When a mini Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles get together, we get Mini Cavapoo puppies.
But, when a Toy Poodle and a Cavalier fall in love, we get extra small and extra cute Toy Cavapoo puppies.
The Miniature Cavapoo and the Toy Cavapoo aren’t the same. You’ll notice their differences as you keep on reading.
Today, we’ll focus on what I believe is the sweeter version of the Cavapoo just because of its small size.
Meet the Toy Cavapoo – a pup from purebred parents that’s on a good path to becoming a distinguished breed of its own.
Toy Cavapoos are the absolute favorites of all hybrid dogs, and in a few short moments, you’re going to find out why.
So, sit back, relax, do your reading on Toy Cavapoos, then think of some cool Cavapoo names. I’m pawsitive you’ll adopt a Toy Cavapoo puppy as soon as possible!
What Is A Toy Cavapoo?
A Toy Cavapoo is not a plush toy for kids to play with. It’s a living being – a real dog that will amaze you with how sweet he really is.
Also known under the name ‘Cavoodle’, the Toy Cavapoo is one of the Poodle mixes, and a good specimen of the toy dog breed group.
People love Toy Cavapoos because they have what many believe is the ideal size for a house pet. Toy Cavapoos aren’t as fragile as teacup dogs, but they’re more compact than some small dog breeds.
You can say they’re “juuust right”.
This dog breed is a relatively new one. We’re used to seeing other Doodle dogs, such as Goldendoodles or Cockapoos, but Cavapoos aren’t that popular.
I feel that the tables will turn, and Toy Cavapoos will gain more and more popularity in the following years.
The Cavapoo breed comes in two sizes: our Toy Cavapoo, and the Mini Cavapoo. The toy version is a smaller one, but we’ll crunch the numbers soon. What you need to know about this dog breed is that it can’t come from a Standard Poodle.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels won’t be bred with Standard Poodles, so you can’t have a Standard Cavapoo.
Now that we have started talking about the parent breeds, the only fair thing would be to discuss the origin of this breed and see where Toy Cavapoos really come from.
Date Of Birth: The Origin Of Toy Cavapoos
Even though the United States is usually the chosen land for creating new designer dogs, in the case of our Toy Cavapoo, the chosen land was actually Australia.
Of course, we can’t be 100% sure that Toy Cavapoos didn’t exist before, by accident. Accidental breeding is highly likely to occur with any canine combination.
However, we know that the first purposely-bred Toy Cavapoos appeared back in the 1990s. It was a great era for all hybrid dogs, and many of them became some of the most popular crossbreed dogs.
Cavapoos were a result of strenuous actions to produce a dog as intelligent as the Poodle, and as sweet and calm as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Obviously, the effort was worth it. Today, we have one of the friendliest dog breeds ever – the Cavapoo.
Of course, different types of Cavapoos exist. The toy one is a mix between a Toy Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles. The mini one has a Miniature Poodle parent. Standard Cavapoos are highly uncommon because of the difference in size between Standard Poodles and CKCS dogs.
The reason why I didn’t mention Teacup Cavapoos is because many dog enthusiasts believe that breeding teacup dog breeds is unethical. I can’t help but agree because teacup dogs are often a result of breeding litter runts – dogs with dwarfism, or dogs with other severe health conditions.
To get a perfectly healthy teacup Cavapoo, you’re going to need a lot of luck and the best Cavapoo breeder in the world.
The Cavapoo dog breed has been here for only thirty years, more or less, but they already have generations. I’m talking about multigenerational breeding between Cavapoos.
We have the first generation of Cavapoos (or the F1 pups). You can either breed F1 Cavapoos with other Cavapoos, or with their parents in order to achieve other generations like F2 or F1b Cavapoos (backcross).
What’s interesting is that each new Cavapoo generation carries more and more low-shedding traits.
How Small Are Toy Cavapoos?
Quite small…
But, I believe you deserve a better explanation than this.
