Cavapoos come in a range of sizes depending on the Poodle parent used in breeding. Most are considered small to medium-sized dogs, weighing between 10–25 pounds and standing 9–14 inches tall.

1. Toy Cavapoos (bred with a Toy Poodle) weigh around 10–15 pounds.
2. Mini Cavapoos (bred with a Miniature Poodle) weigh about 15–25 pounds.

Even full-grown Cavapoos stay compact and adaptable. Perfect for apartment living or small homes.

💡 Tip: A Cavapoo usually reaches its full-grown size by 8–12 months, though their coat continues to mature for a few more months.

Cavapoos are often marketed as hypoallergenic dogs, but no dog is completely allergen-free. Because of their Poodle genes, most Cavapoos shed very little and produce less dander, which makes them a great option for allergy-sensitive families. However, coat type varies — straighter coats (more like the Cavalier parent) may shed slightly more.

Yes, but only lightly. While Cavapoos are considered low-shedding dogs, their fur still requires regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Their coat doesn’t shed like traditional breeds, instead, loose hair often gets trapped in the curls, which can lead to knots if not maintained.

👉 Regular brushing 3–4 times a week helps control shedding and keeps your Cavapoo’s coat soft and clean.

Cavapoos have short, curly, or wavy coats that need consistent grooming. This comes from their Poodle heritage, which is known for high-maintenance fur. Without proper care, mats and tangles can form quickly, leading to discomfort or skin irritation.

This guide covers everything you need to know about grooming, trimming, and caring for your Cavapoo’s coat, nails, teeth, and ears.

First off, decide whether you want to groom your Cavapoo at home or seek professional assistance.

There is no wrong answer here. Grooming is an excellent way for owners to bond with their Cavapoo puppies. It can also feel daunting if you’ve never done it before.

It also requires significant investment in grooming supplies. Whereas a certified groomer will know your breed and be able to advise on styles, techniques, and haircuts.

• Cavapoo Puppy Cut

The puppy cut is an ideal way to learn how to groom a Cavapoo. It’s uncomplicated and less fussy than other time-intensive cuts. To achieve this look, simply cut your Cavapoo’s hair to approximately one inch. You should do this everywhere, including the face.

The resulting look is puppyish, hence the name. It’s similar but not identical to the teddy bear cut.

Owners like it partly because of the playful, exuberant look it gives Cavapoos but also because it keeps hair short enough to prevent painful mats. Not only does that mean less grooming in the long run, but it reduces the chances of your Cavapoo developing secondary infections.

• Cavapoo Summer Cut

Dogs regulate their body temperature through their fur. Ideally, you want a haircut that preserves enough fur to help your Cavapoo regulate temperature while keeping its coat light enough to stay comfortable. Summer cuts can vary, so if your Cavapoo sees the groomer often, you must be specific.

Some groomers interpret this cut to mean a full shave, but that can cause problems for your dog. The more effective summer cut gives your Cavapoo a fine, short coat. You’ll have to repeat the grooming procedure routinely during warm weather since their hair grows back quickly.

A summer cut that gives your Cavapoo roughly half an inch of hair covering them is an ideal way to prevent your Cavapoo from overheating.

• Cavapoo Teddy Bear Cut

The teddy bear cut is one of the most popular looks for groomed Cavapoos. It showcases the Cavapoo’s affectionate, loyal nature while keeping their fur a manageable length.

Typically, the fur around a Cavapoo’s paws stays short while its body is consistently a middling to short-cropped length.

You then trim the hair around the face so that it blends into the Cavapoo’s body and round out its appearance with scissors.

• Cavapoo Lion Cut

Another popular Cavapoo haircut many consider when grooming a Cavapoo is the lion cut.

What’s distinctive about the lion cut is that it leaves the hair around the legs and neck longer. The longer neck fur produces a ‘mane,’ and the extra coverage over your Cavapoo’s feet protects them on city walks.

Consequently, this is a popular look among city-dwelling Cavapoo owners who want to keep their dogs’ feet clean.

The next part of grooming a Cavapoo involves their ears. Because Cavapoos have furry ears, it’s an ideal place to house ticks, mites, and other parasites.

As you dry off your Cavapoo after their bath, take time to check their ears. Mites can be tricky to spot directly, so look for blackish discharge around the ears. Ticks, on the other hand, should be obvious.

There’s some debate about the best way to manage Cavapoo ear hygiene. Some people believe that cutting the ear hair back completely lessens the chances of attracting bacteria and parasites.

