Is Cavapoo a smart dog Breed-How Do You figure out Intelligence Of Hybrid Dogs
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Is Cavapoo a smart dog Breed-
Yes! Cavapoo is a smart and highly intelligent dog Breed. It is a known fact that their intelligence comes from their 2 parent Breeds Cavalier King Charles and Poodles both considered some of the smartest dog Breeds.
The Cavapoo is a very popular hybrid dog breed, most common across Australia and the USA They are a Mix of poodles and Cavalier King Charles.
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One of the main purposes of breeding the Cavapoo dog type was to combine all the best characteristics in both breeds into One
Awesome, with a poodle-style coat( Hypo Allergen)that is very less prone to allergies, Poodle’s Intelligence( 2nd Most Intelligent Dog Breed) and Cavalier’s Pleasant face, friendly nature, and Awesome attitude.
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This makes Cavapoos One of the most sought-after dog breeds in Australia and across the globe.
Related : Cavapoo Pros and Cons- pros and 10 Cons of Owning a Cavapoo
How can you assess Cavapoo’s intelligence Level?
There’s a well-known and well-established ranking, based on their level of intelligence and obedience, of 138 various pedigree breeds, developed by a canine professor of psychology Stanley Coren in the 1990s.
This study has published information in a book titled The Intelligence of dogs, and today the results of the study continue to be commonly used for the purposes of canine intelligence.
However, the Cavapoo has been assessed as a non-pedigree dog( As it’s a Crossbreed) and therefore does not hold a grade directly.
Cavapoo intelligence ranking
It is important to note that ranking dog intelligence based on breeds can be subjective and vary from individual to individual. Nevertheless, here is a subjective ranking of Cavapoo intelligence:
Intelligence Level | Description |
---|---|
Exceptionally Intelligent | Cavapoos that possess average intelligence and learning abilities, require regular training and reinforcement. |
Very Intelligent | Cavapoos exhibit high intelligence, and quick learning abilities, and are easily trainable. |
Moderately Intelligent | Cavapoos that show moderate intelligence, good learning abilities, and are trainable with consistent efforts. |
Average Intelligence | Cavapoos that possess average intelligence and learning abilities, requiring regular training and reinforcement. |
Below Average Intelligence | Cavapoos that may have slightly lower intelligence or require more time and effort in training and learning. |
So, How do you figure out how intelligent your Cavapoo is?
Well, the two-parent Breeds of Cavapoos are included in the ranking itself ( the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the poodle). As per Science, Alert Poodle is the 2nd most Intelligent Dog Breed.
So, we can use this information to estimate in terms of practical applications and theoretically where the Cavapoo stands when it comes to smartness.
As canine psychologist Stanley Coren wrote back in the ’90s, there’s adaptive intelligence (i.e., figuring stuff out), working intelligence (i.e. following orders), and instinctive intelligence (i.e. innate talent) – not to mention spatial intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, and more.
Coren, in his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, featured the results of a lengthy survey of 199 dog obedience judges. he said, the responses were remarkably consistent;
however, he noted that many judges pointed out that there are exceptions in every breed and that a lot comes down to training.
Based on the above approach and assuming that Cavapoo is the standard 50 per cent mixture of both the parent races Poodles( 2nd most Intelligent and Cavalier King Charles ( 73rd Smart dog breed), which produced a hybrid/designer dog ( as universally called)that came to the midst of the two races – how Smart are Cavapoos?
Poodles are very smart & Intelligent dogs that race
In fact, they are the second most intelligent dogs in terms of obedience and intelligence (out of 138 breeds).
Plus, Poodles have strong evidence of high adaptive intelligence with some of the highest instinctive intelligence.
So doing the maths, the Cavalier King Charles ranks 73rd out of 138 dog breeds, and Poodle is the 2nd. so it becomes quite easy to say Cavapoos are Intelligent too.
Not all Cavapoos are the same in intelligence, as human beings. We chose to ask real owners of cavoodles to really understand how intelligent cavapoos can be.
These are the dog owners who know Poodle’s intelligence best and who understand it.
Real Owner’s Answers when it comes to Cavapoo Smartness
Ash V (Cavapoo Owners in Melbourne Australia): “My Cavapoo is smart and very curious, and are really good at learning your every move. Mine knows that hiking boots mean fun but dress shoes mean he’s getting left at home.“ Anonymous says Yes: “Cavapoo are hands down the smartest & Most Intelligent dogs Live own….and my family has raised 5 different dog breeds!
Cavapoos are such great communicators that I sometimes think he knows what i’m saying when I don’t use the usual commands.“
How easy or Hard is it to train a Cavapoo?
Again based on the Coren scale, some guidelines are available to show how quickly the Cavapoo average learns based on how many times a brand-New command must be heard before it is understood.
Other members of the above-average dog intelligence group learned their new commands just in 15-25 times, and that is an extensive measure of how quickly a Cavapoo can be trained on its turn.
The Coren Intelligence study By S. Coren has also evaluated the obedience of the graded dogs, as obedience in terms of working skill is as important as intelligence!
Once again based on the theoretical position of the Cavapoo in its list, Cavapoo’s average is expected to follow the instructions that they are given the first time without a repeat 70% or better.
