How Much Does a Cavoodle Cost?

How much does a Cavoodle cost in Australia? Why do some Cavoodles cost more than others? What are you paying for when you choose an ethical breeder? These are some of the burning questions I'm regularly asked by my clients as an ethical Cavoodle breeder. 

In this guide, I'll be sharing Cavoodle costs and why it's worth investing in an ethically bred pup from a trusted breeder.

 

How much does a Cavoodle cost in Australia?Image reference: What is the average price of a Cavoodle puppy?

 

A Cavoodle is one of the most popular dog breeds in Australia right now, and for a good reason. Friendly, sociable and highly adaptable, their intelligence and gentle nature mean they tend to love kids and are very bonded with their owners. I may be a little biased, but these hypoallergenic balls of fluff are absolutely the best family dog. 

If you're ready to open up your home and heart to this amazing breed of dog, it's important to know how much they cost. It's hard to give an exact figure, as every breeder is different, and factors like size, coat colour, pedigree and breeder reputation all determine how much a Cavoodle costs.

PetCircle estimated in 2022 that the average Cavoodle cost in Australia ranges from $4500 to $7000. Some ethical breeders with in-demand lineages will charge more than this, and show-worthy pups also command higher prices. 

 

Factors determining Cavoodle cost:
Cavoodles have become increasingly popular in Australia over recent years, and with high demand comes higher prices. This is due to the limited number of reputable breeders who ethically breed Cavoodles, leading to a supply and demand issue. Waitlists are common for popular breeders, so it's crucial that you express your interest ASAP if you want a specific breeder for your pup.

Toy Cavoodles tend to be more expensive as puppies under 5kg are usually in high demand rather than a mini cavoodle ranging between 5-10kg. A rarer coat colour, like tri-coloured, blue merle or chocolate phantom Cavoodles can also priced higher. Some breeders may also charge more for popular, in-demand coats and patterns like ruby, cream or apricot and eve based on the dogs sex. 

Breeder reputation also determines a Cavoodles cost. During COVID, many "backyard" breeders entered the market, posing as reputable breeders. Many of the puppies from these breeders are not properly health checked and can come with a range of health issues. Behavioural problems are also commonplace with badly bred puppies, including aggression, anxiety and fearfulness. 

Taking the time to do your research and invest in an ethical breeder will save you money and heartache in the long term. 

Please remember if the price is too good to be true, it probably is and you could be getting scammed so do your due diligence!!

 

Ethically bred Cavoodle costs - what you're paying for:

Ethical breeders who prioritise the health and well-being of their dogs invest a significant amount of time, money, and effort into breeding high-quality puppies. This dedication and commitment to producing healthy and happy Cavoodles can result in a higher cost for the puppies.

I'm a Sydney-based ethical breeder of Cavoodles, I am also registered with the Responsible Pet Breeders Australia Association (RPBAA) and right paw verified which comes at a cost, I have also had my dogs DNA tested. I have many years of knowledge of the breed, including how they learn and how to set them up for success including making sure the puppies are well-socialised and have been exposed and desensitised to a range of objects, sounds and stimuli.

 

When you choose an ethical breeder, some of the costs you're paying for include:

• Comprehensive health check and testing, including DNA testing (DNA testing alone is $250 per dog).
• Stud fees and artificial insemination - up to $1400 per time including vet visits.
• Whelping - including the set-up itself (over $500-$1000)
• Vet fees - ethical breeders pay out-of-pocket for all vet fees and check-ups. My vet charges me $60-$100 for a standard check-up of one pup, and any illnesses or health concerns can quickly drive the costs up. 
• Microchipping, worming and vaccinations - all completed before going home (a couple hundred).

With my service in particular, I send every Cavoodle home with an extensive puppy pack. This pack includes six months of pet insurance when they leave my care and over $500 worth of other products to make the transition into their new home seamless. 

During the first eight weeks, when your puppy is still with me, I will FaceTime you so you can do a virtual hangout and send pictures and videos every day for one to two days. I quit my full-time job in order to give my puppies and their families a boutique experience, and I get to know each puppy individually so I can match them with the perfect family.

In addition to providing a personalised and attentive experience for your new Cavoodle, ethical breeders like myself prioritise the health and well-being of both the puppies and their parents. We conduct thorough health checks and use only genetically sound dogs in our breeding program, ensuring that your puppy has the best chance at a long and healthy life.

At the heart of ethical breeding is a love for the breed and a commitment to producing healthy, happy puppies and matching them with the right families to ensure a lifetime of love and companionship. We are not just in it for profit but rather for the joy and satisfaction of seeing our puppies grow into beloved family members. 

 

Why are some Cavoodle puppies cheaper?

During your search for a new family member, you may come across cheaper Cavoodles available for sale. Unfortunately, the majority of these 'budget' puppies come from backyard breeders with no experience, who are wholly in it for the money or just want to give their dog a litter to keep a puppy. 

I've had many heartbroken families come to me after buying a cheaper puppy elsewhere, only for their beloved pet to end up with a wealth of complex health issues and a low quality of life. Backyard breeders tend to cut costs where possible, which means it's unlikely they've done the extensive DNA and genetic testing ethical breeders do to ensure the health of their puppies.

You might not get what you paid for, either. Many families got scammed during COVID and bought 'curly-haired Cavoodles' from breeders, only for their dog to end up being a straight-haired Cavoodle, which looks more like a Cavalier!

Backyard breeders tend to keep their dogs in poor conditions. They lack the proper set-up and often don't have the time to socialise their pups properly. This can make it incredibly difficult to transition your new puppy into your family, and behavioural problems may be rife. 

 

Why it's worth investing in an ethical breeder:

While the initial cost of a Cavoodle may seem daunting, it's important to understand the long-term benefits of investing in a well-bred pup. Cheap-ing out on a soon-to-be family member can spell disaster for your bank account and your heart.

A well-bred Cavoodle has a higher chance of living a long and healthy life compared to one from a backyard breeder. This is because ethical breeders put time, effort, and resources into ensuring the health and genetic diversity of their puppies. Since ethical breeders invest so much time, money and energy into socialising their puppies, you will also be more likely to end up with a socially well-adjusted and confident Cavoodle. 

Furthermore, reputable breeders often provide extensive health guarantees and genetic testing for their puppies. This gives buyers peace of mind, knowing that their new pup is not predisposed to any hereditary health issues. It also shows the breeder's dedication to producing healthy and happy puppies.

Responsible and ethical breeding practices not only benefit individual puppies but also contribute to the overall betterment of the Cavoodle breed. By carefully selecting and pairing healthy dogs with desirable traits, reputable breeders are able to maintain and improve the breed's genetic health and temperament. This ensures that future generations of Cavoodles will continue to be healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dogs.

 

Final thoughts

So, whether you are looking for a loyal companion or a furry addition to your family, investing in a well-bred Cavoodle is the way to go. Not only will you be getting a healthy and well-adjusted pup, but you will also be supporting responsible breeding practices and promoting the betterment of the breed.