Cavapoo vs. Cavoodle – What’s the Difference?

There are hundreds of mixed-breed or hybrid dog breeds out there with new ones being created all the time. If you struggle to keep up with the various -oodles or -poos, that’s only natural. You’re just wondering what the difference is between Cavapoos and Cavoodles?

The difference between Cavapoos and Cavoodles is in name only. Both nicknames refer to the same crossbreed, which is a combination of a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Whether you prefer to call this small dog a Cavapoo or a Cavoodle, what’s undeniable is how cute it is. If you want to learn more about this hybrid breed, you’ve come to the right place. Make sure you keep reading!

Brown and white cute cavapoo, sometimes called a Cavoodle
Cavapoo or is a Cavoodle?

What’s in a Name? Cavapoo vs. Cavoodle

As we mentioned in the intro, there is no shortage of mixed-breed dogs out there, especially handheld designer dogs. What can make matters even more confusing is when the same hybrid breed has different names.

The Cavapoo is one such mixed breed that has this issue. Like a cross between the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the “Cava” is from the Cavalier while the “poo” is short for Poodle.

Others refer to this hybrid breed as a Cavoodle. Once again, the “Cav” is shorthand for Cavalier. Rather than use the first part of a Poodle’s name (“Poo”), the “oodle” in Cavoodle is a Poodle without the P.

That’s about all it boils down to, as both Cavapoos and Cavoodles refer to the same adorable dog.

Related Reading: What Is A Cavapoo Dog? (And is this breed right for you)

What Kind of Coat Does a Cavapoo or Cavoodle Have?

So what exactly is a Cavapoo or Cavoodle? What kind of coat does the crossbreed have?

This loveable, heartwarming dog has a coat that many liken to a Teddy bear. Yes, as if the Cavapoo wasn’t huggable enough, it looks and feels like a plush bear.

Cavoodles feature loose or wavy coats with plenty of curls.

This is certainly a trait of the dog’s Poodle parents. After all, Cavalier Charles King Spaniels have mostly smooth fur except for the dog’s long ears. Those often feature waves akin to what the Cavoodle might have.

The puppy coat that a Cavapoo or Cavoodle has does not stick around for long. Within about six months, this hybrid dog begins growing in its adult coat. This usually results in color changes along the way that are perfectly normal.

The King Charles Cavalier Spaniel is considered a heavily-shedding canine whereas the Poodle is regarded as one of the lowest-shedding breeds.

That doesn’t mean that the genes cancel one another out. Although Cavapoos or Cavoodles are known for being no-shedding or low-shedding, to ensure that, the dog should have a more dominant Poodle lineage.

Further Reading: Cavapoo Coat Types And How To Care For Them

What Is the Temperament of a Cavapoo or Cavoodle?

If you’re seeking a loyal four-legged friend, look no further than the Cavoodle or Cavapoo. The dog is also described as very sociable, good-natured, friendly, affectionate, and playful.

In other words, this hybrid breed likely checks off a lot of boxes regarding what you’re looking for in a dog!

Of course, the temperament of a dog is only what should be expected from that breed (or crossbreed in the case of a Cavapoo or Cavoodle) and may not be exactly what you get. Every dog is different!

Tan coloured cavapoos or cavoodle puppy with a small girl patting her puppy whilst lying in the grass.
A girl and her puppy are playing in the yard.

Further Reading: Are Cavapoos Good Family Dogs? (With Pros and Cons)

How Big Do Cavapoos or Cavoodles Get?

The Poodle part in the Cavapoo or Cavoodle name might make you nervous about this dog’s size when it’s fully grown, but there’s no need to stress.

Cavoodles or Cavapoos come from Toy or Miniature Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The type of Poodle it is bred with will determine the Cavoodle, or Cavapoo’s size.

The average height is between nine and 14 inches, and most Cavapoos weigh between nine and twenty pounds. They’re small to mid-sized dogs that are suitable for most houses and condos and even some apartments. 

Once your Cavapoo or Cavoodle turns a year old, the dog is considered done growing. Yours shouldn’t get any larger unless you allow it to become overweight.  

Cavapoo (cavoodle) lying parked on a park table.
A Cavapoo (Cavoodle) lying on the ground.

How Long Do Cavapoos or Cavoodles Live?

Although it would be great if dogs lived forever, that’s simply not the case yet. When selecting a dog breed to adopt, a canine’s lifespan is definitely a determining factor.

Since Cavapoos or Cavoodles are smaller dogs, this crossbreed lives between 10 and 15 years on average. That’s plenty of time to spend with this wonderful four-legged friend.

Further Reading: The Average Life Expectancy Of Cavapoo Dog (Toy and Mini)

Conclusion  

Cavapoos and Cavoodles are not separate mixed dog breeds but rather, two nicknames referring to a cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

The name doesn’t matter so much as the attributes of this dog, of which there are many positive ones. Regarded as sweet and loving and never growing too large, a Cavapoo or Cavoodle is a great companion!

Related Reading:
Are Cavapoos (Cavoodle) Good Guard or Watch Dogs?
Danoodle Dogs: Pros and Cons | Should You Get One?
Are Cavapoos (Cavoodle) Smart or Dumb Dogs?