Waffles The Cavapoo: 5 Heartwarming Details About Hoda Kotb's New Puppy That Will Melt Your Heart

The Kotb family has officially grown by four paws, and the internet is completely smitten. In a truly heartwarming update shared with fans, beloved former Today Show co-anchor Hoda Kotb and her two daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, recently welcomed an adorable new puppy into their home. This exciting addition marks a beautiful new chapter for the family, one filled with puppy snuggles, playful chaos, and unconditional love. The news, which broke in July 2025, quickly became a viral sensation, with fans eager to learn every detail about the newest, furriest member of the Kotb household.

The arrival of the new pup, a sweet, beige-colored Cavapoo, has brought a wave of joy and renewed energy to Hoda’s life, especially following her recent life transitions. Hoda herself confessed on air, "I am so in love with this dog," capturing the universal feeling of bringing a new pet home. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the identity of the new puppy, the emotional adoption journey, and why this particular breed is the perfect fit for Hoda and her girls.

Meet Waffles: The Cavapoo Puppy Stealing Hoda Kotb’s Heart

The newest star of Hoda Kotb’s Instagram feed is a tiny, beige bundle of fluff named Waffles. The name, which is as charming and comforting as the pup itself, was revealed in a sweet video Hoda shared, capturing the moment her daughters met their new companion for the very first time. Waffles is not just any dog; she is a Cavapoo, a popular designer breed known for its gentle nature and adorable features.

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Waffles’ Official Biography & Profile

• Name: Waffles
• Breed: Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix)
• Color: Beige/Cream
• Adoption Date Publicized: Thursday, July 10, 2025 (Date is based on the latest reports)
• Family: Hoda Kotb, Haley Joy Kotb, and Hope Catherine Kotb
• Previous Pet Context: Waffles was welcomed following the rehoming of the family’s previous dog, Blake
• Key Quote: Hoda stated, "I am so in love with this dog."

The decision to welcome Waffles came at a poignant time for Hoda, who has been focusing on her family life and daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, following her departure from the Today Show co-anchor role. The video of Waffles' introduction showed the pure, unadulterated excitement of her two girls, a moment that resonated deeply with millions of fans across social media platforms. Waffles, with her wagging tail and sweet demeanor, instantly became a cherished member of the family, bringing a tangible sense of happiness and completion to their upstate New York home.

The Emotional Journey: From Blake to Waffles and The Power of Puppy Love

The story of Waffles is particularly meaningful because it follows a recent, difficult chapter for the Kotb family involving a previous pet. In a move that showed significant responsibility and self-awareness, Hoda had to rehome her previous dog, Blake, due to issues with integrating him into the family and his behavioral needs. This is a common but often unpublicized struggle for pet owners, and Hoda’s transparency on the matter was praised by many.

Rehoming a pet is never an easy decision, and the experience highlights Hoda's commitment to ensuring every member of her household, furry or otherwise, is in a happy and suitable environment. The introduction of Waffles, a Cavapoo, suggests a careful, deliberate choice of breed that better suits the dynamics of a home with young children like Haley and Hope.

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The Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature or Toy Poodle. This mix is specifically bred for its low-shedding coat (often hypoallergenic, a huge plus for families), its intelligence, and its incredibly affectionate and gentle temperament. They are known for being excellent family dogs, thriving on human companionship and being remarkably patient with children. This breed selection, therefore, is a testament to Hoda’s thoughtful approach to expanding her family.

The emotional contrast between the difficult decision regarding Blake and the pure joy surrounding Waffles’ arrival serves as a powerful reminder of the healing and happiness that a new pet can bring. Waffles is more than just a pet; she is a symbol of a fresh start, a new source of unconditional love, and a furry playmate for Haley and Hope.

Why Waffles the Cavapoo is the Perfect Match for Haley and Hope

The bond between children and their pets is incredibly strong, offering invaluable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and companionship. Waffles’ breed, the Cavapoo, is arguably one of the best choices for Hoda's daughters, Haley and Hope, for several key reasons that contribute to the family's overall well-being and topical authority on responsible pet ownership.

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1. The Ideal Temperament

Cavapoos inherit the best traits from their parent breeds. From the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they get their sweet, eager-to-please, and gentle nature. They are quintessential lap dogs, known for their calm disposition and their desire to cuddle. This makes Waffles an excellent emotional support animal for the girls, providing comfort and a constant, loving presence in their lives. The breed is rarely aggressive and typically gets along well with everyone, including strangers and other pets.

2. Low-Impact Maintenance

The Poodle influence ensures that Waffles has a low-shedding coat. This is a significant benefit for indoor living, reducing the amount of pet dander and making the home environment cleaner and potentially easier for allergy sufferers. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, the Cavapoo is often a safer bet, which is a practical consideration for any busy family.

3. A Playful and Manageable Size

Cavapoos are small to medium-sized dogs, making them easy for children like Haley and Hope to manage, walk, and play with. Their size is perfect for apartment living or for a home where they will spend significant time indoors. They are energetic enough to enjoy a good romp in the yard but are equally happy curled up on the couch, making them adaptable to the fast-paced life of a working mom like Hoda Kotb.

Hoda’s visible excitement, shared through her social media channels and on the Hoda & Jenna segment, has allowed the public to follow Waffles’ journey from a tiny pup to a beloved family member. The introduction video, in particular, highlighted the pure, genuine reaction of Haley and Hope, who were clearly overjoyed by the surprise. Hope was seen holding the beige-colored pup with the help of her mother, a moment Hoda captured with the sweet sentiment, "Look how cute she is," a feeling millions of pet owners understand instantly.

The adoption of Waffles signifies more than just a new pet; it represents a deepening of the Kotb family's bond and a public display of Hoda’s commitment to creating a nurturing, loving home environment for her daughters. Waffles the Cavapoo has not only melted Hoda’s heart but has also become a source of collective joy for her vast audience, solidifying her status as a relatable and loving mother navigating life's beautiful changes.