Deciding to own a Cavoodle

Am I ready for a puppy?

Okay, grab a cup of coffee and lets have a chat. Deciding to bring a puppy into your home and family is huge. There's so much to consider, and maybe a lot of things you haven't thought of yet. That's why we want you to take a moment with us, and let's look at what it means to get a dog, and specifically invite a Sunshine Cavoodle to join your family.

When you bring a puppy into your home, you and your household not only gain a new friend and little shadow, but take on many responsibilities. So before you make this big decision, there are a few questions you should ask yourself.

Can I afford a dog?

Not just the purchase cost…it’s the monthly cost that needs to be worked into your budget. Throughout their life dogs need quality food, grooming and healthcare (see below).

Do I have time to look after a dog?

It takes a lot of time to properly feed, train, walk, play with and care for a new puppy. At first, it is very like bringing home a new baby - and then quite quickly like have a naughty toddler and not long after that, a rebellious teenager! You need to be prepared to put in the hard work and time commitment necessary to develop your dog. The “puppy stage” will last for up to 10-12 months.

Are your living arrangements permanent/is your commitment to a puppy for life?

With a shortage of housing in Australia and a very competitive rental market, it is now almost impossible to find a rental home that allows you to keep a dog. Shelter/rescue groups are overloaded with gorgeous dogs surrendered because their owners could not find a property that allows pets. It can be heart wrenching for both the dog and the owner, and is something that needs serious consideration. Think about what alternative living arrangements you would need to find to make sure your furbaby is not left out in the cold. Consider that taking on a puppy is for life. Would you rehome your children if you could only find a one bedroom flat? If you’re not prepared to do everything it takes to make sure you stay together, maybe this is not the right time to take on a puppy. Also reconsider if you’re still planning that backpacking around Europe trip, planning on developing your career to a level that would keep you at work for even longer hours or thinking about working in the mines for example...these are situations that your furbaby would not love. The decision to bring a furry family member into your life, is a lifelong commitment.

Is my home suitable for a dog?

Is your fencing suitable to contain a very small puppy? Do you have secure doors and gates that won’t be left open onto the road by forgetful children? Safe stairs, balconies, or decks? No poisonous plants in the garden or around the house? Can you adequately protect puppy from Cane Toads, Snakes or Spiders? Safe electrical leads, no gaps beside the fridge, could puppy get stuck behind a bookcase or under something? There’s lots to think about.

Other things you need to take into account.

Legal obligations such as:

Taking care of any damage or problems the puppy may cause
Making sure the puppy doesn’t hurt anyone or disturb people living around you
Keeping public walkways clean
Local council registration

Health obligations such as:

Keeping your puppy healthy and safe: This includes suitable foods, water, shelter in a safe environment, preventative treatments against ticks, fleas, worms and infectious diseases and any other necessary veterinary care.
Keeping your puppy healthy is also necessary for the health of your children, family, and other people who come into contact with the puppy.

More than anything, you are taking over the role of your puppy’s mother, the maternal role of carer and teacher. This means your primary responsibility is providing your new puppy a stable home, where he or she feels comfortable, safe and secure and knows what is expected of him/her. If these things are taken care of you will have a confident, relaxed and happy dog.

Is a Cavoodle the right dog for you?

A new puppy is going to become part your family for many years. So you need to think about which kind of dog you will be able to live with – and can live with you.

Some of the things you need to consider when deciding to adopt a Sunshine Cavoodle are:

