How Much Does a Cavapoo Cost? [Price Guide]

Cavapoos are currently the sweethearts of the designer dog world-they are outgoing, intelligent, and playful (not to mention adorable). A mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a miniature or toy poodle, the Cavapoo brings the beauty and loyalty of the spaniel to the cleanliness and intelligence of the poodle. 

However, the result of the Cavapoo’s growing popularity is also an increasingly high price tag. If you have your heart set on one of these adorable dogs, you need to know how much it will cost, both to purchase and to upkeep! How much does a Cavapoo puppy cost, anyway? 

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Cavapoo Puppy? 

Purchasing a Cavapoo puppy from a breeder will cost you anywhere $1,000 to $3,000 USD, depending on several factors. The breeder’s reputation and size of Cavapoo pup can up the price, as can the pedigree and genetics of the parents. These are just a few components of a Cavapoo price. 

Supply and Demand 

Of all of the factors affecting the price of Cavapoo puppies, the most influential one is supply and demand. Because the demand for Cavapoos is high and the supply is relatively low, the price is much higher than it would be for a different breed of dog-particularly a breed that is not so specific. 

These puppies are increasingly popular, especially since the pandemic. Breeders everywhere are struggling to keep up with the demand, and most litters are waitlisted. Cavapoos are designer dogs, which makes them less simple to breed. Of course, this ups the price even more.

Coat Color Effects Cost

Black Cavapoos are beautiful, but cost less than Red Cavapoos. Why? It all comes down to how rare the coat is. Apricot and red coats tend to fetch the highest cost.

Bicolor and Tricolor Cavapoo coats fetch the highest premium – some of these Parti coats are so striking and rare that breeders charge the higher end ($3000 USD plus)

See the full Cavapoo Color guide.

Breeder Reputation

The most important thing to research when you’re buying a puppy is the breeder. Once you’ve decided on the kind of dog you’re getting, you have to know that they will be well cared for, both before and after birth. While getting a puppy from a reputable breeder is essential, it can also bring up the price of the pup. 

A good breeder will look at genetics, temperament, and environment before breeding their dogs. They will also expect to know that you will give the dog a safe and loving home and might ask for an interview or a deposit. These things will take time and cost money but are worth it for a healthy and happy dog. 

Generation of Cavapoo Dog

A first-generation Cavapoo is a result of breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a mini or teacup poodle. Second or third-generation dogs are the offspring of other Cavapoos. As the generations go on, the less they shed. For this reason, first-generation Cavapoos are generally slightly less expensive. 

If you do not mind a little more shedding, you can specifically look for a first-generation. They are great dogs and some breeders believe they have more stable health than later generations. However, the farther down the line they get, the more hypoallergenic these dogs are (as they adopt more of the genetics of the poodle, which doesn’t shed). A Cavapoo will be more expensive if they are a later generation. 

A F1b Cavapoo (Back cross with a Poodle meaning 75% Poodle genetics) is about as close a non-shedding Cavapoo as you can get. Therefore expect to pay a premium for this type.

Puppy Parentage

The parents of your puppy affect almost everything about it, including the price. Parentage influences color, temperament, genetics, and health. A good breeder will do temperament tests on both parents and pair them accordingly. Most breeder dogs go through extensive genetic testing to ensure that they aren’t handing down any defects to their offspring. 

Of course, this kind of scrutiny takes time and money, so that will affect the price of your puppy. This cost is also why puppy mills are less expensive-they don’t take the time to ensure that the puppies and parents are as healthy and happy as they can be. The coloring of the pup might affect the price, and certain fur combinations are hard to find. 

Location 

Where you live in the country and how far you are willing to travel are factors that will also affect the price of a Cavapoo puppy. If you live near a larger city with lots of breeders, there will most likely be more competitive pricing for a puppy. However, if the Cavapoo breeder near you is the only one for miles, the dog you buy will be more expensive. 

• Cavapoos in NY or California tend to cost more
• In the UK Cavapoos are VERY popular and expensive
• In Australia the east cost Cavoodle prices are high
• Michigan has a bunch of mid-price range but HIGH-quality breeders

Location is another aspect of supply and demand. Sometimes by traveling farther to pick up a puppy, you will be able to save money. However, remember to research the breeders you are considering and factor the cost of travel into your budget! 

