Moderate
Play style
Gentle
Housing needs
Flexible, suitable for apartments
Trainability
High
Social needs
High
Family suitability
Excellent with all ages
Tendency to bark
Low
Nutrition
Feeding a high quality diet that is tailored to your Cavoodle's age and size will help to keep them healthy and happy. Getting nutrition right can help to prevent, reduce or manage some commonly occurring health conditions in Cavoodles such as dental disease and heart conditions.
Best food for adult Cavoodles
When searching for the right food for your Cavoodle, prioritize formulas enriched with omega fatty acids and other nutrients. These support a healthy skin barrier and reduce symptoms like itching and redness, which are common in this breed.
Additionally, consider small breed or oodle specific diets. These are designed to target common Cavoodle health concerns, such as eye, heart, skin, and dental issues. For variety and increased water intake, explore mixed feeding options which combine wet and dry food.
What to look for
Complimentary wet and dry foods to provide variety and improve water intake through mixed feeding
Small breed or oodle specific diets designed to target common health needs such as eye, heart, skin and dental issues
Omega fatty acids and other nutrients to support a healthy skin barrier and reduce itching and redness
Vet picks
Best food for Cavoodle puppies
When choosing the best food for your Cavoodle puppy, there are several key things to keep in mind. Most importantly, the food should be complete and balanced, providing the right amount of energy, vitamins, and minerals that a growing puppy needs to thrive.
Look for puppy food that contains DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a crucial role in eye and brain development. Including this in their diet sets them up for a bright future with sharp vision and cognitive function.
Another important consideration is gut health. Choose a food that's highly digestible and contains additional nutrients such as prebiotic fibres and colostrum. These ingredients support healthy digestion and a strong immune system, giving your Cavoodle puppy the best start in life.
What to look for
Complete and balanced with appropriate levels of energy, vitamins and minerals for growing puppies
Omega 3 DHA to support learning, brain and eye development
Highly digestible with additional nutrients such as prebiotic fibres and colostrum to support gut health
Vet picks
Flea & worming
Protecting your Cavoodle from common parasites including fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms is crucial for their ongoing health.
Best flea and worming treatments for Cavoodles
To protect the health of your Cavoodle and your family, year-round protection against fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms is essential. If you live in or visit tick areas, year-round tick prevention is also recommended. Convenient options for parasite prevention include tasty chewable tablets or topical spot-on treatments.
Consider using an all-in-one product for convenience, or combine an annual heartworm injection from your vet with separate flea, tick, and intestinal worming treatments. Always ensure your dog's weight falls within the weight range of your chosen product and follow the instructions for dosage frequency.
What to look for
Spot on treatments for dogs who don't like tablets or chews
All in one products for simplicity
Always double check the weight range to ensure an effective dose
Health
Targeting ear, skin and dental health in Cavoodles in a preventative way can go a long way to keeping them feeling and looking their best. By including some simple steps like tooth brushing and ear cleaning in your regular routine you can reduce the likelihood and severity of problems such as dental disease and ear infections.
Best ear health products for Cavoodles
Ear infections are a common issue for Cavoodles, so it's important to take preventative measures and be prepared with the right products to maintain their ear health. Look for ear cleaners with antibacterial and antifungal properties to use after bathing or swimming to help prevent infection.
Skin health supplements can also play a role in ear health. Omega fatty acids support skin barrier health, which can help keep the ears healthy and reduce inflammation.
What to look for
Hypoallergenic diets for Cavoodles with food allergies or sensitivities
Ear cleaners with antibacterial and antifungal properties to use after bathing and swimming
Supplements containing omega fatty acids to support skin barrier health
Best dental health products for Cavoodles
Looking after your Cavoodle's dental health is crucial, and choosing the right products can make all the difference. Consider using finger brushes or cloths, as they offer superior control during brushing, ensuring you can reach all those tricky spots. And, of course, don't forget the toothpaste! Opt for a pet-specific toothpaste with a flavour your Cavoodle will enjoy, making brushing time a positive experience for both of you.
