Cavoodles can be prone to several health concerns that should be taken into consideration when looking to get your own.
However, we are careful, diligent Cavoodle breeders, and our parent dogs are the healthiest around, so read up on what to look for when sourcing a puppy for your family. Sometimes a “cheap pup” will be a really expensive dog with lots of health issues. To avoide this issue ,best to get a pup from us. 😁
If you’re thinking of bringing a Cavoodle into your family, like any BIG commitment, you will need to do your research on all the potential health problems that can be part of this designer breed. That being said, these little guys are pretty robust overall.
We know the Cavoodle is a charming crossbreed between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and (ideally) a Toy Poodle. Their diverse genetic makeup from both parents can make them more robust and less prone to certain defects. However, it’s important to remember that you are purchasing a designer breed, so it’s crucial to ensure the parents are healthy, happy dogs with good temperaments. With their curly hair, big brown eyes, and teddy bear-like features, the Cavoodle has captured the hearts of many and become one of the most popular breeds in Australia.
Potential health problems in the breed
Chiari-like malformation (CM) and Syringomyelia (SM): This neurological condition occurs when the skull cavity is too small for the brain, which is more common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. SM is a side effect of CM where fluid-filled cavities develop within the spinal cord, and it cannot be diagnosed in puppies as it only develops after six months. While Cavoodles have the benefit of genetic materials from Poodle lineage that reduce the likelihood of CM and SM, it can still occur. It is crucial to check the parents and ask important questions of your breeder. (We test for this.)
Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (DMVD): DMVD affects the one-way valve (the Mitral Valve) that sits between the two chambers of the heart, allowing blood to leak back into the left atrium in certain breeds, especially Cavaliers. This causes “heart murmurs” and more severe complications, such as congestive heart failure. Cavaliers are prone to DMVD, so there is a possibility your Cavoodle may develop the condition. To ensure the best possible health outcome for your pet, it’s important to inquire about the parents’ health and ask your breeder the tough questions. (We test for this too.)
Eye disease including cataracts and/or progressive retinal atrophy: Progressive retinal atrophy is an umbrella term for a family of eye diseases that cause the retina to deteriorate and can gradually lead to full blindness. Night blindness is often the first symptom. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but dogs can adapt well to blindness as long as there are no sudden changes to their surroundings. Cataracts cause the eye lens to become opaque, resulting in cloudiness and blocking light from passing through the lens. The Cavoodle breed is prone to this condition.
Hip dysplasia: Although hip dysplasia is more common in larger dog breeds, it can also be identified in some smaller breeds like the Cavoodle. (We have never had a dog with this issue.) Symptoms such as decreased activity, reluctance to jump up, rise and climb stairs, and changes in gait can indicate this condition is present. The condition is caused by the hip ball and socket joint not being properly formed, which can result in a loose connection. Over time, arthritis can develop, worsening the condition. Hip dysplasia is partially genetic and can be managed with weight management and diet.
Weight management and diet: Proper weight management and diet are essential to preventing or mitigating the impact of hip dysplasia on your dog’s quality of life.
Epilepsy: Cavoodles may be prone to idiopathic epilepsy, a genetic condition inherited from their parent breeds. Although the cause of seizures is unknown, there are treatments available, and your veterinarian can help guide you through your options. (We have never had a dog with this issue, our toy Poodles are tested for this and are all clear. It does not affect Cavaliers.)
Our health guarantee
If your puppy is diagnosed by a suitably qualified veterinarian as having a life threatening or seriously disabling defect of certain congenital/genetic origin any time in its life we will refund 100% of the purchase price or pay for treatment, up to the purchase price, at a Veterinary Clinic approved by us. We reserve the right to require a second opinion from a veterinarian of our choice at our expense. If the puppy is euthanized or in any way disposed of, without a second opinion from the seller’s veterinarian, the buyer waives all rights to a refund.
Our dogs are screened by Orivet Orivet webpage and Dog breeding Science for the following, Congenital Macrothrombocytopenis, Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome, Degenerative Myelopathy and Episodic Falling down Syndrome. We do the Orivet’s Full Breed Profiles (FBPs) are breed specific genetic screens for diseases & traits that are relevant to each breed. Our customised panels select from over 240 genetic tests that have been scientifically validated (published) for the breed listed. All FBPs include a DNA Profile (genetic fingerprint) which allows us to verify matings.
Diseases of likely environmental origin (likely to be caused by suboptimal diet, chemicals, or trauma) are not covered. The most common genetic diseases in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – (mitral valve insufficiency), Syringomyelia, patella luxation and hip – they are covered by this Guarantee, Heart conditions are not uncommon in older cavaliers, however, if your dog dies before the age of 8 from a heart related problem you are covered by the Guarantee. The most common genetic diseases in Toy Poodles are Addison’s disease, thyroid issues (both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid), collapsed trachea, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Sebaceous Adenitis, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease and epilepsy, these are covered by this Guarantee. This warranty is void in the event of an undetermined or inconclusive diagnosis.
If your puppy dies and you request a refund, you must have a necropsy performed by a suitably qualified veterinarian at your expense to determine the cause of death. Your puppy will be refunded if the death was caused by a genetic problem or an illness which your puppy had at the time of purchase. For this reason, it is advisable to have your puppy checked by your own veterinarian within 72 hours of purchase.
For the long-term health of your puppy we recommend a diet containing at least 20% raw meaty bones, minimal exposure to food additives, and de-sexing at 12 months of age or older. We also recommend minimising exposure to veterinary drugs (such as flea and heartworm treatments, vaccinations and wormers) to the minimum dosage and frequency needed to safeguard your pet’s health.
Cavoodles SBT 