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The Cavapom is the crossbreed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Pomeranian. Because their parent breeds have very different physical features, Cavapoms can also look completely different from each other. Since there are no breed standards or regulations for their appearance, you’ll find that Cavapoms have various coat textures, ear lengths, and facial structures. No two Cavapoms are the same, which makes them all the more interesting and unique.
Breed Overview
Colors:
Black, Brindle, brown, cream, red, white
Suitable for:
First-time dog owners, apartment life, families with children
Temperament:
Affectionate, loyal, playful
Cavapoms are adorable toy-sized dogs that make wonderful companion pets for many families. Despite their small size, Cavapoms have a lot of love to give. They thrive on human companionship, and because they’re so small, they can follow you nearly everywhere you go.
Cavapoms are generally recommended for first-time dog owners, but it’s still important to do your research before deciding to take care of one. We’ll go over everything you need to know about Cavapoms to determine if they’d be a good fit for you.
Cavapom Characteristics
Cavapom Puppies
Cavapoms are relatively popular mixed-breed dogs, and you can find a decent number of Cavapom breeders in the US. You may also be able to find Cavapoms at your local animal shelter or rescue. Some breed-specific rescue groups may also have Cavapoms and other Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-mixes or Pomeranian-mixes that are ready for adoption.
Cavapom puppies tend to have a mixed bag of personalities. Some may inherit the more easygoing temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and be gentler and more affectionate. Those that have more Pomeranian qualities will be more energetic and bolder.
In most cases, a Cavapom puppy will be playful and love being the center of attention. They’re fairly quick to become attached to their owners and will want to play with them all day. If you have a more energetic Cavapom, it’s important to ensure they’re playing safely. It’s not uncommon for a Cavapom puppy to feel bold and try to jump and leap from high places and get injured in the process.
Cavapom Origin & History
It’s most likely that the Cavapom started to appear with the wave of mixed-breed dogs in the 1990s. They were bred to be companion dogs and aren’t currently registered or formally recognized by the American Kennel Club or any other dog clubs and organizations. However, the breed’s parent dogs, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Pomeranian, have been registered for years as purebred dogs. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was officially recognized by the AKC in 1995, and the Pomeranian has an even longer history, receiving their AKC recognition in 1888.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Cavapom
As a mixed-breed dog, the Cavapom’s temperament tends to vary. They can adopt the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s gentle and affectionate personality, or they may act more like the spunky and bold Pomeranian. Cavapoms do tend to become very loyal to their families, and they usually form a strong bond with one or two people. They enjoy being in the spotlight and love being included in all family activities. Because Cavapoms tend to be very people-oriented, they don’t do well being left home alone for long hours. They do best in homes where there’s at least one person around to keep them company.
Cavapoms are also recommended for first-time dog owners because they’re smart and relatively easy to train. They may be a little stubborn at first, but they become eager to please as their bond with their owners strengthens. Therefore, it’s important to invest an equal amount of time and effort into obedience training and spending quality time with your Cavapom.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Cavapoms generally do well in families with children. They’re affectionate and playful. However, children must learn how to interact safely and respectfully with Cavapoms. Due to their small size, Cavapoms are more prone to injuries and can’t handle roughhousing.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Cavapoms enjoy being in the spotlight, so they’ll prefer being the only pet in the house. However, they’re usually able to live harmoniously with other dogs and pets. Early socialization and positive experiences with other dogs will help immensely for Cavapoms to adjust to living with another dog.
Some Cavapoms can have a strong prey drive, especially if their personality takes after the bold Pomeranian. Therefore, it’s important for dog owners to have realistic expectations and accept that their Cavapom might not ever be fully trusted to be left unsupervised with smaller pets.
Things to Know When Owning a Cavapom:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
As small dogs, Cavapoms will do best with eating dog food that’s specifically formulated for small dog breeds. Small dogs often require eating more calories than large dogs, and they usually need to be fed small portions of food multiple times a day. It’s recommended to break up a Cavapom’s daily food intake to 2 to 3 times a day so that they can feel full and energized throughout the day. Leaving food out and letting Cavapoms free graze can put them at risk of either malnutrition from undereating or obesity from overeating.
It’s best to first consult your veterinarian about your Cavapom’s nutritional needs. Your veterinarian can help you determine a healthy weight for your Cavapom and recommend specific brands or diets that are safe for them to eat.
