18 Great Questions to Ask Cavapoo Breeders When Adding a Puppy to Your Family

Adding a Cavapoo puppy to your family is an exciting journey filled with puppy kisses, joyful tail wags, and unforgettable moments. As a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, Cavapoos are adored for their intelligence, affectionate personalities, and hypoallergenic coats. But before welcoming one into your home, you must do your homework—starting with finding a reputable breeder.

Asking the right questions helps you ensure your new pup comes from a safe, ethical, and healthy environment. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the most important questions to ask Cavapoo breeders, along with why they matter and what kind of answers to expect. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced pet parent, this guide will arm you with the knowledge you need to make the best decision for your family—and your future furry companion.

Why You Should Be Picky When Choosing a Cavapoo Breeder

Cavapoos are in high demand thanks to their small size, sweet temperament, and allergy-friendly coats. Unfortunately, their popularity has led to a rise in puppy mills and backyard breeders looking to make a quick profit. These breeders often cut corners, resulting in puppies with health issues, poor socialization, and behavioral challenges.

Asking the right questions helps you avoid these pitfalls and supports responsible breeders who prioritize animal welfare. A quality breeder will be just as interested in your ability to provide a loving home as you are in their puppies.

1. Can I Meet the Puppy’s Parents?

Meeting the puppy’s parents, especially the mother, gives you a clear picture of what your puppy might grow into—both physically and behaviorally. When you meet them, observe:

Their temperament: Are they friendly, social, or timid?
Their condition: Are they well-fed, clean, and alert?
Their size and appearance: These traits often pass down to puppies.

A breeder who won’t let you meet the parents may be hiding poor conditions or using multiple facilities.

2. Can I See Where the Puppies Are Raised?

A home-raised Cavapoo is typically better socialized and exposed to a normal household environment. You’ll want to see:

Cleanliness of the living area
Indoor and outdoor space for exercise
Toys, bedding, and enrichment activities
Interaction with people and other animals

Avoid breeders who insist on meeting offsite or refuse home visits. It’s a sign they may not be providing humane conditions.

3. How Long Have You Been Breeding Cavapoos?

Experience makes a difference. An experienced Cavapoo breeder is more likely to understand the breed’s unique characteristics and needs. Ask:

Do you breed any other breeds?
How did you get started?
Do you have repeat buyers?

Look for a breeder with a history of ethical breeding and satisfied families.

4. What Health Tests Have the Parents Undergone?

Health screening is one of the most important factors in responsible breeding. Cavapoos can inherit genetic conditions from both parent breeds, including:

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) from Cavaliers
Hip Dysplasia from Poodles
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Syringomyelia (SM)
Patellar Luxation

Ask to see copies of testing results from OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or Embark. Transparent breeders will gladly share.

🔗 Learn about genetic testing from Embark

5. Are the Puppies Examined by a Veterinarian?

All puppies should be seen by a vet before going to their new homes. Ask:

Have they received their first vaccinations?
Have they been dewormed or treated for parasites?
Will I receive a copy of the health certificate?

This information protects both you and your puppy from future medical surprises.

6. When Can I Take the Puppy Home?

Ethical breeders don’t send puppies home before 8 weeks of age. Early separation can cause behavioral issues and poor immunity. Breeders who rush the process are often looking to free up space for another litter.

Confirm the pickup date and ask if the puppy will have additional vet visits or socialization training before then.

7. How Are the Puppies Socialized?

Cavapoos thrive on human interaction and benefit greatly from early socialization. Ask:

Are the puppies exposed to household noises (vacuums, TVs, etc.)?
Have they met different types of people?
Have they been around children or other pets?

Proper socialization leads to well-adjusted adult dogs. Puppies raised in isolation may be fearful or reactive.

8. Can I See Testimonials or Speak With Past Puppy Buyers?

Reputable breeders are proud of their puppies and happy to connect you with previous buyers. Testimonials and conversations with other Cavapoo owners can reveal:

Long-term health and temperament
The breeder’s responsiveness and communication
How the transition to a new home went

You can also check social media, forums, or Google reviews for more breeder feedback.

9. Do You Offer a Health Guarantee or Return Policy?

A responsible breeder should provide a written health guarantee, typically for one to two years against genetic conditions. Ask:

What conditions are covered?
What happens if a health issue arises?
Is the puppy returnable or replaceable?

Also confirm if the breeder has a lifetime return policy, meaning they’ll take the dog back if needed.

