Why Cavoodles Are the Ultimate Aussie Family Dog

Cavoodles have captured the heart of many aussies, including me and the thousands of My Cavoodle customers. What started as a designer crossbreed has become the nation’s favourite dog, charming families from the Northern Beaches to the Adelaide Hills.

But their popularity isn’t just about good looks: Cavoodles genuinely fit the Australian lifestyle in ways few other breeds do, earning them a top spot in Aussie homes. Here’s why Cavoodles are ideal as family dogs in Australia and how you can make them part of your Australia Day celebrations.

Australia’s Most Popular Dog Breed

Recent pet insurance and veterinary data confirms what we already suspected: Cavoodles are now the most popular dog breed in Australia. According to Budget Direct’s 2023 pet insurance figures, Cavoodles represented almost 15% of all Australian dog insurance quotes (take a read of this article we wrote last year 

That level of popularity isn’t confined to one region. Pet insurance analyses show Cavoodles as the leading breed in most Australian states and territories, including New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. 

Personality Traits That Suit Family Life

What makes Cavoodles such excellent family pets goes beyond pretty faces. Their temperament ticks many of the boxes Australian families value in a dog:

• Affectionate and people-oriented: Cavoodles were bred to be companion animals. They form strong bonds with their people and thrive when included in family activities.

• Good with kids and other pets: Gentle and social by nature, Cavoodles usually enjoy the company of children and other dogs. They adjust well to household routines and love being part of what’s going on.

• Intelligent and trainable: Thanks to their Poodle heritage, Cavoodles are quick learners who respond well to positive reinforcement. This can make training from basic manners to fun tricks, a rewarding experience for both dog and family.

• Adaptable energy levels: While Cavoodles enjoy daily walks, playtime and mental stimulation, they don’t demand the intense exercise of larger breeds. A mix of short walks, backyard play and interactive games often keeps them happy.

• Manageable size for Aussie homes: Their small to medium build, typically around 5–12 kg, makes them ideal for both apartments and houses with yards. Whether you’re coastal, suburban or urban, a Cavoodle can fit your space.
  

Practical Benefits for Australian Families

Beyond temperament, Cavoodles come with practical traits that suit the realities of Aussie life:

• Lower shedding: Many Cavoodles inherit the low-shedding coat of the Poodle, reducing allergens and shedding around the house, a real bonus for indoor family life.

• Longevity: With an average lifespan of around 10–15 years, Cavoodles offer long-term companionship through different family stages.

• Flexible exercise needs: Aussie households often juggle busy schedules. Cavoodles’ moderate exercise needs make them easier to care for when daily walks might be shorter or split into several play sessions.

Cavoodling Through the Aussie Outdoors

One of the great advantages of Cavoodles is that they do love being part of the Aussie outdoor lifestyle. Whether it’s a morning stroll through the park with the kids or trailing along to a beach walk at sunrise, their size and temperament lend themselves beautifully to active family days. 

How to Celebrate Australia Day with Your Cavoodle

Australia Day is a perfect opportunity to include your Cavoodle in family fun. Here are some practical, safe ideas to celebrate together:

• Plan a dog-friendly picnic: Choose a park that allows dogs and pack your Cavoodle’s favourite treats, a comfortable blanket and shade. Bring a water bowl and make sure there’s plenty of water as you know how hot it can get.

• Set up a backyard games area: If you’re staying home, organise simple games like “find the treat” or mini obstacle courses. Cavoodles’ intelligence and agility make them natural playmates for these activities.

• Host a Cavoodle social: If your friends also have Cavoodles (or other small, sociable breeds), organise a little meet-up. It’s a great way for pups to socialise and for owners to share tips. Just ensure all dogs are comfortable together and supervised. And if you’re going to cook some snags on the BBQ make sure they don’t contain garlic or onion if you are going to give your Cavoodle a little treat

• Make a family photo shoot: Australia Day is often full of colour, food and festive gear. Capture a few family photos with your Cavoodle sporting a bandana or Australia-themed accessory - practical and fun, without going overboard on costumes that might make them uncomfortable.

• Keep them cool and calm: With fireworks and big celebrations at night, plan a calm space for your Cavoodle. Many dogs find fireworks stressful, so a quiet, comfortable room with sound buffering (like music or TV) can help them relax. If you missed our article about helping them with fireworks then take a read here
  
  We love Cavoodles, and are just a little bias, but we know we are definitely not alone. It’s no surprise they’ve become the nation’s favourite not just in insurance statistics, but in the hearts and homes of so many Aussies.