Puppy Mills

One of the biggest traps to watch out for in dog shopping is the potential that a breeder offering bargain prices is actually the owner of a puppy mill. Puppy mills are non-conscientious breeders who pay no attention to the health or safety of the dogs they are breeding. Dogs from a puppy mill might have health issues, poor genetics, and short life spans. 

To avoid supporting the unethical practices of puppy mills, make sure that you adequately research a breeder, especially if they offer unusually low prices for a designer dog. Online forums and breeder reviews are excellent sources of information. Well-established breeders will also be able to give you information about other breeders. 

Adoption Costs

Naturally, if you adopt a Cavapoo puppy from a shelter or adoption agency, the price will be much lower. Shelters want good homes for the dogs in their care and didn’t breed the puppies to sell them. Adoption fees are generally around $400 to $500, not including a small registration fee for the dog. 

However, Cavapoos are trendy dogs right now, and it will be difficult for you to find one available at a local shelter. If you want a Cavapoo and can’t afford a breeder puppy, it might be best to look for an older Cavapoo at a shelter or contact a rescue agency. Some agencies specialize in rescuing specific breeds, which could be helpful. 

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Cavapoo Puppy? 

Of course, the cost of the puppy itself is not the only cost incurred. A dog takes a lot of work and responsibility (at the risk of sounding like your dad when you were a kid). There are more costs than just the beginning supplies. Your Cavapoo will cost you somewhere around $1,000 or more annually in healthcare, training, and supplies costs. 

Training 

Training your Cavapoo puppy is vital – if you wait on training, you’ll raise an unruly and disobedient dog. Early training classes will cost you money, however. An average pet store training session costs around $100, and personal training will cost you more. You decide how much or little professional training you and your pup need. 

Although you can train your dog with no classes, there are many benefits to going to a session or hiring a private trainer with your pup. Not only will you (and your dog) be able to learn from a professional, but your Cavapoo will be able to start interacting with strange dogs and people at a very early age. This exposure can prevent shyness or aggression later on. 

Healthcare

When you first buy a Cavapoo, there will be several healthcare costs right off the bat. You’ll have to pay to fix the dog (most breeders require this) and get all of the necessary vaccines and health checks. As Cavapoos get older, they need regular vet checkups, flea meds, vaccine boosters, and health checks. 

Some dogs have more sensitive stomachs than others and will need specialty dog food. In any case, you might want to consider buying higher-end, more natural dog foods anyway. Eating well-balanced meals will help your dog stay healthy and live a longer life, so it is worth the higher price tag. 

Grooming 

One of the biggest perks of a Cavapoo puppy is that it doesn’t shed. However, when it comes to grooming, this can be a liability as well.

You will need to brush your Cavapoo coat using a slicker brush and comb once or twice a week.

Although you won’t have to clean up as much dog hair at home with this puppy, you will have to bring it to the groomer at least once every month. Grooming could cost you anywhere from $60 to $120, depending on the dog salon. (You can DIY groom your Cavapoo though!)

If you cut your dog’s hair shorter, you might be able to wait two months before grooming again. However, it’s vital that you either take your pup to the groomer regularly or trim its hair at home-poor hygiene can leave a Cavapoo’s fur tangled and matted and will lead to long-term health issues. 

Puppy Supplies 

Of course, there seems to be an endless list of supplies for a new puppy. You need leashes, crates, collars, toys, and treats (all of which often need replacing). As your pup grows, you might need different sizes of collars or halters. A variety of chew toys is essential so that your dog doesn’t chew up your things. 

While supplies might be an ongoing cost of having a puppy, they often are the most fun to buy. In addition to the necessities, you can buy your dog specialty toys, leashes, or even outfits. Cavapoos are expensive to purchase and to own, but it is a small price to pay for a loving and loyal pup.  

Final Thoughts 

Overall, you are looking at a minimum $1,500 one-time purchase and recurring costs of over $1,000 annually for a Cavapoo puppy. Of course, the love and affection of a sweet Cavapoo make all of these costs worth it in the end-and paying more money for a dog who will live longer is an excellent investment! 

Don’t forget about checking our guide to Cavapoo rescue groups before you adopt from a good breeder! You never know what you might find.