Are Cavapoos good Family dogs?

The Cavapoo is one of the top dogs of the 2020’s!

And this designer breed of dog has increasingly become popular for families, especially those with younger children.

Meet our Cavapoo Puppies

In this article, the latest of our Cavapoo series, we are going to have a closer look at the many aspects of the character of the Cavapoo. Why? To find out if it is a perfect fun filled family furrball.

Let us consider the basics first.

What makes a good family dog?

Child friendly - Of course it must be a dog that likes kids. It should not be aggressive, rough or nervous around children.

Affectionate  - Gotta be warm natured, snuggly, and cuddly  - all things kids and family members enjoy. Loyal - Should be happiest around its family, and dedicated to them.  Energetic - Needs to be playful, fun loving, and enjoy being chased by kids.  Intelligent - Ideally should be reasonably easy to train, so kids can learn responsibly with it. Needs to be able to learn appropriate behaviour around children and in a home environment. Not destructive. 

This leads us nicely into finding out what is the basic character of a Cavapoo.

What is the Cavapoo tempermant? 

You probably know already that a Cavapoo is part Poodle, part Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

And here is the first bit of good news…

 

The number 1 reason why breeders began to breed these two dogs together was to create a puppy with the best, most loving and happy temperament.

Poodle Character Traits - Fun loving, energetic, very smart and loves to learn and to play

Cavalier Character Traits - Sweet, loving, faithful, loving and open to all people

 

Bringing these two breeds with their fantastic personalities together creates a Cavapoo with the following typical nature.

 

Be aware that this is an ‘average’. Not every Cavapoo will fit this exact description…

• Friendly to people and dogs
• Attention seeking
• Very loving
• Playful
• Lively and outgoing
• Not shy at all 
• Intelligent

 

All sounds good so far, right!

 

It is certainly true that this list of standard characteristics makes the Cavapoo a very promising choice for families. 

 

Now we know that the average Cavapoo has a great family nature, let us look at some of the finer points….

Are Cavapoos good with kids?

 

More great news, Cavapoos have proven to be good with kids of all ages. 

 

This dog is very playful, and enjoys games and fun times. In fact a Cavapoo cannot do without playtime, so having a kid in their home is better than not.

 

It is thanks predominantly to their intelligent Poodle genes that they enjoy games.

 

One point here is that sometimes they may be best for kids older than 6. As Cavapoos are so smart, they would probably prefer kids who can play games with them more effectively.

 

But thanks to the Cavalier side, the Cavapoo is extremely gentle too. This makes them still very suitable for younger kids.

 

Aggression is something that has never been found in a properly raised Cavapoo.

 

Don’t just take our word for it, see what one our dog owners has to say…

 

Otis the Cavapoo found his furever home through Euro Puppy, and joined a family. His mum Anna tells us ‘he is BEST PALS with my 5 year old son. They play, and wrestle together’

Otis the Cavapoo from Euro Puppy with his family sibling.

 

Are Cavapoos good in apartments?

A lot of families with kids, especially in cities, live in apartments. 

 

Sadly not every dog is suited to apartment life.

 

Thankfully though the Cavapoo is very adaptable.

 

They are small dog so that is the first plus.

 

They are generally a tidy dog. They are not renowned for being messy, dirty or destructive indoors.

 

An exception to the rule!

 

Barking or noise is not something Cavapoos are famed for (exceptions possible). So they are not likely to disturb neighbours.

 

There is no big negative when it comes to apartment living for Cavapoos. But ONLY so long as they get the exercise (outdoors) and play (indoors and outdoors) that they need.

 

But of course a home with a secure garden is also great for them.

 

They are also able to adjust to any climate, though VERY hot climes are not ideal.

How do Cavapoos handle being left alone?

 

This is a big, big question. One that every potential Cavapoo family should think hard about.

 

This breed is bred specifically to be wonderful companions. They get this innate nature from both Cavalier and Poodle.

 

The more people in a house the better for a Cavapoo. They LOVE people of all shapes and sizes. We can say it simply; the Cavapoo does not like to be alone too long. 

 

Even a few hours can upset and depress them. It can absolutely affect them psychologically if this happens often.

