Cavapoo vs Cockapoo: Which Breed is Perfect for You?

As a breeder, one of the most common questions I receive is about the differences between these two dog breeds: Cavapoo vs Cockapoo. Unsurprisingly, these two breeds are very popular, especially with families searching for a small, affectionate, and intelligent companion. Cavapoos and Cockapoos have unique traits that make them wonderful pets, but understanding their differences can help you find the perfect match for your family’s needs and lifestyle.

Origin and History

The Cavapoo, also known as a Cavoodle, is an adorable crossbreed between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, typically a Miniature or Toy Poodle. This breed first gained popularity during the late 1990s, quickly spreading to other parts of the world, including the United States. The Cavapoo was initially bred to combine the gentle nature of the Cavalier with the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle. This blend results in a dog that is easy to train and well-suited for families with allergies.

On the other hand, the Cockapoo has been around since the 1960s and is considered one of the oldest designer dog breeds. This breed is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel (American or English) and a Poodle, usually a miniature or toy poodle. Cockapoos were initially bred in the United States to create a dog that combined the outgoing personality of the Cocker Spaniel with the Poodle’s intelligence and low-shedding coat. The Cockapoo has remained a solid choice for dog owners due to its friendly disposition and versatility.

Size Matters: Cavapoo vs Cockapoo

Cavapoos generally range in height from 9 to 14 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 8 and 25 pounds. The specific size within this range largely depends on whether their Poodle parent is a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Smaller Cavapoos usually come from Toy Poodles, while those with Miniature Poodle parents might be larger.

Cockapoos, on the other hand, exhibit a bit more variability in size. They generally stand between 10 and 15 inches tall and weigh 12 to 30 pounds. The exact size of a Cockapoo can be influenced by the size of the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle parents involved in their breeding. For instance, a Cockapoo with a significantly larger Cocker Spaniel parent may reach the upper end of this weight range.

Physical Characteristics: A Comparative Look

Cavapoos are renowned for their charming appearance. They have a soft coat that can be wavy or curly. Their fur often comes in lovely shades such as red, apricot, or cream, though more colors are available. I personally breed for some more unique styles. These include Party cavapoos (colored patches on the head and body) and Merle cavapoos (which come in beautiful silver and grey coats and striking blue eyes!). Their appearance is often compared to a teddy bear due to their round faces, large, expressive eyes, cute button noses, and floppy ears, which together create an irresistibly cute look.

Cockapoos, in contrast, showcase a broader range of coat textures. Their fur can vary from loose curls to straight and smooth. The color palette for Cockapoos is diverse, including hues like black, tan, cream, and various multicolored patterns. While they share some of the facial traits of the Cavapoo, such as expressive eyes, their muzzle tends to be slightly more pronounced, giving them a distinct appearance.

Temperament: The Heart of the Matter

Cavapoos are celebrated for their gentle and affectionate nature. These dogs form strong bonds with their families and thrive on human companionship. Their loving demeanor makes them particularly good with children and other pets, which makes them a fantastic choice for families seeking a loyal and friendly companion.

Cockapoos, meanwhile, are known for their energetic and friendly personalities. They often exhibit higher energy levels and a more vocal disposition than Cavapoos. Their playful and joyful attitude means they are always up for fun and games. Cockapoos generally get along well with everyone they meet, from kids to other animals, making them versatile and engaging family pets.

Cavapoo vs Cockapoo: When considering temperaments, it’s important to think about your lifestyle and energy levels. If you prefer a calm, affectionate dog that enjoys quiet cuddles, a Cavapoo might be the perfect match. However, if you’re looking for a more energetic, playful companion who can keep up with an active household, a Cockapoo could be the better choice.

Shedding and Allergies: A Closer Look at Cavapoo Vs Cockapoo

Cavapoos are known for their low-shedding coats, a trait inherited from their Poodle parents. Their fur is often hypoallergenic, which makes them an excellent choice for families dealing with allergies. Their lack of shedding helps keep your home cleaner and reduces the amount of pet dander in the environment.

Cockapoos have a similar advantage: Their coats are also low-shedding and are frequently hypoallergenic. However, the extent of shedding can vary based on the traits inherited from their Cocker Spaniel and Poodle parents. While many Cockapoos exhibit minimal shedding, individual variations in coat type can influence how much they shed.

Health and Well-being

Cavapoos are generally healthy dogs but can be prone to hereditary health issues if not properly tested and screened for in advance. Common concerns include heart conditions, hip dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle can help manage and reduce the risk of these conditions. As a premium, reputable breeder, I do health tests for 250 genetically transferable diseases and screen parents to ensure our cavapoos are healthy and well-tempered.

Cockapoos are usually similarly healthy but may inherit specific health issues from their Cocker Spaniel lineage. Potential concerns include ear infections, eye conditions, and hip dysplasia. To ensure the well-being of a Cockapoo, it’s essential to maintain a nutritious diet and schedule regular vet visits. Proper care can help address these issues and contribute to a long, healthy life.

Diet and Nutrition: Fuel for a Healthy Life

Cavapoos thrive on a balanced diet that emphasizes high-quality protein and healthy fats. Proper portion control is crucial, as obesity can lead to a range of health issues, including joint problems and heart disease. To keep them at a healthy weight, it’s essential to provide them with nutritious meals and avoid overfeeding.

Cockapoos also benefit from a diet rich in high-quality ingredients, including proteins and fats. Like Cavapoos, managing their food intake and ensuring they receive enough exercise is vital in maintaining a healthy weight. Regular monitoring of their diet helps prevent obesity and its associated health risks, promoting overall well-being and vitality.

