Cavapoo Temperament and Personality - Are Cavapoos Good Pets?

If you’re looking for a family dog that’s both loving and lively, it’s easy to see why the Cavapoo captures so many hearts.

This lovable hybrid pairs the sweet nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the quick wit of the Poodle, giving you a wonderful companion that rarely says no to a cuddle or a play session.

We often hear from people who wonder if Cavapoo dogs are right for their home, so we’ve put together a friendly guide that shows why this breed in particular can be such cheerful pets.

Key takeaways

• Cavapoos are affectionate and thrive on lots of attention and cuddles.

• They often inherit an eager-to-please attitude from their Poodle parent and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent.

• Cavapoo temperament is usually gentle, making them welcome in homes with dogs and children.

• They can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, so daily attention is key.

We love how Cavapoos bring out the best of their parent breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for its affectionate nature and gentle spirit, while the Poodle contributes loyalty, agility, and intelligence.

When blended, these two magically merge into the ever-popular Cavapoo dog breed, which is genuinely warm and snuggly. Their small size also grants them a big place in countless families.

For more detailed insights into these lovable companions, pop over to our Cavapoo Breed Guide.

If you’re keen to know about their Cavalier and Poodle relatives individually, feel free to check our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Guide and our Poodle Breed Guide. It’s fascinating to see where Cavapoo puppies get their sweet personalities.

A Cavapoo temperament usually blends a gentle, playful demeanour with a bright and intelligent vibe.

We find that Cavapoos are affectionate and sociable by nature, making them great for households with cats and other small animals, as long as proper introductions are done.

How energetic are Cavapoos?

This dog breed is surprisingly active for their size. They’re typically energetic dogs that need moderate daily walks or runs in the park.

They also love a good game of catch or tug-of-war. We recommend you read 'How Much Exercise Do Cavapoos Need?' to get a clearer idea of how to keep them happy and healthy.

Are Cavapoos good for families?

Yes, they generally are. They fit right in as after-work therapy dogs for adults, where belly tickles and hugs help you forget your day. Or, they are just everyday family companions thanks to their warm temperament.

Many Cavapoo owners say that these pups are perfect for children as well, because they’re typically patient, lively, and playful dogs.

However, we always encourage supervising pets with young kids, simply to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Because they’re affectionate by nature and love being with their family, Cavapoos can show signs of separation anxiety. They thrive in social environments where they aren’t left alone too often.

If you work long hours, try doggy day-care or have a neighbour pop by. This way, your Cavapoo won’t develop intense stress when you’re away.

If you have more concerns, see how other people compare these pups to their cockapoo cousins in our blog on Cockapoos vs Cavapoos. Both are friendly and sociable dogs, but their training and daily routines can differ slightly.

Are Cavapoos easy to train?

They tend to be pretty obedient thanks to their nature being quite eager to please their humans.

We usually see Cavapoo’s who respond well to positive reinforcement using treats, praise, and gentle correction for undesired behaviour.

If you’re wondering whether Cavapoos make good students, peek at our Post on Cavapoo training. We love how it shows real-life tips for guiding your friendly fur-ball.

So, how long can one enjoy owning a Cavapoo? A well-cared-for pup can live 12–15 years.

To learn more about this, we have a guide called 'How Long Do Cavapoos Live?'.

Just remember, make sure that your Cavapoo's nutrition plan has the right fats, proteins, and vitamins, and engage in regular exercise and mental stimulation to help them lead long, healthy lives.

A typical day with the Cavapoo dog breed often starts with an enthusiastic tail wag.

We’ve found they enjoy exploring the garden or the local park, so short morning walks keep them content and nicely exercised.

You can then feed them a portion of high-quality dog food designed for small breed dogs. Make sure the ingredients are appropriate for their age, whether they’re a puppy or fully grown.

After breakfast, most Cavapoo pups will chill by your side or follow you around the house, always keen to stay close.

Because they’re playful, sprinkling little games or training sessions throughout the day can help burn that extra energy.

A nightly walk, bathroom break, and cuddles before bed will help create a content, playful, and loving dog who's always at your side.

If you’re ever curious how these pups compare to other popular crosses, you can read about another crossbreed in our Cockapoo Breed Guide. Both can be adorable companions, but they each have their own quirks.

While these social dogs are typically a delight, some might bark when bored or lonely.

They can also gain weight if they snack too much. Staying consistent with exercise is key to having healthy dogs, especially since Cavapoos can be sofa-surfers if you let them.

Keep them active, watch out for signs of too much excitement or any possible joint discomfort (like hip dysplasia), and all should be well.

• Choose a responsible breeder: Look for a breeder with happy, healthy litters who conducts health checks, especially for certain health issues like mitral valve or eye disorders.

• Prepare your home: They’re small dogs that do well in flats or houses, but be mindful of hazards. Keep valuables out of reach if your pup is in a chewing mood.

• Start training early: They can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. Reduce this by leaving for short periods, followed by longer ones, so they get used to you leaving and returning.

• Stay on top of health checks: Regular vet visits help you catch Cavapoo health quirks, from progressive retinal atrophy to mitral valve disease. Also, remember to look after their coat health with professional grooming, which is particularly important depending on their type of coat.

• Consider insurance: For peace of mind, explore Cavapoo insurance. Vet bills can spike unexpectedly, so it’s nice to have coverage in place.

When someone asks, “Are Cavapoos good pets?” We can't help but smile. Their affectionate nature, manageable size, and knack for becoming best pals with kids and even other pets often make them an excellent choice for most home setups.

If you’d like to meet more friendly, curly-eared pups, check out some of the other lovable crosses out there, or dig deeper into what a Poodle parent brings to the table.

This mix truly stands out for its playful approach to daily life, intelligent responses to training, and an endless supply of warmth to share.

In our opinion, owning a Cavapoo can be a fantastic experience if you’re ready to offer them the care, affection, and attention they need.

When you see that curly face light up at the sight of you, it’s hard not to think you’ve made the perfect choice.