Toy Cavapoos are definitely small dogs. They usually weigh from 10 to 15 pounds, and stand tall at 12 inches at the withers. This size definitely categorizes them among the smallest Poodle mixes. Of course, there are even smaller pups, but still…
I’d like to recommend the Toy Cavapoo to any potential dog owner who has problems with space around the house. They’re great fits for city apartments under the condition that you take them outside for their daily exercises.
What’s so great about Toy Cavapoos is that they can go with you anywhere you go. Small pooches like Toy Cavapoos are prone to developing separation anxiety. It wouldn’t be the best idea to leave them alone for too long. Just let your Toy Cavapoo hop in your purse, or tag along in the car.
Being this small comes with many advantages, but also some downsides, mainly in terms of their health. But, we’ll come to that.
I believe it’s time to paint a better picture of our Toy Cavapoo, and see if they’re as pretty on the inside as they are on the outside!
Is There A Difference Between A Toy Cavapoo And A Mini Cavapoo?
Yes, there are some differences between the Toy Cavapoo and the Mini Cavapoo. But, the differences are subtle… not like those if you compare a Cavapoo to a Cockapoo, or a Cavapoo to a Maltipoo. Now, those are some major differences.
But, Mini and Toy Cavapoos only differentiate in terms of size.
As I mentioned earlier, Toy Cavapoos are dogs that usually weigh around 10 to 15 pounds. They rarely grow past the 12-inch mark. At least, this is what the Cavapoo growth chart says.
On the other hand, Mini Cavapoos are slightly bigger pups, with an average height of 12 to 16 inches, and weighing around 13 to 25 pounds.
Everything else about these Cavapoos is the same. They share the same temperament, appearance, coat colors, and coat traits, as well as health problems.
I’m glad you didn’t ask which Cavapoo is better because that would be an impossible question to answer. Both official Cavapoo sizes make terrific companion dogs. The only thing you have to do is pick according to your size preferences.
How Pretty Are Toy Cavapoos?
Okay, most of us love Poodles, right? They’re graceful, elegant, and unique-looking pooches. There isn’t a breed in the canine world like them. Poodles are one of the top three most popular dog breeds in the world for a reason.
The first parent is definitely a beauty, but wait until you meet the second one.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an absolute beauty. I may be too biased here because they’re one of my favorites, but would you look at that face?
King Charles pups are simply stunning, with their curly, droopy ears, sparkling round eyes, and a permanent sweet smile stuck on their face. These dogs are the definition of beauty in the canine world.
Thanks to such beauty of the parent breeds, our Toy Cavapoo can only be an equally gorgeous dog breed.
And, he definitely is one!
The Cavapoo (or Cavadoodle) usually has the Cavalier’s facial features, like a small muzzle and round eyes, while the coat characteristics tend to come from the Poodle parent. Cavapoos won’t shed heavily if they inherit the Poodle’s hypoallergenic traits. This makes them a delight to own!
What I like the most about Cavapoos is their wavy to curly coat that comes many in lovely Cavapoo colors. Usually, you’ll see them featuring shades of chestnut, gold, brown, apricot, fawn, cream, and white. A bi-color and a tri-color coat is also popular, and they come as a result of the Cavalier’s coat.
The important thing is to maintain a tidy look by cutting your dog’s hair regularly. There’s nothing sadder than a scruffy-looking Cavapoo puppy. To help you out a bit, here are some pretty pawesome Cavapoo haircut ideas!
Are Toy Cavapoos Equally Sweet On The Inside?
No.
They’re even sweeter!
Toy Cavapoos make excellent family dogs because they’re super friendly and kind. People usually get Cavapoos because they’re great for allergy sufferers, but they fall in love with their temperaments instead.
Of all Doodle breeds, this one is definitely without any major behavioral issue.
Mixed-breed dogs usually inherit personality traits from one side of the family. In terms of character, it’s a rare occurrence for a hybrid to be a mixture of both families. Well, our Toy Cavapoo has the best features from both sides of the family.
