Why You Should Never Buy a Cavapoo
The result of crossbreeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, the Cavapoo (also called Cavoodle or Cavadoodle) is a small to medium dog with a curly coat, floppy spaniel ears, and large, round eyes. One of the many ‘poodle mixes’ borne of the problematic ‘designer dogs’ trend, abandoned Cavapoos are increasingly appearing in shelters all over the UK. If you see a Cavapoo for sale, here’s why you should never buy one from a breeder or online retailer.
Cavapoos Are Prone to Hip Dysplasia
One concern with designer crossbreeds is that they tend to inherit health issues from both parent breeds, and Cavapoos are no exception. Hip dysplasia, which causes limping and pain, may even require surgery. Cavapoos are also prone to patellar luxation, in which the kneecap (often painfully) slips out of its proper position. Both issues require ongoing management, and vet bills add up.
Cavapoos Experience Eye Issues
The parent breeds of Cavapoos are both prone to eye issues, meaning their young may inherit the risk from both sides. Cavapoos may develop cataracts, which can cause blindness; entropion (when the eyelid rolls in on itself), which can cause painful irritation. They’re also more likely to develop progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and more.
Cavapoos Have Small Skulls
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel genes of Cavapoos can in some cases set them up for the issues associated with having a skull that’s too small for their brain. This feature, designed to make them ‘cute’, can actually be catastrophic. A too-small skull can cause the brainstem to become crowded, restricting cerebrospinal fluid flow to the brain, which can lead to everything from behavioural changes to seizures. If cavapoos do inherit this condition, they may suffer from near-constant pain. While Cavapoos are not recognised as a breathing-impaired breed, there is a chance they can also inherit breathing difficulties from their Cavalier King Charles spaniel side.
Cavapoos Suffer Separation Anxiety
All dogs desire – and deserve – lots of attention, but Cavapoos can be more needy than most, with many guardians describing them as ‘Velcro dogs’. Cavapoos are prone to separation anxiety and can’t be left alone for long. Simply heading to work or out on a date night may lead to excessive barking or destruction. Most importantly, it causes these little dogs stress.
There Are Lots Of Cavapoos Waiting in Shelters!
Because of the highly exploitative breeding business, the UK is in an animal homelessness crisis, leaving tens of thousands of dogs desperate for loving homes. When you buy someone from a breeder, instead of adopting from a shelter, you not only deny an animal a much-wanted home, but you also fund an industry that sees dogs as money-making opportunities rather than sensitive individuals. Do your homework, and only if you have the time and resources to care for a Cavapoo for their whole lives (up to 15 years), visit your local shelter to adopt.
Help Dogs by Calling out Crufts
Dog shows like Crufts promote animal breeding and buying, including of breathing-impaired breeds like pugs, Pekingese, and French and English bulldogs.
Help dogs today by urging Channel 4 to cut ties with Crufts.
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