Exercise 🐕
Cavapoms are playful dogs that will benefit from at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. They’ll enjoy going on walks, playing in a fenced backyard, or going to the dog park. While it’s recommended to walk your Cavapom every day, you can get by with skipping a walk on a rainy day as long as you have them exercise indoors through play. They’ll enjoy chasing tennis balls or playing with a treat-dispensing toy.
Don’t let a Cavapom’s small size fool you. These dogs can have a brave and adventurous side. They tend to be curious and inquisitive and often enjoy exploring the great outdoors. If you plan to take your Cavapom hiking, just make sure to equip them with the right outdoor gear, including a durable harness and dog water bottle.
Training 🎾
Navigating the world as a small dog can feel intimidating and overwhelming. Therefore, early socialization and obedience training are essential to a Cavapom’s well-being. Positive socialization opportunities will help build a Cavapom’s confidence and reduce anxiety when they enter new situations or meet new people and other dogs.
Because of their small size and cute appearance, it’s easy for Cavapoms to get away with bad behavior. It’s important to remain firm with obedience training to prevent Cavapoms from engaging in challenging behaviors, such as jumping on people and excessive barking.
Cavapoms respond best to positive training techniques and short, frequent, and fun training sessions. They’re sensitive to tone of voice, so it’s important to never shout or yell at them, as this will only lower their confidence and self-esteem.
Grooming ✂️
Cavapoms can have medium to long length hair and are light to medium shedders. Their hair is fairly dense and requires brushing every 1 to 2 days to prevent tangles and matting. Brushing will also help lift dead hairs from their coat and keep their coat healthy and clean.
It’s important not to overbathe Cavapoms because too many baths will dry out their skin and cause skin and coat issues. Most Cavapoms do well with getting bathed every 4 to 6 weeks. They’ll also benefit from getting their coats trimmed and cut by a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks.
Most Cavapoms also have floppy ears, which can trap moisture easily and cause ear infections. It’s important to check their ears regularly, especially in humid seasons, and clean them with a cleanser routinely.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Cavapoms are generally healthy dogs, but they may develop specific health issues as they age. It’s important to pay attention to their joint health when they get older because they’re prone to patella luxation, kneecap dislocation, and hip dysplasia.
Minor health issues that Cavapoms may experience are eye and tear duct issues, including abnormal eyelids and retinal degeneration. As a small dog, they’re prone to low blood sugar, so it’s important to stay on top of feeding them a healthy and nutritious diet.
Minor Conditions
- Patella luxation
- Hypothyroidism
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Eye issues
Serious Conditions
- Hypoglycemia
- Obstruction syndrome
Male vs Female
There are no consistent temperamental differences between male and female Cavapoms. The main difference you may notice between male and female Cavapoms is size, with males usually growing slightly larger than females.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Cavapom
1. Cavapoms may not like the cold.
Cavapoms have fluffy coats, but they still may not like the cold because of their small size. Smaller dogs tend to get cold more easily than larger dogs. Therefore, if you live in cold climates, it’s important to be mindful of how much time your Cavapom spends outside during the winter. They may also appreciate wearing a sweater or jacket when they’re outside.
2. Cavapoms can be good swimmers.
Pomeranians may not feel as enthused about swimming, but Cavalier King Charles Spaniels usually enjoy swimming. They’re known to love water, and many are natural swimmers who don’t need much encouragement to start swimming. So, if you’re looking for exercise ideas for your Cavapom, swimming might be an excellent option that also helps them keep cool on hot summer days.
3. Cavapoms have numerous coat colors and markings.
Cavapoms of the same litter can have different coat colors and markings. Both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pomeranians have numerous coat color varieties, including tri-colored, merle, and brindle coats. This makes Cavapoms look very unique from each other, and some may not even look like they’re the same dog breed.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Cavapoms are affectionate, people-oriented dogs. Because of their need for human companionship, they must be in families where they won’t be left alone for long hours. They’ll love being a part of all family activities and accompanying you everywhere you go.
Cavapoms are small dogs with big personalities, so don’t let their tiny size fool you. They’re strong and bold in their own way, and they’ll be sure to bring more joy and laughter into the lives of everyone around them.
Featured Image Credit: Left- Ihar Halavach, Shutterstock | Right – Roman Zaiets, Shutterstock
