Last Updated on October 9, 2026
Cavoodles are one of the cutest, most adorable breeds around. With a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy or Miniature Poodle for parents, a bit of cuteness is guaranteed, though few people are prepared for just how charming the Cavoodle turns out to be.
Cavoodles are also known as Cavapoos or Cavadoodles. Their exact origins are a little murky, with some sources pointing to accidental Poodle and Cavalier crosses in the United States as far back as the 1950s, and others crediting the 1990s, when the first recorded litters appeared in Australia. What is not in doubt is that the breed truly took off here in Australia, where they have been winning hearts for decades.
Why Cavoodles are so cute
A Cavoodle's appearance can vary quite a bit from pup to pup, depending on their size, their colour and which parent they take after most. They are small dogs. A Toy Cavoodle generally reaches around 4 to 7kg and 25 to 35cm, while a Mini Cavoodle is a little bigger at roughly 7 to 12kg and 30 to 38cm.
Even as adults they keep that puppyish look, with round faces, floppy ears and big brown eyes that melt your heart in an instant. Their soft, plush coats come in solid black, white, apricot, rust and chestnut, or a mix of those colours.
Why you would love a Cavoodle
Temperament
From the Cavalier, Cavoodles get their affectionate, easygoing nature. From the Poodle, they get their intelligence and devotion to their people. These pups are very sociable, more so with their humans than with other pets, and they are playful yet gentle with children. They do not need heaps of exercise, but a short daily walk keeps them happy, since too much pent-up energy can lead to unwanted behaviour.
Health
Generally, the Cavoodle is a healthy breed, with a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. Things to keep an eye on include dental problems, which are common in small dogs, and ear infections, which floppy-eared breeds are prone to.
Maintenance
Cavoodles either barely shed or do not shed at all, depending on the coat they inherit. The more they take after the Poodle, the less they shed, which makes them a good choice for allergy sufferers. It does mean their coat needs regular clipping, and brushing to keep it from matting.
