Meet Lexi: The Cavoodle, Australia's Favourite Family Dog

This is the start of a new series for me: one dog breed at a time, photographed properly, with a calendar for each. I've spent years photographing wildlife, birds and landscapes, but some of the most expressive faces I've ever had in front of the camera have four legs and a wagging tail. And there's no better place to start than with Australia's favourite family dog, the Cavoodle, and a very photogenic little lady called Lexi.

A Very Australian Cross

The Cavoodle is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a toy or miniature Poodle. It was first bred deliberately in Australia in the late 1990s, with a clear goal: a small, gentle, affectionate companion dog with a coat that sheds far less than most. The name is Australian too. In the United States and the United Kingdom, you'll hear the same dog called a Cavapoo.

It's a young breed, but it comes from two very old families.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel takes its name from King Charles II of England, who was famously devoted to his little spaniels in the 17th century and was rarely seen without them. They were bred as lap dogs and companions, and that gentle, people-loving nature is still the heart of the breed.

The Poodle, despite its elegant reputation, began as a working water dog in Germany, retrieving ducks from the water. Its tight, curly coat kept it warm while swimming, and its quick mind made it one of the most trainable dogs in the world.

Put the two together, and you get the Cavoodle: the Cavalier's sweetness with a dose of the Poodle's brains.

What Cavoodles Are Like

• Affectionate and people-focused. Cavoodles want to be wherever their people are. They're famous for following their family from room to room.
• Gentle with children. Their easy-going nature makes them a popular choice for families.
• Smart and eager to please. Thanks to the Poodle side, they usually pick up training quickly, especially when treats are involved.
• Small and adaptable. They're happy in a house with a garden or an apartment, as long as they get their walks and their company.
• Low-shedding, but not low-maintenance. Many Cavoodles inherit the Poodle's soft, low-shedding coat, but it needs regular brushing and grooming to stay free of knots. No dog is completely hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time with one first.
• Happiest with company. Bred as companions, Cavoodles don't love being left alone for long periods.

It's no surprise they've become one of the most popular dogs in Australia.

Photographing Lexi

Lexi turned out to be the perfect first model for this series. Like most Cavoodles, she's curious, friendly and very interested in whatever the person holding the camera is doing, which is both a gift and a challenge. A Cavoodle that wants to be close to you will happily walk straight up to the lens.

A few things that worked well with her, and will work with most small, people-loving dogs:

• Get down to their level. Shooting from a standing height makes small dogs look even smaller. At eye level, the portrait becomes about the dog's face and personality.
• Focus on the eyes. With a curly, dark or fluffy coat, the eyes are what bring the photo to life. Make sure they're sharp.
• Keep sessions short and fun. A few minutes of shooting, then play. A happy dog photographs far better than a bored one.
• Use a sound for the head tilt. A squeaky toy or an unusual noise just above the camera often earns that irresistible head tilt.
• Use soft light. Open shade or a bright overcast day brings out the texture in the coat without harsh shadows.

More Breeds to Come

Lexi is just the beginning. The next breed in the series is the Border Collie, as different from a Cavoodle as two dogs can be, and many more will follow.

The 2027 Personalised Lexi the Cavoodle Wall Calendar is now available, featuring twelve portraits of Lexi throughout the year.

Lexi's famous head tilt is also on the Lexi the Cavoodle Canvas Tote Bag, printed with the motto "Fluent in head tilts."