New South Wales has emerged as Australia’s unofficial Cavoodle capital, with more than one-third of all insurance policies for the popular crossbreed held in the state, according to new data from pet insurer Petsy.
The teddy bear-faced dogs have captured hearts across the nation, with Cavoodles ranking as the most popular breed in seven of Australia’s eight states and territories. Only Tasmania bucked the trend, where Whippets claimed the top spot.
The crossbreed between Cavalier King Charles spaniels and poodles has become Australia’s most insured dog, with NSW accounting for 35.7% of all Cavoodle policies nationwide. Queensland and Victoria follow as the next largest markets for the designer dogs.
Developed in Australia during the 1990s, Cavoodles emerged as one of the country’s earliest designer breeds, following the creation of the Labradoodle in 1989. The Labradoodle’s creator, Wally Conron, famously described his crossbreeding experiment as his “life’s regret” and “a Frankenstein’s monster” due to the surge in unscrupulous breeding practices that followed.
“I opened a Pandora’s box,” Conron said. “People are just breeding for the money... unscrupulous breeders are crossing poodles with inappropriate dogs simply so they can say they were the first to do it.”
Today, Cavoodles face similar challenges as their popularity has attracted profit-driven breeders who prioritise quantity over quality. Petsy’s insurance data reveals concerning health patterns among the breed, with the top 10 claim categories including gastrointestinal disorders, ear problems, skin conditions, eye disorders, and respiratory issues.
The surge in health claims reflects broader concerns about breeding standards across Australia’s designer dog market. Complex conditions such as anal gland issues, behavioural problems, and joint disorders also feature prominently in insurance claims.
Monica Limanto, founder of Petsy, cautioned prospective owners about the importance of responsible breeding. “Cavoodles may be Australia’s sweethearts, but too many are being bred without regard for health or ethics,” Limanto said. “We’re urging owners to dig deeper and ask the tough questions, choose your breeder wisely, and protect your pup from day one.”
The popularity of Cavoodles stems from their appealing characteristics including affectionate temperaments, low-shedding coats, and photogenic appearance. However, the breed’s Instagram-worthy looks have contributed to demand that has outpaced responsible breeding capacity.
What are your thoughts on the rise of designer dog breeds? Share your insights below.
