Best Dog Insurance for the Cavapoo

DOG GROUP – Hybrid

After careful analysis we can show you the best dog insurance for the Cavapoo. We have researched the breeds history, health, personality and temperament, all areas that may be important when searching for the best pet Insurance for your Cavapoo.

Overview

The Cavapoo is a hybrid cross between a King Charles Spaniel and a poodle. Also known as a Cavoodle, the breed is not that of a pure- bred dog and owners should be aware that sometimes they display more dominant features of either a King Charles Spaniel or Poodle. The Cavapoo, like all hybrid dogs, is not recognised as a pedigree breed, and is classed as a crossbreed or mixed breed dog by The Kennel Club, and no authoritative breed registry for this dog type currently exists.

History

Cavapoos were bred in Australia in the 1900s when trying to breed a dog with a non-shedding coat perfect for families. The Cavapoo, like all hybrid dogs, is not recognised as a pedigree breed. A Cavapoo/Cavadoodle is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. It became one of the most popular dogs in England in the 21^st century.,/p>

How big is your Cavapoo?

The Cavapoo is a smaller dog with both males and females growing to a height of between 35-45 CM and weighing between 5-10Kg.

The Health of your Cavapoo

The Cavapoo is known for being a smaller breed of dog and of course that stands it in good stead when it comes to longevity. The fact that is is a cross breed also helps, as cross-breeds are well known to have a longer lifespan. Both of the cross breeds (the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the poodle) normally live to between 11 and 15 years of age, as a result the Cavapoo's lifespan is normally between 10 and 15 years.

Health issues can be a little more complicated with the Cavapoo as you have to take into account two different breeds. Poodles are known to be generally a very health breed, but the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known to suffer from some specific issues, a few of which are considered serious.

Mitral Valve Disease - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is prone to several significant issues including heart disease – nearly 50% of Cavaliers will develop mitral valve disease (MVD) by the age of five, and nearly all will have it by age 10. This is a degenerative condition, that over time, causes the valve edges to become thickened and knobbly. It can take years for MVD to show clinical signs and is normally treated with drugs, although it will ultimately end in death.

Syringomyelia is the term that describes fluid-filled cavities that develop within the spinal cord causing abnormal sensation in affected dogs, such as unusual scratching. Diagnostic tests are via MRI Scans and drugs used to provide pain relief. Although most dogs will live a normal life, long term treatment will be required, together with regular veterinary assessments.

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder seen in dogs, and has been estimated to affect approximately 0.75% of the canine population. There are numerous behavioural signs of epilepsy and these vary in severity. Anti epilepsy drugs are normally used to treat problems and can be prescribed for the rest of your dogs life. For more information on Epilepsy visit the Canine Health Foundation page.

Ductus Arteriosis Poodles are susceptible to a condition called Patent Ductus Arteriosis, in which a small vessel that carries blood between two parts of the heart does not close shortly after birth as it should. This results in too much blood being carried to the lungs, fluid build-up, and strain on the heart. Outward signs may be mild or you may see coughing, fatigue during exercise, weight loss, shortness of breath, or weakness in the hind limbs. Listening for a specific type of heart murmur can diagnose this problem during examinations. A serious condition may require surgery to close the problematic vessel.

There are several Health Tests for your Cavapoo available, we have listed them below

• Breed Club - Heart Testing (Mitral Valve Dysplasia)
• BVA/KC Chiari-malformation/Syringomyelia Scheme (CM/SM)
• BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
• Curly Coat / Dry Eye (CC/DE)
• Episodic Falling (EF)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA)

Personality and Temperament of your Cavapoo

Cavapoos learn quickly. They are a highly intelligent, energetic, lovable, and sociable breed. If there is a lap or bed going, they’ll be there. They require both physical and intellectual activities to keep them happy, don’t like to be left behind when their family go out, and excel at obedience training, especially needed, as they like to bark at any excuse. Cavapoos who are loved, reciprocate with devotion and loyalty, and if danger is near, will bark and quickly become very protective of its owner and family.

