If you’re thinking of adding a Cavapoo to your family, one of the first things you’ll want to consider is what size dog do you want? Cavapoos are great dogs for a variety of families and are very popular dogs for a reason! This designer breed is active and loving and comes in three size categories: Teacup, Toy and Miniature. No matter what your lifestyle or living situation, there is a Cavapoo that is perfect for you.
In this Cavapoo size guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the three Cavapoo sizes, including height and weight ranges as well as average life expectancy.
So if you’re curious about Cavapoo size, keep reading!
Contents
What is a Cavapoo?
Cavapoos are a popular hybrid dog, created by breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle. Cavapoos are known for being intelligent, friendly, and low-shedding, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers and families with young children.
These affectionate dogs come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, red, and mixed. Their coat ranges from gently curling to higher curls and are often described as “wooly”. They are relatively easy to train and make excellent companions.
Cavapoo Size Guide
Cavapoos can be categorized into Three Different Sizes: Teacup, Toy, and Miniature
Teacup Cavapoo
Teacup Cavapoos are the smallest of the Cavapoo bunch and are made usually produced by breeding an F1 Toy Cavapoo with a Teacup Poodle. Alternatively, a breeder will selectively breed the runts of the litter to get a smaller size.
Teacup Cavapoo size:
They are a similar height to a Chihuahua standing at around 6 to 8 inches tall and weigh a teeny tiny 5 to 9 pounds.
Be cautious of the teacup size. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the Teacup Poodle as a purebred dog – mainly due to the many health issues they can get.
Many of these dogs are selectively bred by Cavapoo breeders for their pint-size rather than their overall health status. This can result in inherited health problems such as hydrocephaly, portosystemic shunts, and fragile bones.
Toy Cavapoo
If you want a lap dog then you may want to consider a Toy Cavapoo. These designer dogs are smaller than average and can be either:
- An F1 (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent crossed with a Toy Poodle) or
- F1b mixed breed (an F1 Cavapoo bred crossed with a Toy Poodle)
They are often a result of an F1 cross (that is, a Cavapoo bred with a Toy Poodle) as they are consistently small in size.
Toy Cavapoos are generally healthier than their Teacup cousins as their Toy Poodle parents are generally healthy dogs. This is due to the fact that Toy Poodles are recognized by the American Kennel Club which has strict breed guidelines.
Toy Cavapoo size:
They typically weigh between 7 and 13 pounds (3.2-6 kg) and stand between 8 and 12 inches (20-30 cm) tall at the shoulder.
Miniature Cavapoos (Cavapoos)
Next up in size is the Mini Cavapoo, which is the most common type of Cavapoo. They are small dogs that can be produced from the below crosses:
- A First generation doodle from a Miniature Poodle crossed with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
- An F1b (first generation) doodle bred from a miniature Cavapoo and a Mini Poodle will give a more consistent small size.
- An F2 (second generation) doodle bred from two miniature Cavapoos
Mini Cavapoo Size:
Miniature Cavapoos stand between 12-14 inches (30-36 cm) at the shoulder and weigh in between 13-18 pounds (6-8kg).
What About Standard Cavapoos?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not typically bred with Standard Poodles so you will not come across a Standard Cavapoo very often.
What is the average Cavapoo size and how much do they weigh?
Cavapoos are smaller dogs. The average Cavapoo size is between 10 and 18 pounds and is classed as a small dog breed
When is a Cavapoo Fully Grown?
Cavapoos reach their full adult size at approximately 12 months of age give or take two weeks on either side. Teacup and Toy Cavapoos can reach their adult size slightly earlier at 10-11 months old.
How big are Cavapoo Puppies when you take them home?
When you first bring your Cavapoo puppy home they will be between 8 and 12 weeks old. You can expect these precious pint-sized pooches to be about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) tall and 2-5 pounds (0.9-2.3 kg). They will likely be able to sit on the palm of your hand.
Of course, there is some variation among individual dogs, so your pup may be slightly larger or smaller than this. However, this is a good general range to expect.
How Much Growth Can You Expect During the First Year?
During their first year of life, Cavapoos can experience several growth spurts. They will typically gain about 5-10 inches (12.7-25.4 cm) in height and double their weight. Of course, there is some variation among individual dogs, so your pup may grow slightly more or less than this. However, this is a good general range to expect.
Miniature adult Cavapoos will reach their full height at 12 months of age. Toy and Teacups can reach there full height slightly more quickly at 10-11 months of age
When Do Cavapoos reach sexual maturity?
Cavapoos reach sexual maturity at around 8-12 months of age. This is when they are able to have puppies or sire puppies of their own. However, it is strongly recommended not to allow your female dog to become pregnant until she is completely mature at 18 months of age.
How can I predict my Cavapoo’s adult size?
The full size of a Cavapoo can be estimated by doubling its size at 4-5 months old. If a Mini Cavapoo weighs 6 pounds at 4-5 months, it will weigh 12 pounds when it is fully grown.
Toy and Teacup Cavapoos can reach their adult size sooner at 10 or 11 months. You can weigh them at 4 months and double their pounds to determine their adult weight.
Cavapoo Size Chart
Factors that can affect the size of the Cavapoo
Genetics
Cavapoos are generally small dogs with big hearts. The type of poodle the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is crossed with is the biggest factor in how big the offspring will be.