10. Will You Help With Transitioning the Puppy?

A puppy’s first few weeks in a new home can be overwhelming. Breeders should support this transition with:

A sample of their current food
A blanket with the mother’s scent
Feeding and potty schedules
Tips for crate and leash training

This helps ease your Cavapoo into your home with less stress and confusion.

11. What Is the Puppy Eating, and Do You Recommend Any Supplements?

A high-quality diet supports your Cavapoo’s rapid development. Ask:

What brand and type of food are they eating?
Do you recommend wet or dry food?
Any supplements for coat health, digestion, or joints?

Sudden changes in diet can lead to digestive upset, so you’ll want to continue their current food for at least a few weeks before gradually transitioning.

12. Will My Puppy Be Microchipped?

Microchipping your puppy is a smart step for safety and recovery in case they’re ever lost. Some breeders offer microchipping before pickup. If not, plan to do it at your vet’s office during the first wellness visit.

Ask if the puppy comes with a registration or ID number, and what microchip registry is used.

13. Are Puppies Started on Crate or Potty Training?

While full training takes time, some breeders introduce puppies to crate training or basic potty routines. Ask:

Have they started learning where to go potty?
Are they accustomed to sleeping in a crate?
What methods have been used so far?

Early exposure to training routines makes your job easier and sets the tone for a well-behaved dog.

14. Will My Puppy Be Spayed/Neutered?

Many breeders choose not to spay/neuter before 8 weeks due to age and health concerns. However, they may require you to do so by a certain age. Ask:

Do you have a spay/neuter agreement?
What age do you recommend the procedure?
Are there any breed-specific considerations?

This ensures you’re on the same page regarding long-term health and breeding responsibility.

15. How Big Will the Puppy Get?

Size can vary depending on whether the Cavapoo is bred from a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Ask:

What are the parents’ weights and heights?
Is the puppy expected to stay under a certain size?
Do you offer Toy or Mini Cavapoos?

This helps you prepare your living space, choose appropriate supplies, and anticipate future care needs.

16. How Often Do You Breed Your Dogs?

Overbreeding is a red flag. Ethical breeders allow time between litters so the mother can rest and recover. Ask:

How many litters per year does each dog have?
At what age do you retire breeding dogs?
Do you breed multiple females at once?

If the breeder has many puppies available year-round, it may be more of a business than a labor of love.

17. Are You Affiliated With Any Reputable Breeding Organizations?

While Cavapoos are a hybrid and not recognized by the AKC, there are several ethical breeder groups that maintain standards. Ask if the breeder is affiliated with:

The American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)
Continental Kennel Club (CKC)
Local dog clubs or rescue networks

Affiliation doesn’t guarantee quality, but it often reflects a commitment to ethical breeding.

🔗 Read about choosing a responsible breeder on the Humane Society website

18. What’s Your Policy If Something Goes Wrong?

Good breeders want their puppies to thrive. Ask:

What happens if my puppy has a serious illness?
Will you take the puppy back?
Do you have a refund or exchange policy?

Avoid breeders who have no clear plan or shift all responsibility to the buyer.

Bonus: Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all breeders are created equal. Watch out for:

🚫 Refusal to show you the breeding area
🚫 Lack of health documents or vet records
🚫 Prices that are unusually low or high
🚫 Pressure to make a quick decision

These are often signs of puppy mills or unethical breeding practices.

Final Thoughts: Be a Detective, Not Just a Shopper

Adding a Cavapoo to your home is a major commitment. The extra effort you put into researching your breeder will pay off in a happy, healthy companion who thrives for years to come.

Use the questions in this guide not just as a checklist, but as a conversation. Ethical breeders will appreciate your thoroughness—they want to find great homes for their pups just as much as you want the perfect furry addition to your family.

Printable Checklist: 20 Questions to Ask Your Cavapoo Breeder

Can I meet the parents?
Can I see where the puppies live?
How long have you been breeding Cavapoos?
Are the parents health tested?
Have the puppies seen a vet?
When can I take my puppy home?
How are the puppies socialized?
Can I talk to previous buyers?
Do you offer a health guarantee?
What support do you offer post-adoption?
What is the puppy eating?
Is the puppy microchipped?
Has training started?
Will the puppy be spayed/neutered?
How big will the puppy get?
How often are your dogs bred?
Are you part of any organizations?
What’s your refund/return policy?
Can I review a puppy contract?

For more information or tips on finding a responsible breeder, please visit the links below!

How To Find An Ethical, Responsible Dog Breeder: https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/how-find-ethical-responsible-dog-breeder

Responsible Dog Breeder Network: https://responsibledogbreeder.com

Questions You Can Ask Your Potential Breeder: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/questions-to-ask-your-potential-breeder/

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