Cavoodle & Theodore: How Are They Different And Will They Become a Purebred?
Have you heard of a Theodore? We only recently heard about this breed which is a deliberate cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Miniature or Toy Poodle.
You might be thinking "but isn't this a cavoodle?" as that is what they are commonly known as here in Australia (or cavapoo in the US)
The Australian canine landscape recently witnessed the rise of a breed that combines the best traits of its progenitors, The Theodore. (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Miniature or Toy Poodle). The reason for this fusion is that it aims to create a dog that is affectionate, intelligent, and well-suited to various living environments.
And this pint-sized dog has taken the dog-loving world by storm. With their big, round eyes that practically plead for cuddles and a soft, wavy coat that begs to be patted, Theodores have climbed their way into homes (and onto couches) all over Australia. They’re not just about looks, it is their whole personality that makes owners want them even more. Their charms are packed with personality, full of affection, and clever enough to keep you on your toes. (my first cavoodle puppy charmed me at a very young age)
What Are Their Origins and Development
Cavoodle (or in the USA they call it a "Cavapoo")
The Cavoodle as we know is a crossbreed between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle (either Toy or Miniature). Originally bred to create a small, low-shedding companion dog, Cavoodles have become Australia’s most popular breed due to their affectionate nature and suitability for family life. However, as a hybrid, Cavoodles do not have a fixed breed standard, and their traits can vary significantly between litters.
Theodore
Image reference: About the Theodore Dog Breed
Now, Theodore also originates from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix, but it is being selectively bred with consistency in mind. The goal is to standardise its physical characteristics, temperament, and health traits so that future generations produce more predictable outcomes.
The Master Dog Breeders & Associates (MDBA) is leading the effort to transition Theodore from a designer hybrid to a recognised purebred. This means refining the breed over multiple generations until it meets a stable set of characteristics.
Confused? Wondering if Cavoodles and Theodore are the same?
Well, Cavoodles and Theodores are closely related but not exactly the same. They share the same ancestry, a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, but the key difference lies in the breeding purpose and standardisation process.
So, How Are They the Same?
✅ Same Parent Breeds – Both come from Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles.
✅ Similar Appearance – Both have a small-to-medium build, wavy to curly coats, and a variety of colours.
✅ Friendly Temperament – They are affectionate, social, and intelligent, making them great family pets.
✅ Health Considerations – Both can inherit similar health conditions from their parent breeds.
And, How Are They Different?
🔹 Breeding Focus – The Cavoodle is a hybrid with no strict breed standard, whereas the Theodore is being developed to achieve consistent traits across generations.
🔹 Predictability – Cavoodles vary in size, coat, and temperament due to genetic diversity, while Theodores are selectively bred for more uniformity.
🔹 Recognition Goal – The Cavoodle remains a crossbreed, while the Theodore is working towards official purebred recognition with the MDBA.
In short, Theodore is a refined version of the Cavoodle, aiming for greater consistency in appearance, temperament, and health. Until Theodores fully meets the criteria for purebred status, they will still be closely linked to Cavoodles.
The Purpose of the Theodore Breed Standard
Image reference: Theodores, the new dog breed in town
The Theodore breed standard is a guide that describes the ideal look, temperament, and characteristics of the breed. It serves as a blueprint for MDBA breeders to work towards creating consistent, high-quality dogs that meet the criteria for purebred status.
The goal is to develop healthy dogs with predictable traits, ensuring they are well-suited for family life. This consistency helps potential owners understand the breed’s needs, including grooming, exercise, size, and behaviour, making it easier to decide if a Theodore is the right fit for their lifestyle.
Physical Characteristics
Theodore Appearance (Planned Standard)
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Size: More defined at 28–36 cm tall, 5–12 kg
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Coat: Predominantly wavy to curly, aiming for uniformity
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Colours: Focusing on apricot, cream, chocolate, black, and tricolour
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Build: Balanced proportions, with a consistent compact frame
The Path to Purebred Recognition
The journey toward purebred status is meticulous and requires the establishment of consistent traits across generations. The MDBA's preliminary breed standard outlines the desired physical and temperamental characteristics, serving as a blueprint for breeders. This standardisation ensures predictability in aspects such as size, coat type, and temperament, which is essential for potential owners to make informed decisions about whether the Theodore aligns with their lifestyle.
Will They Become a Purebred?
The Theodore is still considered a "breed in development," but there is a strong movement to establish it as a recognised purebred. For this to happen, Theodores must meet several key criteria:
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Consistent Appearance – Generations must produce puppies that closely match the Theodore standard in size, coat, and build.
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Stable Temperament – Personality traits need to be predictable across all dogs.
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Health Improvements – Breeding must focus on reducing inherited conditions common in Cavoodles.
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Official Recognition – Organisations like MDBA must continue documenting the Theodore’s progress and breed data.
While the breed is making significant strides, achieving full purebred status could take another 10–20 years. Until then, Theodores will remain closely linked to the Cavoodle, though their development is being carefully guided to ensure long-term consistency and recognition.
The Future of the Theodore Breed
The path to official recognition as a purebred is a complex and lengthy process that involves establishing a consistent set of characteristics over multiple generations. The MDBA's efforts in creating a preliminary breed standard are a significant step toward this goal. As more breeders adhere to these standards, the predictability in traits such as size, coat type, and temperament will increase, strengthening the case for Theodore's recognition as a purebred breed.
Click here to find registered Cavoodle breeders in Australia: https://responsiblepetbreeders.com.au/cavoodle/
https://petsforhomes.com.au/dogs-puppies/theodore/
The Theodore isn’t here to replace the Cavoodle, it’s simply an evolution of an already beloved breed. While Cavoodles will always remain one of Australia’s favourites, the Theodore is being carefully developed to be a more predictable, refined version, ensuring consistency in appearance, temperament, and health. The Theodore is set to make its mark as the next step in the legacy of Australia’s most cherished companion dog. Stay tuned as we see how this unfolds over the coming years.