Living Arrangements and Suitability

Cavapoos are little bundles of joy that fit perfectly into your home, whether it’s farm life or apartment living. Their compact size and relatively calm nature make them ideal companions for those in smaller spaces. Although content lounging by your side, they thrive on daily walks and mental stimulation to keep their playful spirits and tails wagging.

Cockapoos, on the other hand, are a bit more energetic. While they can adapt to apartment life, they tend to require a home with a large yard where they can stretch their legs and let their playful energy shine. These lively pups enjoy having the space to run and explore and benefit from regular exercise to keep boredom at bay. Whether in an apartment or a house with a yard, Cockapoos are happiest when they can burn off their excess energy and engage in fun activities with their families.

Socialization and Compatibility

Cavapoo vs Cockapoo: they both are social butterflies in the dog world.

Cavapoos are naturally friendly and eager to make new friends, whether they’re meeting other dogs, pets, or people. Their sweet and gentle nature makes them a joy to be around, but like all dogs, early socialization plays a crucial role in helping them grow into confident, well-adjusted adults. With the right experiences and guidance, your Cavapoo will blossom into a loving companion who is comfortable in any social situation. I personally train them for social situations with all sorts of people and all sorts of sounds. Early exposure to new experiences makes them far less anxious and very chill when meeting other people and pets later on in life.

Cockapoos are the life of the party, bringing their energetic and outgoing personality wherever they go. They have an innate ability to charm everyone they meet, making them a hit with kids, other dogs, and even strangers. Their friendly, easygoing nature makes them ideal companions for active families who enjoy being out and about. Whether it’s a playdate at the park or a family gathering, your Cockapoo will likely be right in the middle of the fun, spreading joy to everyone. Just be sure to understand that the higher energy levels of the cockapoo mean they’re typically a bit more aggressive and “yappy” than other options.

Training: Laying the Foundation

Training is a crucial part of welcoming a new puppy into your home, and whether you choose Cavapoo Vs Cockapoo, they both respond well to training, though they have some differences. Cavapoos are known for their eagerness to please, high intelligence, and quick learning ability, making training straightforward. They are highly responsive to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise. Consistent, gentle training sessions work best with Cavapoos, and they often excel in obedience and agility training. Socialization is also important to ensure they grow into well-rounded adults.

Cockapoos are energetic, which can make training challenging. Their high energy means they need frequent training sessions to keep them engaged. They also respond well to positive reinforcement, but their playful nature might require you to be extra patient. Early socialization is critical for Cockapoos to prevent overexcitement and ensure they are comfortable around other dogs and people. In both cases, starting training as soon as possible is beneficial. Both breeds thrive in environments where they are mentally stimulated and physically active. Incorporating fun activities into training can help keep them motivated and eager to learn.

Overall, Cavapoo vs Cockapoo: When it comes to training, Cavapoos tend to be more straightforward due to their eagerness to please, while Cockapoos may need a bit more patience and energy to channel their playful nature effectively.

Understanding the Financial Commitment

When bringing a Cavapoo into your home, the initial investment can vary greatly depending on the breeder and the puppy’s lineage. Typically, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $3,500. But the expenses don’t stop there; owning a Cavapoo means planning for ongoing costs like high-quality food, regular grooming sessions to keep their coat looking its best, routine vet visits to ensure they stay healthy, and other day-to-day essentials. Though the costs might seem high, the love and joy these adorable pups bring are genuinely priceless. 

Cockapoos are similarly priced, with puppies generally ranging from $2,500 to $3,500 depending on factors like breeder reputation and lineage. Whether you choose a Cavapoo vs Cockapoo, it’s essential to budget for the ongoing expenses of responsible pet ownership. Grooming, medical care, nutritious food, and other necessities are part of your commitment when you welcome a Cockapoo. It’s all part of providing the best care for your new furry family member.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Breed, Cavapoo vs Cockapoo

Cavapoo vs Cockapoo: Both are lovely pets, each with a unique charm. However, their distinct characteristics mean the Cavapoo might better fit certain lifestyles. With their gentle demeanor and cuddly nature, Cavapoos are perfect for those who appreciate a calm, affectionate companion to snuggle up with at the end of the day. Their sweet, easygoing personality makes them an irresistible choice for anyone looking for a loving, low-key addition to the family. I find the Cavapoo’s gentle spirit and snuggly disposition incredibly endearing.

We’d love to help you find the perfect addition to your family! If you’re interested in any of our available puppies, please don’t hesitate to take a look at our website. We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through the process of bringing one of our adorable pups home.

FAQ: Cavapoo vs Cockapoo

Cavapoo vs Cockapoo: Which one is calmer?
Cavapoos are generally calmer, while Cockapoos tend to be more energetic.

What is the disadvantage of the Cavapoo?
They can be prone to separation anxiety and some genetic health issues.

Is a Cavapoo a calm dog?
Yes, Cavapoos are typically calm and gentle.

Which one should I get: Cockapoo Vs Cavapoo?
It depends on your lifestyle; choose a Cavapoo for calmness or a Cockapoo for energy.

Is a Cavapoo a yappy dog?  Do Cavapoos bark a lot?
Cavapoos are not usually yappy but may bark if bored or anxious.

Do Cavapoos like to cuddle?
Yes, Cavapoos love to cuddle and be close to their owners.

Can Cavapoos be left alone?
Cavapoos prefer not to be left alone for long periods; they thrive on companionship.

Are Cavapoos ever aggressive?
Cavapoos are rarely aggressive; they are typically friendly and gentle.

Why are Cavapoos so clingy?
Cavapoos are clingy due to their strong attachment to their owners.

Cavapoo vs Cockapoo: Are they different breeds?
Yes, they are different crossbreeds with distinct characteristics.

Are Cavapoos and Cockapoos great family pets?
Yes, both breeds are excellent family pets, known for their affectionate and social nature.