Puppy buying guides
The questions buyers ask us most, answered straight: what French Bulldogs, Cavapoos and Poodles really cost, how the breeds compare, which health tests matter, how to avoid scams and how delivery works.
Costs
How much does a Cavapoo cost?
A Cavapoo puppy from a breeder who health tests both parents typically costs $2,000–$5,000 in the US. Toy size, F1B generation and in-demand colours such as red or merle sit at the top of that range. Expect to spend a further $1,500–$2,600 a year on grooming, food, insurance and vet care.
Read the full guideHow much does a French Bulldog cost?
A French Bulldog puppy from a health-testing breeder usually costs $3,500–$8,000 in the US. Standard fawn, brindle and cream sit at the lower end; rare colours such as lilac and merle, and fluffy coats, can pass $10,000. Budget a further $1,800–$3,000 a year, plus a realistic chance of airway surgery.
Read the full guideHow much does a Toy or Miniature Poodle puppy cost?
A Toy or Miniature Poodle puppy from a breeder who health tests both parents typically costs $2,000–$5,000 in the US. Toy Poodles and rarer colours such as red, apricot and parti cost more. Plan on $1,400–$2,400 a year to keep one, most of it grooming and dental care — over a lifespan that often reaches 15 years or more.
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Breed comparisons
Cavapoo vs Poodle: which is right for you?
Choose a Cavapoo if you want a softer, more relaxed companion that is happiest on your lap. Choose a Toy or Miniature Poodle if you want a sharper, more athletic dog that thrives on training, sheds the least, and often lives longer. Both need regular professional grooming.
Read the full guideF1 vs F1B Cavapoo: what's the difference?
An F1 Cavapoo is a first-generation cross — one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent and one Poodle parent, so roughly 50% of each. An F1B is an F1 Cavapoo bred back to a Poodle, making it about 75% Poodle. F1Bs usually have curlier, lower-shedding coats; F1s vary more, even within one litter.
Read the full guideToy vs Miniature Poodle: what's the difference?
Size is the difference. Under the AKC standard a Toy Poodle stands 10 inches or less at the shoulder and usually weighs 4–6 lb; a Miniature stands over 10 and up to 15 inches and usually weighs 10–15 lb. Both have the same intelligence and coat, but Miniatures are sturdier around children.
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Health
Are Cavapoos hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, Cavapoos included. Dog allergens come mainly from saliva and skin, not hair. Cavapoos shed less than most breeds, so less allergen ends up around the house, and F1B Cavapoos (about 75% Poodle) usually shed least. Many people with mild allergies cope well, but meet the puppy before you commit.
Read the full guideDo French Bulldogs have breathing problems?
Many do. French Bulldogs are brachycephalic (short-nosed), which can cause brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): narrow nostrils, an overlong soft palate and a narrow windpipe. Choose a puppy whose parents have been BOAS-graded with good results, look for open nostrils, and keep any Frenchie cool, lean and away from strenuous exercise.
Read the full guideWhat is a fluffy French Bulldog?
A fluffy French Bulldog is a Frenchie with a longer, softer coat caused by a recessive long-hair gene (LH, the FGF5 gene). A puppy needs a copy from both parents to be fluffy. Apart from the coat they are ordinary French Bulldogs — same size, temperament and health risks — but they are rarer, so they cost more.
Read the full guideWhat health tests should a puppy's parents have?
It depends on the breed, but always tests run by an independent body, not the breeder. French Bulldog parents need BOAS grading, spine, patella and heart checks; Cavapoo parents need an echocardiogram (especially the Cavalier), eyes, patella, hips and DNA; Poodle parents need eyes, patella, hips and a PRA DNA test. Ask for results you can look up.
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Buying safely
How do I avoid puppy scams online?
Never pay until you have seen the puppy and its mother on a live video call, verified the breeder's licence or registration yourself, and confirmed the payment details by phone on a number you found independently. Be wary of prices well below market, pressure to pay fast, and sudden 'shipping', 'insurance' or 'crate' fees after you pay.
Read the full guideWhat questions should I ask a dog breeder?
Ask to see the mother (in person or on live video), for each parent's health test results you can verify yourself, what the health guarantee covers in writing, what's included in the price, and whether the breeder will take the dog back at any age. A good breeder answers all of these readily — and asks you questions too.
Read the full guideWhat should a puppy health guarantee cover?
A fair puppy health guarantee should include a short window (often 3–10 days) to have your own vet examine the puppy, written cover for hereditary or congenital conditions for at least one to two years, a clear remedy (refund, replacement or treatment costs — your choice), and a take-back promise if you can ever no longer keep the dog.
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