Cavapoochon breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
21 October 2026
Breed guide overview
About Cavapoochons
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Cavapoochon breed
Cavapoochons, also affectionately known as "teddy bear dogs", are a small and sturdy crossbreed originating from the United States, where they were developed in the early 2000s. They are a mix of three breeds: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (United Kingdom), the Bichon Frise (Mediterranean, later refined in France) and the Toy Poodle (Germany and France). They were primarily bred as companion dogs, combining the Cavalier's gentle nature with the low-shedding coats of the Bichon and Poodle.
They have a soft, curly or wavy coat that sheds very little, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers. Cavapoochons have an affectionate, playful and gentle personality and are known for their teddy bear looks and love of human company. Although similar, the Cavapoochon is a separate crossbreed from the Cavachon (Cavalier x Bichon Frise) and the Cavapoo (Cavalier x Poodle). As a crossbreed, it is not recognised by The Kennel Club.
Weight, height & life expectancy
Males typically stand at an average height of 25-38cms, while females are slightly smaller at 25-35cms. They weigh between 4-9kgs on average.
The breed has a life expectancy of around 12-15 years.
Cavapoochons have a gentle, friendly and sociable temperament. They are loving and devoted to their family, but are not territorial and make poor guard dogs, although they may bark to alert you to visitors. They are not independent and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, and are usually friendly and accepting with strangers. Early socialisation and proper training are crucial to ensure they become well-adjusted and well-mannered dogs.
Cavapoochons are known for being wonderful family pets and lapdogs. They are sweet, patient and affectionate with children. However, due to their small size, it’s worth supervising interactions to avoid overly enthusiastic toddlers accidentally hurting these pint size pups. They are generally very good with other creatures, but some may inherit the Cavalier's urge to chase small animals.
How much exercise does a Cavapoochon need?
Cavapoochons are a small and moderately active breed that requires a moderate amount of exercise. They have good stamina for their size and enjoy playtime and walks, but are just as happy to relax at home. On average, they need around 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. This can include two short walks, games of fetch, off-lead play in a secure area and short agility courses.
Cavapoochons also benefit from mental stimulation through puzzle feeders, scent games, interactive toys and short training sessions. It's important to provide them with regular exercise and mental enrichment to prevent boredom-related behaviours and to keep them physically and mentally fit.
Cavapoochon puppies have different exercise needs compared to adult dogs. As small and growing puppies, they require careful management of their exercise to avoid putting excessive strain on their developing bones and joints. It's important to provide them with age-appropriate activities that stimulate their minds and bodies without causing overexertion. Full exercise at an adult level can typically be introduced slowly around 12 months of age, but it's best to consult with your veterinarian for specific exercise recommendations based on your pooch's individual needs.
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Do Cavapoochons need a lot of grooming?
Cavapoochons have a soft, curly or wavy coat that requires a high level of grooming. They have a low-shedding coat that is prone to matting. Regular brushing, ideally daily, with a slicker brush and a metal comb is needed, paying special attention to the ears, legs, belly and underarms. A professional groom every 4-6 weeks will keep their teddy bear trim neat and tangle-free.
During shedding seasons, more frequent brushing may be necessary to manage the amount of hair in the house. Cavapoochons are a clean breed with little doggy odour, although their ears should be checked and cleaned regularly as hair in the ear canal can lead to infections. They should be bathed every 4-6 weeks with a gentle dog shampoo.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Cavapoochons easy to train?
Cavapoochons are highly intelligent and eager to please, with low independence, which can make training relatively easy. They have a natural instinct to be affectionate, playful and people-focused, so proper socialisation and early training are crucial. Keep training sessions interesting, varied, and mentally stimulating to keep them engaged.
Cavapoochon Puppies
Start training your Cavapoochon puppy from a young age, focusing on house training, basic obedience, recall and learning to be comfortable when left alone. Reward-based techniques using treats, praise and play, in short and frequent sessions, work best with this breed, as they are sensitive and respond poorly to harsh corrections. Early and ongoing socialisation with a wide range of people, animals, and environments is vital to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded and well-behaved dogs. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to successful training with Cavapoochons.
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What do Cavapoochons eat?
Cavapoochon puppies have specific dietary needs to support their growth and development. It's important to provide them with a balanced and high-quality puppy food formulated for small breeds. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the puppy food packaging, but typically, they require 3-4 meals a day until around 6 months of age. At this time, the number of meals can be reduced to 2 meals per day.
As they reach their adult size and maturity, usually around 10-12 months of age, you can transition them to adult dog food suitable for small breeds. It's important to monitor their weight and adjust the portion sizes accordingly to prevent obesity. Providing fresh water at all times is essential.
Are Cavapoochons healthy?
Cavapoochons are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they may be prone to certain health conditions inherited from their parent breeds, including heart problems such as Mitral Valve Disease from the Cavalier side. Some of the health concerns that may affect Cavapoochons include:
Bones and joints
- Luxating Patella - a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, which can cause lameness or a skipping gait
- Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis (although not as commonly seen as in larger breeds)
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease - a condition seen in small breeds such as the Toy Poodle, where the blood supply to the top of the thigh bone is reduced, causing pain and lameness
Eyes
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - an inherited condition where the retina gradually deteriorates, leading to vision loss
- Cataracts - a clouding of the lens of the eye that can affect vision, seen in all three parent breeds
Gastrointestinal
- Sensitive stomachs - some Cavapoochons can be prone to food sensitivities, which may cause vomiting, diarrhoea or itchy skin. A limited ingredient diet may help
- Pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by fatty foods, which can cause vomiting, tummy pain and lethargy. Avoid feeding fatty scraps and contact a vet if you notice these signs
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Cavapoochon is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Focus on dental care, ear cleaning, and weight management early in life! Small, cross-bred dogs like Cavapoochons have crowded mouths, making them highly prone to plaque buildup.
Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