I guarantee you there isn’t a single issue with this dog breed that might scare you away from getting it.
Generally speaking, all Cavapoos have happy personalities. They are open to new adventures and new humans (or animals) in their life. They always seem to be very excited to meet you and show you their signs of affection. Yes, they love sharing the love!
If you live in a family home with kids and other animals, you can absolutely adopt a Cavapoo. They love children and other dogs, too. Even cats are considered their buddies! There’s really not a single person who could bother a Toy Cavapoo.
They love to play, be in the center of attention, and make your days filled with joy.
As I mentioned earlier, Toy Cavapoos don’t like to be separated from their humans, so don’t leave them alone if you don’t have to. They’re little social butterflies, and thrive when surrounded by people they love.
How’s It Like To Train A Toy Cavapoo?
Since the Toy Cavapoo comes from a highly intelligent parent, the Poodle, you can expect only the most stellar results from training them. The Poodle is the second smartest dog breed, and their intelligence is something that most people recognize them by, right after their curly coat.
The Toy Cavapoo shouldn’t give you headaches during training because this dog likes to listen to human commands. In other words, Toy Cavapoos are eager to please, and they will bend over backward to fulfill your commands.
Although the Toy Cavapoo is an extremely obedient dog, he still needs proper socialization and basic obedience training. Dog training is crucial with all dog breeds, not just our Cavapoos.
Definitely, the biggest issue with Toy Cavapoos is the fact that they’re very prone to getting separation anxiety. What you need to teach your Cavapoo puppy from the moment he gets home is that it’s okay for him to be alone for some time.
Of course, nobody says you should go out and stay for 12 hours or so. But, leaving for work and doing some errands should be tolerated. The important thing is to let your dog know you’ll come back.
Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety are highly likely to exhibit destructive behavior. So, don’t be surprised if you come back home and your slippers are completely destroyed because your unsocialized Cavapoo was feeling bored or a bit anxious.
Deal with socialization from an early age in order to prevent such scenarios.
When training your Toy Cavapoo, you should use positive reinforcement – a system where you give out rewards after each command is well-performed. Maybe your Cavapoo would like to receive some yummy treats or a belly rub. Figure it out!
Devote your time to training your new Toy Cavapoo puppy, and he’ll pay you back by being the sweetest, most obedient family pooch ever!
Taking Care Of A Toy Cavapoo
Grooming, exercising, cuddling, and feeding them the right dog food are the basic necessities that your Toy Cavapoo needs to have fulfilled. Throw in anything more than this… even better!
Every dog needs to be groomed, especially the one that has a similar coat as our Toy Cavapoo. Being a non-shedding dog comes with a price. You will need to pay extra attention to regular brushing and trimming so your Toy Cavapoo looks his best.
I recommend you invest in some good Cavapoo brushes. You can check out PupVine’s recommendations here.
Besides regular grooming and maintaining the dog’s hygiene, you should also take care of its physical health. Exercising isn’t the favorite part for all dog owners, but it benefits your dog in multiple ways.
Toy Cavapoos tend to be energetic and quite playful. They don’t need strenuous exercise, but they do enjoy daily walks and playtime in the park. It’s definitely a dog for an active owner. Later on, after a hard day at the doggy park, you and your Toy Cavapoo can cuddle together on the couch.
Lastly, we can’t forget about picking the right kibble. As you can imagine, we’ve done a piece on that, too, so check out this article for the best dog food for Cavapoos. The most important thing about feeding your Toy Cavapoo is to follow general Cavapoo feeding charts, and control your dog’s weight.
Don’t let him nibble on all kinds of dog food. Pick recipes with premium ingredients and real animal proteins that are enriched with goodies like omega fatty acids in order to support healthy growth.
How Healthy Are Toy Cavapoos?
Toy Cavapoos are one of those dogs that are blessed with good health. They don’t usually suffer from any major health problem, but you should always be careful.
