Cavoodles Take Over Darwin: The Top End’s Cutest New Trend
Cavoodles have taken over Darwin! This is Lola the Toy Cavoodle with her big ‘sister’ Rania
In case you hadn’t noticed … Darwin has become overrun by Cavoodles.
And because I always love to be part of the latest trend, I too jumped on the bandwagon six months ago.
While I can already sense the judgement ... just hear me out (and then judge).
Anyone who knows me, knows that I have occasionally been prone to making impulsive decisions. Including that one time I ended up with a sausage dog because I saw someone walking one in my street, thought ‘that’s so cute’, and then went and bought one for myself.
No research, no due diligence. Just bam – I saw a short-legged dog and 7 days later I’m driving out to Wulagi with a girlfriend to pick one up.
Boy was that a mistake. I basically ended up with a tiny terrorist who was obstinately impossible to train and had more energy than a kelpie.
I just assumed short legs meant this breed was happy to be a lap dog and required minimal walking. Not true.
Anyway, I digress.
So three years later I decided to delve back into dog ownership .. but this time I actually did my homework. And by homework I mean I Chat GPT’d “what are great apartment dogs, don’t shed and are super super easy to train.”
And, well, here I am today with 9 month old Lola – the Toy Cavoodle.
Lola and I
Clearly I am not the only one that has fallen for their inimitable charm, because the Darwin dog scene is suddenly bursting with Cavoodles - or their more active cousin - the Spoodle (equally as cute, but slightly more chaotic).
Just take a walk through any inner-city suburban street of an evening and you will be guaranteed to cross paths with these easily distinguishable dogs .. complete with their teddy bear features, human-like eyes and adorable long ears.
And don’t even attempt to take one of these dogs out in Cullen Bay if you want to get home at a reasonable hour. Because chances are you’ll be stealthily pulled into the secret cavoodle club. And .. there is only one rule when it comes to the secret cavoodle club.
You must ALWAYS TALK about the secret cavoodle club.
It is like an elite, fun club of middle aged people who have the best tips on organic dog shampoo and canine anxiety medication. Sometimes if you are lucky, you will also be invited to a special cavoodle beach catch-up (I have once, but didn’t show up, and then was never invited again).
Alas. Australia’s obsession with the Cavoodle - a mix of Toy Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - has officially reached the Top End.
Once considered a ‘southern latte sippers’ trend’ (*my colleague called them this), these pint-sized pooches have now taken hold of Darwin’s dog-loving community (and many a coffee shop around town).
And locals are loving it.
NT Oodles owners Taighen and Brent Lang have been ethically breeding these adorable dogs for 15 years now, and say the popularity of Cavoodles and Spoodles comes from the “perfection” obtained by the breeds.
Taighen says she has seen a big spike in interest in the breeds over the last few years in the Territory, which she says is not surprising given the nature of both breeds.
“Cavoodles are a hugely popular breed in Australia, and their popularity in Darwin has also shot up in recent years!
“People just love Cavoodles because they’re the ideal blend - the Cavalier’s gentle, loving personality mixed with the Toy Poodle’s intelligence. They’re small, easygoing, and just want to be part of whatever you’re doing.”
“Likewise Spoodles have a similar temperament, but are a little more active than Cavoodles - just as adorable though.”
NT Oodles specialises in cavoodles and spoodles
Whether it’s the irresistible faces, low-allergy coats, or the sheer joy they bring, one thing’s clear: Darwin has fallen head over paws for Cavoodles.
Including me.
Ethically bred and raised puppies at a beautiful big property on the outskirts of Darwin (this is baby Lola).
In case you’re on the fence about purchasing one, here are some reasons to totally go for it:
Temperament: Cavoodles are generally gentle, affectionate, and great with kids. They inherit the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s sweet, social nature and the Poodle’s intelligence - making them both loving and easy to train.
Low shedding: That Poodle coat is a big win for allergy-conscious owners. Less hair around the house, less sneezing - what’s not to love?
Size and adaptability: They’re small enough for apartments but still energetic enough for active families. Whether you’re in an apartment or on a big block, they adjust easily.
Looks (let’s be honest): Big eyes, floppy ears, and soft curls - they look like living plush toys. Social media has definitely helped propel their popularity too.
Companionship factor: Cavoodles are “velcro dogs” - they love being near their humans. And trust me, you’ll get attached to them pretty quickly too.
Even pubs have become dog friendly in Darwin. Lola at Lolas.