Cavapoos are in increasingly high demand, and this pushes their market value upward with what can be a hefty price tag for a companion dog. As non-shedding friendly dogs, this breed has grown in popularity since its creation.
What Exactly Is a Cavapoo?
A Cavapoo is a designer hybrid breed of dog that is the result of crossbreeding between two well-known and respected dog breeds, the Poodle, and the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.
Toward the end of the 1990s, this mixed breed was created with the intent of joining desirable qualities from the two parent breeds.
The breeders wanted the intelligence and the hypoallergenic fur coat qualities of the Poodle with the calm good-natured temperament of the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.
The result of the choice to breed these two dog types together is today’s popular, and expensive Cavapoo. This is a small to medium dog breed that will weigh approximately twenty pounds and feature fluffy long hair.
What Makes a Cavapoo Special?
Consider that the Cavapoo is what is known as a “designer dog” because the breed was created with specific physical and personality traits in mind.
There is a great deal of demand for these dogs as they offer an affectionate and playful personality making them ideal family pups.
They love people to a fault, in fact, some will develop separation anxiety when their humans leave them at home alone.
How Expensive Is Expensive?
Cavapoos come with a hefty price tag attached, partially because they are so in demand but also because two different breeds are involved. In the United States, the asking price for a Cavapoo will range from $1200 to $2000.
Prices range this high because they take into account the dog’s character, fur coat, as well as the breeder’s reputation.
When purchasing a purebred or designer dog, the reputation of the breeder is important for the quality and health of the parent dogs as well as the pregnancy and post-natal care involved.
Cavapoos that cost considerably less should sound an alarm unless you know the breeder personally.
Why Is the Price So High?
One of the reasons that this dog is in such demand is its fur coat’s hypoallergenic qualities. Many allergy sufferers had forever lost hope of acquiring a companion dog for health reasons.
Now, because of the creation of hybrid breeds like the Cavapoo, people who otherwise might not be able to enjoy the company of a companion dog can do so. Children that suffer from allergies can welcome a family dog thanks to a fluffy, soft, but non-shedding fur coat.
The outgoing personality of this breed also plays a role in their popularity. Bred with one parent dog being the amiable King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, this offspring boasts a winning, outgoing, and friendly disposition.
The Breeder
The Breeder will also play a large part in how much the Cavapoo ends up costing. As a crossbreed, these dogs generally avoid inheriting many of the genetic illnesses or health issues attributable to their purebred parents.
They may be at risk for a few of these conditions but most likely considerably less than their parents.
A reputable breeder will pay close attention to the parent dogs used in breeding and will search for exemplars that do not carry hereditary health issues. Because this requires genetic testing, the costs of testing will be passed on to the buyer increasing a puppy’s price.
The Cavapoo’s Generation Factor
What generation Cavapoo your puppy is will likewise influence the price. Dogs that are crossbred with parents from earlier generations often are more desirable, and cost more because they are approximately 75% Poodle. This means that they will shed less, so the price increases.
Cavapoo Fur Coat Colors
Specific coat colors may be more in demand, and this will cost more. Some colors may be harder to achieve when breeding so this too will cost a price to increase. Cavapoos featuring three colors are generally the most expensive.
Cavapoo Age
The younger the puppy, from 8 weeks of age on, the more expensive it is. Puppies should not be removed from their mothers before two months of age.
Often when purchasing a Cavapoo puppy that is closer to a year in age, you may save a considerable amount, and though an older puppy, it will most probably already be housebroken and perhaps have received basic commands training.
See also: When Should I Start Training My Cavapoo Puppy?
What Does the Price Cover?
When buying from a reputable breeder, you should receive a health guarantee that may be for one year or two. You should also find included in your final purchase price:
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- Initial vaccines
- Deworming
- Microchip
- A sample bag of dog food for the transition
- A blanket or dog toy that has mom’s scent
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Some breeders may include a doggy bed, collar, leash, or other accessories.
Is It Possible to Find a Cavapoo That Is Less Expensive?
It’s possible. You need to investigate how many Cavapoo breeders reside in your area. If there are many, you have a better chance of finding a Cavapoo puppy for less, as there will be a larger gene pool and much more breeding going on.
Regardless of what price you do pay in the end, remember that the reliability and reputation of your breeder are paramount to the puppy’s overall health.
Testing costs will be expensive and expect those to be passed on to the buyers. These costs can vary depending on how many puppies are in a litter.
Good breeders will not only have a veterinarian involved but will also provide quality post-natal conditions for mom and her pups as well as contribute to the socialization of the Cavapoo puppies which is so important during the first few months of life.
Inexpensive Cavapoos should sound an alarm as to potential health issues, so initially you save, but then spend more taking care of your dog.
Seasonal Savings
A Cavapoo may cost more before the holidays if you are thinking of giving a puppy as a Christmas gift. They are also thought to cost more in warmer months because training appears to be easier. Research breeder’s prices to verify if there are savings at specific times of the year.
A Rescue Cavapoo
Believe it or not, even designer dogs are abandoned or surrendered to a refuge or local adoption association. Here you will pay between $150 and $200 for an adoption and vaccination fee saving over $1000 while doing a good deed.
If you find a Cavapoo Rescue and are considering adopting, factor in further vaccination costs, microchipping, and spaying or neutering into your initial costs. In any case, it will still cost less than going through a breeder.
Future Costs
Owning and maintaining a dog means that there will other costs during their lifetime. When considering welcoming a Cavapoo into your life remember that the typical lifespan of this dog is 12 to 15 years.
During these years you will have expenses for
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- Nutrition: Food and treats
- Grooming ( A professional groomer or products and equipment for home grooming)
- Veterinary visits
- Vaccine renewal
- Dog license
- Flea, heartworm, and parasite treatments
- Accessories such as harness, leash, collar and name tag, dog bed or crate, toys, clothing depending on the climate
- Potential injuries or illnesses
- Training
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Why Are Cavapoo Puppies So Expensive?
These designer dogs are in high demand, but the initial purchase fee is but a small portion of what it will cost you to care for a dog for an entire lifetime.
It’s important that you consider the complete financial cost before deciding to welcome a dog into your heart and your home.
