Cavapoo Breeding Guide

Cavapoo Breeding – Ultimate How-To Guide 2024

Cavapoos are an amazing breed that brings heaps of love and affection to any family they become a part of. These charming canines are the offspring of a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, combining warmth, intelligence, and a strong desire to learn. Are you considering Cavapoo breeding?

To ensure success, there are several essential steps to follow, such as selecting parents with superior genes, temperaments, and coats. Once your little bundles of joy arrive, it’s important to promote and find loving homes for your Cavapoo puppies!

I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide filled with valuable insights and recommendations for those interested in breeding Cavapoos. After reading through its contents, you’ll be well-prepared and equipped to welcome an adorable litter of Cavapoo puppies into the world.

Cavapoo Breeding Guide

But let’s get a closer look at the details of what is really needed for Cavapoo breeding.

Have Your Dogs Genetically Tested

The first step in breeding Cavapoos is to ensure that both parent dogs undergo testing for potential genetic issues. The good news is that a dog’s DNA remains unchanged throughout its life, so you can test them even if they are a few years old.

Embark is a top genetic lab for canines, providing essential information about your dogs and determining their suitability for breeding.

When it comes to your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it’s crucial to screen for diseases like Mitral Valve Disease and Syringomyelia. Additionally, check for any eye-related issues, including prcd-PRA and cataracts.

For your Poodle, be sure to test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), and Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures. Also, examine them for potential joint issues like Hip Dysplasia and Patellar Luxation.

Keep in mind that Cavapoos inherit traits from both parent breeds, so it’s vital to test for all the diseases mentioned above.

Another crucial aspect to consider is whether your dog, its parents, or grandparents have a merle coat. If so, it’s important to test for the presence of the merle gene. Avoid breeding two merle carriers, as it can lead to offspring with a higher risk of health issues, including deafness, blindness, and other potential complications.

Decide Which Generation You Want to Breed

It’s time to determine the generation of Cavapoo you want to breed. Depending on the generation, your puppies may require coat testing to help predict the type of coat they’re likely to inherit.

When breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Poodle with a Cavapoo, coat testing is not necessary. However, if you decide to breed two Cavapoos, it becomes crucial to perform coat testing.

Here’s a quick reference for when to conduct Cavapoo coat testing and when it can be skipped:

  • Breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle results in an F1 Cavapoo, and no testing is needed.
  • Breeding an F1 Cavapoo and Poodle produces an F1b Cavapoo, and no testing is needed.
  • Breeding two F1 Cavapoos creates an F2 Cavapoo, and coat testing is highly recommended for the F1b parent.

What is Coat Testing?

Coat testing involves examining your pup’s DNA to identify any traits that have two copies. This test is particularly vital when breeding two Cavapoos, as it helps determine if they possess the furnishing or improper coat trait.

Another essential test for your dog is the shed locus test, which is strongly advised. Embark provides coat testing services in addition to their genetic testing offerings, supplying more information about shed locus and improper coats.

This can help you better understand your Cavapoo’s coat and how much they’re likely to shed.

Should I Have Coat Testing Done for my Stud?

While coat testing typically focuses on the female dog, it’s beneficial to have the male undergo coat testing as well. If other breeders express interest in using your Cavapoo as a stud for their own litter, providing comprehensive information about him is advantageous.

This can help ensure that the puppies he produces are healthy and have desirable coats.

Evaluate Their Personalities

Inviting an accomplished trainer or animal behaviorist to assess your Cavapoo can give you a clearer understanding of its true temperament. Alternatively, you can look at the Canine Good Citizen certification for your dog from the AKC.

The objective of this evaluation is to guarantee that prospective owners of your lovely Cavapoo’s puppies can be confident in their good temperament. Additionally, it ensures that an impartial expert doesn’t uncover any temperament traits you might have overlooked.

Similar to genetic testing, temperament evaluation can be conducted at any age. Be sure to complete this process before embarking on your Cavapoo breeding journey to ensure that you’re breeding healthy puppies with excellent temperaments.

Research the Pedigree of Your Dog

In the world of Cavapoo breeding, investigating your dog’s pedigree is another crucial step to take. This can help you identify any history of diseases or ailments in your dog and assess its suitability for breeding.

Your Cavapoo’s vertical pedigree, which encompasses their parents and grandparents, as well as their horizontal pedigree which includes their siblings and other relatives, are essential factors in accurately evaluating your dog’s lineage.

It’s important to provide your Cavapoo’s pedigree, along with their health and genetic testing results, so that other breeders can have a comprehensive understanding of what your dog brings to the table.

Get Your Cavapoo OFA Tested

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) offers health tests tailored for Cavapoos. Fill out the relevant forms and rely on your regular vet to perform cardiac and patella luxation tests (which can be conducted any time after your dog turns one year old) during routine visits.

Once the forms are completed, submit them to the OFA along with the required fee to be entered into their database. Afterward, find a vet who is registered with the OFA, experienced in OFA films, and proficient in hip and elbow dysplasia x-rays for your pup.

Avoid scheduling a hip x-ray for your female Cavapoo if they are about to enter heat or are currently in heat, as hormonal changes may affect joint laxity.

