If you've fallen down a rabbit hole researching fluffy, low-shedding crossbreeds, you've almost certainly encountered both the Cavoodle and the Cavapoo. They look identical in photos. They share the same parent breeds. And yet different websites seem to treat them as separate dogs.
They're not. The Cavoodle and the Cavapoo are exactly the same crossbreed — a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel crossed with a Poodle (usually Miniature). The only difference is geography.
Why Two Names?
The split comes down to where you live. In Australia and New Zealand, this crossbreed is almost universally called the Cavoodle. In North America and the UK, the name Cavapoo dominates.
Neither name is more correct than the other — they're both informal portmanteau names invented to describe the same designer dog. "Cavoodle" blends Cavalier + Poodle. "Cavapoo" blends Cavalier + Poo (short for Poodle). Same cross, different cultural shorthand.
This kind of regional naming happens with other popular crossbreeds too. The Groodle (Australia) is the same dog as the Goldendoodle (North America). The Spoodle here is the Cockapoo elsewhere. The pattern is consistent: Australians tend to swap the "-poo" suffix for "-oodle".
So What's a Cavoodle Actually Like?
Whatever you call it, this is one of the most popular crossbreeds in Australia — and for good reason. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel contributes a gentle, affectionate, people-focused temperament. The Poodle brings intelligence, a low-shedding coat, and trainability. The combination tends to produce a dog that is:
- Extremely affectionate — Cavoodles bond deeply with their families and thrive on company
- Low to moderate shedding — not hypoallergenic, but considerably easier on allergy sufferers than many breeds
- Highly trainable — Poodle intelligence makes them quick learners and eager to please
- Good with children and other pets — the Cavalier's easy-going nature shines through
- Apartment-friendly — moderate energy needs and a compact size make them well suited to smaller homes
The main thing to be aware of is separation anxiety. Cavoodles are companion dogs at heart — they don't do well being left alone for long stretches. If you're out of the house for most of the day, this breed will struggle.
Does the Name Affect the Dog at All?
No. A Cavoodle bred in Melbourne and a Cavapoo bred in London from the same Cavalier × Miniature Poodle pairing are genetically the same dog. There is no registry, breed standard, or bloodline that distinguishes them. The name you use is simply a reflection of where you grew up.
What does vary is generation. A first-generation Cavoodle (F1) has one Cavalier parent and one Poodle parent. An F1B is bred back to a Poodle, which typically produces a wavier, lower-shedding coat. F2 and beyond introduce more variation. If coat type matters to you — especially for allergy reasons — it's worth asking a breeder about the specific generation.
Cavoodle or Cavapoo: Which Should You Search?
If you're in Australia, search Cavoodle — you'll find local breeders, Australian vet advice, and community groups that use that name. If you're reading breed guides from US or UK sources, you'll encounter Cavapoo — but the information applies equally to your dog.
For what it's worth, we use Cavoodle on RightDogMatch because we're an Australian site and that's what most of our visitors are searching for.
Is a Cavoodle Right for You?
The Cavoodle suits people who want a small, affectionate, moderately active companion dog — particularly families, retirees, and apartment dwellers. They're not ideal for households where the dog will be home alone all day, or for anyone hoping for a completely non-shedding dog (the low-shedding claim is real, but not absolute).
You can read the full breed profile — temperament, size, exercise needs, grooming, and compatibility scores — on our Cavoodle breed page.
Or if you're not yet sure the Cavoodle is the right fit, our breed matching quiz takes about three minutes and compares your lifestyle against every breed in our database — Cavoodle included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Cavoodle the same as a Cavapoo?
Yes. Cavoodle and Cavapoo are two names for the same crossbreed: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle mix. Cavoodle is the term used in Australia and New Zealand; Cavapoo is used in North America and the UK.
Why do Australians say Cavoodle instead of Cavapoo?
It's a naming convention. Australian breeders and owners tend to use the "-oodle" suffix for Poodle crosses (Cavoodle, Groodle, Spoodle), while North Americans and British breeders often use "-poo" or "-doodle". There's no formal reason — it's just cultural habit.
Are Cavoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Cavoodles tend to shed significantly less than many other breeds thanks to the Poodle influence. Many people with mild dog allergies tolerate them well, though individual reactions vary. An F1B generation (75% Poodle) typically sheds even less than a standard F1.
How big do Cavoodles get?
Most Cavoodles weigh between 5–12 kg and stand 28–38 cm tall, depending on whether the Poodle parent was Toy or Miniature. Toy Cavoodles on the smaller end; Miniature Cavoodles on the larger end.