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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Cavapoo or Cavalier King Charles

33 replies

SurreyisSunny · 14/12/2022 14:18

I’m considering getting a dog and after a lot of research am beginning to narrow it down!

Most importantly it must be good with young children (DS is 3) and be good with a child who has some behavioural issues (this is one of my main reasons for getting a dog as think my son would really benefit). Small as don’t have a huge garden.

I understand Cavs are not so easy to train as Cavapoos. Also they have more health issues and shed more.

Big plus for Cavs is I can buy from a KC breeder as finding a reputable Cavapoo breeder is not so easy. Risk of puppy farms as Cavapoos are a “designer” breed worries me.

Cavapoos obviously look cute and I’ve heard amazing things about them being therapy dogs. I also like the idea of having a big of the poodle intelligence.

Anything else I should be considering?

OP posts:
Lastqueenofscotland2 · 14/12/2022 14:32

Absolutely first things first. No dog is born a natural therapy dog, all puppies are absolute jerks and to be a companion for a child with behaviour issues will take careful training. What sort of issues does your child have, ie would they have the impulse control to leave a dog alone when told and not push their luck. Puppies bite. That’s just the way of it but you reduce the risk of it by not winding them up.

Cavs are wonderful, I don’t necessarily think they are hard to train so much as just not very motivated. Most of the ones I’ve met and certainly the ones I own will take or leave treats/toys if what you are asking them to do seems too much work.

A cavapoo has just the same health risks as a cav and is far less likely to be bred from health tested parents, both poodles and cavs are prone to eye issues so health testing here is really important. The reduced shedding isn’t guaranteed either.

Why not a miniature/toy poodle?

LondonWolf · 14/12/2022 14:35

all puppies are absolute jerks

This should be pinned at the top of this forum.

The snappiest, most nervous dog I know is a cavapoo 🤷🏼‍♀️

catchthedog · 14/12/2022 14:37

cavs and cav crosses can often have awful health problems. A poodle is a good option, although as above, any puppy is likely to be a nightmare for at least the first 12 months

SarahSissions · 14/12/2022 15:37

Personally I’d you are looking for a dog to help with a child with behavioural issues I would reach out to a therapy dog trainer and ask them for breeds they recommend and the breeders who have been producing pups with a suitable temperament.

one of my dogs siblings was supposed to be a therapy dog, but when the trainer came to look at the litter none of the pups assessed as suitable so they went elsewhere. even within a breed there are huge variations in temperament, some will be genetic, some environmental, some upbringing and some luck of the draw, so someone who can help you narrow down on the first two will be a huge help.

I know you aren’t looking for a therapy dog exactly but with your quite specific needs I would treat this as such.

Annon12345 · 14/12/2022 15:50

Never had cavapoo but grew up with cavalier and my parents still have one now, so I've known and loved with 3. They are fantastic dogs. Incredibly loyal and friendly with children, can be a bit lazy not always a bad thing, they hate rain! Our neighbours have a cavapoo and it's gorgeous BUT full of energy! It's constantly jumping and running despite being trained and seems imo to excitable for young children

nilsmousehammer · 14/12/2022 15:59

Have a cavalier (have always had spaniels) and she is gorgeous, lovely dog, intelligent and active and very gentle. But you do need to find a proper, committed breeder who does all the very expensive, properly thorough scans and tests on parents and pay for a puppy who is not going to be born with the awful, awful health problems currently rife in the breed. There are breeders working actively on going back to older blood lines and recovering the health of this lovely breed, but an awful lot of lovely dogs being born who will have heart disease, epilepsy and worse within a couple of years. Cavs are wilful little monkeys, (especially the older blood lines) but clever and mine has passed his gold KC test so very trainable. He also goes like a bomb and has more energy than my last cocker did, but is a cuddle monster. They are very social and don't do time alone very well and a good breeder will not be open to a family that would be crating the dog a lot for long periods through the day.

Original poster
SurreyisSunny · 14/12/2022 16:01

@Annon12345 sounds ideal. I’m not a rain fan either!!. Everything I’ve read is they are super friendly (met a gorgeous one last week who was happy to be stroked by everyone!)

OP posts:
Motorina · 14/12/2022 16:11

If you like the idea of poodle intelligence and poodle looks, it might be worth looking at poodles? Generally they're nice natured beasts with a good sense of humour.

I agree with @Lastqueenofscotland2 , though. ALL puppies are jerks. The only thing jerkier than a puppy is a teenage dog. From experience, they're total dickheads til they're about two...

Annon12345 · 14/12/2022 20:48

SurreyisSunny · 14/12/2022 16:01

@Annon12345 sounds ideal. I’m not a rain fan either!!. Everything I’ve read is they are super friendly (met a gorgeous one last week who was happy to be stroked by everyone!)

Sorry my op should have said lived (owned) with 3 not loved! Lol!
On cold or wetter days all ours have flat out refused a walk being dragged outside!

AndyandLance · 14/12/2022 20:54

Generally speaking, Cavapoos are incredibly friendly, social and easy going dogs. They take to positive training very well and are great with kids and other dogs, as long as they're well socialised. They're also low shedding.

The downsides are that, as they love people, they can be prone to separation anxiety. Also, they do need regular grooming.