Other groomers say the opposite. We recommend splitting the difference and leaving enough hair to keep dirt and dust out of the ear canal but not so much that it becomes a breeding ground for potential illnesses. If you aren’t sure what’s best for your Cavapoo, speak to your vet.

This is also where some people prefer to involve a groomer. Cavapoo ears are delicate, and if you or your dog is nervous, one wrong move can cause a minor injury.

The next step in grooming your Cavapoo is trimming their nails. Many owners overlook this, sometimes because they’re nervous about clipping nails and other times because they don’t realize it’s mandatory.

Leaving a Cavapoo’s nails untrimmed risks:

1. Ingrown toenails
2. Torn nails
3. Paw pad injuries
4. Nails catching on foreign objects
5. Infection

Not all dogs like having their paws handled. That’s another reason to involve a professional groomer. However, you can help familiarize your dog with this procedure by touching their paws and lightly squeezing them in puppyhood.

Another way to relax a Cavapoo while you trim their nails is to distract them with a favorite toy or treat.

Reputable clippers will enable you to quickly and efficiently trim their nails. Always cut your Cavapoo’s nails at a 45-degree angle to avoid cutting the nail quick.

While grooming your Cavapoo, you can also take the opportunity to clean their teeth.

Like people, dogs can develop dental problems without routine dental hygiene. Untreated, they can develop dental disease, and may eventually need damaged or infected teeth extracted.

The process is expensive, and it’s painful for your Cavapoo. Not only that, but it puts your dog at risk for more serious problems like pancreatitis and certain types of cancer.

Start by touching their mouth and gums. The earlier you start the process, the more receptive your Cavapoo will be to eventual brushing. Once they’re used to having their teeth handled, you can put canine toothpaste on your finger and rub it along the gum line.

Only once your Cavapoo feels comfortable with this step should you incorporate a toothbrush into your routine. Brushing your Cavapoo’s teeth at least once a week helps normalize this process and keeps their teeth healthier for longer.

The final step in our Cavapoo grooming guide is to clean their eyes. Because Cavapoos are part Poodle, they inherit the Poodle’s predisposition for mucus around the eye.

The gunk isn’t unhealthy, but it forms a crust over your Cavapoo’s fur and stains it. The most effective way to remove this crust is by gently sponging your Cavapoo’s face with a warm washcloth.

As with nail trimming, repeated early exposure to touching on the face and around the eyes will help keep your Cavapoo calm while you do this.

A full-grown Cavapoo typically reaches adult size by one year old. They live 10–15 years on average, depending on genetics and lifestyle. Regular grooming, proper nutrition, and vet visits help maximize their lifespan and overall health.

Cavapoo puppies are known for their gentle and affectionate personalities. They’re smart and easy to train, which makes them great companions for families or singles. Early grooming habits help them grow into calm, cooperative adults.

If you’re looking to adopt one, always check local shelters or Poodle mix rescues first, many Cavapoo puppies need loving homes.

Impossibly adorable and endlessly affectionate, the Cavapoo has become one of America’s most popular designer breeds. Unfortunately, many end up in shelters due to reasons like relocation, financial struggles, or owners being unprepared for their care needs. Adopting from a Cavapoo rescue gives these loving dogs a second chance at a happy life. While there aren’t many rescues dedicated solely to Cavapoos, several reputable organizations across the U.S. focus on rehoming Poodle mixes, making them some of the best Cavapoo rescue options for families looking to adopt.

The cost of a Cavapoo varies depending on breeder reputation, coat color, and size. Expect to pay around $1,500–$3,000 for a Cavapoo puppy from a reputable breeder. Adoption fees from rescues range between $300–$600. Remember — proper grooming, vet care, and training add to the long-term investment of keeping your Cavapoo healthy and happy.

As this guide shows, grooming a Cavapoo is a necessary part of owning one of these affectionate dogs. And it doesn’t have to be daunting. The earlier you start, the more relaxed Cavapoos are about grooming.

To groom your Cavapoo, always start by brushing and proceed gradually towards more complicated steps like coat trimming and nail clipping. If at any point your dog signals distress, stop. If you can’t distract them with a toy or a treat, leave the rest of the grooming for another day.

You must groom your Cavapoo to keep them healthy, but it’s even more important you build a trusting relationship with them. Understanding how grooming your Cavapoo affects it is a significant part of that relationship.