Are Cavapoos Good With Kids?

These adorable pups are something out of a children’s book. With their teddy bear-like appearance, it’s too easy to long for one cuddling up with you and the kiddos at home. But are Cavapoos good with kids? Learn about this sweet pup, including its temperament, social and exercise needs, and what you need to consider before giving one of these cuties a forever home.

Cavapoo: A Bit About This Pooch

You may wonder how Cavapoos came about. Well, this is a hybrid breed that combines the poodle with the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. The mix with the Cavalier King Charles spaniel may be with either a toy poodle or a miniature poodle. These dogs only grow about nine to 14 inches tall and generally weigh between eight and 25 pounds. Their size in adulthood depends on the type of poodle they’re bred with.

These dogs melt hearts. They have floppy ears and round faces. Their coats are either curly or wavy, depending on their mix. Not only do they look cuddly, but they are also great cuddlers too. They are happy to sit on your lap and enjoy your warmth. They are loving, affectionate, and well-behaved, so long as they are socialized early on. They are playful and enjoy a range of environments, whether it’s a large house with a big backyard or an ultra-cozy apartment you’ve beautifully transformed into your home.

Considering these are hybrid dogs, also known as designer dogs, you should understand that each Cavapoo is going to be a little bit different. This doesn’t just apply to their size, but also to their personality traits. Typically, they inherit personality traits from both their parents, and generally speaking, both parent breeds are playful and friendly. Just keep in mind that the way genes combine results in a different type of Cavapoo each time so there’s no guarantee that yours is going to have specific traits. If a breeder makes guarantees, they’re lying.

Cavapoo: Temperament

With the understanding that each Cavapoo is going to be a little bit different, you can consider some generalities. These small dogs are not your typical watchdog. They are not going to treat strangers too much differently than well-known guests. They have a sweet rather docile nature, and they tend to be extremely affectionate and loving with their family.

You can expect these dogs to be quite gentle. Aggression isn’t a trait seen in Cavapoos, even when their patience is tested. They love a good play session, and it helps them burn energy. Cavapoos don’t need a routine to thrive. They’re quite adaptable, which can be helpful if your home regularly experiences changes in the schedule. Cavapoos can be lap dogs, content in your embrace, but you can also work on training them to perform a host of tricks!

Cavapoo: Social and Exercise Needs

While more athletic dogs require a fixed schedule for strenuous physical activity, the Cavapoo doesn’t need anything more than daily walks and play sessions. You can expect to provide them with a moderate physical activity schedule that you can adapt to your own lifestyle. Although they’re not the most athletic of all dogs, they are sufficiently athletic to participate in dog sports, including agility training.

These pups, like all dogs, require early socialization and training to make sure that you get a well-adjusted adult pup. Take them out around the block for a daily walk, play fetch in your living room or backyard, and consider trips to the park so they can run around and expend some energy. Overall, Cavapoos make great companions, even for first-time dog owners because they don’t demand too much from you.

Are Cavapoos Good With Kids?

Cavapoos are an excellent hybrid breed for family homes. They’re small dogs, which means they won’t accidentally knock young children over. However, because they’re small, you should be mindful of how your kids interact with these pups as young children may accidentally hurt a small dog. With training and mindful supervision, Cavapoos and kids get along swimmingly. They’re playful enough to keep your kids on their toes and cuddly enough for nap time. They’re patient and gentle, which is invaluable when dealing with little ones!

What to Consider Before Bringing a Cavapoo Home

Nutrition

When deciding what food to provide your Cavapoo with, consider choosing options that are approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). You can also work with your veterinarian to decide what the best type of food for your new pup is. You may find that your Cavapoo has certain sensitivities to specific ingredients in food, so you must look for any reactions to new foods provided.

Additionally, you want to make sure that you’re feeding dog food that is appropriate for each life stage. There is puppy food, adult dog food, and senior-stage dog food. Each recipe is adapted for these different life stages, which helps keep your pup in good health and the appropriate weight range. These are small dogs, so two to three small meals per day are typically sufficient for their little tummies. Don’t go heavy on the treats because you could easily cause your dog to become obese. Make sure you’re always feeling within daily caloric limits.

Social and Training Needs

Socialize your Cavapoo early on to keep it comfortable around family. These dogs are intelligent, and they are eager to please, which makes them easy to train. Just as the personality and size of your Cavapoo are going to be unique, training may also be a little more challenging with some Cavapoos than with others. Just make sure that you are always offering positive reinforcement and remaining patient as your dog learns how it should behave (and how to perform tricks!).

Grooming Requirements

Cavapoos don’t shed a lot, which helps keep a tidy home. However, they do need to be regularly brushed multiple times a week. This clears out any loose hair and prevents their wavy or curly coat from getting tangled or developing uncomfortable mats. You should also budget for professional grooming sessions every other month and trim their nails regularly. Cavapoos can get dirty ears, so make sure that you stay on top of their ear health as well as their dental health (that means tooth brushing!). Make all grooming sessions positive and playful so that your pup associates these grooming sessions with a fun, bonding experience with you.

Health Concerns

Cavapoos may develop a range of health conditions, but each dog is different. However, you should know that these pups may develop hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, mitral valve disease, eye diseases, or even epilepsy. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian and keep up with regular vet visits to be proactive. Some of these conditions may be minor but in some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Veterinary Care

You should visit your veterinarian after bringing your Cavapoo home to discuss the proper care for your new pup. Look at your budget and consider what it’s going to cost for regular veterinary care. You may want to consider pet insurance, as this can help take some of the weight off your shoulders if something unexpected were to occur. You have different options for pet insurance policies, which may include protection for accidents and illnesses, dental issues, and even preventive care.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©chrisukphoto/Shutterstock.com.