Daily dental treats and water additives are also excellent additions to your Cavoodle's dental care routine. These products help reduce plaque build-up, keeping their teeth cleaner between brushes.
What to look for
Finger brushes or cloths for better control when brushing
Daily dental treats and water additives to help reduce plaque build up
Flavoured pet specific toothpaste safe for daily brushing
Training and activity
Cavoodles are known for their playful and intelligent nature, however the strong bond they form with their humans can mean that they are also at risk of developing anxiety, particularly when spending time home alone. Ensuring that your Cavoodle has a good assortment of toys to provide mental and physical stimulation, as well as providing additional support to manage anxiety means they will be more relaxed and happy when spending time alone.
Best toys for Cavoodles
Cavoodles are playful and intelligent dogs who love to engage with their humans and stay entertained. When choosing toys, prioritize variety to keep them mentally stimulated. Soft plush toys are great for cuddling and comfort, while rope toys are perfect for interactive play like tug-of-war, which helps with their natural chewing instincts.
For solo play, consider puzzle toys that can be filled with treats. These keep them occupied and challenge them mentally, making them helpful tools in managing separation anxiety.
What to look for
Soft plush toys for cuddling and comfort
Treat dispensing toys, foraging toys and puzzles for alone time
Rope toys for interactive play and chewing
Best anxiety solutions for Cavoodles
If your Cavoodle suffers from anxiety, supplements, pheromones and calming wraps may help. No one product is likely to cure anxiety, as management typically involves a number of different strategies, including training and in some cases medication. It's always best to consult your veterinarian before starting a new treatment for your dog's anxiety.
What to look for
Supplements and diets containing ingredients proven to help manage anxiety in dogs
Synthetic pheromones such as Adaptil to reduce anxiety
Calming wraps and vests that work in the same way as swaddling an infant
Grooming
The low shedding, curly poodle type coat of the Cavoodle is a major reason for their popularity, however it's important to remember this coat type is higher maintenance than shorter, smoother types. Building grooming into your regular routine helps to keep your Cavoodle's coat manageable and prevents the development of painful mats.
Best brushes and grooming products for Cavoodles
For grooming your Cavoodle, you will need several tools. A grooming mitt is perfect for daily brushing and removing loose hair and debris. A slicker brush with fine, flexible bristles gently removes mats and tangles without damaging the coat. A pin brush with rounded pins is ideal for finishing and fluffing the coat without scratching the skin. Finally, a wide-tooth comb or rake is useful for detangling stubborn mats and checking for fleas and ticks.
Detangling sprays are specifically designed to loosen knots and mats in your Cavoodle's fur, making the brushing process less stressful and easier for both you and your pet. It's important to use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner formulated for Oodles. These products will maintain the coat's softness and manageability, which helps prevent tangles from forming in the first place. For additional moisture and detangling benefits, a leave-in conditioner can be used. This product will leave your Cavoodle's coat silky, smooth, and tangle-free.
What to look for
Grooming mitts or gentle slicker and pin brushes for daily brushing
Gentle products that support a healthy skin barrier
Oodle specific detangling sprays, shampoos and conditioners
Sleep, home and travel
Choosing the right bed and travel accessories for your Cavoodle is essential to keep them feeling safe, secure and comfortable, which in turn will help to reduce anxiety and promote good sleep and overall wellbeing.
Best beds for Cavoodles
Cavoodle owners should consider several factors when choosing the perfect bed for their furry friend. Many Cavoodles enjoy snuggling, making donut and cave beds a great option. These beds provide a cozy and secure space for your pet to curl up and relax.
Easy cleaning is also important for any pet bed. Look for beds with removable and washable covers, which will help keep your Cavoodle's bed fresh and clean. Additionally, plush and fluffy blankets can add an extra layer of comfort, providing a calming and soothing environment for your pet to rest. By considering these factors, you can find the perfect bed to meet your Cavoodle's needs and ensure they get a good night's sleep.
What to look for
Donut and cave beds for Cavoodles who like to snuggle
Removable and washable covers for easy cleaning
Plush and fluffy blankets calming comfort