A friend breeds Cavapoos so ask any questions and I'll ask her anything I don't know! I do adore her dogs, they're so well balanced, loving and they just go with the flow.

Original poster
SurreyisSunny · 15/12/2022 14:34

@AndyandLance yes I understand Cavs also also prone to separation anxiety. I work from home a lot so am hopeful not to leave a dog too much on their own.

If your friend can make any recommendations on finding a reputable breeder that would be fab, I’m very worried about the whole puppy farm issue

OP posts:
newrubylane · 15/12/2022 15:44

My parents have a cavapoo. She is super smart, very easygoing and great with my little ones. Has learnt to basically take herself away from the situation if they get rowdy or too full on. That being said they are good with her too - able to interact with her gently and sensibly and don't bother her constantly. She does have a bit of separation anxiety, but she is rarely left - which may have contributed to her being more anxious when she is, perhaps.

CaraVann · 16/12/2022 21:46

My best friend has a Cavapoo and she is truly one of the loveliest dogs I’ve ever met (I was a dog walker so have met many). She is super friendly, trained easily and has never shown any sign of bad behaviour or aggression, everyone loves her. The only one thing now she is 10 and has luxating patella and will probably need an op soon (apparently cavapoos are prone to this).

Lemonademoney · 16/12/2022 21:52

Both lovely breeds, both have health issues. Definitely have a really good meeting with any prospective puppies so you can get a feel for temperament. I’ve had a few dogs and have always said I’d have another Cav, great dogs and the laziness works quite well for me 😂 cavapoos can be a bit mental (I will get shot down for that but I have spent a lot of time with several of them 🤷🏼‍♀️) a friend of ours has a maltipoo, lovely personality, a great first dog.

Guessitswednesday · 16/12/2022 21:54

Cavaliers and cavapoos are both highly farmed. As much as i love Cavs, Heart problems are rife in the breed no matter where theyre from. I would suggest a poodle in all honesty, 3 sizes to choose from, lovely dogs, can get them cut to look like a doodle if you wanted

mistopheles · 16/12/2022 22:24

I have a cavapoo. She is beautiful, comical, very loving, fun, great with DC. But needs grooming because of fabulous coat, is very anxious and over attached to me. I adore her but wouldn't get another one. There is snobbery about them too as with all poodle crosses but if you choose one you will fall in love with them.

talkingmorenonsense · 16/12/2022 22:26

We adore our miniature poodle.

Yayyayitsaholiholiday · 16/12/2022 22:28

My friend got a cockerpoo as a therapy dog for her daughter.
But the dog hasn’t bonded with the girl as she has outbursts and makes the dig nervous, she can’t accept when the dog wants to be left alone and the dog has resource guarding issues with food and toys……… it’s not so simple……

thelobsterquadrille · 16/12/2022 22:32

I really don't understand why you seem to have completely discounted a mini poodle?

Bearblue26 · 16/12/2022 22:35

I have a 15 week old cavapoo and he is absolutely amazing. He has met multiple children (ranging from 9 months to 10 years old) and is so lovely and gentle with them.

He has two or three mad hours a day but otherwise he is good as gold.

Please be careful when selecting a breeder. Unfortunately there are some (such as Glendream in Scotland) who are puppy farms masked as ethical breeders. If you are anywhere near the Scottish Borders I can recommend an amazing breeder

leftitabitlate22 · 16/12/2022 22:45

One thing I will point out is that in the case of our dog (and some others I know) he very much prefers adults over children (and ours are now teens). What are you hoping your ds will get from the dog?

Don't get me wrong our dog likes playing with the kids but dh and I are very much his owners. for example he sleeps on our bed never the kids. He is always with one of us, will follow us out of the room if we leave. Is not even that keen on ds taking him out for a walk if we are at home.

Original poster
SurreyisSunny · 17/12/2022 14:35

@thelobsterquadrille after this post I’m looking into a poodle. They don’t seem to come up so highly when researching dogs good with children or for first time owners but after a little research they seem to be an option as a lot less health issues than cavs

OP posts:
thelobsterquadrille · 17/12/2022 14:37

SurreyisSunny · 17/12/2022 14:35

@thelobsterquadrille after this post I’m looking into a poodle. They don’t seem to come up so highly when researching dogs good with children or for first time owners but after a little research they seem to be an option as a lot less health issues than cavs

They're honestly so underrated.

I never knew much about poodles until I started walking one, but he is fab - easy to train, intelligent, calm in the house, great with children - I'd definitely get one in the future.

Whiskeypowers · 17/12/2022 14:52

Poodles are wonderful dogs

Boofay · 17/12/2022 15:02

Please reconsider a cavvie. I adore this breed and I adored my darling darling boy, a stunning, friendly, loving blenheim cavalier King Charles. We lost him in august to myxomatous valvular degeneration (MVD). He was only 8. It was a heartbreaking experience. Cavs are just not bred to last right now sadly. I don't know much about mix breeds but I would suggest that you get lots of recommendations for a breeder.

In terms of friendliness of cavvies, my boy was amazing! He was the kindest fella you could ever wish for. I'm a childminder and he loved all the children. He was the best dog and my heart is still broken.