Last Updated on October 15, 2026
Cavoodle puppies have grown more and more popular over the past couple of decades, and it is easy to see why. They are cute, wonderful pets and pretty easy to look after.
Here are some things you may not know about the Cavoodle.
1) They are a crossbreed
Cavoodles are a mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. While that is the classic pairing, plenty of second generation Cavoodles are around now too, bred from two Cavoodles rather than the two parent breeds. Even then they are still considered crossbreeds, since it is in their heritage.
Being a crossbreed gives them a wider gene pool to draw on. It does not make them immune to illness, but it can make them less likely to inherit some of the disorders that affect purebred dogs.
2) Their origins are a little murky
Here is a fact that gets misreported all the time. Nobody can say for certain where the very first Cavoodle came from. Some sources point to accidental Poodle and Cavalier litters in the United States as far back as the 1950s, while others credit the 1990s, when the first recorded Cavoodle litters appeared in Australia and the wider “oodle” trend took off here. What is not in dispute is that Australia is where the breed truly found its feet, and it has been our most popular dog for years.
3) They shed very little, if at all
One of the Cavoodle’s biggest drawcards is a coat that sheds very little. That comes from the Poodle side of the family. How much your Cavoodle sheds depends on which parent it takes after, since Cavaliers shed a bit more than Poodles do, so keep an eye on which coat your pup has.
Either way, regular brushing and the odd bath keeps shedding and dander down and keeps their coat looking its best.
4) They come in two main coat types
A Cavoodle can take after either parent for its coat. A shorter, curly coat means the Poodle side is more dominant, while a longer, silkier coat points to the Cavalier. Both need a similar amount of care, and the difference is mostly in looks, though the curlier Poodle style coat will shed less.
Whichever coat your Cavoodle has, brushing and bathing regularly brings out the best in it.
5) Their fur comes in many colours
Cavoodles come in a lovely range of colours, including chestnut, apricot, black, white and the occasional rust or ruby. Solid colours are common, but so are bi-colour and tri-colour coats.
Bi-colour Cavoodles carry two colours, such as tan and black, while tri-colour pups carry three, often red, black and white. With that much variety, picking a favourite is half the fun.
6) They come in two main sizes
A Cavoodle’s size depends on the type of Poodle in the mix. Toy Poodles tend to produce Cavoodles that stand around 28 to 35cm when fully grown, while Miniature Poodles produce slightly taller ones at roughly 33 to 45cm. It is not a huge difference, but it helps when you are working out what size pup you are after.
Either way they are small dogs, which is part of what makes them such a good fit for almost any home. Their size also makes them lovely to cuddle.
7) They are very smart
A Cavoodle’s cleverness comes largely from its Poodle side. Poodles are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, so it is no wonder Cavoodles are quick learners. That intelligence means they train easily and enjoy a challenge.
All that brainpower needs an outlet, which can catch first time owners off guard. Toys and training that get them thinking are the best way to keep a Cavoodle happy. They can learn everything from simple commands to more involved tricks, though even a clever dog needs patience and repetition to get there.
8) They make a perfect family dog
Cavoodles are family dogs through and through, and they often become quite protective of the people they love. They bond closely with their family and are gentle enough to be trusted around small children. Socialising your Cavoodle early also helps them get along with other pets, both in the home and out and about.
More than anything, Cavoodles want to please. That eagerness is exactly why they are such a joy to train and such easy company to have around.