Their health status has enabled them to live a long and happy lifespan of 12 to 15 years. That’s a lot of years for a small dog, but that’s the way they roll. Small dogs usually live longer than larger dogs.
Both male Cavapoos and female Cavapoos are considered healthy, so there aren’t issues related to their gender.
The most common health conditions that could affect your Toy Cavalier Spaniel Poodle mix are:
PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
and congenital heart problems.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle for your dog and you can expect him to live for many happy years.
How Expensive Are Toy Cavapoos?
So, how much do Toy Cavapoos cost?
Generally speaking, Cavapoo dogs don’t cost too much. They are a designer breed, but you can find them for a pretty reasonable price.
On average, Toy Cavapoo puppies should start at $1,500. Don’t expect the price to go any lower because that might be a sign that you’re dealing with an unreliable breeder. Of course, Toy Cavapoo puppies can be priced higher, but that depends on other factors.
Usually, breeders will increase the initial purchase price if the puppy comes from champion parents, has an excellent pedigree, or has tremendous health test results.
I’m always for paying more for a puppy because that means you’re getting a tested dog, and one that is free of any health issue. Cheaper dogs usually mean they may be ill or carrying genes for some health conditions.
Trust me… investing in a high-quality puppy will definitely pay off. You’ll be less likely to pay high veterinary bills for congenital health issue treatments that may come with untested puppies.
This is only the initial purchase price. What about other expenses?
Before your new Cavapoo puppy comes home, you’ll need to puppy-proof the house and buy all the necessary items for your dog. This means new toys, a dog bed, leashes, collars, food bowls, treats, kibble, supplements, etc. – and a bunch of other doggy stuff from Amazon.
The cost may add up to $2,000 a year depending on the quality of the items you’re getting. I mean… a dog can sleep on a $20 bed, but a $200 one is definitely more comfortable.
Where Can You Find Toy Cavapoos In The States?
Before I tell you where to find Toy Cavapoo puppies in the States and in Canada, I must tell you how to recognize a good breeder.
You’re lucky that PupVine has lots of reliable sources you can trust with your puppy, but how do you think we know they’re reliable? Because they check certain boxes, that’s how!
A good breeder isn’t the one who breeds in order to become rich or increase the family budget. People you can trust are always breeders who breed to preserve and improve the breed. Anytime I see a breeder featuring this, I know he’s a keeper.
Moving on… when a breeder is open to visits and happy to explain to you all there is to know about their dogs, as well as willing to help you pick your ideal puppy, you just know that’s the kind of guy to trust.
Scammers and unreliable breeders don’t like showing off their breeding facilities, especially not their breeding stock. They’re usually in terrible conditions, and seeing that in person would be an obvious red flag.
When a breeder tests his breeding stock and his puppies for hereditary health problems, you can rest assured he means well. Tested dogs are what you should look for. Also, if there’s a health guarantee included with each puppy… even better!
These are general guidelines for picking a Toy Cavapoo breeder.
Now, these are the breeders you might be interested in, which are all tested by PupVine:
Cavapoo breeders in California
Also, if you live near the border, you can hop to Canada and check out some of the finest Cavapoo breeders in Ontario.
I’m not saying that all of them will have available Toy Cavapoo puppies, but the least you can do is contact them and ask for a Toy Cavapoo puppy.
To Sum Up…
As the smallest size of a Cavapoo, our Toy Cavapoo is the ideal compact dog for a family of dog lovers. The small Toy Cavapoo size has enabled these pooches to fit into all lifestyles, no matter if you live in a big house or in a small apartment.
The most important thing for these dogs is that you love them, and that you show that love every day.
I can guarantee that you’ll like our Poodle King Charles Cavalier hybrid more than any other designer dog. They’re sweet inside and outside, and full of care for every human being, dog, and even feline friend around them.
Name another designer dog breed that’s this friendly… I’ll wait…