· Looking for everything you need to know about the Miniature Cavoodle (also called a mini Cavapoo)? You’re in the right place. These charming little dogs are beloved for their gentle nature, low-shedding coat, and compact size — making them ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting a friendly companion.
What Is a Miniature Cavoodle?
· A Miniature Cavoodle is a designer dog breed that results from breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Miniature Poodle. The aim is to combine the Cavalier’s sweet, affectionate personality with the intelligence and allergy-
friendly coat of the Poodle. Most reputable breeders, including Chevromist Kennels, focus on first-generation crosses, where one parent is a purebred Cavalier and the other is a purebred Miniature Poodle.
Appearance & Size
· Mini Cavoodles are small but well-proportioned:
Height: Around 35–45 cm at the shoulder for miniature Cavoodles.
Weight: Typically in the range of about 5 kg to 12 kg, depending on their lineage.
Build: They have a slightly longer body, a straight back, and a tail that often hangs past their hocks.
Coat & Colour: Their coat is usually soft and wavy (sometimes curly), and they come in a wide variety of colours — think red, gold, cream, black, black & tan, white, and tan and white.
Facial Features: Their “teddy bear” face, large expressive eyes, and long, soft ears give them an irresistibly cute appearance.
Temperament & Personality
· One of the biggest draws of the Miniature Cavoodle is their temperament:
Gentle & Loving: Inherited from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, mini Cavoodles are affectionate, calm, and very much people-pleasers.
Intelligent & Trainable: Thanks to their Poodle heritage, they pick up commands quickly and enjoy learning — positive reinforcement works particularly well.
Good with Families & Pets: They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats. Early socialisation helps, especially when introducing them to smaller or more delicate animals.
Sociable but Can Be Clingy: While they love being around their humans, mini Cavoodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long, so consistent training and a predictable routine are helpful.
Health & Longevity
· Miniature Cavoodles are generally robust and healthy, but like all crossbreeds, they can inherit health concerns from their parents. Chevromist points out that they DNA health-test their breeding stock to reduce the risk of genetic issues.
· Typical health considerations may include:
Life Expectancy: Around 12 to 15 years, depending on their lineage and general care.
Potential Health Risks: These can include joint issues, eye conditions, or heart problems inherited from their Cavalier side.
Preventative Care: Regular vet checks, maintaining a healthy weight, grooming, and dental care will go a long way in keeping your mini Cavoodle in good shape.
Grooming & Shedding
· One of the standout features of a hypoallergenic Cavoodle (or low-shedding Cavoodle) is their coat:
· Their coat sheds less than many non-Poodle mixes, making them a preferred option for people with mild allergies.
But “hypoallergenic” doesn’t mean zero shedding — grooming is still important. Daily brushing helps prevent matting, and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is often recommended for those with curlier coats.
Energy Levels & Exercise Needs
·Despite their small size, miniature Cavoodles have a moderate energy level:
· They don’t require huge amounts of exercise, but both mental and physical stimulation is ideal. Games, short walks, or indoor play are great for them.
· Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity — puzzle toys, basic training, and interactive games keep their smart Poodle side happy.
Training & Socialisation
· Training a Mini Cavoodle is relatively straightforward:
· Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, clicker training) to motivate them.
· Keep training sessions short and distraction-free, especially when they’re young, because their intelligent but sometimes easily distracted nature means they benefit from focused, consistent guidance.
· Start socialisation early by gently exposing them to new people, pets, and environments — this builds confidence and reduces anxiety as they mature.
Why Choose a Miniature Cavoodle?
Here are some of the main advantages of choosing a Mini Cavoodle:
1. Compact Size: Their small stature makes them ideal for apartments or houses, while still being sturdy enough for family life.
2. Hypoallergenic Coat: Lower shedding means fewer allergens — great for allergy-sensitive households.
3. Sweet Disposition: Their Cavalier heritage gives them a warm, loving temperament, and they make terrific family pets.
4. Longevity: With proper care, they live a long, healthy life, often over a decade.
5. Trainable: Intelligent and eager to please, mini Cavoodles respond well to gentle, consistent training.
Things to Be Mindful Of While they’re wonderful companions, some potential considerations:
· Mini Cavoodle Grooming: Like any breed with a non-shedding coats, some grooming is required.
· Health Screening: Choose a breeder who does DNA testing and health checks — this is important for any breed of dog including designer breeds such as the Mini Cavoodle.
· Not a Guard Dog: Their sweet nature means they’re not likely to be guard dog but they do make great watchdogs; they’re more of an “alert buddy” than “protector.”
In summary, if you’re searching for a Miniature Cavoodle, you’re looking at a small, affectionate, low-shedding, and intelligent companion. Their gentle temperament, combined with their manageable size and hypoallergenic coat, makes them an especially popular choice for families, singles, or anyone wanting a loving, affectionate and intelligent pet.
Victorian Minister Approved Kennels
Over 30 years experience
Domestic Animal Business Permit No: 121/2020/13876
Melton City Council
Source Number: BR109724