 

Therefore the Cavapoo is not ideal for a family if everyone is out of the home all day.

 

Ideally no dog should spend 6-8 hours or more alone all day. Virtually every breed can suffer separation anxiety to some degree. The Cavapoo is to a higher degree.

 

If you work from home, can take your dog with you to work, or are gone for just a few hours, then a Cavapoo is for you!

 

Separation anxiety is one reason why a Cavapoo may be a good choice for older people as well as families.

 

Older people can usually be with their dogs more. Grandma would also be a good choice if she can babysit while you are at work.

 

But as long as a family member is home MOST of the time they are perfect for families

Do Cavapoos like to cuddle?

 

We mentioned that Cavapoos were bred to be companions, but what about cuddles and snuggles?

 

Thanks especially to Cavalier genes, Cavapoos love to be by a person's side. As close as possible!

They are very cuddly and love to get and give affection. The Cavapoo loves strokes, belly rubs, and behind the ear scratches. 

 

They like all people, including strangers, and are usually happy to be fussed over by anyone.

 

The proof is here too, from another of Euro Puppy’s happy dog owners…

 

Jon got back to us with an update about his F1B Cavapoo Scottie, and tells us ‘he is more affectionate than we imagined. Mornings, we wake up as he comes to our bedroom licking our faces by 6:30am.’

Scottie and his happy family.

 

Is a Male or Female Cavapoo a better family dog?

 

There are only small differences in general between the two Cavapoo genders, and both are great for families with children.

 

Plus a lot of temperament can come down to the individual characters within a litter. As we said before each Cavapoo can be a little different.

 

When you choose your puppy from a breeder, you can ask about the character of each puppy in a litter from 8 weeks of age onwards.

 

However, a lot of breeders claim this is generally true…

Male Cavapoos are the ones that are actually calmer and gentler. So arguably male Cavapoos make a  better choice families with smaller children.

 

It is predominantly the female that is the slightly livelier and more playful. On average they are the better choice for families with playful kids aged from 6 upwards. 

 

A couple more points worth considering…

 

The Cavapoo dog breed has various generations, and this can affect their character…

 

The F1B Cavapoo - this Cavapoo is usually 75% Poodle, having a 1 Cavapoo and 1 Poodle parent  - this tends to make them more playful.

 

The F2 Cavapoo - bred from 2 regular Cavapoos; is considered the most calm and loving of Cavapoos. They may be less suited to very boisterous children.

How much do Cavapoos shed?

 

An important point for family members with allergies, or just if you don’t want a mess of hair in your carpet.

 

Well, as you probably know….

 

The Cavapoo is virtually hypoallergenic!

This breed is a very low shedder. You will not fill up the hoover quickly with Cavapoo fur.

 

It is claimed by many breeders the predominantly Poodle, F1B Cavapoo is the most hypoallergenic. 

Are Cavapoos high maintenance?

 

Another important point for busy families. In general the answer is no, with one exception…

 

Grooming - the Cavapoo needs regular brushing, occasionally bathing, and a few trips to the dog groomer a year. 

 

All this keeps their coat well maintained, happy and healthy. Otherwise this breed is low maintenance and adaptable.

 

Crucially, Cavapoos are usually very good at training.

 

They settle into a new home very well, and are generally easy and clean to keep.

 

Their energy needs are not exceptional either. Though neither are they minor.

 

They require two 30 min plus walks a day, with plenty of playtimes. This should satisfy the average Cavapoo. They can always go further, and are still great hiking companions.

   

Happily, because of all this, they are perfect for a first time, inexperienced dog owner

 

They are also a good choice for children to learn responsibility. As they are so accommodating, a child can learn to walk their dog on the lead nicely. As well as helping to train, and to care for a Cavapoo.

 

…

 

There you go! It is almost entirely good news.

 

The Cavapoo is a superb family dog. No wonder as they were in fact designed to be the best breed to be with people.

 

Every pup does vary, but if you consult with a breeder they can indicate the individual character of a puppy in a litter, and point you in the right direction.

 

If you are looking for to have a Cavapoo family pup, Euro Puppy is ready and waiting to help you choose the best Cavapoo puppy for sale from our brilliant breeders.