Cavapom

The Cavapom is a crossbreed. Opening your heart and home to a cross-breed is like opening a beautifully wrapped package on your birthday: you never know what’s going to be inside. It’s often assumed that a crossbreed will combine the best of two or more breeds, but genetics doesn’t always work that way. The way genes combine and express themselves is not always subject to a breeder’s control, even less so when two different breeds are crossed.

It would be difficult for a Cavapom not to be charming. Both of his parent breeds are affectionate and playful, although the Pomeranian is more likely to be a one-person dog. Cavapoms may or may not be good watchdogs, depending on whether the watchful Pomeranian or laidback Cavalier King Charles Spaniel temperament dominates; they are likely to greet visitors and intruders alike with a smile.

Cavapoms have the potential to be highly trainable. Both of the breeds used to create Cavapoms can learn quickly when you use the right training techniques. If you begin socialization and training early, keep training sessions short and fun, and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion.

Cavapoms are fun-loving and can be good playmates for children who are at least six years old. Younger children should be supervised carefully any time they are with a small dog such as a Cavapom. Even though he’s pretty sturdy, if they accidentally fall on or hit the dog, they could hurt him.

Cavapoms have a moderate activity level that is adaptable to their owner’s lifestyle. They need a good walk or active indoor playtime each day, like any dog. If you’re interested (and the dog's overall health is good -- your veterinarian can help determine that), they are athletic enough to participate in such dog sports as agility, obedience and rally. Some Cavapoms are good at playing fetch and will chase a ball endlessly.

Cavapom puppies are adorable, and it’s one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Cavapom a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. But there’s no need to pay big bucks for a Cavapom. You can often find a wonderful example of this mix at your local shelter or through adoption organizations.

If you do choose to buy one, however, select a breeder who has done the health testing to help ensure that her puppies won’t carry the genetic diseases common to both Pomeranians and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. And while there are no guarantees in life, it can also be a good way to minimize the possibility of certain big veterinary bills in the future.
Other Quick Facts

Cavapoms are companion dogs. They need to live in the house, never outdoors.

A Cavapom’s coat can come in many different colors and patterns, including red and white, black and tan, brindle, solid red, and parti-color (a color plus white).

Temperament is affected partly by inheritance and partly by environment, so it can be variable. A Cavapom’s temperament depends on several things including the temperaments of his parents, especially the mother, who is more likely to influence a puppy’s behavior; the amount of socialization he receives; and the particular genes he inherits. He might be more independent if the Pomeranian side of his family dominates or more of an affectionate lap dog if the Cavalier side prevails. Both Pomeranians and Cavaliers tend to be friendly and outgoing and shouldn't be shy. Say no thanks if a puppy’s parents won’t let you approach them, shy away from you or growl at you, or if puppies do any of those things.

If you train him with positive reinforcement techniques, showing him what you like by rewarding him with praise, play and treats, a Cavapom is likely to learn quickly and will enjoy showing off the tricks he knows.