Theodore Dog Breed Characteristics
Height
28 to 36 cm at the shoulder
Weight
10 to 25 pounds
Life Expectancy
10 to 15 years
Coat Colours
Chestnut, white, cream, fawn, chocolate, tricolour
Theodore
Friendly, inquisitive and sweet-natured
About the Theodore Dog Breed
The Theodore is a developing breed, with a preliminary standard recently established. This breed blends the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Miniature or Toy Poodle. Known as the Cavoodle in Australia and the Cavapoo in the United States and Europe, Theodores are beloved for their sweet and friendly nature, making them wonderful companions and house pets. Inquisitive and playful, they enjoy learning new tricks.
As a crossbreed, Theodore puppies can display a wide range of physical traits and characteristics, even within the same litter. However, they generally exhibit kind and gentle temperaments and are sensitive to human emotions.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Theodore dog breed, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
5/5
Friendly with Kids
5/5
Friendly with Dogs
4/5
Ease of Grooming
3/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
Prey Drive
3/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
2/5
Good for Novice Owners
4/5
Apartment Living
4/5
Theodore Dog Breed History
While Poodle hybrids have existed for over 50 years, the Theodore has recently gained popularity. The breed likely originated in Australia in the 1950s, although some debate surrounds this. Most Theodores are hypoallergenic, making them particularly appealing to those with canine allergies. Their popularity has surged in the past decade, with increasing calls for official breed recognition.
Bred specifically as companion dogs, Theodores are ideal for families with children and individuals seeking a loyal companion.
Caring For a Theodore Puppy
- Temperament: The calm and gentle Poodle and the energetic, jovial Cavalier King Charles Spaniel combine to create the Theodore, inheriting characteristics from both parents.
- Grooming: A Theodore’s coat may be wavy like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, curly like a Poodle, or a mix of the two. Regular grooming and brushing are essential to maintain a healthy coat.
- Exercise: Most Theodores need two to three light walks and play sessions daily due to their high energy levels. A total of 45 to 60 minutes of activity is a good start for a typical Theodore.
- Nutrition: Adult Theodores require around two cups of dry dog food, divided into two meals daily. Theodore puppies need about half that amount, spread across three or four meals. Consult your veterinarian for precise nutrition recommendations, as it depends on your Theodore’s expected adult size.
- Training: Early training is crucial for Theodores. While not aggressive, teaching them proper behaviours early helps prevent issues as they grow. They’ll also interact better with other dogs and strangers.
How to Choose a Responsible Theodore Breeder
Your Theodore’s quality of life is significantly influenced by the breeder you choose. A reputable puppy breeder enhances the chances of your Theodore being calm, gentle, and even-tempered. Your breeder should be knowledgeable about the genetic background of their breeding dogs and capable of advising you about potential health or behaviour problems.
Visit the breeder and meet the dam and stud before purchasing a Theodore. This allows you to assess the care provided by the breeders and gauge the temperament of the puppy’s parents.
Theodore Dog Breed FAQ
Can Theodores be left alone throughout the day?
No. Although they are generally easygoing dogs, Theodores require company for the majority of the day. They adore their owners and may grow depressed if left alone for a long time.
Do Theodores make good watchdogs?
If the Theodore takes more after the Poodle side, they may be wary of strangers and alert their owners if someone approaches their property.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Theodore
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
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