What Age Should Your Cavoodle Be Desexed?

Deciding when to desex your Cavoodle (or any dog) is one of the most important choices you’ll make as a pet parent. It’s a question we often get asked when talking to cavoodle parents and whilst we are not qualified to answer the question, as there are many factors to be considered, so we have reached out to an expert to share their views.

Traditional advice says “six months is best,” however, newer research and breed-specific experience suggest that it’s not always that simple. Cavoodles, being a mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle and have unique health, size, and temperament traits that make the timing of desexing a decision worth thoughtful consideration.

So let’s explore what desexing involves, why the timing matters, and how to make the right decision for your Cavoodle’s individual needs.

What is Desexing?

Desexing (also known as neutering for males or spaying for females) is a surgical procedure that removes the reproductive organs, preventing unwanted breeding and reducing certain hormone-driven behaviours and health risks.

For males, this means removing the testicles; for females, it involves removing the ovaries and usually the uterus. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, and while it’s considered routine, it’s still a significant surgery that can impact growth, development, and behaviour.

The Traditional Recommendation: 6 Months

For many years, veterinarians recommended desexing all dogs around six months of age before they reached sexual maturity. The logic was straightforward: it prevents unwanted litters, reduces roaming or marking behaviour, and can lower the risk of certain diseases like mammary or testicular cancer.

However, recent research, particularly in relation to small breeds like Cavoodles has challenged the “one-size-fits-all” rule. Hormones play a critical role in growth, bone development, and even emotional maturity, so timing can influence how your Cavoodle develops physically and behaviourally.

Dr Nicole Rouse from Shy Tiger, who you might know from shows like Animal SOS Australia and Pooches at Play, shared some insights with us.

“We used to recommend desexing at six months almost automatically, but that advice came from population control, not long-term health. The right timing depends on breed, size, sex and lifestyle, there’s no single rule that suits every dog.”

“Sex hormones do far more than drive mating behaviour. They influence bone growth, confidence, cognition and even immune function. Removing them too early can alter how a dog matures physically and emotionally. For large breeds, delaying desexing until after growth-plate closure can help reduce risks of cruciate ligament disease and some cancers. For small breeds, the risk is lower, so earlier desexing may still be a good choice.”

Early vs Delayed Desexing: Pros and Cons

Why It’s a Case-by-Case Decision

Every Cavoodle is unique. Their size, genetics, environment, and even temperament play a role in determining the ideal timing for desexing. Here are a few factors to help guide your decision.

1. Size and Growth Rate

Cavoodles come in Toy and Miniature varieties, depending on their Poodle parent. Toy Cavoodles (under 7 kg) typically reach maturity earlier so desexing closer to 6–8 months might be fine.

Dr Nicole believes, “timing matters especially for females. Desexing before their first or second heat can significantly reduce the risk of mammary cancer, so it’s always a balance between developmental benefits and disease prevention.“I see a clear link in practice between hormones and confidence. Early desexed dogs can be more anxious or reactive, particularly males. Hormones don’t just influence the body, they shape how dogs interpret the world.”

Miniature Cavoodles (7–12 kg) mature a little slower, so waiting until 10–14 months could be beneficial to allow their growth plates to close properly.

Example:

• Milo, a Toy Cavoodle, was desexed at 7 months. His vet recommended early desexing because he was fully grown and starting to exhibit mounting behaviours. He bounced back quickly and had no post-op complications.
  
  

• Bailey, a Mini Cavoodle, waited until 14 months. Her owner noticed her coat stayed sleeker, and her vet said her muscle tone developed better thanks to the delayed procedure.
  
  

2. Behavioural Considerations

If your Cavoodle is displaying strong hormonal behaviours such as marking indoors, aggression toward other males, or mounting, you might lean toward earlier desexing. But if your Cavoodle is calm and well-behaved, delaying the surgery might help them mature emotionally before hormones are removed.

Example:

• Teddy, a 9-month-old male Cavoodle, became territorial at the dog park. His owners decided to desex him soon after, and his behaviour calmed within a few weeks.
  
  

• Lulu, a 10-month-old female Cavoodle, had no behavioural issues, so her vet advised waiting until after her first heat to support joint health.
  
  

3. Health History and Genetics

Cavoodles can be prone to certain hereditary issues from both parent breeds, including hip dysplasia and patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation). Hormones play a role in maintaining bone density and ligament strength, so waiting until growth plates close can reduce risk.

Conversely, if your dog’s family line has a history of mammary or testicular cancers, earlier desexing might be the safer route.

What the Latest Research Says

Studies from the University of California, Davis and the AVA (Australian Veterinary Association) have shown that optimal desexing age varies by breed and size. Smaller dogs generally reach skeletal maturity sooner than large breeds, but mixed breeds like Cavoodles still benefit from tailored decisions.

The AVA’s current stance is that the best age for desexing should be based on an individual risk assessment, taking into account your dog’s sex, size, behaviour, environment, and any pre-existing health risks.

Talking to Your Vet

The best approach is a collaborative one. A good vet will consider:

• Your Cavoodle’s growth stage (they can check bone growth via X-ray)
  

• Your lifestyle (e.g., if you visit off-leash parks or have other intact dogs)
  

• Your ability to manage hormonal behaviours temporarily
  

• Your Cavoodle’s temperament and living environment
  
  

Ask your vet:

1. “Has my Cavoodle’s growth plate closed yet?”
   

2. “What’s their risk of joint or hormonal issues if we desex early vs late?”
   

3. “What age do you recommend based on their specific build and health?”
   
   

Managing an Intact Cavoodle Safely

If you decide to wait to desex, it’s important to manage your Cavoodle responsibly:

• Keep males on leash when in public or around females in heat.
  

• Supervise playdates with other dogs to avoid accidental matings.
  

• Monitor females closely during their first heat cycle (usually between 8–12 months).
  

• Avoid off-leash parks during these periods.
  
  

With care and planning, you can safely delay desexing without risk of accidental breeding.

There’s no universal “right age” to desex a Cavoodle, only the right age for your dog.
For most Cavoodles, the ideal window falls between 6 and 14 months, depending on size, maturity, and lifestyle. Early desexing is still appropriate for some (especially if behavioural or accidental breeding risks are high), but delaying the procedure can offer developmental benefits for others.

Dr Nicole agrees, “ Ultimately, the best age to desex depends on the individual dog and the goals of their owner. My approach is always to consider the whole picture rather than just the calendar”

The key takeaway? Desexing is not just a date on the calendar, it’s a personalised decision that deserves thought, discussion, and guidance from a trusted vet who understands Cavoodles.