Be sure to include the AKC registration or OFA numbers of your Cavapoo’s parents on the form if they have undergone OFA testing previously. This step is crucial for studs and breeders intending to sell their puppies to other breeders.

The OFA forms you will need are the Cardiac Form, Patella Luxation Form, and Hips/Elbows Dysplasia Form.

Take Pictures of The Dogs You Plan on Breeding

When preparing to breed your Cavapoo, it’s essential to remember to capture photographs of your dogs. Whether your dog is male or female, photographs provide an excellent glimpse of what others can expect from your charming canine companion.

Don’t limit yourself to taking pictures of the parents only. Once you have a litter of puppies, capture plenty of images of the little ones too. These photographs can be incredibly helpful in marketing your puppies and finding potential buyers.

Having photos of an adorable group of puppies significantly improves your chances of finding buyers. It’s challenging to resist the appeal of beautiful puppies, and when people see attractive pictures, they’re more likely to make a purchase.

Always strive to obtain the best possible photographs. This includes taking high-quality shots, capturing flattering angles, and providing a variety of images that showcase your pups’ appealing appearance.

With excellent photographs, you can help ensure that your Cavapoo puppies find their way to loving and caring homes.

Consult an Experienced Veterinarian

When selecting a veterinarian for your pregnant Cavapoo, it’s crucial to ensure that they are equipped and experienced in caring for a pregnant dog.

Some vets may not be prepared or experienced enough to handle a litter of tiny puppies, and a composed demeanor is necessary to conduct essential health checks, administer vaccinations, and potentially insert microchips.

A vet who can address your inquiries and guide you throughout the breeding process is a valuable resource. It’s important to aim to find a reproductive veterinarian who can offer support and assistance whenever needed.

These specialists can also provide recommendations for where to take your Cavapoo for OFA x-rays, which can help ensure that your puppies are healthy and have desirable traits.

In addition to experience with pregnant dogs, look for a vet who has a good reputation and can provide references from other breeders or dog owners.

Get the Proper Supplies

Once you’ve addressed everything else in preparation for breeding your Cavapoo, it’s time to gather the necessary supplies for your future puppies. Purchase a whelping box for the newborn pups and washable cloth for bedding in case the mother chooses to give birth outside the box.

Keeping small cloths for cleaning and bulb suction for breathing assistance nearby is essential. Disposable gloves are also a good idea for maintaining a clean and sterile environment around newborn puppies.

A warming pad is another crucial item to have on hand. Newborn puppies are vulnerable to the cold, and keeping them warm and cozy is necessary for their health and well-being.

Don’t forget to have some snacks prepared for the mother dog to help her stay hydrated and rejuvenated after giving birth. Popular options include broth, cottage cheese, vanilla ice cream, and plain yogurt.

If your male dog is involved in the breeding process, consider obtaining artificial insemination kits to simplify the breeding process if he’s inexperienced or unable to achieve a tie with his mate.

Preparing for the arrival of new puppies can be overwhelming, but with the right supplies and equipment, you’ll be well-prepared to provide the best possible care for your Cavapoo and her puppies. Be sure to have everything organized and readily available before the big day arrives.

Advertise Your Pups!

While Cavapoo puppies are certainly adorable, as a responsible breeder, your main goal is to find loving homes for them. Advertise your puppies through various channels and use captivating pictures to entice potential buyers.

Consider utilizing local pet groups and dog-lover communities on social media platforms like Facebook to reach a wider audience. Sharing updates and pictures of your cute Cavapoo puppies can help generate interest and leads.

In addition to social media, consider setting up your own website if you plan to become a professional breeder and produce multiple litters of Cavapoo puppies. A website is a great way to reach a broader audience and provide more detailed information about your breeding program. You can even include advertisements for extra income.

There are also many websites specifically designed for advertising puppies, such as PuppySpot and Hoobly. While these platforms require payment, they can be effective in finding potential buyers for your puppies.

Remember to be proactive and creative in your advertising efforts to help your Cavapoo puppies find loving homes. By using a combination of online and offline channels, you can increase your chances of finding the right buyers for your puppies.

Follow the Laws

As a responsible Cavapoo breeder, it’s essential to ensure that you comply with the breeding laws and regulations in your area. Every state, county, and city may have specific rules and regulations that must be followed when breeding dogs.

Before beginning the breeding process, take the time to familiarize yourself with the relevant laws and regulations in your area. This will help you avoid any potential complications and legal issues down the line.

It’s worth noting that some areas have restrictions on the number of dogs you can breed or the number of litters you can produce in a year. Others may require breeders to obtain special licenses or permits before they can begin breeding.

By staying informed about the laws and regulations in your area, you can ensure that you are operating legally and ethically as a Cavapoo breeder.

Conclusion

Cavapoo Breeding Guide

These are just a few considerations to keep in mind when breeding your own Cavapoos.

By following this guide, you should gain a solid understanding of the steps necessary to prepare for breeding your very own Cavapoo puppies.

Sources

  1. American Kennel Club (AKC) – Breeding Your Dog: A Comprehensive Guide URL: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/breeding-your-dog-a-comprehensive-guide/
  1. The Kennel Club UK – Breeding from your dog URL: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeding/breeding-from-your-dogs/
  1. The University of California, Davis – Veterinary Genetics Laboratory URL: https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/

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