If you want a larger dog, make sure to pick a larger parent breed. The biggest cross will be from a Standard Poodle Parent bred with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Genetics as A Factor of Size Variation:
There is a lot of variation among Cavapoos in terms of size. This is due to the fact that there are many different ways to crossbreed Cavaliers and Poodles.
Sex:
Male for Female? – Male Cavapoos tend to be slightly larger than females by a couple of pounds and an inch or so, so this is something to keep in mind if the size is a priority for you.
Gender as A Factor of Size Variation:
As we all know, males are generally larger than females. The average male Cavapoo weighs between 11 and 18 pounds (5 and 7.5 kg) and the female Cavapoo weighs between 10 and 16 pounds (4.5 and 7 kg).
Nutrition:
A healthy diet is essential for all dogs, but it can be especially helpful in promoting growth for puppies. Make sure your pup is getting enough calories and nutrients to support their growth.
Cavapoo Health And Diseases
Cavapoos are generally a healthy breed of dog, but like all designer breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Some of the most common health problems seen in this gorgeous popular dog include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, epilepsy, and heart disease. A reputable breeder should be able to screen for many of these diseases in the parents so it is really important to do your research.
1. Hip Dysplasia:
Hip dysplasia is a condition that can affect the hip joints of dogs. It occurs when the hip joint does not develop properly, which can lead to pain and lameness. Cavapoos are particularly susceptible to this condition, so it’s important to have your pup checked by a veterinarian if you notice any signs of hip problems.
2. Patellar Luxation:
Patellar luxation is a condition that affects the kneecap. It occurs when the kneecap is dislocated from its proper position. This can cause pain and lameness. Cavapoos are particularly susceptible to this condition, so it’s important to have your pup checked by a veterinarian if you notice any signs of knee problems.
3. Heart Disease
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to developing a heart condition called mitral valve disease. This condition can lead to heart failure and death. Cavapoos are also at risk for this condition, so it’s important to have your pup checked by a veterinarian if you notice any signs of heart problems.
4. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can cause seizures. Cavapoos are particularly susceptible to this condition from their Poodle parents, so it’s important to watch out for any unusual signs in your dog such as staring off into space and not responding and seizures.
5. Other Health Problems:
Other health issues that can affect Cavapoos include allergies, ear infections, liver disease, eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and other conditions. If you detect any of these or other health concerns, it is critical that your dog be examined by a veterinarian.
Is there a size of Cavapoo that is more prone to health issues?
Yes – the teacup Cavapoo is more prone to health issues such as hypoglycemia, hydrocephaly, liver shunts, and luxating patella. They are also more prone to injury due to their small size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a Cavapoo a small or medium dog?
A: Cavapoos are considered small breed dogs as they are under 22 pounds.
Q: What factors can affect a Cavapoo’s size?
A: Some of the factors that can affect a Cavapoo’s size include gender, genetics, and nutrition.
Q: Are Cavapoos bigger than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?
A: No, Cavapoos tend to be smaller than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. However, there is some variation among individual dogs and miniature Cavapoo’s can be bigger than their Cav parent.
Q: What is the maximum size for a Cavapoo?
A: The maximum size for this breed is 14 inches, however, most Cavapoos will fall somewhere in the middle range of 10-12 inches. As for weight, Cavapoos can range from 6 pounds all the way up to 20 pounds.
Q: What is the difference between a co*ckapoo and a Cavapoo?
A: The main difference between a co*ckapoo and a Cavapoo is that co*ckapoos are bred from a co*cker Spaniel and a Poodle, while Cavapoos are bred from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. As such, co*ckapoos tend to be slightly larger than Cavapoos. Their temperaments are very similar but Cavapoo’s are slightly less active.
Q: Do all Cavapoos grow to the same size or are there variations among different breeds of this dog breed mix?
No, all Cavapoo do not grow to the same size. There is significant variation in size among different types of Cavapoo. For example, Toy Cavapoo tends to be on the smaller side, while mini Cavapoos tend to be on the larger side. Additionally, some Cavapoos are bred to be miniaturized and will stay small even when fully grown known as the Teacup. Refer to the three size categories above.
Q: Is there a Cavapoo size that lives longer?
A: Generally speaking, small and medium dogs live the longest lives to approximately 14-16 years. The good news is that Cavapoos are classified as small dogs (under 22 pounds). So you can expect them to live a long life if they are healthy.
Summing Up
Now that you know all about Cavapoo size, including average weight and height as well as how big they can get, you can better anticipate the size of your own pup. Keep in mind that there is a lot of variation among individual dogs, so your Cavapoo could be on either end of the size spectrum. However, as long as you provide plenty of love and care, your Cavapoo will be a happy, healthy dog no matter what size they turn out to be!
Dr Elly
Dr. Elly has always loved animals, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. After studying hard in veterinary school, she practiced in several different countries before moving to North Carolina with her husband and young family. She currently works part time as a veterinarian while caring for her 4 busy children and writing this blog. Dr. Elly genuinely cares about the welfare of her patients. She currently has three dogs, two cats, 5 chickens and 2 rabbits (yes a bit of a zoo!)
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