Size – These Cavoodles will be on the smaller size. When he or she first comes home with you they’ll probably only weigh about 1.5 - 2 kg and be quite fragile. Rough play and careless children could be a dangerous combination. Fully grown they may be between 4 and 6kg.
Personality – Cavoodles are loving, affectionate, friendly, sweet natured, generous of spirit, intelligent, willful, cheeky. They are wonderful with kids, adults, singles, couples, families, cats and dogs. Their personality traits are highly sought after, but come with a level of commitment as well. They’ll need to spend time with you. They’ll require you to love them. They’ll need you to let them shower you with affection. Their super smarts mean they’ll need firm directions and will benefit greatly from training every day. With poodles being the 2nd smartest breed (only behind Border Collies), many cavoodles are also highly intelligent. They have heaps of potential for learning and love to learn and to please you. They’ll also work you out pretty quickly though, and if you spoil them, you will spoil them. You’ll end up with a naughty, demanding, willful, rebellious puppy. Always remember, you’re the boss. Boredom and lack of attention will sometimes result in extreme naughtiness such as destructive behaviours or incessant barking.
Physical characteristics – Cavoodles are a relatively new, developing breed and so still considered a mixed breed. Chances are there will be quite a variety of looks in a litter from short legs to long legs, very curly hair to straighter hair, fine build to more solid, and everything in between. When they are sold at 3, 4 or 5 weeks old it is almost impossible to tell how they will turn out as a fully grown dog.
Our Sunshine Cavoodles are what is known as F2 (second generation) and F3 (third generation). They have a Cavoodle mother and father. These pups coast could range from silky curly coats to wooly tighter curls, some will be at the more poodley end of the spectrum and some could still be more cavalier-like. Generally cavoodle coats come in 3 types, shaggy, curly, or smooth. These puppies could be shaggy or curly and may not settle into their adult coat until they’re 10-12 months old. If you’re expecting a certain look and will be disappointed if your puppy doesn’t turn out like that after a few months, then look elsewhere – maybe a pure breed is a better choice for you.
Coat (shedding and colour) – Some Cavoodles don’t shed at all, some shed a bit, some shed more than a bit. It depends on the fur type and again this is very hard to determine when they are still a little puppy. The curlier they are, the less likely they are to shed. I can’t guarantee your puppy will be one or the other. Poodle colour also fades with time. Some blacks to grey, apricot and gold to cream and reds to dark peach or apricot with darker colour around their extremities. These Cavoodles will most likely fade to some degree, usually between their 1st and 3rd birthday. They may get darker again as they get older.
Grooming – All puppies will need regular grooming though as they are a long haired breed. A trip to the groomers may cost anywhere from $60-$100 depending on the groomer, and puppy will need to go 2 - 4 times a year to be clipped (depending on your preference for coat length). They will need to be brushed at least once a week to keep matting and knotting to a minimum and need a bath at least once a month. They will need their face, backside and feet trimmed between visits to the groomer as well. This is a commitment you take on owning a Cavoodle.
Exercise needs – By the time puppy is 15-16 weeks and has had their final vaccinations, they’ll be very energetic and greatly benefit from runs in the park or on the beach and a daily walk. They’ll need this commitment for their rest of their lives.
Allergies – Poodle types can be prone to allergies particularly skin issues…things like grass allergies and flea allergy dermatitis and sometimes food allergies. If a dog develops allergies they may require a commitment for special shampoo, monitoring their diet, regular grooming and sometimes medication. Its impossible to know which dog will develop allergies and which won’t. Allergies most often develop between 1 and 3 years of age.
Illness – Dogs get sick just like people do. Everything from sore throats, diarrhea and vomiting, to pulled muscles, ear infections and conjunctivitis. Puppies will be vet checked and will be healthy, wormed, de-fleaed and vaccinated. I will tell you if there are any things that I would watch for specifically with a puppy. (eg if they seem like they might have a sensitive stomach from my own observations.) Our dogs are very healthy dogs and have no apparent medical conditions and have been genetically tested for most common diseases that affect poodle and cavalier breeds. Just like people though, dogs can develop illnesses over time such as heart conditions, diabetes and more. Crossbreeds are often healthier due to what is somtimes called ‘hybrid vigor’ in that chances of congenital problems that plague purebred dogs are much reduced. There can be no guarantees though against a whole raft of unidentifiable illnesses.
Once puppies are in your care the puppy’s health will be your responsibility. Feel free to contact us though for information or advice and please do let us know if puppy develops a condition. Please consider pet insurance. We highly recommend insuring your puppy as soon as you pay your deposit and maintaining your insurance for at least 12 months. This will protect against issues such as luxating patella, which can develop as puppies grow. Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs, diagnosed in 7% of puppies. Neither Cherry or Dusty have any issues in this area, but of all our puppies, there are a small percentage who have developed low level luxating patella as they’ve grown older. We can’t guarantee against this. Insurance is strongly recommended.
Indoors or outside – Cavoodles are definitely an INSIDE dog. If you’re outside dog people – ie dog must spend most of the time and sleep outside by itself, then the Cavoodle is not for you. Cavoodles are people dogs and need to be with the family. They’ll also be small. Dogs under 8kg are susceptible to heat and cold and so should be inside dwellers. Cavoodles are also prone to be stolen. Small dogs can be eaten by snakes, and even taken by hawks.
Where you live and the size of your backyard (if any) – Cavoodles are adaptable to any size yard, courtyard or deck…Just make sure you’ve got appropriate plans for exercise and toileting.
How often you’re away – If you’re out all the time and won’t even have time on weekends to spend with your Cavoodle, maybe have a rethink. As mentioned Cavoodles are very people oriented and so love nothing more than spending time with you. Also if you travel a lot, maybe getting a dog is not a good idea. Your Cavoodle will love you dearly and will not love lots of time in kennels by itself.
If things change – If circumstances change so much that you find you must rehome your Sunshine Cavoodle, we insist that you contact us first and give us first option for rehoming. We will then find a suitable new home unless you can offer an acceptable option. Dogs must not be transferred to a second party though, without our knowledge.

