The Cavapoo Community

The Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle and has become one of the most popular dogs in the UK. It is not a Kennel Club recognised breed and is not eligible for KC registration. What it is, at its best, is an affectionate, gentle and adaptable companion dog that combines the Cavalier's warm sociability with the Poodle's intelligence and lower-shedding coat. Understanding the health profile of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent is essential before buying a Cavapoo. Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is the single most important health reality of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: it affects the majority of the breed by the age of ten and is the leading cause of death in the Cavalier. The risk of MVD is directly inherited by Cavapoo offspring. Responsible Cavapoo breeders should be using Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents whose heart health has been assessed according to the KC's mandatory MVD Breeding Protocol for Cavaliers: both parents should have been examined by a cardiologist and given a clear cardiac score. This is not an optional extra: it is the most meaningful health check available when buying this cross. Syringomyelia (SM), a painful neurological condition related to skull shape in Cavaliers, can also be inherited by Cavapoo offspring. It is assessed by MRI. While SM is less prevalent in crosses than in pure Cavaliers, it is a real risk that prospective owners should understand. As with all doodle crosses, generation matters for coat type: F1 Cavapoos (50:50 Cavalier and Poodle) may have a range of coat types; F1b (backcrossed to Poodle) are typically wavier or curlier and lower-shedding. No Cavapoo is truly hypoallergenic. Allergens are carried in dander and saliva, not only in the coat, and no cross can guarantee not to trigger allergies. Read our full guide to [F1, F2 and F1b generations explained](/breeds/crossbreeds/f1-f2-generations) and [are doodles and crossbreeds really hypoallergenic?](/breeds/crossbreeds/are-doodles-hypoallergenic) for more detail. Cavapoos are gentle, sociable and easy to live with in many respects. They adapt well to a range of households including flats, get on well with children and other dogs, and are generally trainable. Purchase prices from health-tested breeders typically range from £1,500 to £3,000. Lifespan is typically 12 to 15 years. The Cavapoo's popularity has made it a target for puppy farming and low-welfare breeding at a scale that makes due diligence essential. The health testing requirements are meaningful and specific: a Cavalier parent with a valid cardiac certificate is not a luxury but a necessity. Walk away from any breeder who cannot or will not provide one.