Caring for your Cavapoo

Cavapoo's can vary in appearance. Their image and presence really depends on the genetic influence of the parent breeds. A Cavapoo face is normally quite compact and they have large floppy ears. The body is quite small with short stout legs but overall well proportioned.

Cavapoo's have small well proportioned fluffy feet, long muzzle and a button nose, which just adds to their overall cuteness. Perhaps the most expressive part of a Cavapoo are their eyes, which are large, round and wide set. The Cavalier breed enhances the Cavapoo's slightly superior or regal air, but make no mistake they are people friendly dogs who want to be close to their families.

The Cavapoo needs daily exercise and engagement with its family or owner. They are recognised as high maintenance when grooming. Their ears do need keeping an eye on as they can need regular cleaning. Cavapoos shed hair in minimal amounts and are often called a hypoallergenic dog breed, but they will need regular weekly brushing to keep them at their best. It's coat needs grooming and clipping on a regular basis, as the hair will grow and become matted if this is not done, causing distress to the dog.

Feeding your Cavapoo

Your Cavapoo diet needs to consist of high quality food rich in protein and other critical compounds such as vitamins and minerals. Making sure you buy a good brand with well balanced ingredients is key. Don’t forget that your Cavapoo, like any other dog, is a carnivore, which means it thrives on meat. There are many suitable brands of dog feed on the market, most supply feeding guides. The first item on the ingredients list will tell you how much of the main ingredient is in the food e.g. Chicken, beef salmon etc. Your vet will advise if a special diet is needed.  

Cavapoos with other pets and children.

Cavapoos get on well with other pets if introduced when young, socialising is important as they love to jump around and play.

If raised with children and socialised from a young age a Cavapoo will love to play with children in its own family. They love chasing a tennis ball or join in with a game of football. Playtime with young friends should be supervised due to its small size.  Most problems arise from poor socialisation and boredom so include children in a training regime.

Why the Cavapoo is one of the most cute and popular dog breeds!

Best Dog Insurance for Cavapoo's

As discussed Cavapoo's can live to the ripe old age of 15 and in some cases even older. This make finding the right dog insurance now, even more important, because if you make the wrong choice and have to change Insurers midway through your dogs life, certain conditions may be excluded by any new Insurer.

It is also key to ensure you really understand Dog Insurance, what is and isn't covered, the policy conditions and requirements. You can find out all this information by reading our Pet Insurance Reviews.

Many Dog Insurers require a co-payment once your dog reaches the age between 6 and 8, and is something you should bear in mind when choosing a policy.

How much does the cost of Insurance increase as your Cavapoo gets older?

The number one complaint about pet insurance is that the renewal premium goes up each year. Whilst there could be several reasons for this (claims, increase in vet costs, cost of living etc), the main one is of course your dogs age. Just like humans, as your pet gets older, the chances of it requiring a visit to the vets or some form of treatment increases and Insurers have to take this factor into account when calculating renewal premiums. However this shouldn't be used as a blanket excuse and sadly Insurers do not always get it right.

To illustrate our point, the graph below shows the increase in premiums over the average lifespan of a Cavapoo, from ages 1 - 15. We have based the graph on a lifetime policy which offers at least £5,000 of vet fees cover and we have calculated the average premium payable across the whole market.

What is the difference in cost between individual covers?

Aside from Accidental only cover there are three main dog insurance policies to choose from. These are Time Limited (claims limited to 12 months), Maximum Benefit (no limit on time but a ceiling on the amount you can claim) and Lifetime (each year the policy is renewed, the level of benefit is also reinstated).

Which type of policy you go for depends on your attitude towards dog insurance, and of course how much you can comfortably afford. The graph below demonstrates the difference in cost between the three levels of cover, using the same information. Quotes are based upon a 5 year old male Cavapoo and a minimum of £2,000 vet fees cover. The premiums are an average of the whole pet insurance market.

We hope you have found the above information useful. This site was set up to try and help consumers navigate the complicated and time consuming Insurance market place. Whilst we are unable to make specific recommendations, if you have a query, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to try and assist.

We will let Charlie have the last word!