Costs to own a puppy

Current cost to adopt a Sunshine Cavoodle is $3500. This one off fee though should not be your primary concern. Ongoing costs are what you'll be facing every week, month and year, once your bring a dog into your home

Food - A growing puppy needs quality food. A reasonable price for a premium puppy kibble is around $40 - $50 per 3kg if you buy a small bag. Sunshine Cavoodles are raised LYKA freshly prepared, lightly cooked meals packed with human-grade, nutritious, wholefood ingredients. Lyka bowls keep up with the perkiest of pups through carefully designed servings of the optimal nutrients for a developing dog. As puppies are continually growing, they require changing serving sizes to ensure the healthy development of their muscles, bones and organs. Lyka will update your plan through a combination of our predictive growth algorithm and your updates on their changing size and weight. If you choose to commit to continuing with a Lyka food plan and subscribe, you'll receive 50% off your first order by using our referral link: https://lyka.com.au/join/SUNSHINECAVOODLES
Vet Care - You need to get your puppy in to see the vet as soon as you can for things like getting the required vaccinations, treating for worms and getting your pup on a monthly flea/tick and heartworm treatment. The initial vet visit just to check things out and make sure you don't have any issues but not including the cost of any medication depends on your vet. But shouldn't be too much over $100. On average maybe around $70 - $90 for the exam, plus medications/vaccinations/treatments. Spay or Neuter - Also depending on your vet and your dog. As mentioned, at 5-6 months old and preferably before a female's first heat, you need to spay or neuter. In general, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500.
Medications - Assuming you have a healthy dog, you still need to keep those worms, fleas, ticks and heartworm away. There are many different products on the market. I would go with what your veterinarian suggests. A yearly heartworm treatment is great as you get it when you go for your annual vaccination boosters. Discuss your options for all treatments and what works best in your area with your vet, especially with regard to ticks, which can be a real problem and expensive to treat. For example, a 3 month dose of ‘Bravecto’ which treats fleas and ticks can be purchased online for around $45. Puppies should start on something like ‘Nexgard’ while they’re growing (lasts for 1 month). Around $55 for 3 chews (again, 3 months coverage ) We recommend starting with Nexgard and graduating to Bravecto when puppy is fully grown.
Grooming – Because their fur can grow quite long and curly and prone to matting, they’ll need regular clipping. On average, anywhere from $60 to $120 every 3-6 months, depending on what you have done and where you go. A doggy-spa or boutique groomer will be more expensive than a mobile or home-based groomer.
Boarding - You have to take a vacation sometime. Or maybe something comes up and you have to leave town and you can't take your dog. You need to find either a friend to watch your dog or you may end up boarding your dog in a kennel. Prices vary depending on the size of the dog, the size of the kennel and the amenities, if you provide food or if they provide the food. And most kennels require proof that your dog has been vaccinated for Kennel Cough within the last 6 months. If you’re in the South East Queensland area feel free to contact us as we will do home based dog sitting under the name Sunshine Coast Cavoodle Holidays (Facebook) for $40 per night off peak or $45 a night during school holidays. Discounts apply for longer periods – and for our ‘family’ members. 'Family rates' for our puppies is $30 off peak and $35 for school holidays per day.
Training - Proper socialisation and teaching basic commands and manners is very important for both the dog and for you. Whether you employ an expensive trainer to help or go to your local dog obedience club, or watch a lot of youtube videos (there’s some good ones!), you have to spend the time (and the money) to socialise your dog and teach him basic manners and commands. Classes will vary depending on where you go so you will need to research this. Sunshine Coast Dog Obedience run Puppy Pre-school and then the “Beginners” training class (which incorporates the first basic courses is highly recommended, even if you don’t intend to do any advanced training) is an 8 week course for $130. Pups should be at least 6 months to try this course. It is also highly recommended to enroll in Puppy preschool as soon as possible…9 weeks old is fine! This is great for getting to know your pup as well as socializing them with other dogs. Talk to your vet as well about what puppy preschool they recommend.
Dog registration - Check with your City to see what requirements they have to register your dog. It usually is not very expensive maybe about $10 - $30 for a de-sexed dog but over $100 for an intact dog. By law dogs should be registered at 3 months of age. If you register your pup with the Sunshine Coast Council before 6 months of age it is FREE. Other councils may have similar offers.
Supplies - Toys, bedding, food dishes, collars, leashes, etc. It all adds up. With a puppy there are certain items you have to have right away.
The unexpected expenses - You don't like to think about it, but it can and does happen. We are talking about unexpected health issues such as severe illness, car accidents, or paralysis tick, eating something they shoudn’t. You have to be prepared to come up with the cash in case of those emergency situations. Many people these days will take out insurance to help with the costs associated to vet care. Be careful and do your research. Some policies do not cover certain diseases or conditions. Insurance may run at between $500 and $750 a year. A couple of nights in veterinary hospital + medication to recover from a paralysis tick could top $2000. Surgery after an accident or illness could set you back over $5000.

Having said all that, there is no price that can be put on the love, devotion, flopping listening ears and welcoming smiles and kisses that you will be freely given every single day.

So... are you ready? Read more about our adoption process HERE. Or contact us HERE.