About Theodores - Harley & Co

What is a Theodore?

A Theodore is the name given to the Cavoodle as it progresses through the Master Dog Breeders Association (MDBA) Breed in Development program in Australia. The aim is to develop greater consistency in health, temperament, structure and appearance across generations through documented pedigrees and a developing breed standard.

The Cavoodle originated from crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, but Theodore breeding moves beyond the traditional first-generation cross by selectively breeding across generations towards a more predictable companion dog.

Harley & Co is proud to participate in the development of the Theodore, with our eligible breeding dogs recorded within the MDBA foundation registry and our Theodore puppies provided with MDBA pedigree registration.

Cavoodle vs Theodore: What’s the Difference?

Cavoodle is the familiar name most Australian families recognise for dogs developed from Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles. Theodore refers to dogs being bred within the MDBA’s structured Breed in Development program, with recorded pedigrees and breeding towards an established breed standard.

For puppy families, this means a Theodore retains the qualities people love about Cavoodles while breeders participating in the development program work towards greater predictability across future generations.

Preliminary Breed Standard

Breed characteristics

Origin: Australia
Size: Small
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Energy level: Low/Medium
Breed group: Toy

Purpose of the Breed

Theodores are specifically bred to be companion dogs. This makes them a perfect fit for families with children, as well as people who live alone and are seeking companionship.

The Purpose of the Theodore Breed Standard

This breed standard is intended to be the description in words of the temperament of the breed and how it should look and act. It is intended to be the blueprint used by MDBA Theodore breeders in their attempts to breed typical specimens of the breed and reach the necessary criteria to enable it to become a recognised breed.

The breeding objective is to produce a group of healthy dogs which are predictable in appearance and temperament, which make it suitable for its intended purpose. It enables people to make more educated and responsible decisions about whether this breed will suit their purpose and lifestyle.

This consistency ensures the owner can factor in the amount of time required to grooming and exercise the dog, how much space in the home the dog needs, and how well their dog will fit in with children. How tall it a dog will grow, what sort of coat it will develop, and what kind of temperament it will have are predictable which allows potential owners to be informed about whether this breed will suit their lifestyle.

General Impression

A well-balanced dog, free of exaggeration, with a luxurious low / non-shedding, odourless coat. A small, friendly, and affectionate dog that is eager to please, making it an easy breed to train. This is the baby face of the canine world as they have a puppy look about them even as they age. They have long wavy coats making them an extremely pretty dog to look at. They are generally, recognized by furnishings with the “groomed look” a fresh rounded appearance rather than droopy. They have a sociable, joyful, and friendly nature which is charming, outgoing, and friendly. They make excellent family dogs and companions due to their size and amiable temperament.

Temperament

Temperament is affectionate, active, and intelligent. Theodores have a very gentle nature and can make wonderful companions for children. They can adapt to living in a small home or apartment as long as they receive adequate daily exercise. Theodore’s can be good guard dogs as they may bark when visitors arrive, however they are not in any way aggressive. They can be quite vocal and prone to separation anxiety so early socialisation and training is necessary.

Their gentle and kind nature makes them behave as if they are extremely compassionate and empathetic. They can often be used as therapy dogs or emotional support dogs for this reason.

They are a well-loved small dog breed because of their outgoing temperaments, gentle nature, and their strong desire to accompany the family from room to room and during outings.