Last Updated on October 9, 2026
In 2026, most Cavoodle puppies from a reputable Australian breeder cost between $3,000 and $8,000, with the majority selling for around $4,500 to $5,500. Toy Cavoodles and rare colours sit at the top of that range. Mini Cavoodles and common colours such as red, apricot and black are usually a little cheaper.
Be very wary of any Cavoodle advertised for under about $2,000. It is often a scam or a puppy farm. Anything over $10,000 is well above the normal market and worth questioning too.
Below we break down what pushes the price up or down, what a good breeder should include, how to spot a scam, and what a Cavoodle really costs once you bring them home. As you will see, the puppy is the cheap part.
Cavoodle prices in Australia at a glance
| Common colour (red, apricot, black) | Rare colour (tri, phantom, chocolate, white) | |
|---|---|---|
| Toy Cavoodle | around $4,800 | around $5,650 |
| Mini Cavoodle | around $4,400 | around $5,150 |
These are typical middle-of-the-market prices from registered breeders, before any state differences. Individual breeders can sit well above or below them. To see an estimate for your own state, size and colour, along with the ongoing costs, try our Cavoodle Cost Calculator.
What affects the price of a Cavoodle?
Size
Toy Cavoodles usually cost more than Minis, because Toy Poodle parents are in high demand and litters tend to be smaller. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars more for a Toy. Not sure which size suits you? Our Cavoodle size guide compares them.
Colour and coat
Rarer colours and patterns, such as tri-colour, phantom, chocolate and solid white, often add 10 to 20 percent to the price. A curly, low-shedding coat can also attract a premium. See our guide to Cavoodle colours for what each one looks like as an adult.
Health testing of the parents
This is the factor most worth paying for. Cavaliers are prone to a heart condition called mitral valve disease, and both Cavaliers and Poodles can carry inherited eye and knee problems. Good breeders test the parents before breeding and can show you the certificates. Testing costs breeders money, which is part of why well-bred puppies are not cheap.
Generation
First generation (F1) Cavoodles, from a purebred Cavalier and a purebred Poodle, and later generations bred from two Cavoodles can be priced differently depending on the breeder. Read about second generation Cavoodles to understand the difference.
Where you live
Victoria has a lot of Cavoodle breeders, so prices there tend to be slightly lower thanks to competition. In places with fewer breeders, such as Tasmania, the Northern Territory and parts of Western Australia, you may pay more and wait longer, or need to pay for transport.
Demand and waitlists
The Cavoodle is Australia's most popular dog breed. It tops Pet Circle's 2026 breed rankings. Popular breeders often have waitlists, and prices tend to rise around Christmas and school holidays.
What should be included in the price?
A responsible breeder should send your puppy home with:
- A microchip, with ownership transferred to you
- First vaccination (and a second if the pup is older), with a vaccination record
- Regular worming and flea treatment to date
- A vet health check
- Copies of the parents' health test results
- A written contract or sale agreement, including what happens if a genetic health problem appears
- Advice on food and care, and often a small puppy pack
Puppies should not leave their mother before 8 weeks of age. Some breeders also desex puppies before they go home or include a desexing voucher, which can save you several hundred dollars.
Breeder rules by state
Every state requires puppies to be microchipped before they are sold. Several also require sellers to show an identification number in their ads, which you can check before you pay anything.
| State | What to look for in an ad |
|---|---|
| Victoria | A Pet Exchange Register source number |
| New South Wales | A breeder identification number (BIN), or a microchip number |
| Queensland | A supply number |
| South Australia | A breeder registration number from Dogs and Cats Online |
| Western Australia | New Stop Puppy Farming laws are being phased in. Pet shops can now only sell dogs from shelters and rescues. |
| Tasmania, ACT and NT | A microchip number, and the breeder's details so you can check them with the local council |
Rules change, so check your state government's website before you buy. Our guide to where to find Cavoodles for sale in Australia walks you through finding a good breeder.
Deposits and waitlists
Most good breeders take a deposit to hold a puppy, usually a few hundred dollars up to about $1,000, which comes off the final price. That is normal. Before you pay, check:
- Whether the deposit is refundable, and in what situations
- That the arrangement is in writing
- That you have spoken to the breeder by phone or video and seen the mother
How to avoid Cavoodle scams
Puppy scams are common in Australia, and popular breeds like the Cavoodle are a favourite target. Warning signs include:
- A price well below the market. Ads offering Cavoodle puppies for $1,500 or less are a classic scam bait.
- A seller who will not video call or let you visit the puppy and its mother
- Payment requested by bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency before you have seen the puppy
- Sudden extra fees for "transport", "insurance" or "vaccinations" after you have paid
- Photos that appear on other websites. A reverse image search can reveal stolen photos.
- No source number, breeder number or microchip number in the ad
If something feels off, walk away. You can report scams to the ACCC's Scamwatch.
The cost after you buy
The purchase price is only the start. Based on the figures in our calculator, a Cavoodle typically costs around $2,500 to $3,200 a year to look after.
| Yearly cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Food | $700 |
| Vet check-ups and vaccinations | $400 |
| Flea, worm and heartworm prevention | $260 |
| Grooming | $90 at home, or about $780 with a professional groomer |
| Pet insurance | $720 |
| Toys, treats and incidentals | $300 |
Add around $350 for setup gear such as a bed, crate, lead and bowls, plus first-year extras like final puppy vaccinations and council registration. Over a 14-year life, the total comes to roughly $40,000 or more, including the purchase price. For the full breakdown, read what a Cavoodle really costs each year.
Can you get a Cavoodle for less?
- Adopt. Cavoodles do come up for adoption through rescue groups and shelters, often as adults. Adoption fees are a fraction of breeder prices.
- Consider an adult or retired breeding dog. Some breeders rehome retired dogs for a lower price.
- Be flexible on colour and size. A common colour or a Mini can save you hundreds of dollars.
What we do not recommend is choosing the cheapest puppy you can find. Vet bills for an unhealthy puppy can quickly cost more than you saved.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Cavoodle puppy in Australia?
Most cost $3,000 to $8,000 from a reputable breeder, with the majority around $4,500 to $5,500.
Why are Cavoodles so expensive?
High demand, health testing of both parent breeds, small litters (especially for Toys) and the cost of raising puppies properly all push the price up.
Are Toy Cavoodles more expensive than Minis?
Usually, yes, by a few hundred dollars.
Are female Cavoodles more expensive?
Some breeders charge slightly more for females, but many price males and females the same.
Is $2,500 too cheap for a Cavoodle?
In most cases, yes. A price that low is a red flag for a scam, a puppy farm or a puppy that is not a true Cavoodle. Ask plenty of questions.
How much does a Cavoodle cost per year?
Roughly $2,500 to $3,200 a year for food, vet care, parasite prevention, grooming, insurance and incidentals.
