Cavoodle Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Cavoodles (also called Cavapoos) have become Australia’s most popular designer breed. This cavoodle care guide brings together everything we’ve learned from years of professional grooming to help you raise a happy, healthy Cavoodle.

At WoofSpark, we see more Cavoodles than any other breed. They make up about 80% of our grooming appointments. This hands-on experience has taught us what works and what doesn’t when it comes to Cavoodle care.

Cavoodle Quick Facts

Before diving into the details, here’s what every Cavoodle owner should know at a glance:

Trait	Details
Size	Toy: 5-6kg | Mini: 7-10kg | Standard: 10-12kg
Height	25-40cm at shoulder
Lifespan	12-15 years
Coat Types	Fleece (wavy) or Wool (curly)
Shedding	Low to minimal (not zero)
Exercise	30-45 minutes daily
Grooming	Daily brushing, professional groom every 4-8 weeks
Temperament	Friendly, affectionate, intelligent
Good with kids	Yes, generally excellent family dogs
Can be left alone	4-6 hours max (with training)

Grooming Your Cavoodle

Grooming is the most important aspect of Cavoodle care. Their beautiful coats need regular attention to prevent matting and keep them comfortable.

Daily Brushing

Every Cavoodle needs daily brushing. This isn’t optional. Without it, mats form within days, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area.

• Use a slicker brush followed by a metal comb
• Brush from the skin outward in sections (line brushing)
• Check mat-prone areas: behind ears, armpits, collar line
• Make it a positive experience with treats and praise

Professional Grooming Schedule

How often you need professional grooming depends on your Cavoodle’s coat length:

Coat Length	Grooming Frequency	Home Brushing
Short clip (10mm or less)	Every 8-10 weeks	3x per week
Medium length (15-25mm)	Every 6-8 weeks	Daily
Long/fluffy style	Every 4-6 weeks	Daily (thorough)

Related guides:

• The Complete Cavoodle Grooming Guide
• How to Prevent Matting in Doodle Coats

Feeding Your Cavoodle

Good nutrition supports your Cavoodle’s coat health, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.

Feeding Basics

• Puppies (under 6 months): 3-4 small meals per day
• Puppies (6-12 months): 2-3 meals per day
• Adults: 2 meals per day
• Portion size: Follow food packaging guidelines, adjust based on weight

Food Recommendations

Quality matters more than brand. Look for:

• AAFCO-approved complete and balanced food
• Named meat protein as the first ingredient
• Omega-3 and omega-6 for coat health
• Age-appropriate formula (puppy vs adult)

Popular brands in Australia include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Black Hawk, and fresh food options like Lyka.

Cavoodle Health

Cavoodles are generally healthy dogs, but they can inherit health issues from both parent breeds.

Common Health Considerations

• Ear infections: Floppy ears trap moisture. Clean weekly.
• Skin allergies: Can cause itching and hotspots. Watch for scratching.
• Dental issues: Small breeds prone to dental problems. Brush teeth or use dental chews.
• Patellar luxation: “Slipped kneecap” – watch for limping.
• Heart conditions: From Cavalier side. Regular vet checks important.

Preventive Care Checklist

• Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for seniors)
• Keep vaccinations current
• Monthly flea, tick, and worming prevention
• Weekly ear cleaning
• Regular dental care
• Maintain healthy weight

Training Your Cavoodle

Cavoodles inherit intelligence from both parent breeds, making them highly trainable. However, they can also be stubborn.

Training Tips

• Start early: Begin training from day one
• Keep sessions short: 5-10 minutes, several times daily
• Use positive reinforcement: Treats, praise, play
• Be consistent: Everyone in the household uses the same commands
• Socialise extensively: Expose to different people, places, sounds

Common Training Challenges

Separation anxiety: Cavoodles are people-oriented and can struggle when left alone. Build independence gradually from puppyhood.

Barking: Some Cavoodles bark more than expected. Consistent training can manage this.

Toilet training: Small breeds can take longer. Be patient and consistent.

Preparing for Your Cavoodle

Getting a Cavoodle is exciting. Whether you’re on a waiting list or bringing your puppy home soon, preparation makes the transition easier.

Before Your Puppy Arrives

• Puppy-proof your home (remove hazards, secure cables)
• Set up a designated puppy area
• Purchase essential supplies (food, bed, crate, grooming tools)
• Research local vets and book first appointment
• Prepare questions for your breeder

Related guide: How to Prepare for a Cavoodle Puppy

Essential Supplies

• Food and water bowls (stainless steel)
• Quality puppy food (same as breeder uses initially)
• Crate or playpen (24″ for most Cavoodles)
• Comfortable bed
• Collar with ID tag
• Lead and harness
• Grooming tools (slicker brush, metal comb, detangling spray)
• Toys (chew toys, interactive toys, comfort toy)

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I groom my Cavoodle?

Daily brushing at home is essential. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks depending on coat length. Shorter cuts need less frequent professional grooms but still require regular brushing.

Do Cavoodles shed?

Cavoodles are low-shedding, not non-shedding. Wool coats (curly) shed least. Fleece coats (wavy) may shed slightly more. Both coat types trap loose hair, which is why regular brushing is so important.

Are Cavoodles hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Cavoodles produce less dander than many breeds due to their Poodle genetics, but they can still trigger allergies in sensitive people. Spend time with Cavoodles before committing if allergies are a concern.

Can Cavoodles be left alone?

Adult Cavoodles can be left alone for 4-6 hours with proper training. Puppies should not be left alone for extended periods. Cavoodles are prone to separation anxiety, so building independence gradually from puppyhood is important.

Do Cavoodles bark a lot?

Some Cavoodles bark more than others. With consistent training, most can learn to bark appropriately. Excessive barking often indicates boredom, anxiety, or unmet needs.

How big do Cavoodles get?

Toy Cavoodles: 5-6kg and 25-30cm. Mini Cavoodles: 7-10kg and 30-35cm. Standard Cavoodles: 10-12kg and 35-40cm. Size depends on whether a Toy or Miniature Poodle was the parent.

What’s the difference between F1 and F1b Cavoodles?

F1 Cavoodles are 50% Cavalier, 50% Poodle (first generation cross). F1b Cavoodles are 75% Poodle, 25% Cavalier (F1 crossed back to Poodle). F1b typically have curlier, more hypoallergenic coats but require more grooming.

When should a Cavoodle puppy get their first groom?

Book a puppy introduction groom at 12-16 weeks, after second vaccination. This first visit focuses on positive experiences rather than a full haircut. Early grooming sets them up for a lifetime of easy salon visits.

How much does a Cavoodle cost in Australia?

Cavoodle puppies typically cost $4,500-$7,000 from reputable breeders in 2026. Price varies by size (Toys cost more), colour, and breeder reputation. Beware of prices significantly below $3,000 or above $8,000.

Are Cavoodles good family dogs?

Yes, Cavoodles are excellent family dogs. They’re gentle, patient with children, and adapt well to different living situations. Always supervise young children with any dog and teach kids to respect the dog’s space.

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More Cavoodle Resources

This cavoodle care guide is your starting point. Explore our detailed guides for specific topics:

Grooming Guides

• The Complete Cavoodle Grooming Guide
• Doodle Matting Prevention Guide

New Owner Guides

• How to Prepare for a Cavoodle Puppy
• Cavoodle Family Guide: Puppy to Adult

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This cavoodle care guide is maintained by WoofSpark’s professional grooming team. We update it regularly based on our hands-on experience with thousands of Cavoodles. Questions? Get in touch.