Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Cavapoo: Which Breed Is Right for You?
If you’re torn between bringing home a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Cavapoo, you’re not alone. As a breeder who raises both breeds, I’m often asked: “What’s the difference between a Cavalier and a Cavapoo, and which one would fit best in my home?”
Both dogs are loving, beautiful, and make wonderful companions — but they do have some key differences in temperament, grooming, and lifestyle needs. In this post, I’ll walk you through the main distinctions between the two breeds and help you decide which one might be the right fit for you.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size: 12–22 lbs
Coat Type: Long, silky, straight
Shedding: Moderate
Temperament: Gentle, calm, affectionate
Trainability: Easy, eager to please
Activity Level: Low to Moderate
Health: Prone to heart and neurological issues
Grooming: Moderate brushing and ear care
Best For: Families, retirees, calm homes
Cavapoo (Cavalier × Poodle)
Size: 10–25 lbs (depends on Poodle size)
Coat Type: Wavy to curly, soft
Shedding: Low to minimal
Temperament: Playful, intelligent, energetic
Trainability: Very intelligent and trainable
Activity Level: Moderate
Health: May inherit fewer health issues if bred responsibly
Grooming: Frequent brushing and professional grooming
Best For: Active families, allergy-sensitive homes
💕 Temperament and Personality
Both breeds are loving and affectionate — but their personalities shine in slightly different ways.
🩷 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Personality
Cavaliers are gentle, loyal, and calm-natured. They’re the definition of a lap dog and love nothing more than curling up beside you. They’re ideal for families who want a laid-back, easygoing, and deeply affectionate companion.
Cavaliers tend to be a bit more mellow and less mischievous than their Cavapoo counterparts, making them perfect for retirees, first-time dog owners, or quieter households.
💛 Cavapoo Personality
Cavapoos inherit their sweetness from the Cavalier side and their intelligence and playfulness from the Poodle side. They’re often a little more energetic and curious, with a spark of mischief that makes them fun, engaging pets.
They do well in homes with children or active families who love walks, playtime, and training games. Their smarts also make them excellent therapy or emotional support dogs.
✂️ Grooming and Coat Care
Both breeds are beautiful — but their grooming needs are quite different.
🩷 Cavalier Grooming
Cavaliers have long, feathered coats that require regular brushing (a few times per week) to prevent tangles and matting. Their coats shed moderately, and their long ears need routine cleaning to prevent infections.
💛 Cavapoo Grooming
Cavapoos typically have a wavy or curly coat that’s lower-shedding, but it comes with more maintenance. To avoid mats and tangles, they should be brushed several times a week and professionally groomed every 6–8 weeks.
Many Cavapoos are described as “low-shedding,” but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Still, they’re a great choice for families with mild allergies.
🧠 Training and Intelligence
Both Cavaliers and Cavapoos are smart, eager-to-please breeds — but their learning styles differ slightly.
Cavaliers love to please their owners and respond best to gentle, positive reinforcement. They’re easy to train, but can be a little sensitive.
Cavapoos inherit their Poodle parent’s intelligence, making them quick learners and often a bit more curious and independent. They excel in obedience, agility, and even trick training.
🏃♀️ Energy Level and Exercise
If you’re looking for a calm companion, the Cavalier is generally the lower-energy option. They’re happy with daily walks and cuddle time.
The Cavapoo, on the other hand, tends to have more pep in their step. They love walks, toys, and interactive games. While they’re still small dogs, they do best with at least 30–45 minutes of activity a day.
❤️ Health and Lifespan
Responsible breeding is key for both breeds.
Cavaliers are known for certain genetic health issues, including mitral valve disease (MVD) and syringomyelia (SM). Reputable breeders screen parents for heart and neurological health before breeding.
Cavapoos can inherit some of those same issues, but their Poodle genetics often introduce greater diversity, which may reduce certain risks. However, they can still be prone to patella issues, ear infections, and allergies.
🏡 Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if you want:
A calm, affectionate, and easygoing companion
A loyal lap dog who loves to snuggle
A breed that fits well into a peaceful household
Moderate grooming needs and gentle exercise
Choose a Cavapoo if you want:
A playful, intelligent, and outgoing family dog
A lower-shedding coat (with higher grooming upkeep)
A slightly more active and curious personality
A dog that may suit allergy-sensitive households
🐾 Final Thoughts from a Breeder
Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Cavapoo are exceptional breeds — loving, loyal, and full of personality. The right choice ultimately comes down to your lifestyle, activity level, and preferences for grooming and temperament.
If you want a classic, gentle companion, the Cavalier may be your perfect match.
If you’re looking for a lively, intelligent, and low-shedding partner, the Cavapoo might be the one for you.
Whichever you choose, when raised and bred responsibly, both breeds make incredible additions to any family.