This means that Cavapoos are comparatively compliant, in addition to being intelligent!
Related: 25 Must-haves for every dog owner( A Simple and Easy checklist)
What is the obedience level of the Cavapoos?
The Coren study also evaluated the obedience of the rated dogs, because obedience is just as crucial as intelligence when it comes to determining working ability!
Based on the Cavapoo’s theoretical position on the list once more, the average Cavapoo may be expected to accept commands that are given to them the first time they are requested without the need for a repeat 70 per cent of the time or more.
Therefore, in addition to being bright, Cavapoos are also regarded as being relatively obedient!
Due to the fact that the by-bred assessment is based on assessments of 138 distinct dog breeds, the Cavapoo would be positioned near the top of the list.
We believe that the average Cavapoo is quite bright and that it belongs in the IQ group intended for dogs with superior working ability.
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It’s our opinion that Cavapoos don’t get the recognition they deserve for their intelligence.
No intelligence ranking for Cavoodles can be found, but you can view their purebred ancestors.
Poodles come in at number two and Cavaliers at number 44 on the list of the 100 smartest dog breeds. It’s safe to assume, then, that your Cavapoo will have a mind of his own.
When it comes to pleasing their owners, Cavapoos will go to great lengths. This is something you should take advantage of during your training.
Using a few treats and a little positive reinforcement, your Cavapoo will quickly learn to perform anything you ask of him.
Top 5 Most Intelligent Dogs in the World
As you may be aware, Border Collies are usually considered to be the most intelligent breed of dog on the planet.
In the majority of cases, these adorable little labourers are ideally suited to a rural lifestyle and are sometimes referred to as “herders” or “farm dogs.”
Poodles are not only little and adorable, but they are also quite active.
List of 5 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds
Breed | Description |
---|---|
Border Collie | Highly intelligent, energetic, and often used for herding livestock. |
Poodle | Very intelligent, trainable, and comes in different sizes, such as Standard and Miniature. |
German Shepherd | Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility in various working roles. |
Golden Retriever | Intelligent, friendly, and often used as therapy or assistance dogs. |
Doberman Pinscher | Intelligent, alert, and often used in protection and police work. |
In fact, this fun-loving family dog is one of the most energetic of all of the world’s most intellectual dogs, making him one of the most energetic canines on the planet.
To put it another way, German Shepard is so intelligent people took advantage of their intelligence for bad purposes.
That being said, that period has passed, and now, the German Shepherd is known for a variety of positive characteristics, including being one of the most intellectual dogs on the planet.
Golden Retrievers may be the most low-maintenance of all the breeds on our list of the most intelligent dogs in the world, if not the least of all of them.
Related: 10 Simple But Effective Ways To Bond With Your Cavapoo
The Retriever is regarded as being quite obedient when it comes to training. He is also noted for being easy to please and incredibly positive.
Popular with families around the world, the Shetland sheepdog is one of the most laid-back dogs on our list, and owners are frequently required to encourage them to go for walks or play fetch.
It has already been established that they have a very gentle demeanour and enjoy nothing more than pleasing others around them.
Why Cavapoos are Intelligent Breeds
Cavoodles, also known as Cavapoos, are a crossbreed between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. Poodles are known for their high level of intelligence, and when mixed with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the resulting Cavoodle often inherits some of that intelligence.
Poodles are ranked as one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are quick learners, highly trainable, and possess excellent problem-solving abilities. They excel in activities such as obedience training, agility, and even some specialized tasks like search and rescue. Poodles are also known for their ability to understand and follow commands, making them highly adaptable and versatile.
When a Poodle is crossed with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which is known for its friendly nature and gentle temperament, the resulting Cavoodle inherits a combination of these traits. This mix can often result in an intelligent and trainable dog that is also affectionate and easy to socialize.
However, it’s important to note that individual dogs may vary in their intelligence and behavior, regardless of their breed or mix. While Cavoodles have the potential to be intelligent, each dog should be assessed individually based on their own characteristics and abilities.
For more about Cavapoos see our other articles below
- Cavapoo Pros and Cons – 10 Pros and 10 Cons of Owning a Cavapoo
- Do cavapoos like swimming-facts you should know
- Cavapoos as pets : cost ,life expectancy , and temperament
- Does Cavapoos Like To Cuddle? their Cuddling habits and traits
- What to feed fussy cavoodles-eBook

About the Author:
I’m Div Acharya. I’ve been a dog lover my entire life. When my daughter wanted a new Puppy I was looking for another furbaby to share my life with.
As a result of my research, I’ve come to love oodles and wanted to share some of what I’ve learned with you. Whether you’re looking to get a Puppy, or already own one, these Blogs t to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need.
At Pet Paws Hub, we strive to be the ultimate resource for learning everything about caring for your pet!
References
- AVMA– Vet
- Cavapoo Intelligence
- S,Coren Dog Intelligence study
- The Everything Poodle Book (2004) by J.Adams
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (2014) by H. Bowler
The Complete Standard Poodle (1998) by E. Geeson
Cavapoos or Cavoodles: The Ultimate Cavapoo Dog Manual (2014) by G. Hoppendale
Poodle Clipping and Grooming: The International Reference (2001) by S. Kalstone